Should We Worry About The Ford Mustang's Future?
According to Ford's latest figures, Mustang sales dropped by 31.6% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Ford sold just 9,377 gasoline-powered Mustangs through March, down from 13,707 units last year.
Key Points
- Gasoline-powered Ford Mustang sales fell 31.6% in Q1 2025, while the electric Mustang Mach-E outsold the traditional coupe for the first time.
- High prices, economic pressures, and a colder-than-average winter contributed to the Mustang’s declining demand.
- Overall Ford brand sales slipped 1.2%, highlighting growing consumer interest in EVs as traditional models like the Explorer and Expedition also saw sales declines.
The electric Mustang Mach-E has now outsold its traditional namesake—even though they are vastly different products aimed at completely different corners of the market, and this comparison is irrelevant; people will inevitably compare the two because there's a horse galloping across the grille. Ford delivered 11,607 units of the Mach-E during Q1.
Several factors are contributing to the Mustang’s decline.
The cost is out of hand. The base EcoBoost coupe now starts at $33,515, a tough sell for turbocharged four-cylinder performance without a manual transmission. If you want the classic Mustang V8 experience, the Mustang GT starts at $47,055.
This puts the Mustang into a very shallow bucket of potential buyers. The high cost writes off most younger shoppers who have the freedom and flexibility to drive a V8 coupe, while the high cost also invites competition from the BMW 4-Series and other vehicles that project more of a grown-up image—the kind favored by your local real-estate professionals. The lack of a manual option for the EcoBoost makes it a non-starter compared to something like the Toyota GR Corolla.
There are rumors the Shelby GT500 name will be making a return to the Mustang bullpen, but don't expect that to move the volume needle much. Ford should consider reworking the entry price of the Mustang GT and maybe even look at offering a manual transmission to EcoBoost shoppers. It doesn't have to be like this, Ford.
The Mustang isn’t alone in facing headwinds. Other Ford models, including the Explorer and Expedition, saw first-quarter sales declines of 19.1% and 37.5%, respectively. Smaller declines were recorded for models like the Maverick, Transit, and E-Series vans. However, Ford’s F-Series pickups posted a 24.5% sales increase, though sales of the electric F-150 Lightning dipped by 7.2%.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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The rear quarter panel kills the styling. After all these years they eliminated the "Hockey Stick" type of look. Can't put a side scoop on them anymore. I know a LOT of Mustang people and not one of them likes what they did with the 2024 style.
Bottom line is you like the way a car looks you will find a way to buy it. Unfortunately the Mustang got expensive (my 2006 GT was under $30,000) My 2021 was $48,000.
That and the lack of classic styling is taking it's toll.
I have to agree with all the other responders so far. Ipad dash is definitely a hard NO.
I've owned 7 or 8 Mustangs over the last 50 years and the newer high tec, over priced, expensive to fix stuff Ford is putting out means I will never own a Ford again. The last two Mustangs I owned were a 2010 GT convertible which was nice for cruising, and reasonably quick when you wanted it to be. After that I went retro and bought a '98 Mustang Gt with a manual trans. Cool car, I loved it. Quad shocks in the rear, Convertible again, fake roll bar and a lot of fun to drive, plus parts and maintenance were in the realm of affordability. I must admit it had a bit less power than I wanted.
I'm glad I was able to enjoy the reasonably priced reliable Mustangs from days gone by. Ford execs and the accountants are destroying their brand.