The Ford Mustang has always been an icon, representing American muscle and style. For the 2011 model year, Ford introduced significant changes, especially under the hood of the V6 variant. Stepping into the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 is like revisiting a classic with a modern twist. But does this V6 pony car still hold up today? Let’s dive into a detailed review to find out if the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 is a worthy consideration for enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
Bold and Brash: Exterior Styling of the 2011 Mustang V6
From an aesthetic perspective, the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 makes a strong statement. It’s undeniably big, bold, and brash, capturing the essence of American muscle car design. When comparing it to its rivals, the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, the Mustang strikes a compelling balance. While the Camaro sometimes leans towards a cartoonish exaggeration, and the Challenger embraces classic muscle car cues, the Mustang finds a sweet spot that resonates with a broader audience. Its design is aggressive yet refined, modern yet steeped in heritage. The Nissan 370Z offers a more conservative and simple design, while the Hyundai Genesis Coupe stands out with its unique styling in the segment. Ultimately, car design is subjective, but the 2011 Mustang V6 boasts a look that has aged gracefully and continues to turn heads.
Under the Hood Revolution: The 3.7L V6 Engine
While Mustang’s design evolution has traditionally been gradual, 2011 marked a turning point, particularly in terms of powertrain. The 2011 Ford Mustang V6 received a completely new engine, moving away from the previous generation’s 4.0L V6. Ford introduced the 3.7L V6, part of their new engine family that also included variants in models like the Ford Edge and Taurus SHO. This engine was a significant upgrade, engineered to deliver both performance and efficiency.
Ford equipped the 2011 Mustang V6 3.7L engine with dual variable valve timing. Notably, to maintain affordability for the base model, Ford opted to skip turbocharging and direct injection. This strategic decision kept the starting price competitive, making the 2011 Mustang V6 accessible to a wider range of buyers. This new V6 engine design philosophy, mirroring approaches from Japanese manufacturers, meant that to unlock the engine’s full potential, higher RPMs were necessary. For drivers accustomed to older pony cars, this high-revving nature required a slight shift in driving style.
The exhaust note of the 2011 Mustang V6 is distinctive. Unlike some high-revving V6 engines, like Nissan’s 3.7L which produces a siren-like, high-pitched sound, the Mustang’s exhaust is tuned to evoke a deeper, more burbling tone, reminiscent of mid-90s Pontiacs. Despite the difference in auditory character, the performance numbers speak for themselves. The 2011 Ford Mustang V6 churns out an impressive 305 horsepower at 6,500 RPM, a substantial 46% increase (or 95 horsepower) from the older 4.0L V6. Torque figures also saw a respectable 15% increase, reaching 280 lb-ft at 4,250 RPM.
Performance and Driving Dynamics of the 2011 Mustang V6
Many reviews at the time pointed out the need to rev the 2011 Mustang V6 higher compared to its V8 counterpart, the Mustang GT. However, when placed against its V6 competition, the numbers are quite favorable. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 offered 306 HP, the Nissan 370Z delivered 332 HP, and the Chevrolet Camaro V6 produced 312 HP. Interestingly, there were reports suggesting Ford was underrating the 2011 Mustang V6‘s actual power output, further solidifying its competitive position.
If you’re concerned about performance, rest assured that the 2011 Mustang V6 is more than capable of delivering thrills. V6 burnouts are not just possible, they are surprisingly easy and satisfying. The car feels lively and responsive, especially when you keep the revs up, which is effortlessly achievable. Instead of investing in an independent rear suspension, Ford focused on enhancing other crucial aspects of the 2011 Mustang V6. A key upgrade was the introduction of a slick 6-speed manual transmission, the same unit found in the GT model. This transmission offers incredibly short shifts and a feel that rivals even BMW standards. Standard features for the base 2011 Mustang V6 also included true dual exhaust, a limited-slip rear differential, and essential safety features. Beyond features, Ford also made significant improvements to the chassis stiffness and suspension tuning.
When tackling twisty roads, the base 2011 Mustang V6 could sometimes feel like it was pushing the limits of its brakes and suspension, a stark contrast to its predecessor. However, Ford provided a solution in the form of the “V6 Performance Package.” For around $2,000, this package included GT brakes, GT suspension components, a sway bar, strut tower brace, performance rear axle, and 19-inch summer tires. For anyone considering a 2011 Mustang V6 for more than just its price point, this performance package is highly recommended. In fact, for true driving enthusiasts, opting for the base V6 and adding this package could be a strategic move, especially if further modifications are planned.
On varied road surfaces, the live rear axle of the 2011 Mustang V6 performs admirably on smooth pavement. However, on broken or uneven roads, it can exhibit a less composed feel compared to vehicles with more sophisticated independent rear suspension systems, like the 370Z or Infiniti G Coupe. Despite this, the Mustang’s ride is still superior to the Camaro, which was noted for its harshness. The Challenger, on the other hand, was deemed too soft and heavy for spirited driving. The electric power steering, while numb in feedback, combined with the solid horizontal grip, meant that pushing the 2011 Mustang V6 to its limits required some acclimatization, but those limits were surprisingly high. While lacking the ultimate finesse in road manners, the 2011 Mustang V6 offers a driving experience that keeps you engaged and, at times, on your toes, unlike the more predictable but perhaps less exciting Challenger V6 or Genesis Coupe. The Camaro, in comparison, was described as feeling like it might lose control unpredictably.
Interior and Technology: Modern Retro
Inside, the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 showcased Ford’s renewed focus on interior quality. The cabin featured pleasantly soft-touch materials on the dash, optional real aluminum trim, and a blend of modern features within a retro-inspired design. One notable omission was the lack of a telescoping steering column, which could be a drawback for shorter drivers given the reclined seating position. However, taller drivers are less likely to find this an issue. The high beltline and steering wheel position might evoke a feeling of driving a larger, classic car, which may or may not appeal depending on personal preference.
Despite its retro styling, the 2011 Mustang V6 was equipped with contemporary technology. It featured Ford’s SYNC navigation system. While it was the older SYNC system, it was praised for its responsiveness, especially compared to the MyTouch system that was receiving negative feedback for sluggishness and system crashes at the time. The older SYNC system did lack a second USB port and internet connectivity, features that most users likely wouldn’t miss. SYNC’s voice command system for iPods, USB devices, navigation, and radio was highlighted as a standout feature, offering intuitive and seamless control. Other available features included an upgraded Shaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, and the MyColor customizable gauge cluster lighting system.
MyColor Gauge Cluster Feature in 2011 Mustang
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Competitive Landscape: V6 Pony Car Showdown
When considering the 2011 Ford Mustang V6, comparisons to its rivals are inevitable. In a three-way comparison with the V6 Camaro and Challenger, the Mustang emerges as a strong contender. The Challenger, significantly heavier and larger, is almost in a different category (with the V6 Mustang being more comparable to the V8 Challenger R/T in terms of weight). The Camaro is a closer competitor, and while some might choose it based on styling preferences, the 2011 Mustang V6 is generally quicker with a manual transmission. However, against sport coupes like the Infiniti G Coupe or Nissan 370Z, the Mustang V6 would likely fall behind in straight-line speed.
Perhaps the most crucial comparison for potential buyers is against the Mustang GT. The GT, with its 5.0L V8, undeniably offers a more powerful engine with superior sound, torque, and acceleration, along with iconic 5.0 badges. The primary reasons to choose the V6 over the GT come down to price and fuel economy. The 2011 Mustang V6 started at around $22,000, significantly less than the base Mustang GT, making it a more budget-friendly option. Even when factoring in similar features, the V6 maintained a price advantage of approximately $5,000. Options like the reverse sensing system and the Performance Package were highly recommended, bringing the realistically equipped base price to around $25,000. The Premium V6 trim added more features and luxury, but a fully loaded V6 Premium could approach the price of a base GT, blurring the value proposition at the higher end.
Conclusion: A Worthy Pony in the Modern Era?
The 2011 Ford Mustang V6 arrived during a muscle car renaissance, offering classic American style with modern performance. Its V6 engine delivers power that would rival many older V8 muscle cars, while also achieving respectable fuel economy. However, in the context of 2011 and today’s automotive landscape, the V6 Mustang isn’t a high-performance muscle car in the same vein as the GT. Instead, it’s a fun-to-drive, attractive, and value-oriented pony car that provides ample performance for most drivers. For those seeking the iconic Mustang experience without the higher price and fuel consumption of the V8, the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 remains a compelling choice. It’s a car that delivers a blast from the past with a modern twist, making it a relevant and enjoyable option even in today’s market.
Statistics as tested (from original article)
0-30: 2.0 Seconds
0-60: 5.1 Seconds
1/4 Mile: 13.8 Seconds @ 102.0 MPH
Fuel Economy: 25.2 MPG over 689 miles
