Cheapest New Ford Cars Are a Performance Bargain
The Ford Mustang isn’t just the cheapest car in the Blue Oval’s American lineup; it’s the only car left. Still, the most affordable option in the Mustang’s stable is an absolute performance bargain. Enter the 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, the last EcoBoost of the sixth-generation S550 pony cars.
What cars did Ford discontinue?
Ford has discontinued all of its passenger cars except for the Mustang. The last of the Blue Oval’s sedans were the Focus, Taurus, and Fusion, which hit the chopping block in 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively.
Moreover, Ford’s stratospherically expensive GT supercar featured a limited-run 2022 GT Heritage Edition. However, it will be the last of the current GT generation before Ford puts the historic nameplate to bed once more. As a result, the venerable Mustang is the last thing in the Blue Oval’s lineup with car credentials. Don’t fret; the seventh generation of Ford pony cars kicks off in 2024, and the outgoing 2023 model is a serious performance bargain.
How much horsepower will the 2023 Mustang have?
The entry-level 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost produces 310 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine. However, fans who opt for the High Performance Package treatment will squeeze an extra twenty horses from its mill.
Of course, the V8-powered Mustang GT’s horsepower figures are more impressive; the Coyote V8 makes 450 horsepower for the 2023 model year. However, the GT is more expensive than Ford’s cheapest car, making the base EcoBoost ‘Stang one of the most powerful cars at its price point.
Is the 2.3L EcoBoost Mustang fast?
Even with half the cylinders of the Mustang GT, the 2.3L EcoBoost is fast enough to outrun its direct competitors like the Dodge Challenger SXT. The post-facelift EcoBoost with a 10-speed automatic transmission can hit 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds.
Moreover, TrueCar says the Ford car gets about 25 mpg combined, two more than the Challenger and on par with the entry-level Chevrolet Camaro. As a result, the EcoBoost is faster-accelerating and more efficient than a comparable V6-powered Challenger SXT and a fitting rival for the Chevrolet Camaro.
Will the 2024 Mustang have a manual?
Unfortunately, the 2024 Mustang EcoBoost will not feature a manual transmission. Instead, fans who want a manual will have to go for the Mustang GT, which carries over the Getrag MT82 six-speed transmission from the S550 generation.
However, the 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost does include a standard six-speed manual transmission. That’s good news for fans who want a fuel-sipping coupe with a driver’s car attitude. The EcoBoost isn’t the only one; the entry-level Chevrolet Camaro 1LS also offers a manual transmission option.
How much will the 2023 Mustang EcoBoost cost?
The 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is the cheapest car in the Blue Oval’s lineup. It starts at around $29,165.
However, fans who want the added luxury of heated and cooled leather seats, Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, and dual-zone climate control will have to opt for the EcoBoost Premium. The Premium starts at around $34,190.
Why is Ford not selling cars anymore?
Ford has all but eliminated its lineup of cars due to a lack of interest and the popularity of SUVs, crossovers, and trucks. Instead, the Blue Oval will focus on alternative energy projects and larger vehicles moving forward, like the Mach-E and F-150 Lightning.
