| Generation | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First | 1964-1973 | The introductory year of the Mustang (First Generation); it created the new class of automobiles called Pony cars*. This mustang was praised due to its iconic styling, and introducing a new styling to cars, such as having a long hood and a short deck. The first generation Mustangs were popular in overall dimensions and engine power including I6, V8 variants. The first generation Mustang was available in variety of body styles, including a fastback coupe and convertible. Unfortunately, sales started to steadily decline. Ford began working on a smaller Mustang with the 1973 oil crisis in mind, Ford launched the Mustang II for the 1974 model year. |
| Second | 1974-1978 | The Mustang II* was a smaller and more fuel efficient version of the first generation Mustang. It was based on the Ford Pinto platform, and was designed to be more affordable and practical for everyday use. The Mustang II was available with a variety of engines, including a four-cylinder, a V6, and a V8. It was also available in a variety of body styles, including a coupe, a hatchback, and a convertible. |
| Third | 1979-1993 | The third* generation Mustang was introduced in 1979, and was based on the Ford Fox platform. It was larger and more powerful than the previous generation, and was available with a variety of engines, including a four-cylinder, a V6, and a V8. The third generation Mustang was also available with a variety of body styles, including a coupe, a hatchback, and a convertible. |
| Fourth | 1994-2004 | The fourth* generation Mustang was introduced in 1994, and was based on the Ford SN95. It was known for its rounded styling design and was heavier than the previous generation, and was available with a variety of engines, including a V6, and a V8. The fourth generation Mustang was also available in a variety of body styles, including a coupe and a convertible. |
| Fifth | 2005-2014 | The fifth* generation Mustang was introduced in 2005, and was based on the Ford S197 platform. It was recognized as a Mustang with a retro futuristic design, as the 5th generation does connect back to its first generation roots. The S197 became more powerful than the previous generation, and was available with a variety of engines, including a V6, and a V8. The fifth generation Mustang was also available in a variety of body styles, including a coupe and a convertible. It also brought specialty models such as the Ford Shelby GT500. |
| Sixth | 2015-2023 | The sixth* generation Mustang was introduced in 2015, and was based on the Ford S550 platform. It was wider and a little more powerful than the previous generation, and was available with a variety of engines, including a four cylinder turbo, a V6, and a V8. The sixth generation Mustang was also available in a variety of body styles, including a coupe and a convertible; this was the first generation with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) standard on Mustangs, which improved handling. This generation was the first generation to introduce the EcoBoost I4* engine to the Mustang lineup. Specialty models such as the Shelby GT500, and GT350 were also available. |
| Seventh | 2024-present | The seventh* generation Mustang was introduced in 2024, and is based on the Ford S650 platform. It is larger and more powerful than the previous generation, and is available with a variety of engines, including a four cylinder turbo and a V8. The seventh generation Mustang is also available in a variety of body styles, including a coupe and a convertible. This generation continues to build on the legacy of the Mustang S550 with little more modern technology and performance enhancements, but it ditched the GT500 and GT350, and it is continuing with the Dark Horse, GTD, and RTR. |
Pony cars* are a class of American muscle cars that are characterized by their compact size, sporty styling, and powerful engines. They are typically two-door coupes or convertibles, and are designed to be affordable and fun to drive. The Ford Mustang is widely considered to be the first pony car, and it has inspired many other manufacturers to create their own versions of this popular class of vehicles.