With the sixth generation Mustang, dubbed the S550, the car adopted a wider and lower stance while increasing passenger volume in the cabin. Featuring a quieter cabin and overall more refined interior, it’s hard to argue that the Gen-6 Mustang isn’t the best iteration yet for road trips and cruising.

The S550 launched featuring the famed Coyote 5.0 liter V8, the new 2.3 liter EcoBoost turbo four, and 3.7 liter Cyclone V6 as engine set-ups. The Shelby GT350 also remains an option for those looking to spend their weekend tearing up the track. But even a Mustang GT equipped with the Performance Package and 10-Speed Automatic Transmission in Drag Strip Mode will rocket from 0-60 in under four seconds! Compared to the fifth generation Mustang (S197), the replacement model is about 200 lbs lighter and also more aerodynamic. It’s also the safest-ever Mustang, available with a reverse camera, blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning. Side impact crash test results also improved in IIHS testing for the new generation.

A refresh in 2018 brought about the venerable ten-speed automatic transmission to replace the older six-speed slushbox. The aforementioned six-cylinder was also dropped from the line-up, leaving only the 5.0 for the GT and the EcoBoost as choices. In addition to moderate styling tweaks (that were initially balked at by many fans but seem to have grown on most of us), the Stang received MagneRide suspension, optional active valve exhaust with “Quiet Neighbor Mode”, and independent rear suspension. An optional 12-inch full LCD Instrument Cluster Display was added as well and features seemingly endless options for the information the driver can view. One downside of this update is that the popular Grabber Blue color was dropped from the available line-up, though new colors Orange Fury Metallic Tri-Coat, Kona Blue, and Royal Crimson Metallic Tinted Clear Coat were added.

It’s also the first Mustang to be marketed and sold globally. This meant that our friends that live across the pond in the U.K. (and other right-hand drive countries) could finally enjoy one of the most iconic American automobiles.