Muscle cars and country western music, mentioned in the same sentence, has a nice ring to it somehow. The Mustang is as iconic as the Golden Snitch from Harry Potter. It's just as desirable too - everybody wants one. The 2005 Ford Mustang wasn't such a bad car, having made a comback of sort, but it wasn't great. It was liked only by those who were relieved to know the Mustang finally went back to looking like a Mustang. The 2005 model is perhaps the bargain that's made you refrain from cracking-open the piggy bank for years, but not the one we'd recommend.

The 2010 model came as breath of fresh air. It looked sportier, sleeker and had some nice curves. Through generations, the Mustang has been synonymous with celebrities around the globe. Even the 2010 model featured a live rear-axle, making it the last 'Stang with an inability to hold its line, shaking its hips from one side to another under full throttle. More than the car, it is its name and the attributes closely related to it, that make it the 'Ford-to-buy' before you die.

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Ford's 2010 Mustang Has Muscles Alright

2010 Ford Mustang Side View

The Ford Mustang has always had an athletic appearance - and this one looks like a professional boxer, awaiting his opponent in the ring, before a welterweight bout. The flowing lines and sculpted panels look so much better than what the 2005 model had to offer. A lot of details, like the redesigned grille, the centrally-mounted gas cap, those signature three-bar tail lights and the quarter-glass window add up to the presence this thing has. The aggressive look was more appealing in the eyes of many, including of those in the 'hood. We're fans of the slimmer headlights with integrated turn indicators.

The 2010 model was also the first Mustang ever to feature HID headlights and LED tail lights. Even today, the design is clean and free of fussy detailing. Thank God for the raised bonnet; without it, it might not have qualified to look like a muscle car - and more importantly - a Mustang. Looking at these pictures, a lot of us are going to be digging through our old car magazines to find that poster of the 2010 Mustang - not to stick it on the wall, but to blow the dust off it and put it back.

The Interior Of The 2010 Ford Mustang

2010 Ford Mustang Interior

The interior is unmistakably Mustang. The materials are good, and the car comes with a one-piece instrument panel that has a soft-touch aluminum finish. And we love those gauges with chrome surrounds. Another strong hint at the Mustang's DNA is the console and instrument panel that come together as one. The stitching on the seats is of good quality. The 2010 Mustang came with new features like 911-Emergency-Assist and Vehicle Health Report - and there was ambient lighting, allowing the driver to choose between 125 colors. This model also had sound deadeners included, making the cabin a quieter place to be in, particularly when the 'Stang loud exhaust would get too much to handle. In 2010, the Mustang felt like a huge step-up in technology.

The 2010 Ford Mustang Is Loud

2010 Ford Mustang Head On

The wheels and tires are larger on the 2010 model; this helped the car dynamically. To improve the ride quality, Ford tweaked the shocks and stabilizer bars. A lot was done to ensure the car drove well, without upsetting the ride. The 2010 Ford Mustang was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that made 315hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, sending all the power to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The best part is, you can run it on regular gasoline. As far as power and reliability go, the 2010 Mustang will not disappoint. It comes with safety features like ABS, ESC and traction control.

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Buying A Used 2010 Ford Mustang

2010 Ford Mustang Rear View

Buying a used Ford Mustang in the United States shouldn't be a problem, particularly if the example you're about to buy has been cared for by its previous owner. Ensure you get a full record of the service history. The most common issues owners grumble about is some trim and fittings on the outside/inside becoming loose and rattly. Accidental Mustangs tend to get palmed off at times, which is why you should look out for incorrect lines on the bodywork and irregular shut lines. Stay away from heavily modified Mustangs; you do not want your car in the news a week later, with the headline flashing "Custom Mustang Catches Fire". Get your car inspected by a professional, and once you've bought one, don't forget to send us pictures!

Source: TopSpeed