2021 Ford Mustang Review

The Mach 1 is back. After ending its previous run in 2004, Ford welcomes the storied nameplate once again to the Mustang family. The newest Mach 1 is equipped with a brand-new front end, wings and spoilers from the mighty Shelby GT500, and flashy black stripes with contrasting colors to make your Mustang pop.

This is performance by way of aero and airflow. Equipped with the optional handling package, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 can deliver up to 150% more downforce than the Mustang GT with a Performance Pack Level 1. That's because the handling package adds a front splitter, plus the spoiler and lower diffuser from the Shelby GT500. Whether or not you spec the handling package, the Mach 1 comes standard with a rear-axle cooling system — also from the GT500 — along with new intakes to chill the engine oil and transmission oil. Stiffer components and steering improvements combine with Ford's impressive MagneRide suspension and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires for even greater performance.

Previous Mach 1s were just as famous for what was on the hood as under it. For decades, the Mach 1 was visually distinguished from lesser Mustangs with the inclusion of a Shaker hood, an elevated air intake that pokes through the top of the hood. But there will be no Shaker hood on the 2021 Mach 1 — the company decided it didn't provide a performance or acoustic benefit. But the Mach 1 indisputably became synonymous with the style, and losing it for 2021 will be a blow to some fans.

The Mach 1 uses the same 5.0-liter V8 as the Mustang GT, but with a little extra oomph. Output stands at 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque — an increase of 20 horsepower versus the GT and the same output as last year's Mustang Bullitt. Buyers can pair the engine to a six-speed manual transmission (a Tremec unit borrowed from the Shelby GT350 parts bin) with rev matching, or a 10-speed automatic with an upgraded torque converter. Selecting the manual trans also opens the door to the handling package, which is not available with the auto. The Mach 1 also boasts a new 4.5-inch exhaust tailpipe that Ford says lends it a distinctive tone.

The Mach 1 might be retro, but its tech offerings are anything but. Every Mach 1 comes standard with the Sync 3 infotainment system, which is optional on lesser Mustangs. We've rated Sync 3 highly in recent years for its ease of use and excellent voice controls. As you'd expect of a fully featured modern vehicle, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is included.

Like all 2021 Mustangs, the Mach 1 also comes standard with Ford's suite of advanced driver assist features called Co-Pilot360. It includes automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot warning with cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.