Ford Mustang S197
V8 pony car, from Boss 302 to the Dark Horse.
21 reviewers · 69 videos · 52 press articles
Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and fun to drive, but split on handling and daily drivability.
across 21 reviewers
"it's considered the best handling live axle mustang ever created"
ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 0:03"the archaic solid rear axle also hampered its cornering ability on gratton's numerous twisties"
Car and Driver · ▶ 1:48"the Mustang held a slight Edge in ride quality and won points for fit finish a Snappy interior color scheme and its back seat."
Car and Driver · ▶ 1:56"it has really really shown its age in the interior... all hard plastic everywhere you look"
ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 2:09Performance
4.0/521 of 21 reviewersstrong consensus“It's angry it's very raw and as soon as you get hard onto it it can be a little scary.”
positive · EverydayDriver · ▶ 2:11“The Supercharged GT500 thundered down gratton's long front straight at 146 mph but was still 3.1 seconds slower than the Corvette”
mixed · Car and Driver · ▶ 1:30“The 5 L engine is back and it is back with a Vengeance.”
positive · ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 0:27Handling
3.5/520 of 21 reviewerssplit“the archaic solid rear axle also hampered its cornering ability on gratton's numerous twisties”
critical · Car and Driver · ▶ 1:48“it's considered the best handling live axle mustang ever created”
positive · ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 0:03“I'm a little astonished at what they've done for the steering feel on this car”
positive · EverydayDriver · ▶ 5:39Fun to drive
4.5/521 of 21 reviewersconsensus“This is a car that I could drive all day long and twice on Sunday. Every day and especially on Sunday, I'm driving it twice.”
positive · Raitis Rides · ▶ 18:18“It rewards you when you get things right and it punishes you when you screw things up.”
positive · EverydayDriver · ▶ 11:16“is it a fun car yes”
positive · ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 5:31Daily drivability
3.5/521 of 21 reviewerssplit“the Mustang held a slight Edge in ride quality and won points for fit finish a Snappy interior color scheme and its back seat.”
positive · Car and Driver · ▶ 1:56“it has really really shown its age in the interior... all hard plastic everywhere you look”
critical · ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 2:09“I'd have to give the advantage to the Mustang simply because it's a slightly bigger car the ride is a little bit softer”
positive · Drive And Review · ▶ 6:09Value
4.0/521 of 21 reviewersconsensus“It is the I mean, it's the definition of affordable performance.”
positive · Graham Cain · ▶ 5:46“I think we bought it for 22. 24 000 yeah... value-wise the Mustang wins all day right”
positive · The Fast Lane Car · ▶ 11:08“if you want a budget american v8 race car this might be a great option for you”
positive · ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 11:57Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- The Drive
2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC First-Drive Review: The Perfect Mustang Doesn’t Need a Stick
◆Worth itThe Dark Horse SC is a superior evolution of the performance Mustang, offering exceptional handling and accessible power that surpasses the previous GT500.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts seeking a track-capable machine that remains usable on the street.
- Watch out
- Dated interior design · Excessively long infotainment animations · Rotary shifter implementation
Quotes worth your time - Road & Track
The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Moves the Game On
◆Worth it, with caveatsThe Dark Horse SC is a masterclass in refinement, taking the Shelby formula and improving it in every measurable way, though the price tag is a significant hurdle.
- Best for
- Die-hard Mustang enthusiasts who want the ultimate front-engine track machine and are not deterred by the high price.
- Watch out
- Very high starting price · Recaro seats may be uncomfortable for long drives · Lack of physical climate buttons
Quotes worth your time - MotorTrend
2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC First Drive: ’Stang of Wrath
◆Worth itThe 2026 Dark Horse SC is a serious driver’s weapon that transcends its muscle car roots to become a world-class performance machine.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a high-performance track-capable car that remains usable on the street.
- Watch out
- High price point with Track Pack · Exhaust noise can be excessive for neighbors · Front splitter extensions are prone to scraping
Quotes worth your time - Car and Driver
2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Gallops at a Faster Pace
◆Worth itThe Dark Horse SC is a highly capable, refined track-focused machine that successfully carries the torch from the Shelby GT500, though its aggressive nature makes it less ideal for long-distance touring.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts looking for a track-day weapon that remains civilized enough for street use.
- Watch out
- Exhaust note can be fatiguing on long trips · Large screen interior lacks traditional Mustang character · Bulky 76.5-inch width on narrow roads · High replacement cost for carbon-ceramic brakes
Quotes worth your time - MotorTrend
Hot Lap Video: How the Ford Mustang GTD Outsmarted and Outcornered 1,200-hp Supercars
◆Worth itThe Mustang GTD is a track-focused engineering marvel that excels in cornering and braking, though it currently lacks the raw power to dominate in straight-line speed against the absolute top-tier hypercars.
- Best for
- track enthusiasts who prioritize chassis balance and cornering precision over raw straight-line acceleration.
- Watch out
- significant power deficit compared to 1,200-hp rivals · heavy curb weight
Quotes worth your time - MotorTrend
The State of American Performance: Shaking Down the USA’s Top Guns
◆Worth itAmerican performance is in a golden age, with these four vehicles demonstrating that whether through traditional muscle, hybrid hypercars, or electric luxury, the future of driving is exceptionally bright.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of American engineering across different performance philosophies.
- Watch out
- Czinger 21C street harshness · Corvette ZR1X understeer · Mustang GTD fuel consumption
Quotes worth your time - MotorTrend
2025 Ford Mustang GTD First Test: It’s Not Just About the Numbers
◆BuyThe Mustang GTD is a transformative vehicle that proves weight and price are secondary to engineering excellence; it is one of the best cars ever driven.
- Best for
- wealthy driving enthusiasts who prioritize track performance and engineering marvels.
- Watch out
- Extremely high price · Very heavy curb weight · Poor fuel economy and range
Quotes worth your time