2009 Ford Mustang GT Premium

The 2009 Mustang is Ford's pony car, sold as a coupe or convertible, and it's the model that keeps the classic American muscle spirit alive. It's a blast to drive, with sharp steering and a ride that feels planted on twisty roads, though the rear-drive layout can be tricky in snow or ice. Inside, the cabin is a nice place to spend time, with supportive front seats and a straightforward dashboard, but the back seats are really only for occasional use. Owners often report solid reliability and cheap, easy repairs, with parts readily available at most shops. The GT Premium is the one to pick if you want the V8 and the nicer interior, while the V6 Premium saves money but skips the muscle. Its 4.6L V8 makes 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, and the five-speed automatic shifts smoothly but you'll miss the manual's involvement. The convertible top folds down quickly, but the open-air experience comes with more wind noise than the coupe at highway speeds.