2023 Ford Mustang Convertible
Image Via: Car Buzz

2023 Ford Mustang Overview

The Ford Mustang, much like fine wine, only seems to improve with each passing year, aging as gracefully from one successive model year to the next. Over the past six decades, Ford’s premier pony car has evolved to an extent that few could have imagined, while still staying true to its roots. In essence, the Ford Mustang is a creation all its own, standing out from the pack in many distinct ways.

A favorite of fun-loving motorists in search of a thrilling ride at a reasonable price point, the Mustang will always be cherished by many. This, perhaps, is the single biggest reason behind the level of excitement that surrounds the upcoming seventh-generation Mustang’s release. While this inevitable unveiling sits just over the horizon, Ford has issued yet another entry into the current sixth-generation Mustang’s production run.

Though largely unchanged from the year prior, the 2023 Ford Mustang is every bit as exhilarating to drive and impressive to behold as any Mustang to come before it. With both a turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder and a mighty 450-horsepower V8 offered as available equipment, and a host of ultra-modern, if not downright luxurious interior amenities on tap, there is plenty to love about the 2023 Mustang.

2023 Ford Mustang Coupe
Image Via: Edmunds
Model 2023 Ford Mustang
Generation 6th Generation Mustang
Type 2 Door
Body Styles Fastback, Convertible
Engines 2.3L GTDI I-4,   5.0L Ti-VCT V8
Original Price $27,770–$58,665
Units Produced 10,961 Mustangs produced in Quarter 1

2023 Ford Mustang Background & Details

Sixth-generation Mustang production officially began in July 2014, with initial orders being fulfilled during the 2015 model year. Upon its debut, the sixth-generation Mustang received its share of fanfare, being praised heavily for its striking appearance and use of an independent rear suspension. This generation was also the first to utilize Ford’s 2.3L EcoBoost platform.

Since its release, the S550 Mustang’s design has been modified to a noticeable extent, and additional engine offerings have been placed on the table. Numerous specialty variants of the S550 have also been released, most notably including the Bullitt, Mach 1, GT350, and GT500.

Nonetheless, all good things must come to an end, and by the time the global COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Ford’s design team was already fast at work engineering the S550’s ultimate replacement. However, this same pandemic, along with other previously unforeseen supply chain issues ultimately burdened these efforts.

Though the seventh-generation Mustang was originally set to debut in 2023, production was pushed back approximately 12 months, pushing back the next-generation Mustang’s release date to 2024 by proxy. This essentially gave the S550 Mustang an added lease on life that it was never intended to receive. Word came down from top Ford brass that sixth-generation production would continue into 2023.

This did, however, come to yield an unexpected, yet the somewhat imaginable consequence of sorts. As all efforts were directed toward getting the seventh-generation Mustang to production, the S550 saw little to no revision between the 2022 and 2023 model years, making the latter more an extension of an earlier production, than a separate creation.

2023 Race Red Mustang Ecoboost
Image Via: Car Buzz

Special Edition Models & Variants

EcoBoost Fastback/Convertible

Back yet again, serving as the Mustang’s base engine for the 2023 model year is the 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost I4. This, of course, is no standard four-cylinder. The EcoBoost dishes out a total output of 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, making it an extremely potent performer, despite its limited displacement. The EcoBoost comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Consumers can also choose to opt for Ford’s Performance package, which substitutes a ten-speed automatic for the six-speed auto previously mentioned, and adds limited-slip rear gears. Rounding out the Performance Package is the addition of Ford’s 101A equipment package, which features custom wheels, Drive Mode controls, and a more substantial infotainment interface.

The base EcoBoost Fastback is priced to sell, with a starting retail price of just over $27,000. Considering the average cost of a full-size sedan on today’s market, one could easily consider the EcoBoost Fastback to be quite the steal, serving as an economical means of delving into the performance end of the automotive equation.

EcoBoost Premium Fastback/Convertible

The 2023 Mustang Ecoboost Fastback can be configured to include Ford’s additional Premium trim package which includes upgrades that enhance both the inside and the outside of the Ecoboost Mustang.

This package includes the following:

  • 19-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with high-gloss Ebony Black-painted pockets
  • Heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats
  • 6-way Power-adjustable front seats
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • SYNC 3 with 8-inch touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Nine-speaker audio system
  • Upgraded cabin trim
  • Ambient interior lighting
  • Heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators
  • Selectable drive modes with toggle switches
  • Paddle pony lamp side mirrors
  • Optional Recaro leather-trimmed front sport seats
  • Optional 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with subwoofer

GT Fastback

Ford Mustang GT
Image Via: Ford

If you subscribe to the “no replacement for displacement ideology”, then the 2023 Mustang GT Fastback might be more within your wheelhouse. The GT Fastback sports Ford’s now infamous 5.0L Coyote V8, which comes paired with a six-speed manual transmission, though a ten-speed SelectShift automatic is also available on an optional basis. This powertrain combination dishes out the power in earnest, producing 450 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.

Other additional features that come standard on the 2023 Mustang Fastback include heavy-duty Brembo brakes, high-performance suspension, and upgraded 18-inch wheels. These additions further amplify the Mustang’s stopping and handling characteristics. This point should be universally appreciated by prospective consumers the world over.

GT Premium Fastback/Convertible

Within the GT trim, the 2023 Mustang’s optional Premium package offers a number of additional upgrades for both the exterior and interior.

This package includes the following:

Exterior features:

  • 19-inch machined-face aluminum high-gloss Ebony Black-painted wheels
  • Heated and body-colored side view mirrors
  • LED headlamps and LED signature lighting
  • LED fog lamps
  • LED sequential tail lights
  • Hood vents
  • Raised blade decklid spoiler
  • Pony Puddle Lamp (part of sideview mirrors)
  • Optional over-the-top racing stripe

Interior features:

  • 12” LCD Digital Instrument Cluster with MyColor®
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Premier Trim with Color Accent Group
  • Ford Safe and Smart Package: Active Cruise Control, Voice Activated Touchscreen Navigation
  • Memory Driver Seat (3 settings) and Mirrors
  • Premium Sound System
  • Satellite Radio
  • Leather Seats
  • Climate Control
  • Cooled Front Seats
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Multi-zone AC

Mach 1

Grabber Blue Mach 1 Mustang
Image Via: Car Buzz

After decades of retirement, Ford finally reissued their famed Mach 1 designation during the 2021 model year. In large part, the re-released Mach 1 was intended to serve as a worthy replacement for the outgoing Bullitt package, which focussed heavily on the Mustang’s handling and cosmetic attributes.

The 2023 Mach 1 comes standard with Ford’s MagneRide dampers and comes tuned to corner as if on rails. Additionally, the Mach 1 is also the benefactor of additional tuning done to Ford’s infamous 5.0L Coyote V8. In its “high-performance” configuration, the Coyote V8 yields maximum outputs of 470 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.

As mentioned, the Mach 1 also sports an effects kit all its own, showcasing a noteworthy degree of specialty trim work. Featured within this effects kit is a custom front fascia, one-off black hood, sequential tail lights/turn signals, and signature body striping.

Mach 1 Premium

The Mach 1 Premium again adds a few luxuries, including aluminum foot pedals, memory driver seat, and Mach 1’s trademark styling, including its white cue-ball shift knob (for manual transmission models only). Among its cutting-edge tech features includes an expansive digital gauge cluster and a 8-in touchscreen infotainment system with complete smartphone integration.

This package includes the following:

  • Aluminum foot pedals
  • Heated and Cooled front seats
  • Memory driver seat
  • Leather-trimmed front seats
  • Premium interior trim
  • Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Nine-speaker sound system
  • Dual Smart-Charging USB ports
  • SYNC 3 with 8-inch touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 12-inch digital instrument cluster
  • White cue-ball shift knob
  • Optional 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
  • Optional remote start

Specifications, Options, & Detailed Stats

Mustang Premium Ecoboost Convertible
Image Via: Edmunds

2023 Ford Mustang Production Numbers

During the first quarter of 2023, 10,961 Mustangs were produced.

2023 Ford Mustang Options and Pricing

The base 2023 EcoBoost Mustang continues to be a great value at $27,770, only a $300 increase over the previous year. The GT Fastback is also still a great bang for your buck, coming in at only $38,345. The priciest Mustang for 2023 is the  Mach 1 premium commanding a price tag of $58,665.

Grouping Description Retail Price
Base Model 2 Door EcoBoost Fastback $27,770.00
Base Model 2 Door EcoBoost Premium Fastback $32,795.00
Base Model 2 Door EcoBoost Convertible $32,270.00
Base Model 2 Door GT Fastback $38,345.00
Base Model 2 Door EcoBoost Premium Convertible $38,295.00
Base Model 2 Door GT Premium Fastback $43,365.00
Base Model 2 Door GT Premium Convertible $48,865.00
Base Model 2 Door Mustang Mach 1 $56,570.00
Base Model 2 Door Mustang Mach 1 Premium $58,665.00

2023 Ford Mustang Exterior & Interior Colors

The 2023 Ford Mustang is available in the following 12 colors:

  • Atlas Blue
  • Oxford White
  • Grabber Blue
  • Race Red
  • Carbonized Gray
  • Iconic Silver
  • Dark Matter Gray
  • Shadow Black
  • Rapid Red
  • Mischievous Purple
  • Eruption Green
  • Fighter Jet Gray (Mach 1)

The car’s interior is available in the following colors or color combinations: Ceramic, Ebony, Tan, Showstopper Red, Midnight Blue, and Ebony Dove or Orange Ebony which are available in the Mach 1 only.

2023 GT Mustang Interior
Image Via: Evo

2023 Ford Mustang Engine Specifications

The 2023 Mustang is offered in a choice of two engines, each of which corresponds to a specific trim package. The output of these engines range from 310 HP to 470 HP, and 350 lb.-ft. to 410 lb.-ft. of torque. This allows consumers to choose from a variety of outputs and varying price points.

Model Ecoboost

Fastback/

Convertible

Mustang GT

Fastback/

Convertible

Mustang

Mach 1

Engine 2.3L GTDI I-4 Engine 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 Engine 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 Engine
Fuel Direct Injection Sequential Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection Sequential Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection
Power

 (hp@RPM)

310 @ 5,500

RPM

450 @ 7,000

RPM

470 @ 7,250

RPM

Torque

(lb/ft@RPM)

350 @ 3,000 RPM 410 @ 4,600 RPM 410 @ 4,800 RPM
2023 Mustang GT Premium
Image Via: Auto Evolution

2023 Ford Mustang Dimensions & Weight

There are only minor differences between the Mustang models, mainly in regards to weight and trunk capacity.

Description Mustang Fastback Mustang Convertible Mustang Mach 1
Wheelbase 107.1 inches 107.1 inches 107.1 inches
Exterior Length 188.5 inches 188.5 inches 188.5 inches
Exterior Height 54.3 inches 54.3 inches 54.3 inches
Width Excluding Mirrors 75.4 inches 75.4 inches 75.4 inches
Trunk Capacity 13.5 cu.ft. 11.4 cu.ft. 13.5 cu.ft.
Curb Weight

(manual/auto)

Ecoboost

3492/3512 lbs

GT

3730/3752 lbs

Ecoboost

3636/3656 lbs

GT

3916/3932 lbs

3868/3913 lbs

2023 Ford Mustang Performance

Below we have 0-60 mph, top speed, and quarter-mile times for the 2023 Mustang models.

Variant 0-60 mph (sec) Quarter Mile Top Speed
2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost/Premium 5.8 seconds 14.1 seconds 145 mph
2023 Ford Mustang GT & Premium Fastback 4.7 seconds 13.2 seconds 155 mph
2023 Ford Mustang

Mach 1

4.5 seconds 12.8 seconds 168 mph
Eruption Green Ford Mustang
Image Via: Smail Auto

2023 Ford Mustang VIN Information

Below is an example of the 2023 Mustang VIN decoder sheet.

Data Plate Decoder Sheet

Year 2023
Example 1FA6P8TH4P5101745
1st to 3rd Digit (Manufacturer) 1FA = Ford Motor Company USA Ford passenger car
4th Digit (Safety) 6 = Seat Belts and Front/Side Air Bags
5th to 7th Digit (Model) P8R = Mustang Fastback

2023 Options:

P8C = Fastback GT

P8F = Convertible GT

P8R = Fastback Mach 1

P8T = Fastback

P8U = Convertible

8th Digit (Engine) H = 2.3L 310hp 4cyl

2023 Options:

H = 2.3L 310hp 4cyl

F = 5.0L 460hp V8 (GT or Mach1)

9th Digit (Check Digit) Any digit of 0-9 or X
10th Digit (Year) P = 2023
11th Digit (Assembler) 5 = Flatrock, Michigan
12th to 17th Digits Sequential unit number

This link will take you to a page that contains the VIN tag information for all years of Mustangs.

2023 Ford Mustang Videos

We managed to find some great video reviews of the 2023 Mustang, so definitely check those out.