Few cars carry the cultural weight of the Ford Mustang. It’s more than just a muscle car. The famous pony car is a symbol of American performance, rebellion, and freedom on four wheels. As the Mustang enters a new chapter in 2025, its identity is being reshaped by evolving consumer preferences, electrification, and performance innovation. Let’s take a look at how the Mustang is performing in Q1 2025, how its latest models stack up, and how its legendary sixth-generation era shaped its current trajectory.
Q1 2025 Sales Snapshot: A Shift in the Mustang Lineup
As of the first quarter of 2025, Mustang sales present a tale of two very different vehicles. The gas powered Mustang sold just 9,377 units, which is a significant drop of 31.6% from Q1 2024 when 13,707 units were sold. This marks one of the sharpest early year declines for the iconic coupe in recent memory.
In contrast, the all-electric Mustang Mach E is experiencing growth. With 11,607 units sold, the Mach E saw a 21% increase compared to last year. For the first time, the electric variant has overtaken its gas sibling in sales volume, signaling a major pivot in the Mustang family’s market dynamic.
This trend highlights a broader shift in the auto industry: buyers are increasingly drawn to electric vehicles and SUVs, even within traditionally performance-focused nameplates like the Mustang.
Performance Specs: Gas Powered Muscle Is Still Alive
While sales may be shifting, Ford hasn’t backed off when it comes to engineering high-performance Mustangs. The 2025 lineup offers a wide range of engine options for enthusiasts who still want to feel the roar of a combustion engine:
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EcoBoost Mustang: A 2.3 liter turbocharged inline four producing 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Ideal for entry-level buyers who still crave speed.
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GT Mustang: Classic V8 muscle with a 5.0 liter engine pushing 480 horsepower and 415 lb ft of torque. Opt for the active valve exhaust, and that bumps to 486 hp and 418 lb ft.
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Mustang Dark Horse: A track-ready beast with a revised 5.0 liter Coyote V8 delivering 500 horsepower and 418 lb ft of torque plus advanced cooling and chassis upgrades.
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Mustang GTD: Ford’s most ambitious street legal Mustang yet. With a supercharged 5.2 liter V8 and a target of 800+ horsepower, the GTD is a purpose-built street legal track car that embodies Mustang performance at its peak.
Even with the rise of the Mach E, Ford has made it clear that gas powered performance remains central to the Mustang’s DNA. And for owners looking to enhance that performance, sites like Mustang parts continue to offer a massive selection of accessories and upgrades that cater to every build style imaginable.
The Sixth Generation Mustang: A Look Back at the S550 Era
Before the current generation took over, the sixth generation (S550) Mustang, built from 2015 to 2023, left a lasting legacy. It was the first Mustang with independent rear suspension across all trims and offered global appeal with right hand drive versions sold in over 140 countries.
Sales during the S550’s lifetime reflected strong early enthusiasm:
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2015: 122,349 units
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2016: 105,932
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2017: 81,866
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2018: 75,842
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2019: 72,489
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2020: 61,090
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2021: 52,414
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2022: 47,566
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2023: 48,605
Total U.S. sales from 2015 to 2023 reached approximately 672,677 units, with the S550 leading the U.S. sports car market for seven consecutive years. While numbers dipped in the later years, it remained a favorite among performance buyers and cemented the Mustang’s global appeal.
Today, many sixth gen owners continue to modify and maintain their rides with the help of aftermarket resources like S550 Mustang parts, keeping the spirit of the platform alive long after production ended.
The Battle Continues: Gas vs Electric
The Ford Mustang continues to evolve, facing the challenges of electrification, shifting consumer demand, and fierce competition head on. While gas powered sales are down in early 2025, the platform is far from dead. The performance specs of the new GT, Dark Horse, and GTD prove that Ford is still committed to giving enthusiasts what they crave. Meanwhile, the Mustang Mach E is carving out a strong position for itself in the electric space.
And with a vibrant aftermarket community keeping older models fresh and competitive, the Mustang remains one of the most engaging and personal vehicles you can buy regardless of whether it’s powered by gas or electricity.