This Is Dumb: Ford’s 2026 Mustang Based on the Worst Mustang Ever

Full disclosure: I’m a Ford guy, and have been for about half a century, dating back to my first car, a 1966 Galaxie 500 two-door hardtop with a thunderous 390GT big-block V-8. I’ve never been disappointed. Granted, in the mid to late ’70s, Ford, along with the other American car companies, had some serious issues. But they got their feces cohesive, and starting with my 1984 Thunderbird, they’ve all been first-rate autos. Currently, we own three: A 2013 Ford Edge, a 2017 Ford Expedition, and my recent purchase, a 2022 F-350.

Upon a time, I also owned that landmark auto, a 1965 Mustang. It was a lot of fun. An old buddy of mine is now engaged in a ground-up restoration of a 1970 Mach I with a drag pack, including a factory-spec rebuild of its 428 Cobra Jet engine, and that ought to be fun, too. 

I have to say, though, that I’m not a fan of what Ford is doing to the 2026 Mustang, or what they are basing it on.

The automaker on Saturday unveiled the 2026 Mustang FX package, which pays tribute to the third generation of the vehicle and its 1980s and 1990s styling that became commonly known among enthusiasts as the Fox body Mustang.

The new package features two 19-inch wheel designs, with the standard being a new take on the vehicle’s existing split-five spoke design, while the Performance package offers customers a style inspired by the Fox body design. Both are finished in an Oxford White color and have center caps with the Mustang GT wordmark in an exclusive font.

Take a look; the “Fox body” Mustang has to be the ugliest Mustang ever.

Ugh. Why? pic.twitter.com/wWdjBSVKeL

— Ward Clark (@TheGreatLander) June 7, 2025

I have to admit, though, that aside from the unfortunate choice of color, it doesn’t look all that much like the Fox body cars. That’s just as well.

There’s one piece of good news: At least the new Mustang isn’t a pure EV, as Car & Driver informs us:

Ford hasn’t released pricing for the FX package, but it says the appearance option will be compatible with the coupe or convertible’s GT Premium trim. That means the 480-plus-hp 5.0-liter V-8 is mandatory, and customers get the choice of the standard six-speed manual or the available 10-speed automatic.

Well, that’s not nothing.

See Also: Ford Motors’ X Account Went Full Anti-Israel and It’s Caused a Stir

Ford Bringing Back Fun, Old Automobile Feature – but Are They, Really?

Here’s my question: If Ford wanted to hit a nostalgia theme with their only remaining car (I’m still baffled at why they dropped the reliable and affordable Fusion), then why not go with basing it on a real classic? How about taking the look of the 1968 Mustang, or the 1970 Mach I? A new convertible based on the 1965 ragtop would probably do well, too, especially for older guys with a Jones for classic cars and money to spend. 

Ford has made some inexplicable decisions lately. I was a huge fan of the famous Bronco and have owned two, and when Ford brought back that proud old name, it wasn’t like my 1974 Bronco, which would go up and down trees, or my 1992, which was a big chugging beast that could plow snow with the front bumper and shove through thick, overgrown sagebrush. The new Bronco, unless you go in for a bunch of expensive options, looks like… Every other small “SUV” out there.

Maybe Ford should just stick with trucks. My wife loves her Expedition, and I’m already pleased as punch with the new F-350. This new Mustang, though? Pass.

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