Edmunds says

Even without any dramatic changes for this year, the 2014 Ford Mustang continues to offer style, thrills and value. It's our top pick among muscle cars.

Vehicle overview

Sales often dip in the model year preceding a vehicle's major overhaul as everyone waits for something newer and better. However, these swansong models are also often the best equipped and fully sorted. Such is the case of the 2014 Ford Mustang. A redesigned Mustang is expected next year, but this year's car is still highly desirable.

Even base model Mustangs provide plenty of muscle-car thrills. Here you'll find a 3.7-liter V6 engine that churns out an impressive 305 horsepower and earns a laudable 31 mpg on the EPA highway cycle. The Mustang GT brings even more tire-smoking power into the mix with its 420-hp 5.0-liter V8. Plus, for just about any Mustang model, Ford offers an impressive array of options, including suspension and brake upgrades, available Recaro sport seats and the useful Sync voice-activation system.

However, the Mustang isn't flawless. The interior still has its share of cheap plastic trim, while the lack of a telescoping steering wheel results in a compromised driving position for some people. Nor is the Mustang your only choice, of course. The Chevrolet Camaro keeps getting better and has a slight performance edge over the Mustang. Then there's the Dodge Challenger, which is roomier and potentially more appealing if a retro muscle car experience is what you're after. The more nimble Hyundai Genesis Coupe is also worth a look. But among this talented group, the 2014 Ford Mustang is still our favorite, as it offers tons of entertainment value for a reasonable price.