Which Model Year Mustang Looks the Best?
Since its debut in 1964, the Ford Mustang has remained a symbol of American automotive ingenuity. Its iconic status is all thanks to its perfect blend of performance, style, and affordability.
As one of the original "pony cars", the Mustang introduced a sporty yet accessible type of vehicle that appealed to a broad audience, including young enthusiasts and seasoned drivers. Its aggressive styling evokes a sense of speed and power—something that it backed up with its roaring V8 engine options, which helped cement its reputation as a performance powerhouse.
The Mustang has only evolved with modern technology and engineering advancements through the years. And yet it has stayed true to its muscle car roots. It still maintains that exhilarating driving experience that continues to captivate fans all over the world.
Over the decades, Ford has introduced countless redesigns, refreshes, and special editions, each with its own unique aesthetic appeal. But which model year looks the best? This question has sparked countless debates among car enthusiasts and collectors.
Here, we’re going to explore some of the most visually striking Mustangs from each generation. Let’s take a closer look.
Which Model Year Mustang Looks the Best?
The Mustang carries deep cultural significance, symbolizing freedom and individuality. It has been immortalized in films, music, and pop culture, from Steve McQueen’s high-speed chases in Bullitt to its presence in songs that celebrate the thrill of the open road.
The Mustang’s versatility—offering everything from turbocharged four-cylinder models to supercharged Shelby variants—ensures it appeals to both casual drivers and hardcore performance enthusiasts. So when it comes to which model year looks best, there tends to be several opinions. While the answer may be subjective, there are a few that come to mind when this topic comes up.
First Generation (1964-1973) – The Birth of a Legend
The First Generation Ford Mustang, produced from 1964 to 1973, is one of the most iconic American muscle cars ever built. Introduced as an affordable sports car with a sleek design, powerful engines, and a wide range of customization options, the Mustang quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
Over the years, the first generation saw numerous design updates, evolving from a small and sporty coupe to a more aggressive and performance-focused machine. Among the most visually striking models were the 1965 Mustang Fastback and the 1969 Mustang Mach 1, both of which capture that distinct and timeless aesthetic that the Ford Mustang has come to be known for.
1965 Mustang Fastback
The 1965 Mustang Fastback is a masterpiece of automotive design, featuring the sleek and sporty fastback roofline that set it apart from the standard coupe. Its long hood, short rear deck, and sculpted body lines embodied the spirit of the original pony car.
The fastback design not only enhanced the car’s aggressive stance but also improved aerodynamics, making it a favorite among racers and collectors.
Available with a range of engines, including the potent Hi-Po 289 V8, the 1965 Mustang Fastback was a perfect blend of style and performance. Whether finished in classic Wimbledon White, Rangoon Red, or Twilight Turquoise, this Mustang remains one of the most beautiful and sought-after classic cars ever built.
1969 Mustang Mach 1
Embodying the raw power and aggressive styling of late-’60s muscle cars, the 1969 Mustang Mach 1 took the Mustang’s design to a whole new level.
With its bold, sculpted body, shaker hood scoop, and blacked-out grille, the Mach 1 had an unmistakable presence on the road. The fastback roofline, paired with rear window louvers and a decklid spoiler, gave it a race-ready appearance, while the available 428 Cobra Jet engine made it one of the most formidable Mustangs of its era.
The 1969 model year also introduced a more muscular and aggressive front-end design, with quad headlights and a wider stance. Whether parked at a show or roaring down the highway, the Mach 1 exuded a sense of dominance that still turns heads to this day.
Second Generation (1974-1978) – The Malaise Era Challenger
The Second Generation Ford Mustang marked a significant departure from the muscle car era that defined its predecessors.
Known as the "Malaise Era" Mustangs, these models were designed in response to tightening fuel regulations, emissions standards, and changing consumer preferences. Downsized and based on the Ford Pinto platform, this generation aimed for efficiency and practicality rather than raw performance.
While often criticized for their reduced power, these Mustangs still carried distinctive styling cues and, in some cases, aggressive aesthetics that made them stand out—especially in the 1970s automotive landscape.
The Malaise Era Challenger models are Mustangs that attempted to maintain a performance image despite the constraints of their time. These cars featured bold stripe packages, hood scoops, and aggressive styling to compensate for their underwhelming powertrains.
Because of these limitations—as well as the creative solutions Ford came up with to work around them—the Second Generation is an interesting chapter in Mustang history.
1976 Mustang Cobra II
The 1976 Mustang Cobra II is arguably the most visually striking model to come out of this Generation. With its bold racing stripes, fender flares, hood scoop, and optional rear window louvers, the Cobra II attempted to recapture the Mustang's muscle car roots.
Despite being powered by a modest 302-cubic inch V8 that delivered far less punch than earlier models, its aggressive styling made it a favorite among enthusiasts. The Cobra II's resemblance to classic Shelby Mustangs, combined with its rarity today, has helped it gain appreciation as a nostalgic symbol of the 1970s.
Third Generation (1979-1993) – The Fox Body Evolution
The third-generation Ford Mustang (1979–1993) marked another significant shift from its predecessors, introducing the Fox platform that prioritized lighter weight and improved handling. This era saw the Mustang evolve through various design updates, from the angular and boxy early '80s models to the more refined and aerodynamic look of the late '80s and early '90s.
Throughout its production, Ford continuously refined the Mustang’s performance, with models like the GT and LX 5.0 gaining a strong following among enthusiasts.
1993 Mustang SVT Cobra
Among the standout models of this generation, the 1993 Mustang SVT Cobra is widely considered the best-looking and most refined. As the final model of the third generation, the SVT Cobra featured a sleeker, more aggressive design with a unique front fascia, round fog lights, and special Cobra badging.
The SVT Cobra sat on stylish 17-inch wheels and had a lower stance, giving it a muscular yet sophisticated appearance. The rear end featured a distinct spoiler and subtle "Cobra" branding, setting it apart from the standard GT.
The combination of its well-balanced proportions, aerodynamic enhancements, and exclusive styling cues made the 1993 SVT Cobra the most visually appealing Mustang of this era.
Fourth Generation (1994-2004) – The New Edge Era
The Fourth Generation saw the Ford Mustang moving away from the Fox-body of the 1980s. With this generation, Ford introduced a more modern and aerodynamic look, built on the SN-95 platform.
This generation saw continuous refinements, culminating in the "New Edge" facelift from 1999 to 2004, which brought sharper lines, aggressive styling, and improved performance. With models ranging from the base V6 to the high-performance Cobra, it’s easy to see why the Fourth Generation Mustang remains a favorite among enthusiasts.
2003 Mustang Mach 1
While there are several great-looking models in this era, the 2003 Mustang Mach 1 is often considered one of the best ones.
This model featured a bold shaker hood scoop, retro-inspired Magnum 500-style wheels, and a black stripe package that paid homage to the legendary Mach 1 of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Its sleek yet aggressive stance, combined with unique design cues like the low-profile rear spoiler and chin spoiler, made the Mustang Mach 1 one of the most visually striking Mustangs of its time.
Overall, this model successfully blended modern performance with classic Mustang aesthetics, making it a true icon of the New Edge era.
Fifth Generation (2005-2014) – Retro Meets Modern
It was the fifth generation that marked a significant return to the Ford Mustang's roots, blending retro styling with modern performance.
Inspired by the late 1960s Mustangs, this generation featured aggressive lines, a bold front grille, and a muscular stance that resonated with fans of the older designs. Ford’s "retro-futurism" approach made these Mustangs instant classics, while their improved chassis and powertrain options ensured they performed as well as they looked.
2012 Mustang Boss 302
Over its nearly decade-long production run, this generation saw numerous special editions and performance models that elevated the Mustang’s legacy. But among the standout models, the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 is widely regarded as one of the best-looking and best-performing Mustangs of this era.
Paying homage to the legendary 1969 Boss 302, this modern iteration featured a distinctive front splitter, unique side stripes, and a rear spoiler that enhanced both aesthetics and aerodynamics. Under the hood, its 5.0L V8 engine produced an impressive 444 horsepower, making it a true track-ready machine.
The Boss 302's aggressive stance, race-inspired details, and historical significance cement its place as one of the most visually striking Mustangs of the fifth generation.
Sixth Generation (2015-Present) – A Modern Muscle Icon
Introduced in 2015, the sixth-generation Ford Mustang marked a significant evolution for the iconic muscle car. With a sleeker, more aerodynamic design, independent rear suspension, and a range of powerful engine options, this generation brought modern performance and technology while staying true to the Mustang’s signature style.
It embraced a global market, offering right-hand drive for the first time, and delivered a refined yet aggressive driving experience. From the entry-level EcoBoost to the fire-breathing Shelby GT500, the sixth-gen Mustang solidified itself as a modern muscle icon.
2020 Mustang Shelby GT500
It is the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 that is often regarded as the pinnacle of performance and design among the standout models of this generation. Boasting a supercharged 5.2L V8 engine producing 760 horsepower, it became the most powerful street-legal Mustang ever built.
Its bold styling, featuring an aggressive front fascia, large rear wing, and functional aerodynamic enhancements, made it as visually-impressive as it was fast.
With track-ready technology, including adaptive MagneRide suspension and a lightning-quick dual-clutch transmission, the 2020 GT500 set new standards for American muscle, making it one of the most impressive Mustangs of all time.
Work with Classic Car Deals to Find the Best Classic Cars for Sale
So, which Mustang looks the best?
While it is impossible to answer this question definitively, every generation has its own unique appeal. At the end of the day, it’s all about personal preferences, whether you like the timeless look of older models or gravitate more towards the modernized versions of today. Ultimately, the best-looking Mustang is the one that speaks to you.
If you are interested in securing a classic car of your own, whether it’s a Ford Mustang or something else entirely, you should consider working with the world’s largest online consignment company: Classic Car Deals.
Located in Cadillac, Michigan, Classic Car Deals offers the widest array of classic cars (and trucks) that are available via consignment. You can visit their showroom and check out all the vintage vehicles that they personally have in stock at their headquarters. Alternatively, you can go online and see all the classic cars for sale at their website.
Classic Car Deals makes it easier to find consignment cars online. They also have consignment cars all over the US, so don’t worry if you don’t see your favorite model right away. The Classic Car Deals team will work diligently to find the classic car (or truck) that matches your exact needs and preferences.
Call Classic Car Deals once you’ve found your ideal classic car to double check on the location. They provide an easy and hassle-free way for you to shop classic cars for sale nationwide, offering the widest selection of vintage, exotic, and collectible cars and pickup trucks.
Your first step to buying your dream car is to contact one of their reps today. Visit their Consignment page today for more details.
*While every reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions contained on these pages. Please verify any information in question with Dealer.