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Affordable, reliable sports car options are getting more scarce as model years march on and historic car models are discontinued. However, some models stand the test of time, like the Ford Mustang. Better yet, the late-model S550 Ford Mustang upstaged tenured competition like the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Mazda MX-5 Miata in terms of reliability. However, the Mustang Convertible didn’t rank as highly as the classic hardtop coupe.

What is the most reliable sports car?

The Ford Mustang, a reliable coupe and convertible sports car, corners on a mountain road.
S550 Mustang | Ford

The Ford Mustang Coupe earned a No. 1 spot among sports cars regarding reliability. According to iSeeCars, the hardtop Mustang upstaged the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Chevrolet Camaro Coupe, and Nissan 370Z for a top finish among affordable sports cars. 

The accolades belong to the late-model, post-facelift sixth-generation Ford Mustang. The S550, as Ford calls it, earned an overall iSeeCars score of 8.4 out of 10.0 for its hardtop variant. That’s good news for sports car fans who want a reliable model with a 2+2 platform and two powerful engine options. 

However, the S550 Mustang Convertible’s scores aren’t up to the coupe’s level. Specifically, the soft-top ‘Stang earned a 7.7 overall. It’s a much lower score than the hardtop, despite the convertible’s No. 2 finish in the drop-top category. Still, both models share the turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost and 5.0L Coyote V8 engines. As a result, the coupe and convertible are mechanically comparable.     

Is a Mustang a lot of maintenance?

A Ford Mustang is relatively straightforward regarding maintenance. Furthermore, Ford recommends changing your pony car’s engine oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. The average oil change for a late-model Mustang is $120 to $134. 

Moreover, RepairPal says the late-model S550 Ford Mustangs have an average annual repair cost of around $709. While a Mustang’s average yearly repair costs might be higher than a comparable Chevrolet Camaro, both pony cars typically require 0.3 visits to the shop annually.

How much more reliable is the Ford Mustang than its sports car competitors?

The Mustang Coupe earned an 8.5 out of 10.0 in the reliability category, higher than any of the other affordable sports cars in the segment. However, the hardtop pony car’s soft-top sibling was several places behind.

  • Ford Mustang Coupe
  • Mazda MX-5 Miata
  • Chevrolet Camaro Coupe
  • Ford Mustang Convertible
  • Nissan 370Z
A gray Mazda MX-5 Miata convertible sports car parks next to a city skyline.
Mazda MX-5 Miata | Mazda

How many miles do Mustangs usually last?

An S550 Ford Mustang could last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. For instance, the GT trim’s 5.0L Coyote V8 engine’s drama-free fuel injection and dual-overhead cam (DOHC) construction is a powerful, straightforward application. 

Fortunately for fans, the Mustang is reliable, easy to maintain, and affordable within the segment. Moreover, with the next generation (S650) on the way, the Mustang won’t be discontinued like the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro.