The Mustang is the perfect symbol of American muscle, power, and speed, but Ford is in the midst of changing it all. In a recent controversial move, Ford lent the Mustang name to its new electric crossover, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. And fans aren’t happy about the vehicle taking the namesake of the iconic Mustang.

What Ford fans think of the new Mustang Mach-E name

With a long history as an iconic muscle car, the Ford Mustang was originally designed by Gale Halderman as a two-door, low-to-the-ground, long-hood muscle car. Since then, things may have changed but the Mustang’s basic design and power have not.

Fans are not happy to see the same Mustang name associated with a common crossover in the form of Ford’s new Mustang Mach-E. According to Road and Track, never before has a Mustang had four doors, all-wheel-drive, a crossover body, and electric power.

Some fans are simply upset over a Mustang being electrified and not having its “classic power.” But others don’t care so much about the Mustang’s power source. Instead, many people are upset about its distinguishable change in body-style that completely changes the concept of a Mustang.

After all, the Mustang Mach-E’s crossover body style is a far cry from the muscle car Mustang of the past. According to Torque News, many fans even fear this is Ford’s way of starting to transition away from its iconic Mustang.

How many fans really hate the name?

It isn’t just a few rogue fans who think the Mustang name is wrong for the new Mach-E. In fact, writer and Mustang expert Jimmy Dinsmore has even started a petition for changing the new Mustang crossover’s name. As Motor 1 reports, around 900 people have already signed the petition.

Dinsmore claims that the Mach-E name does not belong on a Mustang so far removed from its original heritage. He hopes that Ford will hear Mustang fans’ “voices and respect Mustang heritage.” 

In a recent survey conducted by Autolist, roughly 1,000 car shoppers were asked about Ford’s new Mustang Mach-E. According to The Drive, 47% of those questioned disapprove of Ford using the Mustang name on its new electric crossover. Even worse, only 19% reported that they support Ford’s decision to use the Mustang name. 

Why Ford thinks the Mustang Mach-E earns the name

According to Motor 1, the Mustang Mach-E may be a crossover but it still bears some of what makes Mustang a Mustang. It may be an electric Mustang, but the Mach-E can make up to 459 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque.

With a starting price of just over $43,000, the Mach-E will be able to go an impressive 300 miles on a single charge. It can hit 60 miles per hour in around three seconds and will be available in many Mustang variants, including the GT, Select, and California Rt. 1.

The inside of the Mach-E reflects the new, modern direction of Ford, with an enormous 15.5-inch touchscreen, and smart technology that can learn driver habits and common destinations.

Ford claims that the Mustang brand and name is not defined simply by its form or powertrain. What makes the Mustang a Mustang is its freedom in driveability, easy performance, and excitement on the road.