Why Mustang Sales Are Tanking and What It Means for the Future
Ford Mustang sales haven’t been quite smooth lately. Sales of the last muscle car plummeted in 2025, dropping 36.4% in January and 32.2% in February compared to the previous year. Ford recently released these numbers, and things aren’t looking too good for America’s most beloved muscle car.
Mach-E Outselling the GT?
There used to be a time when the Ford Mustang was Ford’s fifth-most-selling car, but that is no longer the case. In the first two months of 2024, Ford sold 7,886 Mustang units. However, in the first quarter of 2025, Ford only sold 5,191 units, a 34.2 % decrease in sales.
We didn’t think it would happen, but gas-powered Mustang sales are currently worse than Mach E sales. Ford sold over 6,841 units of this crossover in 2025.
The Reason
The reason for Mustang sales nosediving is simply cost. The base variant Mustang Ecoboost Coupe starts at $33,515. This price may sound affordable, but it isn’t anymore for an average American. Wages have stayed the same despite inflation.
That is why most Americans can’t afford a second car. A two-door RWD sportscar that will most probably lose its value over time doesn’t sound like a bargain to people. And Don’t even think about going for the V8.
The cheapest Mustang with a V8, the GT coupe, starts at $47,055. In this price bracket, you can buy the new Toyota Supra, Nissan Z, and BMW Z4. All of these are fast, as well as well-equipped competitors of the Mustang.
Return of the Shelby
If only the Shelby GT500 could return, it would change the current situation of Mustang sales. Rumors about a high-performance trim for 2026 have gained traction. This followed what appeared to be a leaked UAW document.
The document indicated plans for a supercharged V-8 engine, reportedly named “Legend,” intended for the upcoming GT500. Ford’s other vehicles are faring poorly, too. The Explorer and Expedition have seen sales declines of 25 % and 34 %, respectively.
Year-over-year sales for the Maverick, E-Series van, and Transit have also dropped. On a positive note, the F-Series lineup has increased by 17.3 %, although the F-150 Lightning’s sales have fallen by 15.1 %. Overall, the Ford brand’s sales decreased by 7.4 % in 2025.
Conclusion
The decline in Ford Mustang sales is a clear reflection of shifting market dynamics and the increasing burden on consumers. With rising prices and tough competition from other sports cars, the Mustang is struggling to maintain its once-dominant position.
While rumors of a high-performance Shelby GT500 may spark hope, the brand’s overall sales slump suggests that Ford needs to rethink its strategy to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
The future of the Mustang—and Ford as a whole—depends on how they adapt to these challenges. Thanks for reading till the end. Let us know what you think in the comments below. Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for more content like this.