Surveying Ecoboost Owners

[BigFloyd]

Background

I've been checking out the '16 Stang. I've got a '13 Altima 3.5 SL that I'll be turning in at lease end in about 9 weeks and it's time to drive something a bit more plucky. My two cars before the Altima were a 2010 Maxima Premium and an '08 Accord Coupe V6 MT.

I initially had thought the GT would be my choice, but wanted to see what the 2.3L Ecoboost had to offer and decided to drive that one first. My friend (who had driven the GT before and loves them) was thinking that we were wasting time on anything other than the 5.0, but kindly went along since I'm the one seriously shopping.

[FONT=&quot] After checking out the cockpit, I started the EB model thinking "I'm probably not going to enjoy driving this car much, but need to satisfy my curiosity regardless". Funny thing was that, once I got the EB out on the road, started playing with the different modes, taking some corners and getting a feel for what it would do, the more the darn thing kept putting a grin on my face. While it didn't have the raw power I later saw in the GT, the overall driving experience was quite enjoyable and much better than what either of us had expected. About 30 minutes into the drive, my buddy got behind the wheel and remarked that he had previously (out of ignorance) thought that the EB Mustang was a piece of sh**. No longer. That drive lasted about an hour and was an enlightening experience.

Dropped off the turbo-4 and picked up the GT Prem. That drive was, of course, enjoyable in a different way than the first. It's easy to fall in love (or maybe in lust) with the Coyote 5.0 and the way it moves that car from the line, exiting a corner and when passing at highway speed. It handled well, but I could sense the extra engine mass and its affect on weight distribution.

The GT was a hoot to drive. I'm just not sure that it would be the right choice for the kind of driving that I mostly do and my thoughts are currently inching ever so slightly towards the Ecoboost. My 10-15 min work commutes and errand running are mostly on roads having a 35-50 mph speed limit. Also, when I have the desire to go what my wife calls "stupid-fast", I have a '13 Yamaha FJR that will do 0-60 in 2.8 sec and turn a quarter in 10.98 (albeit with a skinny midget test rider, not me).

The questions for Ecoboost owners

1) What do you like/dislike the most about it?

2) If you were considering both models, are you happy that you went with the EB?

3) If yours got totaled today, would you buy the same thing or not? If not, why not?

4) Have you experienced any problems or service issues? Did Ford handle them to your satisfaction?

Thanks!
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[jbailer]

The questions for Ecoboost owners

1) What do you like/dislike the most about it?
I like the gas mileage as this is my commuter car. I also like the handling better than the GT, the car feels so balanced. My 06 GT satisfies my need for raw power and sound but that car is a garage queen. I consider my EB more of a refined sports car with the IRS and double ball joint suspension. I just feel the EB with its 52/48% weight distribution is damned near perfect! As you can see in my signature, I've complimented it nicely and absolutely LOVE driving the car. I'm not sure if you are up for after market tunes but Adam at Tune+ offers an amazing tune that will transform the car. It now has an estimated 325 hp and 400 tq to the wheels!

Having said all that, I do miss the sound of the GT!

2) If you were considering both models, are you happy that you went with the EB?
Absolutely, no regret. I've had it for a year and put 18,500 miles on it.

3) If yours got totaled today, would you buy the same thing or not? If not, why not?
Would absolutely buy the same thing, even the same color.

4) Have you experienced any problems or service issues? Did Ford handle them to your satisfaction?
I experienced 2 problems. One was the brakes squealing. Ford put out a TSB and replaced the brake pads and rotors at no charge. That wouldn't be an issue on a new one though. Also the seat backs don't cool. All of the plumbing and peltier are in there for them to work but the design was really poor and just doesn't work well. Ford put out a TSB on this as well. The dealer did the work and replaced the units in the seat back. I had it done when the weather started to get cooler so I haven't had a chance to really see if it is that much better. On days when it was kind of warm, it didn't feel like it was cooling much if at all. This will be the same on all models with the feature though.

 

[tommyd]

survey

1. I like everything about the EB that you liked during your testdrive,I dislike the exhaust sound
2. The EB has all the power I need, the GT is overkill.
3. Before i got another EB I would check out the 6 cyl. camaro, but I probably would end up with an EB anyway
4. 3000 miles no issues .when I took it in for a recall they worked around my schedule .

consider the P.Package if want better handling good luck!

 

[Ecoboosted]

I have owned both a 15' EB PP premium auto then later traded for a 15' GT premium 6-speed manual.

The questions for Ecoboost owners

1) What do you like/dislike the most about it?

The sound of the exhaust. Never really liked it or any of the aftermarket exhausts that i've heard. Didn't care for how the power dropped off at 5-5500 rpms. Hearing issues of EB's going into limp mode is a concern to me. I never got the advertised mpg that it is supposed to get. I never once got the 32 mpg on the highway. Closest i got was 31 mpg and it was only once. I never dogged the car and tried my best at times to see what the best mileage i could get.

2) If you were considering both models, are you happy that you went with the EB?

Other than the sound of the exhaust it was a nice car. I just missed the sound of a nice V8 and the rush of power over the EB.

3) If yours got totaled today, would you buy the same thing or not? If not, why not?

If my GT got totaled i would get another GT in a hot second

4) Have you experienced any problems or service issues? Did Ford handle them to your satisfaction?

I didn't have my EB very long (5 months). Didn't have any issues with it. Traded it with about 4500 trouble free miles.

 

[meenk]

1. the car makes driving to and from work every day a blast. it's even better if you tune. i dislike the exhaust sound, just deleted my resonator to try to get a slightly better tone. i also dislike the base stereo, but it's the base stereo, so.

2. i'm very happy i bought the eb. no regrets.

3. i would probably get the GT, but only because i could. the whole "i already had that, so let's try something different" type of deal.

4. about 10k miles with no problems. when i took her in for the recall everything went well.

 

[boogs]

1) What do you like/dislike the most about it?

Looks good (duh), handles reasonably well and is very comfortable (base EB with PP). Downside? I miss the sound and power of a V8.

2) If you were considering both models, are you happy that you went with the EB?

I was considering both models and sadly, price was a factor. Had it not been, I likely would have gotten a GT.

3) If yours got totaled today, would you buy the same thing or not? If not, why not?

As above, if I could swing it, i'd prolly get a GT.


4) Have you experienced any problems or service issues? Did Ford handle them to your satisfaction?

No problems to date.

 

[ZuluEcho]

This discussion is often framed as if talking about a "better car" (the GT) and a "lesser car" (the EB). Sometimes it reminds me of this Amazon review where this fellow said that the 7 inch tablet he was reviewing was perfect, except it was not a 9 inch tablet...

Considering these two cars look exactly the same, you got to ask yourself what is it that you want/need. If you must have the V8 because that is the "only Mustang to have", because you crave that sound, because you need the power to take it to the track, then talking about anything else makes no sense. Get the V8 and forget the rest.

Personally I am not into track or mods or a lot of the things that attract so many folks to the Mustang. The same goes for exhaust sound, which is not that important to me. Sure, I like the growl of the V8, but I don't need to have a car that sounds like that... I was never a Mustang guy. But I was attracted to the car NOW because it is simply a beautiful thing to behold inside out, and because I wanted a piece of the Mustang mystic.

And what am I going to do with the car? driving it on weekends, take long trips, see some country. For me getting the EB was a no brainer: lots of power, better fuel economy, and none of the extras I was not going to use. Do I think it is a "better" option than the GT? no, I think that for me this was the option that made sense, since it gives me the style, the handling, the comfort that I was looking for.

So, as obvious is might sound, ask yourself how the car will be used, how often, city, highway, primary, secondary car, how (extra)talented you are as a driver (as in, can you do a controlled skid?). Then, all things being equal, I think the answer should be easier.

(and on a personal note, I am upgrading from a 2001 Ford Escape, so you get the picture :-)

 

[Buhbuhj]

The questions for Ecoboost owners[/SIZE][/FONT]
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1) What do you like/dislike the most about it?

2) If you were considering both models, are you happy that you went with the EB?

3) If yours got totaled today, would you buy the same thing or not? If not, why not?

4) Have you experienced any problems or service issues? Did Ford handle them to your satisfaction?

Thanks!
[/FONT]

1. I like boosted cars and you can have a lot of fun with the 2.3 in that regard.

2. If I had gotten the GT I'd still be happy and probably would also mod it just as much but I really enjoy having something different.

3. I would probably not get another one. Not because I don't like it but there are a few other car options I would consider first before buying another new car.

4. I've had 0 issues with my car.

Just to add to those questions. I often tell people that ask me I don't think I would recommend an EB to someone that doesn't plan on modding it. I feel like the stock EB is pretty lackluster. Even a few simple mods go a long way into bringing life into the car and If you aren't willing to do them you might want to just consider the GT.

 

[cdenoma]

The questions for Ecoboost owners

1) What do you like/dislike the most about it?

-I like the gas mileage and weight advantages the EB has over the GT. I have a bunch of aftermarket goodies coming in that will put me close to GT power levels. I like that my insurance premiums are MUCH cheaper than a GT for my age at 22. I enjoy surprising people that like to pick on the 4 Cyl and get walked. I DISLIKE the sound compared to the GT. But I don't mind the turbo 4cyl sound.
I don't like GT owners bashing the 4cyl all day, I could afford a GT if I wanted to but I chose a more cost effective option and I'm happy with it. The GT is a beast and I had plans of pro charging one. But I don't need that kind of car right now. Maybe when I can afford the car and a daily driver for work.

2) If you were considering both models, are you happy that you went with the EB?

-Absolutely, for me I'm happy with it because I'll be modding it quite a bit. And I'm saving 3-400 a month when compared to a base GT. If I had all the same options my EB has in a GT my payments would be much higher.

3) If yours got totaled today, would you buy the same thing or not? If not, why not?

-If my EB got totaled I would likely consider a GT, only because I like trying new things. I'm really happy with the EB but I'd like to be able to say that I've owned both. There's a few factors that would sway my decision (I.E. Insurance going up, amount of parts I can recover and sell etc)

4) Have you experienced any problems or service issues? Did Ford handle them to your satisfaction?

-I only have 1900 miles. It's been tuned since 500.5 miles with zero issues. I don't foresee having any problems in the future that wouldn't be caused by me pushing it to 400whp

 

[speedfrk]

[FONT=&quot]The questions for Ecoboost owners

1) What do you like/dislike the most about it?
This is my economy car- traded my Civic on it. It is a great DD. I easily get 30-31mpg on the hwy at 70 but it drops off fast in around town driving. The exhaust note is pretty lame.

2) If you were considering both models, are you happy that you went with the EB?
Like you, I drove both side by side and chose the better handling over the higher power of the GT. Still happy. You might like the PP if you want even better handling.

3) If yours got totaled today, would you buy the same thing or not? If not, why not? That is a hypothetical I can't answer. Probably, but maybe a Mercedes C coupe.

4) Have you experienced any problems or service issues? Did Ford handle them to your satisfaction?
Oh, yes! Make sure your car doesn't have the dreaded driveline vibration problem. They eventually fixed it but after 8 visits, rental cars, etc. Ford has no concern for your time or convenience. It is not a premium brand and it shows in their service.

A friend of mine who has had several 400+HP Fox body Mustangs likes the EB motor so much, he is going to get one out of a wreck and transplant it into a Fox body notchback. Should be pretty entertaining...
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[CommyO]

To answer all your questions, yes.

 

[BigFloyd]

To answer all your questions, yes.

Try to not be so verbose next time.

 

[DB23]

1. Love the low end and mid range torque - pulls like crazy even stock. As others have said, sounds like a generic 4 banger - though IMO a tune and hi flo filter have helped there.
2. For me it was a prem eb easy vs stretch for a prem gt and I'm still happy with my choice, yes you can never forget the v8 rumble but for a DD 310/320 at the crank is plenty & I quite enjoy the bells n whistles and leather seats etc.
3. Yes, tho I'd look far n wide for premier trim . ;-)
4. No issues - heat shield recall was done no prob, cooled seats TSB helped just a little but that's minor, mechanically she's been great for 13 mos/7k.

 

[Surtur]

[FONT=&quot]
1) What do you like/dislike the most about it?

A: like the light front end for corners, feels pretty peppy even without the 5.0 in it, its easy to tune and mod to make more power. Dislike that its still a pretty big car and the stock exhaust is worse than stepping in dog shit with new shoes.

2) If you were considering both models, are you happy that you went with the EB?

A: Was considering both, ended up in the ecoboost because i have had only v8s in the past and wanted to try something different. Definitely happy with the ecoboost but id be happy either way because the gt is awesome as well.

3) If yours got totaled today, would you buy the same thing or not? If not, why not?

A: If i was going to get another mustang id probably buy a used ecoboost and save a lot of money.

4) Have you experienced any problems or service issues? Did Ford handle them to your satisfaction?

A: No issues so far for me.
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[Ground Speed]

This discussion is often framed as if talking about a "better car" (the GT) and a "lesser car" (the EB). Sometimes it reminds me of this Amazon review where this fellow said that the 7 inch tablet he was reviewing was perfect, except it was not a 9 inch tablet...

Considering these two cars look exactly the same, you got to ask yourself what is it that you want/need. If you must have the V8 because that is the "only Mustang to have", because you crave that sound, because you need the power to take it to the track, then talking about anything else makes no sense. Get the V8 and forget the rest.

Personally I am not into track or mods or a lot of the things that attract so many folks to the Mustang. The same goes for exhaust sound, which is not that important to me. Sure, I like the growl of the V8, but I don't need to have a car that sounds like that... I was never a Mustang guy. But I was attracted to the car NOW because it is simply a beautiful thing to behold inside out, and because I wanted a piece of the Mustang mystic.

And what am I going to do with the car? driving it on weekends, take long trips, see some country. For me getting the EB was a no brainer: lots of power, better fuel economy, and none of the extras I was not going to use. Do I think it is a "better" option than the GT? no, I think that for me this was the option that made sense, since it gives me the style, the handling, the comfort that I was looking for.

So, as obvious is might sound, ask yourself how the car will be used, how often, city, highway, primary, secondary car, how (extra)talented you are as a driver (as in, can you do a controlled skid?). Then, all things being equal, I think the answer should be easier.

(and on a personal note, I am upgrading from a 2001 Ford Escape, so you get the picture :-)

Great post. I got the EcoBoost Performance Pack, which gets you a slightly stiffer ride, and slightly better "speed", but honestly my favorite thing about the car is that it still feels pretty refined and livable.

I've kept mine mostly stock other than a grille and window tint, and while the V-8 rumble isn't there, otherwise it's full of power and responsiveness and never fails to make me grin when I drive it, even to work or back.

I'd say you can't go wrong with any version of the current Mustang: the V-6, EB, or V-8 are all good.

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