A Comprehensive Look at the Transmission Options in America’s Iconic Pony Car

From its introduction in 1964 to the present day, the Ford Mustang has been a symbol of American automotive ingenuity and performance. While it is true that many early Mustang models were available wi …

From its introduction in 1964 to the present day, the Ford Mustang has been a symbol of American automotive ingenuity and performance. While it is true that many early Mustang models were available with manual transmissions, this article will explore whether all Ford Mustangs are indeed manual.

The first generation Ford Mustang (1964-1973) was initially only available with three different manual transmission options:

• A three-speed manual (known as a “three-on-the-tree”) in the base model
• A four-speed manual (known as a “four on the tree” or a T-10) in higher-trim models
• A five-speed manual (the Toploader) was available in some high-performance trim levels, such as the GT

However, starting with the 1974 Mustang, Ford began to offer automatic transmissions as an option. The C3 three-speed automatic became the most popular transmission choice for many Mustang buyers.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the Mustang continued to be offered with both manual and automatic transmissions, although the V8 engine was only available with a four-speed automatic (the AOD) in some models.

The modern Ford Mustang, starting from the 2005 model year, has been available with several different transmission options:

• A five-speed manual (known as the TR-3650)
• A six-speed manual (known as the TREMEC TR-6060)
• A six-speed automatic (known as the 6R80)
• A ten-speed automatic (known as the 10R80) starting from 2018

It’s worth noting that while some Mustang models have been available with automatic transmissions, many enthusiasts and collectors still prefer the manual transmission for its performance benefits and driving engagement.

In conclusion, while many early Ford Mustangs were indeed manual, not all modern Mustangs are manual. The availability of both manual and automatic transmissions has varied over the years depending on the model and trim level. However, for those who value the driving experience and performance of a manual transmission, there are still plenty of options available in the Mustang lineup.

Sources:

• Ford Motor Company archives
• Various automotive publications and websites