Does Your Mustang Really Need Premium Gasoline?

Many drivers swear by it, but does your Mustang really need premium gas at the pump? According to the folks at Ford, most Mustangs, including the 2009 Bullitt, can run just fine on 87 octane gasoline. That means there's no need for most Mustang owners to use premium unleaded.

"Products, excluding specialty performance vehicles such as the Ford Shelby GT500, can run on regular 87-octane gasoline - with great performance," said Stephen Russ, a technical leader with Ford Powertrain Operations. "That includes products ranging from the 2009 Ford Mustang Bullitt to the Lincoln MKS." He added, "Some customers may choose to use premium fuel to get additional horsepower, but our powertrains are designed so we don't have to require it." Ford says running on regular versus premium represents upwards of a $200-a-year savings in fuel costs for customers.

So unless your Mustang requires the premium stuff due to a modification or performance upgrade, it makes sense to stick with regular unleaded. If in doubt, check your owner's manual.

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Photo © Ford Motor Company