Back in 2015, Ford launched its sixth generation Mustang with great fanfare. Everyone was talking about the new turbo four-cylinder version and the spicy 5.0-liter GT, and if you were interested, there was also a V6 manual for the purists. Ford may have wanted you to concentrate on their flashier and louder offerings, and those cars did tend to grab all the attention, but the V6 was certainly no slouch.While it could reward an expectant driver when out on the road, people do tend to overlook this V6 manual version today. This puts it in a sweet spot if you're looking for some real-world fun for your dollar and makes the stick Mustang worthy of a second look. The Forgotten Middle Child with Real Muscle FordFord's middle-of-the-road Mustang from 2015 has a port-injected 3.7-liter V6, which turns out 300 hp and 280 lb.-ft of torque. It's happy revving all day and builds its power in a smooth and linear rush rather than in one big and unexpected shove. It also has a six-speed manual to give you your classic Mustang experience and that box sends the V6 power to the rear wheels with six well-spaced ratios. So, you can enjoy a real Mustang with a proper three-pedal setup and keep the engine in its sweet spot, whether you're merging onto I-95 or threading your way through an empty back road. You’ll get everything that there is to like about a Mustang, but in this vehicle, you're accessing it through a slightly more subtle soundtrack.Some estimates suggest that you can reach 60 mph in the mid-five-second range, which places this V6 Mustang firmly into the “fast enough” territory for a daily driver. It doesn't have the straight-line performance you might expect from a dedicated V8 muscle car, but you've got everything you need for strong freeway merging and confident passing. It is, of course, a two plus two, which means that it's only properly friendly with the adults up front, but it will certainly work as a daily driver for a solo commuter or help you plan a weekend getaway for two. Day-To-Day Driving And What To Expect Ford The beauty of a 2015 Mustang V6 is that it doesn't feel like some fragile weekend toy and is perfectly practical for weekday commutes. There's lots of good visibility considering it's a sporty coupe and while it may take you a short while to get used to that long hood, the dashboard is reasonably low down and the mirrors are close and clear. This vehicle also comes with electric power steering, which means that downtown maneuverability is fine, but the steering system does gain weight as you pick up speed, so it won't feel vague on the highway. The V6 engine also performs well along city streets and feels surprisingly civil. You'll just need to get used to the clutch take-up, and you can easily deal with stop-and-go traffic. The ride is firm but not especially punishing and especially on these standard 17-inch wheels with their relatively tall sidewall tires.It's sensible to be a little careful in wet conditions with this car as there's enough torque low down to unsettle the rear if you don't properly respect the throttle. Be cautious when pulling away from a stop or turning across traffic as you get used to the vehicle, but so long as you keep the traction and stability control systems on, they should watch out for you in the background. Having said that, when you go to the countryside to see how this Mustang performs, you'll understand why it's so popular. On a winding two-lane road, its independent rear suspension does its duty. And unlike some older Mustangs that came with a solid rear axle, each rear wheel can now deal with bumps independently. You should encounter fewer mid-corner hops and a far more confident feel whenever you decide to take the scenic route home. Living With The Mustang And Its Space, Comfort, And Tech Ford You might worry that you'll need to compromise if you choose a Mustang as your daily driver, but in truth, this 2015 V6 coupe is far more livable than its shape may suggest. There's good legroom and headroom up front for average to tall adults, plus supportive seats that help with longer trips. The driver has clear gauges and simple, chunky controls to deal with as part of an interior that feels solid if not spectacular. Certainly, the back seat is better for kids or shorter journeys, but it may be okay for carrying co-workers to lunch and back.Surprisingly, there's quite a lot of room in the trunk, with around 13 to 14 cubic feet of cargo volume in the coupe, which is about the same amount as you'd expect in some compact sedans. This means that there's enough room for some carry-on suitcases for a weekend trip to the coast, and it'll easily deal with your family's weekly grocery haul. You can fold the rear seats down as well, if you need to transport some longer items like a pair of skis.As far as technology is concerned, this will vary by trim and option pack, but many of these vehicles did come with Bluetooth for phone calls and streaming, infotainment systems, and other features like a backup camera. Don't expect to encounter software interfaces that are as slick as some modern vehicles, but overall, you'll find that everything will do the job adequately. Fuel Economy, Running Costs, And Reliability Ford The 2015 V6 Mustang's fuel economy is one of its strongest traits, especially when you compare it to a V8 or turbocharged sport compact. When new, it carried an EPA rating of about 21 mpg combined, with 17 in the city and 28 on the highway. And while that's not hybrid territory, it's probably going to be a lot easier on your bank account than the same, but V8-powered Mustang. So, you may only need to fill up the tank about once a week if you drive normally and typically deal with a fifty-mile round-trip mixed commute.For your maintenance expectations, remember that you are dealing with a performance car, but you certainly shouldn't expect any exotic car bills. Ford fitted one of its biggest six-cylinder units to this vehicle, a known entity which is widely used and has a great reputation for being robust if you look after it. Parts and labor should be reasonable by modern standards as well, and overall, you're dealing with straightforward and naturally aspirated hardware with no hybrid system or turbos to muddy the waters. Just remember to carry out expected routine maintenance and look after your oils, fluids, brakes, and tires. And as an aside, insurance costs typically depend on the normal items like location, age, and driving record, but should probably sit below the Ecoboost or V8 siblings when it comes to your premiums. Safety And Peace Of Mind Ford If you're used to driving a front-wheel-drive compact, then you may think that a rear-drive coupe with 300 hp is intimidating. However, Ford designed and engineered this vehicle as an everyday driver, not a retro hot rod, and it's got some good credentials to back that up. The car earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA when it first came out, including five stars in frontal, side, and rollover tests. It also has double the number of airbags and crash sensors as compared to previous-generation vehicles with enhanced seat belt pre-tensioners too.The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that the 2015 Mustang did okay in their analysis, even though some specific small overlap metrics sat below the absolute top scores. But for everyday life, you can expect to find a car with good underlying protection, and it also comes with electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes as standard. Choosing The Perfect Pony FordOnline valuation checks suggest that a 2015 V6 manual Mustang could be yours for around $20,650, to give you an idea of the market. That seems a reasonable price expectation for a genuine rear-drive sports coupe that has a smooth and willing 300hp V6, a proper six-speed stick, and sensible fuel economy. It may not be the loudest or brashest Mustang in the lot, but it's not attracting a lot of collector's attention like a big powered V8. And so, if you really want a Mustang that you can drive every day while rowing your own gears, you should take a much closer look at this forgotten hero.