As if the Mustang, possibly one of the most popular and recognized Ford cars of all time, needed any more hype than it already has. Now, a new study reports that teens prefer the Ford Mustang when it comes time for them to choose their first car.

One teen – Dan Vanderlip, Jr. – fell in love with the Ford Mustang in his early teenage years. He was bound and determined to buy one when he got his license. So he saved and saved by working in the family business and investing his money wisely. (Heck, I’m twice his age and I can’t even save like that!) When he turned 16, he was just short of the money he needed to buy his dream car. He was about to sell his rare baseball cards to make up the difference, but his dad stopped him from doing that and helped him with the money instead.

According to a Teenage Research Unlimited (TRU) survey, Vanderlip isn’t alone. Many other teens love the Ford Mustang. Robert Parker, a marketing manager at Ford, attributes the allure of the Mustang to its iconic nature in our culture. “The Mustang is a part of Americana; it is a part of our culture and who we are.” He went on to explain the widespread allure for all ages: “It’s the kind of car that makes you feel different when you’re driving it, whether you’re a teenager or not.”

Another reason the Mustang is popular among younger drivers is its price tag. With many models costing less than $20,000, the Ford Mustang is in reach for many teenagers and parents who want to help them get the car they love.

Is it any wonder why one out of every two sports cars sold in the United States is a Stang?