Long a beloved vehicle by many car enthusiasts, the Ford Mustang GT is once again proving to be America’s sweetheart in 2015.

According to recent market research from Autodata, Ford’s Mustang sales ticked up more than 36 percent in March compared to the same period last year. The entirety of the auto manufacturer’s first-quarter numbers are even more impressive, with Ford enjoying a 52 percent uptick on Mustang sales in 2015.

While Ford sales are booming, the same thing can’t be said about its rival manufacturers. For instance, sales of Chevy Camaro dropped 31 percent in March – data which indicates that Ford and Chevrolet are heading down quite different paths this year.

It appears as though one of the main reasons sales have been so strong for Ford is due to the fact that the Mustang turned 50 this year. To celebrate that anniversary, Ford redesigned the classic American sports car, giving the new Mustang an EcoBoost turbocharged engine, independent rear suspension and traction control, among other things.

What’s Under the Hood?

People buy Mustangs because they’re great, powerful and sleek vehicles. If you need some more reason as to why so many Mustangs are flying off of dealership lots, consider the following:

It’s got a 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine capable of delivering 435 horsepower and 400 feet/pound of torque.

The car is capable of hitting 155 mph.

Owners who choose the upgraded Premium Package are able to toggle between preprogrammed driving modes, giving them more control in bad weather or allowing for better performance on the track, among other things.

As is the case with all Mustangs, there are numerous upgrade packages available so that can enthusiasts can improve and modify their GTs according to their own preferences rather easily. For example, a $2,500 upgrade is available that adds a larger radiator, strut-tower brace, unique chassis tuning, an upsized rear sway bar, heavy-duty front springs and a gauge pack, among other things.

The Perfect Time for a Facelift

The 2015 Mustang was also the beneficiary of a slew of cosmetic improvements. Ford didn’t leave any stones unturned as it built its 50-year anniversary edition. Of course, while the physical appearance of the car might not have the most to do with how well it performs, you still have to look at your Mustang every day and be comfortable when you’re driving it.

Good news: the 2015 Mustang GT is a beautiful car on the inside, too. Drivers who choose the Premium Package can enhance their car’s interior even more, adding things like aluminum foot pedals, dual zone climate control, ambient lighting, an accented dash panel, leather heated and cooled seats, premium door trip design and a whole lot more.

Starting at $32,500 – $1,000 more than the 2014 model – it’s safe to say that many new Mustangs are not exactly alike, thanks to all of the opportunities for customization that are available.

Altogether, Ford’s updates add up to a more attractive car – and one that many Americans are indicating they feel is bargain. It’ll be interesting to see if Ford can continue to ride these Mustang sales for the rest of the year. Should that happen, one thing’s for certain: Shareholders will be happy.