First Car Questions...? (Mustangs, Firebird/Trans Am)?

I'm just thinking ahead, but I already have my first car.

I have a '96 Ford Explorer XL and yea...

I looked it up on kbb and I figured out it'd be right around $1200 as a trade in but oh well that's not really the question here

Question starts below v

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Are 3rd and 4th gen. Trans Am / Firebird safe, and are they good on gas at all?

I really like them and I've been searching around and I'm seeing that they're cheap but I can't find much on their gas mileage and maintenance but then again I'm seeing everyday in the news GM is recalling cars everyday for ignition switches are those cars involved in that?

THEN WE FLIP SIDES

The Mustang--

I love them and I am a die-hard Ford but there is just something about those 4th gen Firebirds... But anyway everybody and their brother has a mustang (Don't get me wrong I love the car but it's just too common I think?) Anyway what I was wondering is are these fuel efficient and are they safe?

BTW: I have money in the bank saved up + my funds on the side + trade in...

And I mean like the Mustangs are alot more to look at I think, but it seems they're all so expensive from their V6 to their V8 and I can't quite understand why.

And yes I know insurance would be KILLER on both of these but seeing as I wouldn't have a car payment I think I could handle it...