Strong sales of Ford‘s mustang and other models have helped the automaker post a rise in July sales as compared to 2009.

Ford is reporting a 3.1 percent rise in auto sales for the month of July. Ford’s main brand was up 8.1 percent while its luxury Lincoln line bounced back 16.3 percent. The company’s Volvo brand, which it recently sold to China’s Geely, was down 33 percent. The soon-to-be phased out Mercury brand dragged the numbers down with a 31 percent loss. Overall, Ford has proven to be one of the brands heading in the right direction as the recession recedes, with an increase of 24 percent total as compared to the first seven months of 2009.

Though the automaker struggled through 2009, July’s numbers were slightly inflated by the government’s Cash for Clunkers program.

Ford’s new Mustang, introduced this year, posted a 12 percent increase in sales. In addition, its redesigned Taurus doubled sales over the model’s previous iteration.

One of the reasons to buy a used Ford Mustang is that the car may end up appreciating if drivers keep it in good condition. There are a slew of auto enthusiasts who specifically value Mustangs, so investing in one is never a bad purchase.