1990-2006 Ford Mustang History

1991

Again, changes in the basic Mustang were minor for 1991. New 16-inch star-shaped wheels on the 5.0 liter V-8 set the `91 apart from its 1990 predecessor. The standard four-cylinder 2.3 liter, equipped with electronic fuel injection, got a boost from two spark plugs per cylinder, kicking power from 88 to 105 horses.New to the options list were front floor mats at $33 and a cargo tie-down net for $66. Leather seats were a $499 add-on. A graphic equalizer was available with the premium sound system for $139 or $307 for the non-premium system.

1992

For 1992, not much more could be done to tweak the Fox platform that had been serving Mustang since 1979. Styling and mechanics remained the same as in the past few years. At mid-year to generate consumer interest, a Limited Edition of the 5.0 liter LX convertible was introduced that featured a Vibrant Red exterior and either Titanium White or White/Red interior. The top was White with an Ebony headliner. Dealers sold 2,019 of the 1992 1/2 Specials.New options continued to be introduced, a power adjustable seat could be added for $183.

1993

For 1993, Ford released three limited edition Mustangs: A yellow LX 5.0L convertible with white interior (1,419 produced), and a white on white convertible (1,460 produced) were available from the beginning of the year. A new Cobra model was introduced mid-year with its 5.0 liter V8 tweaked to 235 bhp, while changes to the SAE rating method dropped the regular 5.0 V8 to 200 bhp. The Cobra was produced by Ford’s Special Vehicles Team (SVT) which had taken over the functions of the former SVO group. The Cobra benefited from engine improvements developed by Ford tuner Jack Roush, as well as huge 245/45ZR17 Goodyear Eagle tires on 17" wheels. Performance was good and a remarkable 4,993 cars were sold in just half a year. Although the Cobra injected some excitement in the Mustang lineup, the basic design had been unchanged for 14 years. But big things were in the works for 1994.

1994

Ford tightened the reins on the Cobra R for 1995, requiring buyers to show a competition license in order to buy one. Available only in Crystal White, Cobra R models came a racing fuel cell and a special engine cooling package, but with no power windows, insulation, radio, or back seat. Buyers were expected to install their own competition racing seats within their own roll cages. Delivery weight was a mere 3,325 lbs. The biggest news was that the engine had been prepped by Jack Roush Technologies. The 351 Windsor V8 was rated at a stout 300 bhp and all Cobra Rs received a Tremec five speed manual transmission, a final drive ratio of 3.27:1, a revised suspension, and P255/45R17 BF Goodrich Comp T/A tires mounted on huge 17"x9.0" wheels.

1996

1996 Mustangs offered a number of refinements on the Fox-4 introduced in 1994. Most notably, a modular 4.6 liter single overhead cam V-8 replaced the old standby 5.0 liter V-8 that had been phased out at the end of the `95 model year. The SVT Mustang Cobra was outfitted with an aluminum alloy derivative of the 4.6 liter V-8, featured a double overhead cam, and its 281ci were capable of generating 305 horsepower. Of course the standard 3.8 liter V-6 with electronic fuel injection, rated at 150hp, remained in Mustang’s engine inventory.

Exterior modifications included a honeycomb grille behind the pony and vertical rather than horizontally opposed taillights. The Cobra’s taller engine required a re-designed "bubble’ hood. The GT acquired new identification designating the advanced technology under the hood. The coiled cobra adorned the SVT Mustang front fenders and COBRA was embossed into the molded rear bumper of the SVT Mustang, replacing MUSTANG.

1997-1999

Mustang’s engine lineup for 1997 reprised the same power plants including the 3.8 liter, 150hp EFI V-6 which powered the basis coupe or convertible; the 4.6 liter, 215 hp single overhead cam V-8 found primarily on the GT models, and the double overhead cam, 4.6 liter V-8, rated at 305 hp, designed primarily for the Cobras.All platforms benefited from refinements that further purged squeaks and rattles and smoothed out bumpy roads.

The diameter of the anti-roll bar increased enhancing steering. In keeping with tradition, the Mustang offered a wide range of options for buyers to personalize their transportation — from the Preferred Equipment Package on GT coupes (air conditioning; AM/FM radio and stereo cassette player; sports seats; four-way powered driver’s seat; ABS; cruise control; fog lights; rear spoiler; etc.) which added $2,940 to the basic car’s total price, to remote keyless entry that cost an additional $145. Externally, the most notable modification was removal of the honeycomb grille reintroduced the year before.

Basically, another carryover year for the Mustang. The 4.6 liter, V-8 single overhead cam engine was kicked up another ten horses to 225hp and air conditioning became standard. All models received a modified center console with armrest, cup holders with an optional drop-in ash tray; dual 12-volt power points, and CD cassette storage. A dash-mounted clock pod, introduced in 1997, was removed for `98.

Safety features included second generation de-powered driver and front passenger air bags; high-strength side door intrusion beams; three-point lap/shoulder safety belts, and a passive anti-theft system. The dash clock from 1994-1997 models was removed. The Cobra got five spoke wheels and was offered in yellow and blue. Available in either coupe or convertible, and in basic, GT or Cobra configuration, starting prices ranged from $16,500 to $29,000.

For its 35th anniversary, the Mustang pony is back in its corral, albeit a trapezoidal rather than rectangular enclosure. And that’s not all. To mark the anniversary many of the car’s traditional design features have been reworked including the tri-color bars on the front fender sides; honeycomb grille; rear spoiler; side sculpting and scoops — all these coupled with the long hood and short deck that have been the Mustang’s heritage.

Add to that the crisp, fresh look of "New Edge" designs such as slim halogen headlights with integrated turn signals; larger, three-inch diameter dual exhausts, and a hood and rear deck comprised of a sheet molded plastic compound that eliminates corrosion while reducing weight. Engines have advanced to provide improved power and torque. The 3.8 liter, split-port fuel induction V-6 has been boosted to 190hp, thanks to Teflon-coated pistons and freer flowing cylinder head, while the GT’s 4.6 liter SOHC V-8 is now rated at 260hp.

2000

Mustang went unchanged in 2000, aside from the removal of the 35th Anniversary fender badges. The V-6 and GT were indiscernible from the outside, except for the dual exhaust cutouts in the bumper of the GT. Ford released 3,091 Spring Feature Mustangs for the 2000 model year. The package was offered in Performance Red, Black, Silver, White, and Zinc Yellow. The package was available only on GTs.

A limited run of 300 "Cobra R" models were produced this year powered by a 5.4-liter, iron-block version of the DOHC, 32-valve engine rated at a massive 385 horsepower. Stripped of such niceties as air conditioning and a backseat, and carrying a $55,845 price, the Cobra R sold out in no time at all.

For the first time since 1989, Ford sold more than 200,000 Mustangs — a total of 215,393 in 2000.

2001

The Cobra returned for 2001, but the big news that year was the special "Bullitt" edition Mustang GT coupe designed to evoke memories of the ’68 Mustang driven by Steve McQueen in the 1968 film of that name. The Bullitt, based on the regular GT, featured a lowered suspension, new five-spoke wheels evocative of the classic Torq-Thrust design and such neat exterior details as a fuel-filler door designed to look like that of an aircraft’s.

The interior was also redecorated with special graphics on the instrumentation and special upholstery, both reminiscent of the 1968 GT, as well as aluminum-finished pedals and an aluminum ball shift knob. A larger throttle body and other revisions to the engine pushed output to 265 horsepower. Available in blue, black or, like the movie car, dark green, the Bullitt was a hit and all 5,000 sold out quickly.

2002

The 2002 Mustang offered the Visteon Mach 1000 audio system. The system produced over 1,100 watts of peak power and featured a 60-watt parametrically equalized amplifier, six 85-watt subwoofer amplifiers, four 5.5 x 7.5-inch subwoofer speakers, four midrange tweeters and two 10-inch trunk-mounted acoustic suspension enclosures. Standard with the Mach 1000 was an in-dash six-disc CD changer with an MP3 player option. The gorgeous wheels from the Bullitt made it onto the regular Mustang options list for 2002. Sonic Blue was added to the lineup, and the leather on the steering wheel on premium package cars was slightly changed. The optional stripe on the side of the V-6 Mustangs was thicker, and 16" wheels were standard.

No special edition Mustangs were available in 2002, and only a handful of Cobras were made, and they were all shipped to Australia, where they were converted to right-hand drive, and side marker lights and another set of fog lamps were set inside the front bumper.

2003

The big news came for 2003 with a reborn, radically more powerful Cobra and a new limited-edition Mach 1 model. The new Cobra uses a supercharged version of the 4.6-liter, DOHC, 32-valve V8 making a stupefying 390 horsepower. With that grunt traveling through a six-speed manual transmission, the latest Cobra is the quickest and fastest Mustang ever built by Ford.

Meanwhile, the new Mach 1 is almost mechanically identical to the 1998 Cobra in specification and uses a normally aspirated version of the 4.6-liter, DOHC engine now rated (again) at 305 horsepower, a solid rear axle and five-speed manual transmission. But it’s the eye candy, which includes a flat black painted hood, 17-inch versions of the Magnum 500 wheels from the ’60s and, most prominently, the return of the "Shaker" hood scoop, that make it such a special machine.

Ford celebrated its 100th Anniversary in June of 2003, and made limited edition vehicles to commemorate the event. The 100th Anniversary models only came in black, and included Premium Verona-grain Imola leather seating surfaces in two-tone parchment. The Mustang got the GT premium package which included 17" wheels, anti-lock brakes and traction control; dual exhaust; power driver’s seat with power lumbar support; leather-wrapped steering wheel; and Mach 460 AM/FM Stereo with six-disc CD changer, as well as 100th Anniversary badges on the fender and decklid and embossed on the seats. The Centennial Package was a $995 upgrade.

2004

The 2004 Mustang returns unchanged and is available in five models: Base and GT Coupe and Convertible and the Mach 1 Coupe. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Mustang all but SVT Mustangs will include a 40th Anniversary fender badge. Available upgrade packages include the Deluxe Equipment Group and Premium Equipment Group. All base models feature a 3.8L V-6 engine with electronic engine controls and 16-inch cast aluminum wheels

2005

At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, Ford introduced a completely redesigned Mustang (code named "S-197") on an all-new D2C platform for the 2005 model year. Exterior styling was designed by Sid Ramnarace, drawing inspiration from 1960s Mustangs. The car featured an aesthetic that Senior Vice President of Design J Mays referred to as "retro-futurism."

The base Mustang uses a 210 hp (156 kW) Ford Cologne V6 engine. The GT has a 300 hp (224 kW) 4.6 L 3-valve Modular V8 with variable valve timing. It retains the traditional but controversial live rear axle, and offers improved handling and ride. Modern production facilities and computer aided design have allowed the new Mustang to have 100% more structural rigidity over its predecessor, and have greatly increased build quality as well as fit and finish. One particularly interesting feature is the optional color-changing gauges.

Shortly after its launch at the North American International Auto Show in January, Ford started production of the Mustang convertible, available with either the V6 or V8 engine. The 2005 Mustang convertible was designed from the ground up to deliver a more rigid body structure without additional weight. Ford engineers designed a z-fold top that gives it a finished appearance with the top lowered.

The new Mustang was an immediate sales success for Ford and as a result was exempt from the 2005 Employee Discount Pricing Program. Half of all sports cars now sold in the United States are Mustangs. The redesigned Mustang is now recognized as an "instant classic" by authoritative automotive journalists.

2006

The 2006 model year offered a new "Pony Package" for the popular V6 models, which included upgraded suspension, Bullitt-style wheels, wider tires, unique grille treatment with road lamps, rear deck spoiler, special door striping and special Pony emblems.

Dozens of new aftermarket products are being released for the new Mustangs. The V6 Mustang had scarce aftermarket support in the past, but that all changed with the S-197 Mustang, which now has an array of V6 aftermarket support. Carroll Shelby has built special editions of the V6 with Paxton Superchargers and a 350 hp rating.