Background: The venerable Ford Mustang continues bucking sales trends in all the right ways. As two-door sport coupe sales, in general, continue a downward slide, Mustang’s numbers are strong and healthy. The popularity and youth-appeal of compact and mid-size SUVs are some reasons why sport coupe sales have taken a hit. General Motors announced that both the Pontiac Firebird and Chevrolet Camaro will cease production (at least for a while) after the 2002 model year. Back in the late 1960s, these two stylish coupes were brought on board to steal some of the thunder the surprisingly popular Mustang generated after its introduction. Ford Motor Co., the world’s second-largest automaker behind GM, celebrates a centennial birthday in 2003. Mustang was born 38 years ago by taking a simple equation and marketing it to the masses.
Ford teamed up a sub-compact frame with potent V-8 power and rear-wheel drive. The idea was to provide a race-car-like feel in a street-legal vehicle. Public reaction took Ford and the rest of the auto world by storm. Ford’s two-door Pony Car first arrived in dealers April 17, 1964 as a 1964 and-a-half edition. The 2002 rear-wheel-drive Mustang continues carrying many of the nuances first introduced in the 1999 model year, its last major redesign. Not much changes in 2002 from the previous model year save for some additional audio options and some extra exterior color choices. Mustang is assembled in Dearborn, Mich. outside Detroit. These days, Ford builds approximately 160,000 Mustangs annually, a far cry from the 600,000 units sold during its first year on the market.
Engine/Trim levels: Mustang offers several combinations to mix and match. Two bodystyles are available, a two-door coupe and two-door convertible. The Mustang convertible is the best-selling convertible in the U.S. Two engine selections return from last year: a 3.8-liter V-6 that delivers 193 horsepower or the cream-of-the-crop 4.6-liter V-8 offering 260 horses. Both feature sequential multi-port fuel injection. Mustangs with the more potent V-8 engine are labeled “Mustang GT” while V-6 versions are referred to as simply “Mustang V-6.”
Both bodystyles (coupe and convertible) are available in Mustang GT and Mustang V-6 configurations. Regular 87-octane fuel is recommended for both engines. Five-speed manual transmission comes standard in all Mustangs. Four-speed automatic is optional. Performance-enhancing rear-wheel drive returns again. At the New York Auto Show earlier this year, Ford introduced a 2003 Mustang Mach 1 special edition which will hit dealers later this year. The original Mustang Mach 1 was first introduced in 1969.
The 2003 V-8 version will deliver more than 300 horsepower and include a shaker hood scoop and special chrome wheels. Ford is expected to built 6,500 Mach 1 special editions throughout the 2003 model year. The Mach 1 marketing idea is similar to what Ford did in the 2001 model year when offering limited editions of the “Bullitt” derivative, a limited-edition offering named for the 1968 Steve McQueen big-screen flick. Also arriving in the 2003 model year is the Cobra Special Vehicle Team (SVT) edition, which made its world debut at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show this past February. This version will include a 4.6-liter V-8 engine pumping out 390 horses.
Equipment: Since Mustang is more than your average run-of-the mill entry-level small coupe, many popular features come standard. All editions feature air conditioning, power windows and locks, intermittent windshield wipers, tinted glass, rear-window defroster, tilt steering column, AM/FM radio with compact disc player, power outside mirrors and power rack-and-pinion steering. Ford refines equipment levels by offering three selections: base, deluxe and premium. Two-door hard-tops offer all three while convertibles go with just deluxe and premium choices. Cruise control is standard in all editions except the base V-6. Several different audio packages are optional.
Price: The lowest-priced Mustang, a V-6 coupe with base packaging checks in at $17,475. At the other end of the spectrum, a V-8 GT convertible with the premium trim level starts at $28,450. Ford supplied the Daily Herald with a bright yellow GT convertible premium edition ($28,450). The bottom line totaled $30,370 after factoring in the upgraded Mach 1000 audio system ($1,295) and $625 destination charge. By comparison the lowest-priced 2002 Chevrolet Camaro starts at $18,415.
Interior: Cloth seating comes standard while leather trimming is extra. Ford markets Mustang as a four-seater, a welcome revelation considering so many compact and subcompacts try to convince buyers three adults can travel in relative comfort in back. But beware, Mustang’s rear quarters are tight even for those who don’t subscribe to Jenny Craig. The rear-wheel transaxle hump running longways down the center of the floor also compromises room. Ford inconveniently places the small lever allowing front seat backs to tilt forward down towards the bottom.
Several automakers have larger slide levers closer to the top of the backrests, a more convenient location for those venturing into the back. Mustang’s headlights activate from a pull knob on the far left side of the dashboard, a design popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Brights activate by pulling the turn-signal stalk, which is also home to the windshield washer. The flat instrument panel consists of two comparably small center circular analog gauges flanked by two even small gauges on each side.
In between bucket seats are two permanently molded, in-line beverage holders, a hand-operated parking brake and arm-rest/storage bin combination (hinged on the right side). Three easy-to-grab dials monitor fan speed, temperature and direction and are found high atop the central dashboard. Beneath is the stereo system. At the bottom are a series of buttons activating the rear-window defroster and other features. All cruise control functions are located on the steering wheel. Trunk space? Well, those who need to ask may be in for a tight squeeze. After all, Mustangs are for show and tell, not family-friendly travel. Coupes incorporate 10.9 cubic feet of space, but that number drops to 7.7 cubic feet in convertibles. Our convertible GT flunked the “golf bag” test in part because of the optional stereo with trunk-area speakers. If you’re golfing, stick the sticks in the back seat.
Exterior: As with the original 1964-and-a-half Mustang, the 2002 version incorporates a long hood and short trunk lid. Air scoops on the sides behind the door (GT editions only) look great, but are largely cosmetic. Both GT and Mustang V-6 offerings include a non-functional hood scoop. A rear spoiler is standard in all editions except the Base V-6 Mustang. All GT editions include dual exhausts.
Red tri-bar taillights, another Mustang trait, adorn the rear while in front, a galloping chrome Mustang horse appears on the center honeycomb grille. Band-like headlights wrap around to side fenders. A mast radio antenna protrudes up from the right front fender. For those opting for the convertible, the power black canvas soft top with scratch-resistant glass rear window retracts in less than 15 seconds once two roof latches are manually unlocked and the parking brake engaged. The button activating the power roof is found in between the bucket seats near the cup holders. Sixteen-inch all-season tires and wheels are now standard in V-6 editions, seventeen-inch performance varieties come with V-8 Mustangs.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 101.3 inches
Overall Length: 183.3 inches
Overall Width: 73.1 inches
Overall Height: 53.2 inches
Curb Weight: 3,300 pounds
Warranty: Mustang includes a three-year, 36,000 mile (which ever comes first) bumper-to-bumper basic warranty. Roadside assistance is also good for three years or 36,000 miles.
Safety features: All editions include dual reduced-force front air bags, remote keyless entry, glow-in-the-dark interior trunk-lid release lever and anti-theft alarm system. Ford’s BeltMinder is also standard. This system senses whether or not the driver is buckled in when the car is in motion. If not, a chime rings out intermittently for five minutes until the driver cooperates. All-speed traction control became available in the 1999 model year working in tandem with the anti-lock braking system, a great addition worth considering since the rear-wheel-drive Mustang has been known to lose grip on slippery or snowy roads. Traction control senses when a wheel spins or loses grip and automatically makes split-second electronic adjustments to limit the spinning to keep the car moving forward, not sideways. Anti-lock brakes with traction control is standard in GT editions and optional in V-6 models.
Final thoughts: Mustang is intended for people who like attention and being noticed. Engine rumble in the V-8 edition is designed to grab the attention of passerbys. It’s for drivers who enjoy a sporty, tight ride rather than the smooth, elegant type. Mustang will receive another next-generation redesign probably in the 2004 model year. Die-hard enthusiasts are interested in knowing if the next bodystyle will tilt more towards a futuristic or retro design. Drum roll please. |