Ford Mustang

In 1999 Ford celebrated the Mustang’s 35th anniversary with major styling and horsepower improvements , but only minor changes will be seen for the year 2000. Mustang’s chief rivals are the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, and while those vehicles are in danger of getting taken off the line by General Motors, Ford still sees a great future for this muscle car. Ford is already making plans to introduce a new Mustang during the 2002 model year on a new rear-drive platform.

Mustang comes in V-6 and V-8 versions and as a limited-production, high-performance SVT Cobra model that is covered in a separate report. The styling changes in 1999 were geared toward resurrecting memories of the original Mustang. They include larger side air scoops ahead of the rear wheels and a more prominent galloping pony on the grille.

The Mustang comes in coupe and convertible body styles. The convertible style has a power soft-top with a glass rear window with defogger. At 183 inches bumper to bumper, the Mustang is about a foot shorter than the Chevy Camaro. Restyling in 1999 gave the Mustang a more substantial look compared to models from 1994 to 1998.

The Mustang is a few inches taller than the Camaro, and it pays off in more upright seating and easier entry and exit, though the doors still require a lot of room to open fully. The rear seat is better suited for kids than adults, and cargo volume is a modest 11 cubic feet in the coupe and 8 cubic feet in the convertible.

A twin-pod dashboard design resembles that of the original Mustang, and controls are placed conveniently for easy operation while driving. The 3.8-liter V-6 engine in the base coupe and convertible gained 40 horsepower in 1999, to 190, and it delivers adequate acceleration and passing power. The 4.6-liter V-8 in the GT models gained 35 hp, to 260, and that transforms the Mustang into a sprinter.

With either engine, the Mustang still trails comparable versions of the Camaro and Firebird in acceleration. The Mustang is easier to live with, however, because of its smoother, quieter ride and more accommodating interiors. If no-holds-barred performance is your goal, check out the Camaro SS or SVT Cobra version of the Mustang.