2008 Ford Mustang Review
The Mustang is a sports/muscle car that was first introduced in 1964. It might not have begun the muscle car phenomenon, but it certainly pushed it to the next level. While others have come and gone, and came back again, the Mustang has been a mainstay for over 40 years. The last generation debuted for 2005, featuring a retro look and even more power than ever. It was nominated for “North American Car of the Year” and won “Canadian Car of the Year” in 2005.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
For over 40 years, the Ford Mustang has been offering Mercedes-level power at a Kia-level price. It has stayed true to its roots, and no one has outdone them yet. However, when you start looking at things like reliability and safety features, then competitors’ offerings begin to look quite a bit more attractive. But if what you’re looking for is raw performance, then the Mustang is the car to beat.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Mustang 3 stars for overall mechanical quality. Problems with the last generation include coolant leaks, hard starting, heater core leaks, vehicle noise, clutch pedal vibration, and slipping belts. It was recalled 14 times. The current generation has fared much better, having problems with bad throttle sensors, flaky fuel pumps, and vehicle noise. The 2007 model was recalled due to suspension problems. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Mustang earned 5 stars in frontal crash tests and 4.5 stars in side tests. IIHS scores are not available. Front side airbags are now standard. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard on the GT, but otherwise optional.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Powerful performance
+ Great price
+ Sleek retro look
Cons
– Skimps on safety features
– Prior reliability concerns
– Cheap-feeling interior
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Pontiac G6 GT includes standard ABS and traction control, but costs $3,000 more. The Saturn SKY Red Line includes ABS, traction control, and has 50 more hp, but costs nearly $10,000 more, has a smaller four-cylinder engine, and lacks side airbags. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT includes ABS, traction control, a CD changer, and 50 more hp, but costs over $9,000 more.
What Others Are Saying:
“It kills us because, on paper, the Mustang is a winner. It’s an American classic, it’s way better than it has been in a long time, it’s sporty, it’s powerful and you can drop its top. But in person, after spending a week in the car, all of those positive attributes had to be trumped by one overwhelming impression of the new Mustang: It’s cheesy.” – Forbes
“The 2005 Mustang is the best yet, by far, and one of the best performance values on four wheels.” – The Auto Channel
“Unlike the Camaro, Firebird, Javelin, Barracuda, and Challenger, the Mustang lives. Ford has underscored its commitment to America’s first and still one true ponycar by spending hundreds of millions of dollars to give the Mustang its first complete retool in two and a half decades. Everyone at Ford with whom we spoke is legitimately enthusiastic about the project, and that includes a lot of hard-core sports car, musclecar, and racer types.” – Motor Trend
Read more about the 2008 Ford Mustang at the Ford manufacturer web site.
