The fourth-generation Ford Mustang is an automobile that was produced by the American automobile manufacturerFord Motor Company for the 1994 through 2004 model years. Marking the first major redesign of the Ford Mustang in fifteen years, the fourth generation of the pony car was introduced in November 1993 with the launch taking place on December 9, 1993.[6] The design (which was code-named "SN95" by Ford), was based on an updated version of the Fox platform and was the final vehicle underpinned with this platform. It featured styling by Bud Magaldi that incorporated some stylistic elements from the classic Mustangs.[1] A convertible model returned, but the previous notchback and hatchback bodystyles were discontinued in favor of a conventional 2-door coupe design.
Prior to the redesigned Mustang's launch, a two-seater show car was designed by Darrell Behmer and Bud Magaldi.[7] Called the Mustang Mach III, it was shown at the 1993 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and hinted at what the new production Mustang would look like.[7] The Mach III featured a supercharged 4.6L DOHC V8 with a power output of 450hp (336kW; 456PS). While this engine was not put into production, it hinted to the future use of Ford's Modular V8 in the Mustang, including the eventual use of a supercharged 4.6L variant.[8]
Mustang (1994–1998)
The base Mustang featured Ford's 3.8L OHV Essex V6 mated to a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional AODE 4-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 145hp (108kW; 147PS) at 4,000rpm and 215lb⋅ft (292N⋅m) of torque at 2,500rpm. For 1996, the base V6 engine gained five horsepower with a new power train control module (PCM), the EEC-V. The AODE transmission was replaced with the 4R70W 4-speed automatic transmission.
A 1996 Mustang coupe and the red interior of a V6 model. Other interior colors—such as black and beige—were also available.
Ford allocated US$700 million to improve the Fox platform for the 1994 Mustang. Efforts were made to improve the car's handling as well as noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) conditions over the previous generation Mustang. The Mustang's front suspension makes use of MacPherson struts with longer lower control arms, new spindles, anti-roll bars, and other enhancements over 1993 and older Mustangs. At the rear, a four-bar link solid axle was used.[9] The 1994 Mustang's standard rear axle ratio was 2.73:1, though this was later changed to 3.27:1. All Mustangs received four-wheel disc brakes as standard, though anti-lock brakes (ABS) were optional.[10]
Along with its new exterior, the 1994 Mustang received new interior styling. The Mustang's cabin featured a "dual-cockpit" layout that was adorned with contours and sweeping curves, similar to other Fords of the time such as the Thunderbird. The 1994 Mustang offered many options, some of which later became standard equipment. The preferred equipment package came with power windows, mirrors, and door locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, and a trunk cargo net. Also available was Ford's Mach 460, 230-watt multi-speaker sound system with CD player. All 1994 Mustangs had three-point seat belts and dual front airbags as standard.[11] The taillight design for 1996 changed from three horizontal strips to three vertical sections more in line with classic Mustang tradition. Production of this iteration ran until October 1998.
Mustang GT
1994 Ford Mustang GT convertible
Following the base Mustang in December 1993, the Mustang GT was reintroduced in January 1994, featuring higher performance and better handling than the base Mustang or its 1993 predecessor. Ford carried over the 302 cuin pushrod small-block V8 engine (called the "5.0L" although its actual displacement was 4.94L) from the 1993 Mustang GT. Total output from the engine was 215hp (160kW; 218PS) at 4,200rpm and 285lb⋅ft (386N⋅m) of torque at 3,400rpm. Mustang GTs could accelerate from zero to 60mph (97km/h) in the high-six second range and complete the quarter-mile in about 15 seconds.[9] The Mustang GT also featured a stiffer handling suspension, a 3.08:1 rear axle ratio (later changed to 3.27:1 or 3.55:1 depending on the transmission and model year), dual exhaust tips, and larger 16-inch (410mm) wheels (compared to the base Mustang's 15-inch wheels). The 1994 Mustang GT was named Motor Trend Car of the Year.
For 1995, a one-year model referred to as the Mustang GTS was introduced. This was considered to be a "stripped down" version of the Mustang GT that included the performance parts of the GT model, but a minimum of non-performance related features, similar in concept to the 5.0 LX Fox-body. 1995 also marked the last year of the 5.0 pushrod V8 engine.
In 1996, Ford dropped the 302 CID small block V8 that was in production since 1968[12] and introduced the Modular 4.6L SOHC V8. These engines were produced at two different plants, Windsor and Romeo. A "W" in the VIN's 8th digit indicates a "Romeo" engine, while an "X" indicates a "Windsor".
The Windsor and Romeo have subtle differences. The Romeo has fewer valve cover bolts than the Windsor, while the Windsor uses 8mm front cover bolts and the Romeo uses 10mm bolts. The Romeo uses jack screws on the main caps and the Windsor uses dowels. The new engine had a power output of 215hp (160kW; 218PS) at 4,400rpm and 285lb⋅ft (386N⋅m) of torque at 3,500rpm, matching the output of its predecessor. For 1998, the 4.6L V8 received a small increase in output, with it now increasing to 225hp (168kW; 228PS) at 4,750rpm and 290lb⋅ft (393N⋅m) of torque at 3,500rpm. This was achieved through PCM calibration and a modified fuel system. Though capable of matching or exceeding the older 302 V8's output, the 4.6L V8 was criticized for delivering inadequate performance, particularly against the larger displacement of the OHV V8 used in the Mustang's chief rival, the Chevrolet Camaro.[13]
Building on the performance of the Mustang GT, Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) developed an even higher performance car: the Mustang Cobra. For the 1994 and 1995 model years, the 5.0L V8 was modified for the Cobra with unique intake manifolds, cams, fuel injectors, and heads. Suspension and brakes were also changed with 13-inch front discs with "COBRA" embossed calipers as well as Cobra specific shocks, struts, and springs. In 1996 it was available in a special color package called the Mystic Cobra which consisted of an expensive Chrom-a-lusion exterior finish like the Mysti-Chrome package on 2004 models. A total of 2,000 cars were produced. The 1996-1998 Cobras were powered by Ford's modular 4.6L DOHC V8 like the Mustang GT which produced an advertised 305hp (227kW; 309PS) and 300lb⋅ft (407N⋅m) of torque.
The "New Edge" (1999–2004)
The updated New Edge styling for the 1999–2004 Ford Mustang showing the newly incorporated design elements; fltr: 2000 and 2003 models
The SN-95 Mustang received a facelift on December 26, 1998, for the 1999 model year with production starting in November 1998, informally known as the SN-99 Mustang platform/variant. Characterizing the redesign was Ford's New Edge design language, which featured sharper contours, larger wheel arches, and creases in the bodywork, replacing many of the soft lines of the previous model. The Mustang also received new wheels and hubcaps. However, the car carried over the same roofline and interior, in addition to the same basic platform. All 1999 Mustangs (except the Cobra) received "35th Anniversary" badges on the front fenders.[14][15]
A "35th Anniversary Limited Edition" appearance option package was offered on 2,318 GT coupes and 2,310 GT convertibles.[16] Available only in black, silver metallic, white, and red, they featured a body-colored hood scoop, rear spoiler, side scoops and rocker panels, a blacked-out panel between the taillamps, and 17 by 8-inch (200mm) five-spoke aluminum wheels; while the interiors included black leather and vinyl seats with silver inserts and pony logo, aluminum shift knob, a unique instrument cluster with 35th anniversary script, silver and black floor mats with 35th anniversary logo, and silver door trim inserts.[17]
The 3.8L Essex V6 returned as the base engine for 1999. A new split-port induction system replaced single-port induction, which increased the base model's output to 190hp (142kW; 193PS) at 5,250rpm and 220lb⋅ft (298N⋅m) of torque at 2,750rpm.[18]
For 1999, the Mustang also received a change to its taillights, making them edgier, with sharp corners and straight lines as opposed to the rounded off style of previous years. The lamps were still composed of three vertical segments, reminiscent of the original Mustang. Minimal changes occurred from year-to-year, with the most noticeable being a redesigned center panel in the dashboard for 2001, which now allowed double-din stereo head units, including an in-dash six-CD player. The rear window defroster switch, previously mounted below the headlamp pull switch, was moved to the lower center stack below the stereo. When equipped, the fog lamp switch was relocated to the lower center stack as well, previously, it was on the center console adjacent to the cup holders. The third button on the lower switch panel was for the traction control system (on V8 models). On convertible models, the power roof switch remained on the center console - on coupe models, that switch was replaced with a small coin holder.
The GT model continued to use the 4.6L V8 as before, but now power output was rated at 260hp (194kW; 264PS) at 5,250rpm and 302lb⋅ft (409N⋅m) of torque at 4,000rpm.[19]
In 2001, Ford added Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) to the V6, increasing the engine's output to 193hp (144kW; 196PS) at 5,500rpm and 225lb⋅ft (305N⋅m) of torque at 2,800rpm.[20] During the second half of the 2004 model year, the 3.8L Essex was replaced with a slightly revised 3.9L version with a slightly longer stroke but a power output identical to the outgoing 3.8L. The 3.9L Essex was used in the Mustang for only half a year before being replaced by the 4.0L Cologne V6 for the 2005 model year. The last Mustang for this generation was produced on May 10, 2004.
The Cobra model returned for 1999 with its 32-valve 4.6L V8, now rated at 320hp (239kW; 324PS) at 6,000rpm and 317lb⋅ft (430N⋅m) of torque at 4,750rpm. It also featured independent rear suspension which changed the route of the exhaust pipes, forcing them to go under the axle which provided a unique look compared to the base and GT models.
In 2003 and 2004, the Cobra (aka "Terminator") gained a supercharged engine rated at 390hp (291kW; 395PS), with a more aggressive front and rear fascia, better-bolstered seats with angle adjustable headrests, and unique 18-inch wheels.
Special editions
2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1
In 2000, a unique trim level called the "Spring Feature Edition" was available on GT models. Offered only in Performance Red, Laser Red, Black, Silver, White, or Zinc Yellow, the Spring Feature package contained 17in ×8in (430mm ×200mm) performance wheels and tires, a body-colored hood scoop, body-colored side scoops, two black "GT" stripes on the hood, and black "Mustang" inserts on the embossed bumper. Ford produced 3,091 Spring Feature GTs.[21]
In 2001, the Special Edition Bullitt was released to the public. Available only as coupe, the Bullitt was a mildly upgraded version of the standard GT. Factory upgrades included with a lowered suspension (3/4inch), subframe connectors (used on the convertible models), Tokico shocks, and brakes from the Cobra (13 in front, 11.7 in rear). The car also received an upgraded exhaust and a re-designed intake. These power upgrades led to a factory rating of 265hp (198kW), a gain of five horsepower over the standard GT. On the exterior, the car received unique Torq-Thrust style wheels, removal of the fog lights (for the US market; Canadian cars retained them) and rear deck spoiler, as well as new trim accents. It was available in three colors: Dark Highland Green, True Blue, and Black.
The success of the 2001 Bullitt led to the production of a second special edition, the 2003 to 2004 Mach 1. The Mach 1 was equipped with a 4.6L DOHC 305hp (227kW) engine based on the engine available in the 1999 and 2001 Mustang Cobras, with new cylinder heads from the 2003 to 2004 Cobra (see above). The interior of the car was given a retro theme with seats made to look like the "comfort-weave" seats available in the 1960s-era Mach 1s. It also featured retro-themed gauges and a unique aluminum shifter ball. On the vehicle's exterior, a Mach 1 package was applied, consisting of a functional Shaker scoop, a unique 3-tier hood, decals set on the hood, rocker/door panels, a special chin spoiler, a flat black-rear-spoiler, Magnum 500 style wheels, and the C-Pillar covers used on the 1994-1998 Mustang. The car also received similar suspension upgrades as the Bullitt including unique Tokico struts on the rear and the convertible-spec subframe connectors.[22]
In 2004, Ford produced a special 40th Anniversary Edition of the Mustang. As an $895 option available in both Standard and GT editions, coupe or convertible, it consisted of 40th Anniversary badging, enhanced interior with "40th Anniversary" floor mats, painted folding exterior mirrors from the Cobra models, a tan cloth convertible top (instead of canvas), Arizona Beige painted "Bullitt" wheels, and Arizona Beige stripes on the hood, trunk and lower bodysides. The anniversary package was available in Crimson Red (exclusive to package), Oxford White or black. Ford produced 4,558 Crimson Red models. Crimson Red, Ford paint code "FX", was also called Merlot on several other Ford models from the 2002 through 2008 model years. Most 40th Anniversary package cars came with Parchment (tan) leather interiors. Some came with black leather. This is possibly a Canadian variation. This possible Canada-only variation also features 2003 Cobra wheels, no hood stripes and 'Mustang' decals on the lower-body side panels under the doors. Other than two pre-production units, all Crimson Red vehicles were built from August through November 2003. Forty-one of the Crimson Red cars were sent to Roush Industries for conversions into Roush Mustangs. It marked the end of this design of the Mustang, as 2005 ushered in an all-new model.[23]
Ford celebrated its 100th anniversary in June 2003, and made limited edition F-SeriesSuper Duty trucks, Explorers, Taurus, Focus, and Mustang GTs 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, and the Mustang got the GT premium package which included 17-inch wheels, anti-lock brakes and traction control; dual exhaust; power driver's seat with power lumbar support; leather-wrapped steering wheel; and Mach 1000 or Mach 460 AM/FM Stereo with six-disc CD changer, as well as 40th Anniversary badges on the fender and decklid and embossed on the seats. The Centennial Package was a $995 upgrade.[24]
This generation was sold in Australia for two years from 2001 to 2002 as to compete against the Holden Monaro (which eventually became the basis for the reborn Pontiac GTO). Due to the fact that the Mustang was never designed for right-hand-drive, Ford Australia contracted Tickford Vehicle Engineering to convert 250 Mustangs and modify them to meet Australian Design Rules per year.[25] The development cost for redesigning the components and setting up the production process was A$4,000,000.[26] Sales did not meet expectations, due in part to a very high selling price.[27] In total, just 377 Mustangs were sold in Australia between 2001–2003.[28]
For promotional purposes, Ford Racing Australia built a Mustang V10 convertible, which was powered by a Ford Modular 6.8-Litre V10 engine from the American F-Series Super Duty truck but with an Australian-made supercharger.[29]
↑ Pettendy, Marton (December 30, 2013). "Mustang in Australia". Motoring. Australia. Archived from the original on September 16, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
↑ Knowling, Michael (29 October 2002). "Smokin' Horse!". AutoSpeed. Archived from the original on 3 October 2015. Retrieved 13 December 2015.
The Ford Mustang is a series of American automobiles manufactured by Ford. In continuous production since 1964, the Mustang is currently the longest-produced Ford car nameplate. Currently in its seventh generation, it is the fifth-best selling Ford car nameplate. The namesake of the "pony car" automobile segment, the Mustang was developed as a highly styled line of sporty coupes and convertibles derived from existing model lines, initially distinguished by "long hood, short deck" proportions.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a mid-size American automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, classified as a pony car. It first went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang. The Camaro shared its platform and major components with the Firebird, produced by General Motors' Pontiac division that was also introduced for 1967.
The Pontiac Sunbird is a model line that was manufactured and marketed by Pontiac from the 1976 to the 1994 model years. Loosely deriving its name from the Pontiac Firebird, the Sunbird was introduced as the eventual replacement for the Pontiac Astre, replacing it entirely in 1978 as the smallest Pontiac.
The Pontiac Firebird is an American automobile built and produced by Pontiac from the 1967 to 2002 model years. Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang, it was introduced on February 23, 1967, five months after GM's Chevrolet division's platform-sharing Camaro. This also coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford's upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang. The name "Firebird" was also previously used by GM for the General Motors Firebird series of concept cars in the 1950s.
The Mercury Cougar is a series of automobiles that was sold by Mercury from 1967 to 2002. The model line is a diverse series of vehicles; though the Cougar nameplate is most commonly associated with two-door coupes, at various stages in its production, the model also was offered as a convertible and a hatchback. During its production as the mid-size Mercury line, the Cougar was also offered as a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon.
The Essex V6 is a 90° V6 engine family built by the Ford Motor Company at the Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. This engine is unrelated to Ford's British Essex V6. Introduced in 1982, versions of the Essex V6 engine family were used in subcompact through to large cars, vans, minivans, and some pickup trucks. The Essex V6 was last used in the 2008 regular-cab F-150, after which it was succeeded by a version of the Ford Cyclone engine. An industrial version of the engine was available until 2015.
The Shelby Mustang is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang built by Shelby American from 1965 to 1967 and by the Ford Motor Company from 1968 to 1970.
The Pontiac Grand Am is a car model that was produced by Pontiac in various years between 1973 and 2005. Produced as a RWD mid-size car on the LeMans GM A platform in its first two generations, the Grand Am name was reused for a FWD compact car for its last three generations.
The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a performance-oriented option package of the Ford Mustang muscle car, originally introduced in August 1968 for the 1969 model year. It was available until 1978, returned briefly in 2003, 2004, and most recently in 2021.
Ford Performance Vehicles was the Melbourne-based, premium performance arm of automobile manufacturer Ford Australia. The company produced a range of Ford-based models from 2002 to 2014 under the FPV marque name.
The Ford SVT Mustang Cobra is a pony car that was built by American automobile manufacturer Ford Motor Company's Special Vehicle Team division for the 1993 to 2004 model years.
Ford Mustang variants are the various versions of the Ford Mustang car, modified either by its manufacturer Ford Motor Company or by third-party companies. Ford and several third-party companies have offered many modified versions of the highly popular Mustang since its creation in 1964 in order to cater to specific portions of the marketplace outside of the mainstream. High-performance enthusiasts seek more powerful, sharper handling, sports cars such as the Shelby Mustang, the Ford Mustang Mach 1, and variants made by Roush Performance and Saleen, while collectors and purists seek limited production and alternate or nostalgic styling, such as is commonly found on many commemorative editions. Still, others were made purely for experimental concepts such as the McLaren M81 and the Ford Mustang SVO, which later influenced production model design. Most variants include both performance upgrades, and unique cosmetic treatments that are typically minimal to maintain the familiar appearance of a stock Mustang. Although most of these Mustang variants were aimed at enthusiasts, an exception was the Special Service Package which was designed specifically for law enforcement. Race variants include the FR500, Boss 302 and Boss 429.
The third-generation Chevrolet Camaro is an American pony car which was introduced for the 1982 model year by Chevrolet. It continued to use General Motors' F-body platform and produced a "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition" for 1987 and "25th Anniversary Heritage Edition" for 1992. These were also the first Camaros with factory fuel injection, four-speed automatic transmissions, five-speed manual transmissions, four-cylinder engines, 16-inch wheels, and hatchback bodies. For 1987 a convertible Camaro was reintroduced, converted by ASC in relatively small numbers. The third-generation Camaro continued through the 1992 model year.
The first-generation Ford Mustang was manufactured by Ford from March 1964 until 1973. The introduction of the Mustang created a new class of automobiles known as pony cars. The Mustang's styling, with its long hood and short deck, proved wildly popular and inspired a host of competition.
The third-generation Mustang was produced by Ford from 1979 until 1993. Built on Ford's Fox platform, it is commonly referred to as the Fox body Mustang. It evolved through several sub-models, trim levels, and drivetrain combinations during its production life. It underwent updates for the 1987 model year and seemed destined for replacement with a front-wheel drive Mazda platform. However, company executives were swayed by consumer opinion and the rear-wheel drive Mustang stayed, while the front-wheel drive version was renamed the Ford Probe. Enthusiasts group the generation into two segments: the 1979–1986 cars, with their quad headlight arrangement, and the 1987–1993 cars, with their aerodynamic composite headlamps and front fascia styling. Production ended with the introduction of the fourth-generation Mustang (SN-95) for the 1994 model year.
The fifth-generation Ford Mustang (S197) is a pony car manufactured and marketed by Ford from 2004 to 2014, for the 2005 to 2014 model years. Assembly took place at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. The fifth generation began with the 2005 model year, and received a facelift for the 2010 model year.
The Ford Falcon (FG) is a full-sized car that was produced by Ford Australia from 2008 to 2014. It was the first iteration of the seventh and last generation of the Falcon. Its range no longer featured the Fairmont luxury badge, replaced instead by the G Series.
The tenth generation of the Ford Thunderbird is a personal luxury car that was produced by Ford for the 1989 to 1997 model years. It was introduced on December 26, 1988 as a 1989 model alongside its sister car, the Mercury Cougar. Developed on Ford's new MN12 platform from the second quarter of 1984, the new Thunderbird featured a more aerodynamic body that was slightly shorter in overall length relative to the 1988 Thunderbird but had a nine-inch-longer wheelbase.
The sixth-generation Ford Mustang (S550) is a pony car that was manufactured by Ford from 2014 until 2023. In departure from prior Mustang models, the sixth-generation Mustang included fully independent rear suspension on all models, as well as an optional 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged and direct injected four-cylinder engine. The Mustang was introduced as a 2015 model year vehicle, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Ford Mustang, which was revealed as a 1965 model year vehicle on April 17, 1964.
The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro is an American pony car. Produced by automobile manufacturer Chevrolet, it was first introduced to the public on May 16, 2015. Sales started in 2015 for the 2016 model year. The Camaro now utilizes the GM Alpha platform shared with the Cadillac ATS and CTS and features MacPherson struts in front, rather than the former multi-link setup. General Motors claims that 70 percent of architectural components in the new Camaro are unique to the car.
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