The 1965 Ford Mustang, introduced in April 1964, was a revolutionary car. This sporty coupe, with its long hood, short deck, and affordable price tag, defied industry expectations and ignited a new car classification - the pony car.
Initially offered with a 2.3L or 2.8L inline-six engine, it offered a stylish and fun alternative to larger, more expensive cars. The Mustang's success was near immediate, selling over a quarter million units in its first year, while forever changing the automotive industry.
The 1967 Mustang saw a design refresh, offering a more rounded look compared to the 1964 model's sharper lines. This update gave the car a sleeker and more modern appearance. In addition to the coupe and convertible body styles, Ford introduced a fastback variant in 1967, providing a sportier silhouette with a hatchback rear end.
Performance enthusiasts were excited about the option of a powerful 390 cubic inch V8 engine, while front disc brakes became available for the first time, enhancing stopping power.
The 1969 Mustang Boss 302 wasn't your average Mustang. Built specifically to compete in the SCCA Trans-Am racing series, it was a homologation special packed with extra muscle.
Under the hood was a 302 cubic inch V8 high-performance engine with a closed-loop cooling system and solid valve lifters. It generated about 290 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque.
The 1969 Mustang Mach 1 struck a balance between muscle car performance and luxurious comfort. Unlike the Boss 302, built for pure racing dominance, the Mach 1 offered a wider range of engine options, catering to a broader range of consumers.
Buyers could choose from a selection of V8 engines, from the 351 cubic inch option to the mighty 428 cubic inch powerhouse. The Mach 1 also boasted a distinctive hood with functional air vents, adding a touch of aggression to its design.
The 1971 Ford Mustang underwent several changes due to the evolving market. New safety regulations led to features like larger bumpers and stronger door locks, impacting the car's overall design. On top of that, a redesigned instrument cluster and improved interior materials were used to enhance the overall driver experience.
Engine options were also revised, shifting the focus towards fuel efficiency because of the ongoing oil crisis. The iconic 351 cubic inch V8 engine was no longer available, replaced by smaller V8s and a more powerful and efficient 2.3L inline-four engine option.
The 1974 Ford Mustang II was the classic car’s most significant departure yet. Stricter emission regulations required that the new Mustang be completely redesigned.
The vehicle was essentially based on a Ford Pinto platform. It featured a shorter hood and a less muscular design than in previous years. Its four-cylinder engine became standard, but a V6 was optional. Ultimately, the Mustang II was a more practical and affordable choice for drivers than ever before.
Introduced midway through the 1977 model year, the Ford Mustang Cobra Hatchback aimed to recapture some of the sporty spirit of earlier Mustangs. While still based on the Pinto platform, the hatchback featured a sleeker and more aerodynamic design with a sloping rear roofline.
Additionally, the Mustang Hatchback received a revised suspension setup for improved handling, making it a more engaging car to drive on winding roads.
The 1978 Mustang King Cobra was a tribute to the legendary Shelby Cobra Mustangs. Limited to just over 4,000 units, the goal was for this special edition Mustang to inject some excitement back into the Mustang lineup.
The King Cobra sported a distinctive hood with a cobra emblem, setting it apart from the standard Mustang II. It also featured wider tires, a unique spoiler, and a bolder color scheme. It also brought back the powerful 302 cubic inch V8 engine, which was a significant upgrade from the other Mustang II offerings.
After several years of downsizing, the 1979 Mustang marked a turning point for the pony car. While still based on the Mustang II platform, two body styles were offered: a traditional coupe and a hatchback variant.
Additionally, the 1979 Mustang offered a wider range of engine options compared to the Mustang II. The base engine remained the 2.3L inline-four, but a 2.8L V6 was also offered.
The 1982 Mustang GT brought back the legendary GT nameplate in a big way. This performance-focused Mustang served as a true successor to the powerful Mustangs of the past.
Under the hood was a 5.0L V8 engine that generated 175 horsepower, reinvigorating the Mustang's muscle car spirit. Further, the suspension received significant upgrades, including a thicker front sway bar and revised shock absorbers.
The 1983 Mustang Convertible offered an open-air driving experience for those who loved cruising in style. While not as focused on outright performance as the 1982 Mustang GT, the convertible delivered a unique and exhilarating way to experience the return of the powerful Mustang.
It was available with a variety of engine options, including the ever-popular 5.0L V8, allowing drivers to choose their desired level of power.
The 1984 Mustang GT-350 20th Anniversary Edition was a limited-production model celebrating the iconic Shelby Mustang. This special edition car paid homage to the legacy of the Shelby GT-350 while offering a modern take on the classic muscle car formula. Produced in limited numbers, the 1984 GT-350 20th Anniversary Edition was a highly sought-after collectible for Mustang enthusiasts.
Visually, the 1984 GT-350 stood out with a special hood with a cobra emblem, unique wheels, and a distinctive tricolor paint scheme. The interior also received special treatment, featuring commemorative 20th-anniversary badging and upgraded upholstery. Mechanically, the car was based on the standard 1984 Mustang GT, utilizing the powerful 5.0L V8 engine and a four-speed manual transmission.
The 1984 Mustang SVO was a unique offering in the Mustang lineup, taking a different approach to performance compared to the V8-powered GT models. This special edition Mustang focused on handling and driver engagement, featuring a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3L four-cylinder engine.
Equipped it with a sport-tuned suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and a limited-slip differential, the SVO sported a more aggressive aerodynamic package, including a distinctive front spoiler and rear wing.
The 1987 Mustang saw a significant design refresh, receiving a more aerodynamic look compared to the boxier Mustangs of the early 1980s. This update aimed to improve fuel efficiency and performance while retaining the Mustang's signature sporty aesthetics.
Engine options in the 1987 Mustang remained focused on the 5.0L V8, albeit with some revisions for improved performance and emissions compliance. Transmission choices included a standard five-speed manual or an optional automatic transmission. Overall, The 1987 Mustang offered a good balance between performance and comfort.
After a brief hiatus in the early 1990s, the iconic V8 engine made its comeback, much to the delight of Mustang enthusiasts. Beyond the return of the V8, the 1993 Mustang offered a range of engine options, including a fuel-efficient four-cylinder and a capable V6 engine.
The overall design remained similar to the 1987 model, with its aerodynamic lines and sporty details. However, some minor cosmetic updates, like a revised front grille and new wheel designs, kept the Mustang looking fresh.
The 1999 Ford Mustang marked the end of the fourth generation Mustangs produced from 1994 to 1999. The 1999 Mustang received minor cosmetic updates like revised taillights and a new front bumper, while the inside featured upgraded materials and a revised center console.
The base engine was a 3.8L V6 offering decent power and fuel efficiency. The optional 5.0L V8 could now produce 190 horsepower, which was certainly an improvement. However, the limited-edition SVT Cobra variant offered a supercharged 4.6L V8 engine that produced a whopping 320 horsepower.
The 2005 Ford Mustang was a return to form. It embraced a retro-futuristic aesthetic, featuring a long hood, short deck, and muscular lines reminiscent of the original Mustangs. It was offered as a coupe or convertible.
The base model came equipped with a 210 horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, offering a balance of affordability and decent performance. However, for performance enthusiasts, there was a powerful 300-horsepower 4.6L V8 engine offered in the GT trim. It could go from 0 to 60 mph in around 5 seconds.
The 2007 Shelby Cobra GT500 was unlike any Mustang that came before. After a hiatus of over a decade, the legendary Shelby name returned to the Mustang lineup in a spectacular fashion with the GT500. Nevertheless, it was a limited production model.
Under the hood, a supercharged 5.4L V8 engine produced an astounding 500 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. A heavy-duty suspension system, Brembo brakes with massive rotors, and a limited-slip differential ensured the car could handle the immense power with control and precision.
Building on the success of the 2005 model, the 2010 Mustang offered a refreshed design, improved performance across the lineup, and exciting new technology features. For the first time, Ford implemented its SYNC infotainment system with voice commands and Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, selectable driving modes allowed drivers to customize the car's performance characteristics for different driving conditions.
The base V6 engine received a power bump to 210 horsepower, offering more responsive acceleration. The enthusiast-favorite GT variant saw a significant upgrade with a new 4.6L V8 engine producing 315 horsepower.
The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 was a modern interpretation of the legendary Boss 302 Mustangs from the late 1960s. It featured a functional hood scoop that provided additional airflow to the engine and a prominent front splitter increased downforce for better grip at high speeds. A rear wing further enhanced stability while driving.
Under the hood, a 4.6L V8 engine produced 444 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. However, the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 wasn't intended for mass production. It really just showed off what Ford could do.
The 2015 Ford Mustang marked a bold new chapter for the iconic pony car. This sixth-generation Mustang was a complete redesign, featuring a more sculpted and athletic look, significant performance enhancements, and a renewed driver-focused experience.
A significant innovation for the Mustang lineup was the introduction of the EcoBoost engine option. This 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine offered impressive fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance, appealing to a broader range of drivers.
The Mustang Shelby GT-500 was the most powerful Mustang to date. Its monstrous supercharged 5.2L V8 cranked out a whopping 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds!
Upgraded suspension with MagneRide dampers allowed for exceptional handling and precise control during spirited driving or on the racetrack. Brembo brakes with massive rotors provide immense stopping power to match the car's incredible acceleration.
After 17 years off the market, the Mach 1 made its return with some upgrades borrowed from those found in the GT500. Powered by a 480-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, its performance was inspired by the same car in Steve McQueen’s Bullitt.
The Mach 1 offered impressive acceleration, improved handling with a track-tuned suspension, and a more aggressive design compared to the base GT.
The 2021 Mustang Mach-E was designed not only as the first electric Mustang ever offered but also the first compact crossover bearing the Mustang badge. In addition to boasting a state-of-the-art infotainment system, it came equipped with numerous semi-autonomous driver assistance features.
The base model provided up to 230 miles of range on a single charge, while the California Route 1 models provided up to 300 miles. The Mach-E GT Performance Edition, which was the most powerful option, delivered a whopping 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque with its electric motor.
The newest option in the Mustang lineup, the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally, features a 91-kWh Extended-Range battery that provides up to 265 miles of driving range. Designed for off-roading, this model includes a raised suspension with a 0.8-inch lift, MagneRide shocks, all-season tires, and protective shielding for its electric motors.
Going from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 second, the 480-horsepower Mach-E Rally is a forced to be reckoned with in the electric vehicle market, and it will be interesting to see what Ford does next.
