In its shape and substance, the 2008 Ford Mustang recalls the popular pony car of 1967-69. The Mustang relies on simple architecture to achieve its impressive results-rear-wheel drive, a solid rear axle, and a big engine up front. This proven formula has worked well for the car for more than 40 years, and in GT form, the 300-horsepower V8 returns 0-60 times in the low 5-second range, which is fast enough to keep up with exotics costing twice as much.

Ford builds Mustangs for everyone-"a steed for every need." All coupes and convertibles come with the smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission standard and offer a five-speed automatic, except for the Shelby cars, which only come with a six-speed manual.

The base V6 Deluxe offers plenty of standard features for comfort and convenience, including remote keyless entry, air conditioning, four-way manual adjustable driver seat, cruise control, and more. The V6 Premium Package makes standard a Shaker 500 audio system with six-disc CD changer and MP3 player, and power adjustable seats. A V6 Pony Package includes a unique grille, fog lamps, a rear spoiler, Z-rated tires, Pony fender badges, and other appearance enhancements. A Warriors In Pink appearance package is available on the Premium V6 models, with proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

In V8-powered GT Deluxe and Premium coupes and convertibles, power seats are standard, as are 17-inch aluminum wheels, anti-lock brakes, fog lamps, and a rear spoiler. Premium standard features include the Shaker 500 system and leather seats. A Premium GT-only option is a 3.55:1 axle ratio, and the California Special Package, which features unique appearance accessories and badging.

The Bullitt Mustang includes a more powerful V8 with 315 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, specially tuned suspension and brakes, a unique Dark Highland Green paint color, and special badging.

The GT500 KR utilizes a 540-horsepower 5.4L supercharged V8, short-throw six-speed shifter, and unique suspension tuning. It is available in the spring of 2008 and will be limited to just 1,000 units.

While the Mustang's exterior and interior remain largely the same for 2008, the standardization of front side air bags provides an extra level of safety in every Mustang, from the entry-level V6 Deluxe coupe to the top-of-the-line Shelby GT500 KR. This helps explain the Mustang's perfect five-star safety rating in all NHTSA crash tests. The convertible is the first open car ever to achieve such results.

Model Strengths

Bold, all-American styling; available as a coupe or convertible ranging from mild to wild; high bang for the buck across the range; impressive safety.

Model Changes

The iconic Ford Mustang remains largely unchanged for 2008, though new exterior colors are available; Vapor Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Candy Apple Red Clearcoat Metallic, and Silver Clearcoat Metallic replace Tungsten, Redfire, and Satin Silver. The top-tier Shelby GT500 adds only Vapor Clearcoat Metallic.

Ambient interior lighting and high intensity discharge (HID) headlights will debut as an option on all Mustangs. V6 coupes will now offer 18-inch premium polished forged wheels, and all V6 cars will offer an optional Safety & Security Package, which includes anti-lock brakes, traction control, an active anti-theft system, and a wheel locking kit. Front side air bags become standard across the range. V6 and GT convertibles can be ordered with the same high-quality fabric top found on the Shelby GT500 Mustang convertible.

Three special-edition Mustangs are planned for 2008: the "Warriors in Pink" Edition on V6 Premium coupes and convertibles with the automatic; the 315-hp Bullitt Mustang; and the 540-horsepower Shelby GT500 KR "King of the Road" Mustang, with just 1,000 available.

Model Value

The 2008 Mustang is a best bet in the fun per dollar category. The 4-liter V6 with 210 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque is a comfortable commuter that offers decent performance and fuel economy rated at 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway, while the potent 4.6-liter V8 with 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque available in the GT gives far more expensive cars a run for their money. The Mustang GT is the most affordable performance V8 available today.

The Ford Mustang is an automobile produced by the Ford Motor Company, originally based on the Ford Falcon compact. The first production Mustang rolled off the assembly line in Dearborn, Michigan on March 9, 1964, and was introduced to the public at the New York Worlds Fair on April 17, 1964, and via all three American television networks on April 19. It was one of the most successful product launches in automotive history. The Mustang sold over one million units in its first 18 months on the market. The Mustang remains in production today after many decades and numerous revisions.

First conceived by Ford product manager Donald N. Frey and championed by Ford Division general manager Lee Iacocca, the Mustang prototype was a two-seat, mid-engine roadster. This would later be remodeled as a four-seat car penned by David Ash and Joseph Oros in Fords LincolnMercury Division design studios, which produced the winning design in an intramural design contest called by Iacocca. To cut down the development cost, the Mustang was based heavily on familiar, yet simple components. Much of the chassis, suspension, and drive train components were derived from the Ford Falcon and Ford Fairlane. The car had a unitized platform-type frame, which was taken from the 1964 Falcon, and welcoming box-section side rails, including five welded crossmembers. Although hardtop Mustangs were the majority of the sales, durability problems with the new frame led to the unusual step of engineering the convertible first, which ensured adequate stiffness. Overall length of the Mustang and Falcon was identical at 181.6in,although the Mustangs wheelbase at 108in was slightly shorter. With an overall width of 68.2in,it was 2.4in narrower, yet the wheel track was nearly identical. Shipping weight, about 2570lb with the six-cylinder engine, was also similar. A fully equipped V8 model weighed about 3000lbs.Though most of the mechanical parts were taken directly from the Falcon, the Mustangs body she