1996 ford mustang review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Mustang picks up the pace. introductionford's mustang was the first of a new breed of factory hot rod--the 'pony car'--when it was launched back in 1964, and during the decades that followed it's stuck largely to the same genetic coding: high performance, low tech and low cost. with a simple rear-drive chassis borrowed from a sedan and lots of components borrowed from other ford vehicle lines, the mustang has always been relatively cheap to produce, delivering lots of performance at bargain prices. however, in terms of maximum performance, the mustang's formula has, in recent years, fallen behind the pace set by gm's camaro-firebird twins. Ford's durable old 5. 0-liter v8 simply didn't match the muscle of gm's 5. 7-liter v8, which bristles with torque and horsepower. so for 1996, ford answers the challenge with a new engine. The overhead valve 5. 0-liter has been replaced with ford's much more sophisticated 4. 6-liter v8, an engine with better volumetric efficiency as well as better emissions performance. The mustang gt receives the single overhead cam version, similar to the engine used in the ford crown victoria and lincoln town car. With 215 hp and 285 lb.-ft. Of torque, it delivers roughly the same performance as the old 5. 0-liter. but if sizzling go-power is the objective, ford now has an answer for the camaro z28 and firebird trans am. The new mustang cobra has the dual overhead cam, 32-valve version of the 4. 6-liter v8, and in cobra tune it throbs with 305 hp and 300 lb.-ft. At the entry end is the basic mustang, powered by a 3. 8-liter v6 that provides good torque and satisfactory performance for those who want mustang style but aren't obsessed with zero-to-60 mph times. each model level is available as a coupe or convertible. Because of the extra structure needed to compensate for the absence of a steel top, convertibles invariably weigh more than their coupe counterparts. there aren't many options for the cobra, which is well equipped as is. The only other available option is mystic clearcoat metallic paint, an irridescent finish that seems to change color depending on viewing and/or light angles. Ford thinks this is very snazzy indeed; we don't agree, particularly for $815. the functional standard equipment list for the cobra includes antilock brakes, limited-slip differential and 17-in. Aluminum alloy wheels mounting 245/45zr-17 high performance tires. The transmission is a 5-speed manual, natch, and there's no automatic transmission option. like the rest of the running gear, the huge brakes--13. 0-in. Vented rotors front, 11. 65-in. Rear--are designed for high performance. the cobra also has different suspension tuning, including a slightly smaller front antiroll bar and a slightly larger bar in the rear, a combination designed to reduce understeer--the tendency for the car to go straight in hard cornering. one thing the cobra isn't is cheap. Base price for this model is $24,810. The 4-cam (two cams per cylinder bank) v8 is a genuine sweetheart. The tachometer needle seems directly connected to the driver's right foot. unlike typical american v8 engines that run out of wind at higher speeds, the cobra v8 cranks hard all the way to the redline. It has that high-revving, spirited feel we've come to know and love in high performance engines from germany and japan, and it's an absolute treat to operate. with big tires, wheels and brakes, the cornering and stopping capabilities of the cobra are up to the high standard set by the wonderful engine. In the sense of absolute handling limits, the cobra is hampered slightly by its chassis design, which dates to the old ford fairmont. However, if the handling distinctions between the cobra and the camaro z28 might be measurable--in tenths of seconds--on a racetrack, it would tough to find any difference on public roads. interiorford engineers went to a lot of trouble to give the mustang a decent interior, and they've largely succeeded. Fairly tall drivers will find room for head and legs, and fairly short drivers can adjust the seat for adequate reach to all the controls. The seating position is also generally more upright than the camaro and firebird, which is generally more comfortable for extended periods of driving. on the other hand, the mustang interior feels a little dated with its relatively tall, narrow dimensions, and some of the control locations could be better. Sound system controls, for example, are directly ahead of the shift lever, the fog lamp and headlight switches are on opposite sides of the steering wheel and the small center console has only one cupholder, which is awkwardly placed. like almost every other sporty coupe, the rear seat is suitable for briefcases and/or a load of chinese takeout food--not for people. The big tires, firm suspension and superb brakes give the car an impressive range of performance in all areas. The ride is on the stiff side compared to mainstream sedans, but more comfortable than we expected and more supple than the camaro z28. while the engine is terrific, the shifter is a little less endearing. The shift throws seem long, detracting from the ability to make quick, precise gear changes. Alloy wheels, anti-theft system. model testedmustang cobra. Power Windows✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Tachometer✔ Power Locks✔ AM/FM✔ Leather Seats✔ Cruise Control✔ Alloy Wheels

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2001 Ford Mustang Deluxe Convertible

convertible 269,474
Williamston, SC
autoshopper.com

2001 Ford Mustang Deluxe Convertible

convertible 269,474 white

2001 ford mustang review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. First and still foremost. introductionthe ford mustang has remained true to the traits that made an instant classic of the 1964-1/2 original, even as it is entering the third year of its fifth generation. It's still relatively big for a sporty car, with plenty of available options, and small-block v8 power. with the latter, there's plenty of torque. It won't be mistaken for anything else. It makes a statement. The mustang has only two true competitors, the chevrolet camaro and the pontiac firebird. For 2001, the ford has added a value-leader v6 coupe in standard 16,805) trim. That makes nine different price points, and we haven't even mentioned the super high-performance cobra; the cobra is again offered in coupe and convertible styles, in one trim level. the mustang v6 is a 3. 8-lliter overhead-valve unit producing 190 horsepower. The 4. 6-liter overhead-cam v8 produces 260 horsepower, and mustangs that have it are called gts. The rear fender air intake, for example, has sharp corners and pronounced lines; but the rocker panels curve out, and the fenders have pronounced front and rear wheel well arches. The front end features wraparound complex reflector headlamps with integrated side marker lamps, combined with a square-edged honeycomb grille and a chrome pony. Tricolor front fender badges recall the good old days, as does the prominent but non-functional hood scoop. for 2001, gt models get unique hood and side-scoop treatments, along with fog lights and a rear spoiler. the mustang's arched roofline is pretty modern, but around back it's 1965 again with vertical, three-element taillamps. Wheels are available in 15-, 16- or 17-inch sizes, depending on model, but each features a flat-spoke design to complement the sharp corners of the body shell. interiorthe current-generation mustang has better seats than ever before, with longer travel, and seatbelts are attached to the seat frames so they move with them. All models feature reclining bucket seats. Leather upholstery is standard in the premium gt, optional in some other models. Running horses embossed on the upper portions of the seat backrests recall the deluxe 'pony' interior of the mid-sixties. The instrument panel, center console and headliner are color-keyed. for 2001, ford has redesigned the center console, repositioned the front cupholder, made the rear cupholder larger, while adding a tissue holder and a power outlet. An electric rear window defroster, previously optional, is now standard on all mustangs. the coupe interior is cozy, with enough seat-track length to accommodate tall drivers and just enough elbowroom to keep from feeling cramped. The mustang's back seat is small, with only enough room for small objects or kids. The trunk is small with an even smaller opening. A split fold-down rear seat is standard on all models and handy for hauling cargo. an 80-watt premium sound system with both cd and cassette capability comes standard on all models. Serious sound fans can opt for the 230-watt, 10-speaker mach 460 system, which comes standard in premium-trim mustangs and mustang gts, and is a $550 option in deluxe models. For 2001, it can be ordered with an in-dash, six-cd changer. driving impressionperformance is what the mustang gt is all about. Its 4. 6-liter, sohc modular v8 produces 260 horsepower at 5250 rpm, with 302 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. And it sounds great, whether cruising or at full throttle. Last year, the gt engine benefited from revised camshafts and intake manifold runners, and larger valves for improved airflow above 3000 rpm. A new coil-on-plug ignition system replaced the previous ignition for higher-energy sparks. mustang's 3. 8-liter split-port v6 engine develops 190 horsepower at 5250 rpm, with 220 foot-pounds of torque at 2750 rpm. All models, regardless of engine or transmission, have a 3. 27:1 rear axle ratio. the flexibility of both the v8 and v6 engines make them good mates for the transmissions, which have sufficient strength to take high-rpm shifts for the life of the car. Both transmissions shift smoothly. The bosch system works at all speeds: whenever wheelspin is detected, the system retards ignition timing, cuts fuel flow, and activates the brakes at one or both drive wheels, in that order. The car involves the driver. Most of the raw edges and choppiness of the previous generation have been smoothed out. The current-generation mustang was engineered for improved rear-suspension compliance, with longer wheel travel, which reduces ride harshness. A revised boost curve gives the steering a more linear response and better on-center feel than in pre-1999 mustangs. And the turning circle of this latest mustang has been reduced by three feet through changes to the steering rack, the lower control arms and front stabilizer bars. the braking system was re-engineered for 1999, also, with new aluminum twin-piston front calipers to reduce unsprung weight by a significant 10 pounds. The new calipers also contribute to greatly improved brake pedal feel, while the new master cylinder that arrived at the same time improved not only modulation but also the ratio of brake pedal travel to braking action. Abs, like traction control, is standard on premium v6s and all v8s. It can be ordered as a $730 package with traction control on all other mustangs except base-level, manual-transmission coupes. Abs helps the driver to maintain steering control under hard braking, a useful, though not necessarily advisable, feat in the mustang. summarythe camaro and firebird are slightly more powerful than the mustang gt. The mustang gt is also less expensive than either of the gm pony cars, by several thousand dollars. For now, however, the mustang is merely the best. model lineupcoupe: standard 16,805), deluxe 17,370), premium 18,600), gt deluxe 22,440), gt premium 23,590), cobra (na)convertible: deluxe 22,220), premium 24,785), gt deluxe 26,695), gt premium 27,845), cobra (na). assembled indearborn, michigan. model testedmustang gt premium 23,590). Bucket Seats✔ CD Changer

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