The History, Generations, Models and Specifications of the Ford Mustang
The History, Generations, Models and Specifications of the Ford Mustang
Posted on May 16, 2020
The 1965 Ford Mustang made its debut at the World's Fair on April 17, 1964. Initially planning a conservative 100,000 sales in the first year, Ford actually sold 22,000 on the first day alone, becoming the most successful vehicle launch since the 1927 Model A. The first year saw sales of the Mustang quadruple from the initial estimate.
The First Generation of Mustangs (1965-1973)
The first Mustang was marketed as a 1965 model, however, most would consider it the "1964 ½" due to several production changes that happened after August 1964, making those the "late" 1965s. Two engines made up the original line up, a 4.3 L V8, and the legendary V8 with up to 271 horsepower. Body style options were convertible or notchback with a fastback joining in late 1965. 1967 brought a longer, wider, and heavier Mustang due to the 6.4 L V8 engine with 335 horsepower replacing the 289. Ford also added a 4.9 L V8 and a 7.0 L Cobra Jet V8 for drag racing. 1969-1973 saw the Ford Mustang growing even larger and heavier but also introducing performance packages such as the Mach 1, the Boss 302, and the Boss 409.
The Second Generation (1974-1978)
1974 ushered in a smaller, more fuel-efficient Mustang based off of the Ford Pinto design. The engines available on the 1974 models included the 2.3 L I-4 and the 2.8 L Cologne V6. In 1975 the 4.9 L Windsor VB was reintroduced and only available with the C-4 automatic transmission. The models introduced in this generation of Mustangs were the Hardtop, Hatchback, Mach 1 and Ghia in 1974, the 1976 Stallion trim package, the Cobra II in 1976, and a King Cobra in 1978.
The Third Generation (1979-1993)
The third generation Mustang brought with it the new platform called the Fox. This new Mustang offered a 2.3 L, 4-cylinder engine in naturally aspirated and turbocharged form, the 2.8 L V6, 3.3 L I-6, and the 4.9 L V8 still going as a 5.0. 1980 and 81 saw Ford replacing the 4.9 with a 4.2 V8, but brought it back for 1982. 1983 came with an improved 2.3 L engine and the first convertible in a decade as well as a new 3.8 L V6. The Mustang SVO did a limited run in 1984 with a 2.3 T engine and a revised suspension. A new-for-1985 5.0 High Output engine delivers 210 hp while 1986 swapped the four-barrel carburetor for multi-port fuel injection and 200 hp. 1987 featured a more aerodynamic redesign with flush headlights and a new interior. The V6 was gone in favour of two engines and two models: the Mustang LX with 2.3 L engine and the Mustang GT with V8. In 1993, Ford closed out the third generation with the SVT Cobra and race-ready Cobra R.
The Fourth Generation (1994-2004)
1994 saw the return of familiar Mustang styling cues. The 4.9 L V8 returned with 215 hp, and the base engine was a 3.8 L V6. The 4.9 L was then replaced in 1996 with the 4.6 L OHC V8 with a similar output buch lacking in low-end torque. In 1999, the Mustang underwent "New Edge" styling and bumped the V6 to 190 hp and the V8 to 260. The SVT Cobra became the first Mustang to have independent rear suspension.
The Fifth Generation (2005-2014)
In 2005, the Mustang brought back the familiar squared-off shape of the original design. The base V6 model came with a 4.0 L with 210 hp while the V8 4.6 L boasted 300 hp. The Mustang got a new design in 2010 with sequential tail lights while 2011 brought a 3.7 L V6 with 305 hp and a 5.0 L V8 with 412 hp. 2012 capped off the generation with the Boss 302 boasting 444 hp and the Boss 302 Laguna Seca for proper track racing.
The Sixth, and Present, Generation (2015-Now)
2015 brought the 50th anniversary of the Mustang and a new model to celebrate. Independent rear suspension was finally standard and the engine lineup consisted of a 300 hp V6, a 435 hp V8, and a new 310 hp, 2.3 L turbocharged 4-cylinder. 2018 saw a style update and said goodbye to the V6. New for 2020 is the Mustang Mach-E, a four-door electric crossover. It has 340-605 km of range and an updated Ford Sync system.