2008 Ford Mustang Review

For 2008, a new Bullitt model joins the Mustang lineup. Faithfully styled to celebrate the hero car in the famous chase scene starring Steve McQueen, the 2008 Mustang Bullitt is tuned to a higher level than the standard GT. Ford re-engineered the Bullitt to attain its additional performance. Ford used technology learned from development of the Shelby cars, and the chief engineer for the Mustang says technology gained from the development of the Bullitt will be used in the next-generation Mustang. In any case, the Bullitt is more responsive than the Mustang GT. Ford built about 7,000 Bullitt models. The Ford Mustang is one of the biggest success stories in America. The appeal of the idea is timeless and ageless. Overall, the Mustang stays true to its All-American roots; it's quick and fun to drive and offers combination of style, performance, and handling that's hard to beat for the money.

2008 Mustang Exterior

The Mustang comes in the coupe or the convertible.  The 107-inch wheelbase and 187.6-inch overall length of the current model are the longest of any Mustang since 1973, and are within an inch of the dimensions of the 1969-70 model.  The current Mustang features classic design cues that have defined Mustangs since the 1960s: C-scoops in the sides, three-element tail lamps and a galloping horse badge in the center of the grille. Yet the Mustang follows modern trends by offering ever-larger wheels, including two distinct 18-inch wheel designs for the GT and a new 18-inch wheel for V6 models. For 2008, front side airbags come standard on all Mustangs, and high-intensity discharge headlights and interior ambient lighting are newly available.

Ford Mustang Models

 The Mustang comes in base V6 and GT trim levels, plus the new limited edition Bullit model.  The two versions are further divided into Deluxe and Premium variants.  For 2008, three Shelby models are available: The 319-hp Shelby GT comes in coupe and convertible form along with the 540-hp Shelby GT500KR coupe.

The V6 Premium coupe gets a six-way power driver's seat, painted machined aluminum wheels with chrome spinners, plus a 500-watt audio system with six-disc CD changer and MP3 capability. The V6 Deluxe and V6 Premium convertibles feature the same as the coupes, except they don't have the split-folding rear seat but instead add a power folding top.

The 2008 Shelby GT coupe and convertible features unique front fascia, special hood scoop and side scoops, high-flow exhaust, performance suspension, Hurst short-throw shifter, lowered ride height, and 235/50R18 performance tires on polished aluminum wheels.   The Shelby GT500 has P255/45R18 front and P285/40R18 rear performance tires, Brembo front brakes, SVT-tuned suspension, standard leather upholstery, a short-throw shifter, a carbon-fiber hood with hood pins, and unique suspension tuning. KR stands for King of the Road. All also come with a gas-guzzler tax. 

The V-6 models offer the Pony package which feature 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, a firmer suspension, visual upgrades, custom grille, and fog lamps. The available Interior Upgrade Package, with satin or dark-finish aluminum inserts instead of chrome, goes a long way toward eliminating the feel of cheapness.

Inside the Ford Mustang

 The Mustang interior has a throwback and sporty appearance and straightforward in function, but materials quality is lacking. The chrome-ringed gauges and three-spoked steering wheel ad a retro touch.  Mustang offers an optional color-changeable instrument panel display, with 125 color schemes to choose from.  The front bucket seats in the 2008 Mustang are comfortable and supportive.  The back seat is cramped and lacking leg room.  As far as cargo capacity goes, the Mustang is pretty good.  The rear seat actually folds flat, and even with the folding seat in the upright position, the trunk is just as roomy as some sedans.

Power and Handling of the Mustang

The base engine for the '08 Mustang is a 4.0-liter V-6 which produces 210 horsepower. The GT models get a 4.6-liter all-aluminum V-8.  Both engines run on regular gasoline and work with either a five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic.  The more modest Shelby GT gets a power bump to 319 hp. It rides slightly lower and has firmer suspension tuning. The Shelby GT500KR puts out around 540 hp.

The Mustang V6 Deluxe is a nice cruiser and its 4.0-liter V6 engine is a solid performer, all for around $20,000. The Shelby GT500 offers near-Corvette performance and we found it easy to drive.  Its solid rear axle is bouncy on bad pavement, however, and all this comes at a substantial price increase.  All Mustang engines are secured to the body with hydraulic mounts, which absorb and counteract vibration and pulsing. By adapting ideas and components from luxury cars, Ford has given the current Mustang a level of sophistication its predecessors never had.  Ford claims the current Mustang's body/frame is 31 percent stiffer than the previous generation, and it feels it. The 2008 Mustang is more rigid and rattle-free than previous editions.  The ride is fairly smooth, even with the available 18-inch wheels. It's about as good as a solid-axle suspension gets, and it does a good job of controlling skipping and bouncing at the back of the car.  The brakes work well at high-speed.  The Mustang GT will run 0-60 mph in about 5.5 seconds.

Conclusions

The 2008 Ford Mustang is a carryover from 2007 with minimal exterior modifications.  Also new for 2008 are front side airbags that come standard on all Mustangs, and high-intensity discharge headlights and interior ambient lighting are newly available.   Yet another two versions that trade on the name of legendary racer and car developer Carroll Shelby: the Shelby GT convertible and the Shelby GT500KR are new for 2008. Economy range for the Mustang is 26 mpg highway and 17 mpg city.  The American pony car has never been better.  The reliability of the base and GT Mustangs has been an issue and is the main downside to owning a Mustang.  Overall, the 2008 Ford Mustang offers the bold styling, rear-drive performance and affordability that have been Mustang hallmarks for decades, but it's smoother and quieter and better built than older models. Visit the official page of the Ford Mustang for more details.