"Mustang is a true American icon. Introduced more than 35 years ago, it has kept its love affair alive with the American public. More than any other car, it symbolizes the spirit of individualism in all of us. Mustang is a declaration of independence. With the top down and the music on, Mustang sets people free." - Jim O'Connor, president, Ford Division

2001 Ford Mustang Maintains Its Status as an American Icon The 2001 Ford Mustang continues to build on its heritage as one of America's most-beloved automobile brands. Its classic styling remains contemporary, and its spirited performance make it appealing to automotive enthusiasts. Mustang is the quintessential fun-to-drive and fun-to-be-seen-in car.

New for 2001:

This year Mustang gets a new console with a larger rear cup holder, repositioned front cup holder, power point, tissue holder and parking brake boot. A rear-window defroster is now standard on all models. A new 6-disc in-dash CD player is available with the Mach® 460 Sound System. New hood and side scoops on the GT model further distinguish it from the V-6 version.

A new "value leader" V-6 coupe is available for 2001.Model order combinations have been reduced to approximately 50, compared to 2600 last year.

Spirited Performance Is the Heart of a Mustang:

The 2001 Mustang is fast, nimble and fun. The standard engine is a 3.8L OHV V-6 producing 190 horsepower @ 5250 rpm and 220 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2750 rpm. GT models have a standard 4.6L SOHC V-8 that kicks out 260 horse-power @ 5250 rpm and 302 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4600 rpm.(1)

A 5-speed manual transmission is available and provides the control and driving experience that performance enthusiasts want. A 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission also is available.

Mustang's rear-wheel drive layout is another characteristic valued by performance-oriented drivers. It provides balanced performance and excellent acceleration feel. The rear-wheel layout spreads out tire loads from steering and acceleration among all four tires (not just the front two), providing excellent steering and handling. It also eliminates torque steer that sometimes happens in front-wheel drive models and causes the vehicle to pull left or right during heavy acceleration.

Other design facets contribute to Mustang's performance feel. It has a wide front and rear track which helps it corner and handle extremely well. With 57 percent of the car's weight in front (56 percent for the GT Convertible with manual transmission), Mustang is agile, has a stable handling feel, excellent traction and confident braking. A Traction-Lok (limited slip) rear axle is standard on GT. It transfers driving force to the rear wheel with the best traction for improved performance on slippery or uneven surfaces.

The Mustang Look - Some Things Never Go Out of Style:

The 2001 Mustang still retains some of the original styling cues that first turned heads more than three decades ago. But make no mistake: It is a highly contemporary-looking automobile befitting its performance image. The striking exterior profile reinforces its sports car heritage with an overall ground-hugging appearance that emphasizes an agile, aggressive stance. The hood scoop, side scoop and pony emblem in chrome "corral" brand incorporate classic Mustang design elements. The vertical taillamps feature a signature tri-bar design, and the single-wing spoiler on the rear decklid of the GT model adds to the performance image.

Inside, the dual cockpit shape is reminiscent of the original Mustang; yet, its wraparound design is modern and user-friendly. The headliner, rear package tray, and A- and C-pillar moldings are color-keyed to the rest of the interior.

The Mustang convertible provides the ultimate carefree and fun-to-drive experience. Yet it also has a practical and easy-to-use design. The power retractable convertible top has a semi-hard boot that protects the top from dust when lowered and enhances the exterior appearance. A hydraulic system allows quick raising and lowering of the top. The rear window is made of scratch-resistant glass.

Comfortable to Drive as Well as Fun to Drive:

Mustang has a very high level of standard, and available comfort and convenience features. Standard items include air conditioning, power windows and door locks, a tilt steering column, full-length center floor console, Remote Keyless Entry System, interval windshield wipers and an AM/FM stereo/cassette/single CD player.

Comfortable reclining cloth front bucket seats are standard, as are 50-50 split-folding rear seatbacks (fixed rear seatbacks on the Convertible). A six-way power driver's seat is available. It adjusts forward/backward, higher/lower and seat cushion tilt angle. It includes power lumbar adjustment, two-way head restraint, recline feature and console armrest.

Mustang also offers a variety of sophisticated audio systems for the true audiophile to choose from, including a Mach®460 Sound System with 6-disc in-dash CD player.

Story by Ford