Mustang’s rich performance heritage and distinct styling have made it the top-selling sports car for 17 years straight. With its 40th anniversary on April 17, 2004, the original pony car keeps getting better.

With its low profile, long hood and short rear deck, the first Mustang promised affordable performance, style and enough options for buyers to express their own personalities. The original Mustang is still considered one of the greatest automotive success stories of all time, accounting for more than 8 million sales since introduction.

Today, Mustang’s heritage in performance and design translates into unmatched owner loyalty and sales results in the hotly contested small-specialty segment. The legendary Mustang is a preferred racer on local tracks all over the country. For 2004, Ford is fanning the flames of enthusiasm with two special-edition Mustangs – the 40th Anniversary Package and the return of the Mach 1 performance model.

The Ford Mustang also combines with its Thunderbird stablemate to make Ford Division the convertible sales leader – the brand accounts for almost a third more convertible sales than the next leading competitor.

Mustang comes in Standard, Deluxe and Premium packages in a choice of coupe or convertible with a V-6 or V-8 engine mated to automatic or five-speed manual transmissions. It is built in Dearborn, Mich.

Design and Equipment:

Mustang represents affordable performance and style.

In anticipation of next year’s milestone, every 2004 Mustang will have 40th Anniversary badges on the front fenders. The all-new 40th Anniversary Package offers performance-oriented exterior and interior upgrades to V-6 and GT models. Exterior enhancements include Arizona Beige Metallic performance stripes on the hood, lower rocker panels and decklid complemented by upgraded wheels (16-inch for the V-6 and 17-inch Bullitt wheels for the GT) with a special Arizona Beige Metallic accent.

The special 40th Anniversary models are available in an exclusive Crimson Red exterior, as well as Black and Oxford White, with body-colored, fold-in side mirrors and a Medium Parchment interior. The cars offer as standard the interior upgrade package that includes a four-way head restraint, painted center console surround and shifter bezel in metallic gray, along with brushed aluminum door lock knobs, shift boot trim ring and pedals. The special interior also includes unique floor mats with an embroidered 40th Anniversary logo and a matching badge on the center console. Convertible models offer an upgraded Medium Parchment soft retractable top that’s more durable and sound resistant. These limited-edition models will be available at the beginning of the 2004 model year.

The 2004 Mustang has reduced wind noise thanks to expandable foam seals around the body, particularly the outside door handles and belt moldings on both doors.

Standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, power windows and door locks, tilt steering column, full-length center floor console, remote keyless entry system and interval windshield wipers.

Reclining cloth front bucket seats are standard, as are 50/50 split-folding rear seat backs on coupe models. A six-way power driver’s seat is available, as are leather-trimmed bucket seats.

An interior overhead storage net is standard on all coupes. The Mustang convertible features a power retractable fabric top with a hydraulic system that allows for quick raising and lowering. The convertible top features a scratch-resistant glass rear window and optional black semi-hard boot, which protects the top from dust when lowered and provides an aerodynamic exterior appearance.

Powertrain:

The standard Mustang engine is a 3.8-liter OHV V-6, producing 193 horsepower and 225 foot-pounds of torque. The engine features split-port induction, which helps optimize fuel economy, along with enhanced-flow cylinder heads and anti-friction piston coatings.

GT models have a standard 4.6-liter SOHC V-8 that produces 260 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 302 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine features large valves, equal-length intake manifold runners and cams with high lift and long duration to maximize engine air intake for increased horsepower. A coil-on-plug ignition system provides improved ignition control for more consistent starting. Combustion chambers are shaped for optimum power and fuel efficiency, and aluminum upper main, upper thrust and rod bearings help improve engine durability.

For 2004, both V-6 and V-8 engines have improved refinement with stiffer accessory drive brackets and improved bearings to reduce variability. The Mustang GT uses the Tremec TR3650 manual transmission.

The 2004 Mustang continues with a retuned suspension. Mustang uses a modified MacPherson strut front suspension to allow each wheel to react to road imperfections independently, while its weight balance of 57 percent front, 43 percent rear contributes to agility.

Four-bar link rear suspension and power rack-and-pinion steering are standard on all Mustang models. A traction-lock rear axle, standard on the GT, transfers driving force to the rear wheel with the best traction for improved performance on slippery or uneven surfaces, or under strong acceleration.

Safety and Security:

Mustang comes standard with second-generation air bags and advanced safety belts with outboard pretensioners, BeltMinder™, and the theft-deterrent SecuriLock™ system. Mustang also has LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).

Available anti-lock brakes enhance stopping power, while all-speed traction control harnesses drive forces.

The Mustang is fitted with an emergency trunk release handle to guard against trunk entrapment.

Major Options and Equipment

Mustang: 3.8L V-6, tilt steering, air conditioning, intermittent wipers, tinted glass, AM/FM/CD stereo and power windows and mirrors.

Mustang Deluxe adds: rear spoiler (coupe only), color-keyed floor mats, six-way power driver’s seat and cruise control.

Mustang Premium adds: MACH 460 audio system with in-dash six-CD changer, rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel and unique 16-inch wheels and tires.

GT Deluxe adds: 4.6L V-8, side scoop, fog lamps, 17-inch wheels, two-tone six-way power cloth sport seats, stainless steel dual exhaust, upgraded suspension tuning and limited-slip differential.

GT Premium adds: MACH 460 audio system with six-CD changer and leather seats.

Story by Ford