2008 Ford Mustang Convertible Review | Buyer Guide
The Mustang Is So Yesterday
Maybe Ford feels that Mustang buyers are completely wedded to the past—the 2008 model sure seems like an old-time car. The body, which was restyled in 2005, isn’t so much an issue, but the interior, with its hard plastic surfaces feels like something from the ‘60s.
The ergonomics are certainly from a bygone era too. The steeply raked windshield, and the bulging hood, make seeing forward less than ideal. It’s impossible to tell where the front end of the car is. The view to the rear is marginal as well. The outside drivers mirror is mounted too close for comfort. The steering wheel does not telescope out for tall drivers.
However, the front seats are comfortable and provide adequate legroom. Yet, the back seats continue to be just an afterthought. Concessions to the current day include a contemporary steering wheel and the console shifter (both finished in brushed silver) and carbon-fiber-style trim on the dash.
The Mustang comes in three versions with three different engines. The base model gets a 4.0-liter V-6 with 210 horsepower. The GT comes with a 4.6-liter V-8 delivering 300 hp, and new this year is the Shelby Cobra with a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 cranking out an unbelievable 500 horses. Manual transmissions are standard on all. Five-speed automatics are optional on the base and GT.
My test car, a base convertible, came with the most popular combination, the V-6 with automatic. This combo offers decent performance and a throaty roar from the tail pipes, when pushed hard. It also delivered an average of 21.2 mpg in a combination of city and highway driving.
The convertible is the conventional type, with two latches on the windshield header to secure it in place. However, most convertibles these days use one central latch or are locked electronically. A power switch lowers the top into a bin in back in less than 20 seconds. A boot cover, which stores in the trunk, fits over the top when it’s retracted, but it is cumbersome to install, and I suspect that most owners ignore it.
Out on the road, the Mustang shows competence in the handling department. While it is not exactly nimble, it can manage a tight curving off-ramp very nicely. However, its ride quality leaves a lot to be desired. The Mustang still uses an old solid rear axle, and it hops, skips and jumps over rough surfaces causing a considerable amount of body shake. Even on freeways, there’s no smooth ride.
Mustang pricing is reasonable. The coupe starts at $19,995. The convertible begins at $24,820. A new, redesigned Mustang should be coming in a year or two. You might want to wait.
Snapshot Review
Dated design
Poor ergonomics
Good performance
Stiff Ride
