The Ford Mustang created the “pony car” class at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. In fact, the term “pony car” refers to the galloping horse in the Mustang’s grille, and includes other American rear-drive sport coupes similar in size and purpose to the Mustang. Sold continuously since its debut, unlike every one of its competitors, the Ford Mustang has been redesigned numerous times, designed to serve needs from economy car to luxury cruiser depending on the era and customer tastes. Today’s Mustang is a retro-themed model that arrived for 2005. It is sold in a variety of formats and performance levels, tailored to specific kinds of buyers. As such, this review covers only the V-6 model.

Here is what changed on the 2008 Ford Mustang V-6:
• Side-impact airbags for front seat occupants are standard
• Ambient interior lighting is a new option
• HID headlights are a new option
• V-6 Coupe models can be equipped with 18-inch wheels
• Limited-edition Warriors in Pink model returns, supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure
• New colors include Silver, Vapor, and Dark Candy Apple Red

The 2008 Ford Mustang V-6 is sold in Deluxe and Premium trim levels, in coupe or convertible body styles. The Premium adds features such as upgraded alloy wheels with center cap spinners, a Shaker 500 audio system with a six-disc CD changer and MP3 capability, a 6-way power driver’s seat, and upgraded interior trim. A Pony package is available on Premium models, equipping the car with a GT-handling setup that includes a larger front stabilizer bar, a rear stabilizer bar, and 17-inch wheels and tires along with a unique grille and inset fog lights (as seen in the photos above). The Pony package also includes a rear spoiler, special brushed chrome and tri-bar logos, and a lower door tape stripe with MUSTANG lettering.

The Mustang can be equipped with numerous options depending on trim level. Key available features on the Deluxe model include décor items like a rear spoiler as well as ABS with traction control, remote engine starting, an iPod connection kit, and a hands-free wireless communications system. The Premium version can be upgraded with the same features plus leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 6-way power front passenger’s seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 17- and 18-inch premium wheels, HID headlights, a Shaker 1000 audio system with Sirius satellite radio, and a navigation system. The Premium trim level is also the pathway to the Warriors in Pink model, which adds pink-colored trim details, Charcoal leather seats, aluminum interior trim, and the same grille as found on Pony models. Premium trim convertibles can be equipped with a cloth top instead of the standard vinyl top, as well as a soft convertible boot cover.

The 2008 Ford Mustang is powered by a 4.0-liter V-6 engine making 210 horsepower at 5300 rpm and 240 lb.-ft. of torque at 3500 rpm on regular unleaded fuel. The V-6 is mated to a standard 5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic transmission delivering power to the rear wheels.

Standard safety features on the 2008 Ford Mustang include four airbags: dual front airbags and side impact airbags for the front seat occupants. Side curtain airbags are not offered on the Mustang. Antilock brakes and traction control are optional, but stability control is not available.

J.D. Power and Associates says the Ford Mustang competes against mid-size sporty cars like the Mazda RX-8 and Mitsubishi Eclipse.

More information on the 2008 Ford Mustang Convertible
More photos of the 2008 Ford Mustang Convertible
Ratings for the 2008 Ford Mustang Convertible