The Fox-body Ford Mustang is likely one of the most attention-grabbing muscle vehicles to have ever existed. The Ford Fairmont is taken into account to be one of the profitable vehicles ever launched and a big a part of its success was the Fox platform that it ran on.

The third technology of the Mustang took the template that the Fairmont laid out and ran with it, shortly turning into one of many best-selling and most sturdy Mustangs ever constructed. Ford blended this all-round reliability with some spectacular efficiency and the Fox body is now one of the best project cars you can buy.

The Fox-body Mustang ran for a powerful 15 years earlier than its manufacturing ceased, leaving a ton of variants. We deeply dive into every mannequin 12 months throughout the legendary Mustang’s lifespan. We look again at what made them so particular and closely emphasised their reliability through the years.

In order to provide the newest and correct data attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from producer web sites and different authoritative sources together with Automobile Catalog, and Bring-A-Trailer. Models have been organized primarily based on reliability scores sourced from Carsurvey, from lowest to highest.

14 1984: The twentieth Anniversary Of The Mustang And A Pseudo Shelby

Reliability Rating: 5/10

The 1984 mannequin 12 months was a particular one for the Mustang because it marked the twentieth birthday of the nameplate. This was celebrated with the introduction of the SVO and the Saleen Mustang. Ford additionally produced a GT350 (not a Shelby) which is just as exciting and collectible as the current generation GT350. These are rarer and extra helpful and add to the excessive common worth.

Performance and Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Automobile Catalog)

Average Used Price: $27,500

Sales elevated 17 % over the 1983 mannequin thanks to those modifications and the slew of particular editions. While the high-performance fashions are nice enjoyable, house owners have a poor notion of this mannequin 12 months’s reliability, giving it a mean rating of 5/10.

Notable Changes

• The SVO Mustang got here with an intercooler and tons of upgrades
• The GT-350 was a white hatchback with maroon stripes
• Sport seats grew to become customary within the GT and GT Turbo
• The 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four made a comeback

13 1982: The High Output 5.0-Liter V-8 Makes Its First Appearance

Reliability Ratings: 7/10

Looking at examples on the used market, the 1982 mannequin 12 months is available in subsequent. There have been some minor upgrades over its predecessor however the primary draw was the introduction of the brand new High Output 5.0-Liter engine, an possibility on the brand new GT, which let rip 157 horsepower and an outstanding 240 pound-feet of torque.

Performance and Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Automobile Catalog)

Average Used Price: $14,000

There aren’t many 1982 Mustangs in the marketplace and a few rarer extra helpful ones that collectors are holding on to. Owners of 1982 Mustangs gave it a barely decrease reliability rating than the 1983 mannequin 12 months with a 7/10.

Notable Changes

• The physique equipment on the brand new GT was extra Cobra-like
• The GT was lighter and quicker than a Camaro Z28
• The Ghia was changed by a brand new and upgraded GLX
• Mid-level GL might be had as a hatchback
• Special Service Package was launched for California freeway patrol models

12 1985: A Refresh Made The Fox-body Even Foxier And The SVO Even Quicker

Reliability Ratings: 7/10

The 1985 Mustang was a slight comeback for the Fox physique, slowly dropping traction. Its modifications resulted in a sleeker, sexier Mustang with some boosted efficiency that helped it stay a muscle fanatic’s favourite, even all these years later.

Performance and Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Automobile Catalog)

Average Used Price: $25,000

Over 150,000 models have been bought on this mannequin 12 months, which was a rise of ten % over the past 12 months. Owners see this as being one of many much less dependable Fox-bodies, solely awarding it 7/10 for reliability.

Notable Changes

• A brand new front-end with a slit as a substitute of a grille
• The 5.0-liter now outputs a powerful 210 horsepower
• GT Convertibles have been solely out there with the 5.0-liter
• The SVO went by means of a refresh, netting 205 horsepower and maintaining with the 5.0-liter
• New electronically managed AM/FM cassette gamers grew to become an added possibility

11 1979: The Birth Of The Fox-body Mustang

Reliability Ratings: 7/10

The 1979 Mustang was the introduction of the third generation and the Fox-body. It was revolutionary for its time and is an absolute discount for collectors. The most precious by far is the Indy Pace Car particular editions which have bought for upwards of $60,000. As for the remainder of the lineup, you possibly can even get a Cobra for lower than $20,000.

Performance and Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Automobile Catalog)

Average Used Price: $15,000

The 1979 Ford Mustang shook up the muscle automobile scene in 1979 and other people beloved Ford for it. It bought twice in addition to the outgoing mannequin with practically 370,000 models being shipped. Owners love its reliability too, giving it a mean rating of seven/10, not unhealthy for a automobile inbuilt 1979.

Notable Changes

• Completely new physique design with an enormous deal with aerodynamics
• Turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder and 5.0-liter V-8 have been engine choices for lovers
• Four-speed guide and three-speed automated have been the transmission decisions
• Featured Michelin’s new TRX radial tire
• Ghia trim degree featured distinctive luxurious

10 1986: Horsepower Drops Across The Board For The Pony

Reliability Ratings: 8/10

For 1986 we took a small leap in common worth as much as $20,000. This worth benefit over the earlier fashions on this record could merely be resulting from their rarer fashions not having bought because the 1986 Fox-body Mustang is one of the lesser-liked model years.

Performance and Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Automobile Catalog)

Average Used Price: $20,000

The loss in horsepower was an enormous blow to the Mustang for lovers, nevertheless it did not cease Ford from transferring over 200,000 models. Owners report this mannequin as being pretty dependable, with a mean rating of 8/10.

Notable Changes

• Sequential port gasoline injection for the 5.0-liter
• A twin exhaust was added
• The energy peak was at a decrease RPM
• Loss in horsepower throughout most fashions over final 12 months

9 1983: A Toned Down Look For The Mustang

Reliability Rating: 8/10

Looking at examples on web sites like Bring-A-Trailer, the 1983 Ford Mustang is available in as essentially the most inexpensive mannequin. The choice to have your Mustang as a convertible and the uncommon Mustang GT Turbo was launched. This mannequin 12 months got here with a facelift that made the ‘Stang look rather less aggressive, probably contributing to it being much less fascinating.

Performance and Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Automobile Catalog)

Average Used Price: $11,000

Even with this lengthy record of upgrades, the 1983 mannequin did not handle to promote very nicely in comparison with different mannequin years. According to house owners on CarSurvey, it nonetheless lives as much as Fox-body reliability, with a mean rating of 8/10.

Notable Changes

• Sport Bucket seats have been not Recaro
• The 5.0-liter engine got here with a Holley four-barrel carburetor
• Essex 3.8-liter V-6 changed the three.3-liter inline-six
• The 5.0-liter got here with a Borg 5-speed guide transmission
• Return of the convertible after a 10-year absence

8 1988: Continued Success From 1987 And A Bright Looking Future

Reliability Rating: 8/10

The earlier mannequin 12 months, 1987, was one of the profitable Fox Mustangs that ever hit the market. The 1988 Mustang rides its coattails regardless of having acquired virtually no modifications. The Mass Air Flow sensor put in would assist it develop into one of many fastest muscle cars of the 80s.

Performance and Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Automobile Catalog)

Average Used Price: $35,000

Sales have been on the up and up from 1987 and continued by means of the 1988 mannequin 12 months. Ford bought over 200,000 models, growing gross sales over the 1987 mannequin 12 months by a whopping 24 %. Reliability remained excessive for this mannequin, with house owners averagely scoring it an 8/10.

Notable Changes

• A Mass Air Flow sensor was put in in California fashions which diminished horsepower negligibly

7 1989: A Piece Of Tech Makes The Mustang One Of The Most Modifiable Muscle Cars Out There

Reliability Ratings: 9/10

Average used costs skyrocket once we check out the 1989 Mustang. This is partly as a result of modifications Ford made but in addition as a result of they’re really easy to improve with aftermarket components. People love the potential that the MAF, put in within the California fashions in 1988, allowed for.

Performance and Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Automobile Catalog)

Average Used Price: $50,000

Sales of the 1989 Mustang remained secure. While folks anticipating a high-performance variant for the ‘Stangs anniversary have been disenchanted, the MAF allowed folks to create high-performance variants of their very own. They are one of the best project cars that you can buy. Reliability remained a 9/10 in response to house owners.

Notable Changes

• A revised MAF was now customary throughout all fashions
• The uprated suspension that was non-obligatory on the GT grew to become customary on the LX
• The T-roof possibility was deleted on the hatchback
• A commemorative pony was added to the dashboard

6 1980-1981: The Cobra Saw Several Changes Making It Super Desirable

Reliability Ratings: 9/10

While the 1980 Mustang wasn’t essentially the most inspiring, with the Windsor V-8 being downsized for some unusual motive, there have been some upsides. The star of the present for the 1980 and 1981 mannequin years was the Cobra, which acquired a number of modifications that made it considerably extra attractive and laid the groundwork for one of the rarest Mustangs ever.

Performance and Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Automobile Catalog)

Average Used Price: $35,000

Mustang gross sales throughout this time slumped considerably. While gross sales numbers have been good in 1980 they dropped considerably in 1981. Owners report that these two mannequin years uphold the legendary Fox-body reliability, with a mean rating of 9/10.

Notable Changes

• The entrance finish, hood, and rear spoiler from the Pace Car have been matted to the Cobra
• Recaro Sports seats have been non-obligatory throughout all fashions
• The leather-based wrapping was now out there on all steering wheel choices
• In 1981 the hatchback featured an non-obligatory glass T-roof

5 1993: SVT Helps The Third Generation Mustang Go Out With A Bang

Reliability Rating: 9/10

After an up-and-down lifespan, the ultimate mannequin 12 months of the Fox Mustang went out with a bang. Ford SVT produced a Cobra this 12 months which got here with some large upgrades that will make it one of the attractive Fox Mustangs ever, together with a ton of GT-40 components. The SVT Cobra R was additionally launched and is likely one of the most collectible Mustangs on the market.

Performance and Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Automobile Catalog)

Average Used Price: $70,000

The SVT Cobra and Cobra R took the Fox Mustang out in fashion and has develop into one of the sought-after fashions from this technology of Mustang. Cobra Rs are known to sell for well over $100,000. They additionally retained reliability, with house owners giving the 1993 Mustang a 9/10 for reliability.

Notable Changes

• Drop in 20 horsepower for the 5.0-liter Mustangs
• The Cobra produced 235 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque
• A revised transmission and improved suspension and brakes graced the Cobra
• The Cobra R deleted facilities in favor of monitor efficiency
• The Cobra R can speed up from 0 to 60 MPH in 5.7 seconds (Ford SVT)

4 1992: The Mustang Grows Old And Sales Drop

Reliability Ratings: 9/10

Keeping secure at a mean used worth of $20,000 is the 1992 mannequin 12 months Mustang. There weren’t many issues new concerning the 1992 Mustang however it retained the things that people enjoyed about it.

Performance and Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Automobile Catalog)

Average Used Price: $20,000

The Mustang was starting to indicate its age in 1992 and this was mirrored in its gross sales. Ford bought lower than 80,000 models in 1992. However, house owners see it as one of many extra dependable Fox-bodies, with a mean rating of 9/10.

Notable Changes

• New inside dome mild
• Cheaper seat cushions have been used
• Four-way adjustable seats have been non-obligatory
• A restricted version 5.0-liter LX convertible was launched with vivid orange paint

3 1990: A Limited Run 7-Up Anniversary Mustang LX Hit The Streets

Reliability Rating: 9/10

1990 marked a major decline for the Fox Mustang and modifications made the muscle automobile objectively worse. The solely saving grace was that this was the twenty fifth anniversary of the Mustang and a restricted run of LX convertibles have been made to rejoice. These em

erald green drop tops add to the value of this model year.

Performance and Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Automobile Catalog)

Average Used Price: $35,000

Mustang gross sales plummeted in 1990 by 39 % underneath the earlier 12 months. The restricted version twenty fifth anniversary Mustang’s are the saving grace for this mannequin 12 months. Owners report a 9/10 reliability rating.

Notable Changes

• Driver’s aspect airbags grew to become customary
• The tilt-steering column was eliminated
• The middle console’s armrest was deleted
• The bucket seats within the GT used the cheaper and smaller headrests from the usual Mustang

2 1991: The Fox-body Mustang Remains Fairly Unchanged From The Previous Model Year

Reliability Rating: 10/10

The 1991 Mustang is a stable alternative and advantages lots from its predecessors. There weren’t a number of modifications to it, with every little thing being principally aesthetic. The base mannequin Mustangs did obtain a minor improve in energy, nonetheless.

Performance and Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Automobile Catalog)

Average Used Price: $30,000

The Mustang was reaching the tip of its life-cycle and gross sales have been down. Despite this, the worth of those vehicles is doing pretty nicely. Owners report a superb 10/10 reliability rating, sitting among some of the most reliable Ford’s ever made.

Notable Changes

• 16-inch wheels with the operating pony emblem have been launched
• The operating pony on the sprint was stored however the “25th-anniversary” inscription was eliminated
• The convertible roofs have been re-engineered to be sleeker
• HVAC controls grew to become streamlined

1 1987: The 5.0-Liter V-8 Becomes The Only Powertrain

Reliability: 10/10

The 1987 Mustang is as near peak efficiency because it comes. It went by means of a redesign that made it sleeker and Ford’s made a dedication to efficiency by deleting the two.3-liter four-cylinder and the three.8-liter V-6, leaving solely the 5.0-liter. It was one of many largest leaps in efficiency the Mustang had seen. There are also tons of aftermarket parts to mod this already impressive muscle car into a behemoth.

Performance and Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Automobile Catalog)

Average Used Price: $55,000

Despite the leaps in efficiency, gross sales of this mannequin 12 months nonetheless dropped. However, the redesign has caught the attention of collectors years later and the 1987 mannequin is likely one of the most precious Fox Mustangs. Owners on CarSurvey gave it a reliability rating of 10/10.

Notable Changes

• Redesigned physique and entrance bumper
• GTs acquired a novel physique equipment
• The 5.0-liter acquired up to date cylinder heads and horsepower was elevated to 225 with torque as much as 300 lb-ft
• Huge suspension enhancements
• Could now run the quarter mile in mid-14 seconds from inventory