2004 Ford Mustang GT 40th Anniversary
Very Much a Pony Car

Susan Frissell

When driving the Ford Mustang you’ll know you’re in an original. The feel, although surely changed, is much the same as when it hit the scene many years ago. For 17 years straight, Mustang has been the sales leader in its category, and now it’s the only Pony Car left. Having sold 8 million copies in its history, Mustang is still a favorite.

All 2004 Mustangs come with 40^th Anniversary badging. Three basic model versions are available: Standard, Deluxe and Premium. Of course, the Coupe and Convertible are still offered, both with a choice of automatic or manual transmission. Two engines are available: 3.8-liter V6 OHV with 193 horsepower and the 4.6-liter V8 with 260 horse. The GT transmission is a Tremec TR 3650 5-speed manual and is as difficult as it ever was to shift.

Reclining cloth front bucket seats are standard and on the coupe the rear seat is a 50/50 split fold. Standard equipment includes, among other things, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, and interval windshield wipers. For 2004, Mustang’s convertible top has been enhanced and Ford has added expandable foam seals around the body to reduce wind noise.

Standard safety equipment includes second-generation airbags, LATCH anchor and tether for child safety, and SecuriLock security system. Ford has retuned the Mustang suspension for 2004 making the ride a little more palatable. It was noticeable when navigating bumps. You didn’t get so jarred. Antilock brakes are optional.

Two special editions are also available for 2004: 40^th Anniversary GT and Mach 1. The Mach 1 edition comes with standard "shaker" hood scoop, 17-inch wheels/tires, full-size spare, comfort weave leather seats, rolled top dual exhaust, and unique suspension tuning.

Our 2004 Ford Mustang Limited Anniversary test car came in one of three new colors: Crimson Red (Screaming Yellow and Competition Orange the other two) with standard leather interior. Arizona Beige Metallic performance stripes adorn the hood and lower rocker panels, and decklid and upgraded wheels (17-inch Bullitt on the GT) are standard on this special edition.

The 40^th Anniversary Mustang went on sale April 17 of this year and features some unique extras, including floor mats with the 40^th Anniversary logo, matching badge on the console. The convertible gets an upgraded Medium Parchment soft retractable top with more durability and sound resistance. Body-colored fold-in side mirrors and a Medium Parchment interior are also standard on this special model.

The interior is an upgraded package with four-way head rests, painted center console surround and shifter bezel in metallic gray, brushed aluminum door lock knobs and shift boot trim ring and pedals. It makes for a sharp package, very sporty.

Your basic Mustang comes equipped with the 3.8-liter V6 engine and provides such things as tilt steering, A/C, intermittent wipers, tinted glass, AM/FM/CD and power windows and mirrors. With the Deluxe comes a rear spoiler on the coupe, color-keyed floor mats, six-way power driver’s seat and cruise. Moving into a Premium upgrade one gets a MACH 460 audio system with in-dash six-CD changer, rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel and unique 16-inch wheels and tires. The GT Deluxe adds the 4.6-liter V8 engine, side scoop, fog lamps, 17-inch wheels/tires, two-tone six-way power cloth sport seats, stainless steel dual exhaust, upgraded suspension tuning and limited-slip differential. Added onto the GT Premium are the MACH 460 audio system and leather seats.

It’s hard not to like the Mustang. After all, with its rich history and tradition you’d almost have to be anti-American to disregard this icon. We’re all awaiting the remake of the 2005 model and expect nothing but good things. For the meantime, if you’re looking for an "original" Mustang fits the bill.

Copyright 2004. Susan Frissell. WomenWithWheels.com. All Rights Reserved.