1990-1993 Ford Mustang: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1993 Ford Mustang and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V8 models)
- Handling/roadholding
Cons
- Fuel economy (V8)
- Ride
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
- Noise
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
By 1990, this generation of Ford's popular rear-drive ponycar was more than a decade old, having been introduced for 1979. Mustangs came in coupe and convertible form, accompanied by a 2-door hatchback coupe. All three body styles were available in LX trim with a standard 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine or optional V8 (dubbed LX 5.0L). The high-performance GT was limited to hatchback and convertible bodies and included the V8 engine. A driver-side airbag arrived for 1990, along with rear shoulder belts.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Mustang GT Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1993 Ford Mustang. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1993 Ford Mustang.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Ford Mustang:
Four-cylinder engines gained two spark plugs per cylinder and 15 horsepower, now rated at 105. Convertible tops now folded closer to the body. Automatic transmissions added a brake/shift interlock.
1992 Ford Mustang:
Color-keyed bodyside moldings and bumper rub strips decorated LX Mustangs, and all got a new dome lamp. In short, nothing much was new.
1993 Ford Mustang:
A limited-edition Cobra emerged in 1993 with a modified 245-horsepower engine. Marketed only with 5-speed manual shift, Cobras also employed an altered suspension for tighter-yet handling, 4-wheel disc brakes, and 245/ZR17 tires (versus 15-inchers for "lesser" Mustangs). Ford had a rounder, redesigned Mustang waiting for debut as a '94 model.
Our road test for the 1990-1993 Ford Mustang includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1993 Ford Mustang and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1993 Ford Mustang is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Best to skip the weak, noisy 4-cylinder engine, with its poor repair record. For reliable and strong performance choose the V8, but watch out for its notorious poor wet-weather traction and dismal fuel economy, especially in town. Four-cylinder models average in the low twenties. Ride quality is well-controlled on base models. In the GT, you can definitely expect to jiggle and jounce over harsh pavement, courtesy of an admittedly stiff suspension. However, it is that suspension that makes the GT model handle so well, while the base model leans over heavily even in modest turns. Brakes are one of the bigger bugaboos. Front-disc/rear-drum brakes are simply not up to par for a car of this caliber. Passenger space is fine up front but tight in back. Hatchbacks offer plenty of cargo space with the rear seatback folded down. Convertibles are fun, of course, but bodies are likely to be loose and rattly. Controls are small and some awkwardly placed, but overall better than a Chevy Camaro.
Value for the Money
To be frank, few other cars offer as much bang for the buck as a Mustang. Only the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird rank as true rivals. Despite high insurance rates and poor gas mileage, Mustangs still deliver good overall value, new or used.
To be frank, few other cars offer as much bang for the buck as a Mustang. Only the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird rank as true rivals. Despite high insurance rates and poor gas mileage, Mustangs still deliver good overall value, new or used.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Mustang GT Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Ford Mustang includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Ford Mustang .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Blower motor:
Squeaking or chirping blower motors are the result of defective brush holders. (1993)
Suspension problems:
It may be impossible to align the front end and get the camber correct due to the dimensions of the crossmember across the spring seats. (1990-93)
Vehicle noise:
A chattering noise that can be felt coming from the rear during tight turns after highway driving is caused by a lack of friction modifier or over-shimming of the clutch packs in the Traction-Lok differential. (1990-93)
Wipers:
Because water commonly seeps past the hood seal onto the wiper motor, the wipers may be erratic or quit working. (1990-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $410 |
| Alternator | $535 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $675 |
| Brakes | $245 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $480 |
| Exhaust System | $565 |
| Radiator | $360 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $435 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $215 |
| Universal Joints | $95 |
Our price chart for this generation Ford Mustang details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1993 | |||
| GT Convertible | $3,400-4,100 | $2,700-3,200 | $900-1,100 |
| LX Convertible | $2,100-3,000 | $1,500-2,100 | $400-500 |
| Mustang GT | $2,700-3,400 | $2,000-2,600 | $600-700 |
| Mustang LX | $1,400-2,300 | $900-1,500 | $200-300 |
| 1992 | |||
| GT Convertible | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
| LX Convertible | $1,900-2,600 | $1,300-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Mustang GT | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| Mustang LX | $1,200-1,900 | $700-1,200 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| GT Convertible | $2,600-3,200 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| LX Convertible | $1,600-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $200-300 |
| Mustang GT | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Mustang LX | $1,100-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| GT Convertible | $2,300-2,800 | $1,700-2,000 | $400-500 |
| LX Convertible | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Mustang GT | $1,700-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| Mustang LX | $1,000-1,500 | $600-900 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Ford Mustang include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door coupe | 2-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 100.5 | 100.5 | 100.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 179.6 | 179.6 | 179.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.3 | 68.3 | 68.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.1 | 52.1 | 52.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2996 | 2775 | 2834 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 6.4 | 10.0 | 30.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.4 | 15.4 | 15.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.6 | 37.0 | 37.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | 41.7 | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.0 | 35.9 | 35.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 30.7 | 30.7 | 30.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Mustangs came with only two engines in 1990: an 88-horsepower, 2.3-liter 4-cylinder for the LX; and a husky 225-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 for the GT and LX 5.0. The V8 whipped out 300 pound-feet of torque, enhancing the Mustang's muscle-car reputation. Either a 5-speed manual gearbox or 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission might be installed. Four-cylinder engines jumped to 105 horsepower for 1992, helped by two spark plugs per cylinder. Ford revised its method of engine measurement in 1993, saying new figures more accurately reflected engine output in on-road conditions. So, the 5.0-liter V8 then rated 205 horsepower (instead of 225) and 275 pound-feet ("down" from 300). Cobras of 1993 carried a 245-horse modification of the regular engine.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.3 / 140 | 88 | 132 | 5-speed manual: 23/29 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.0 / 302 | 205-225 | 275-300 | 5-speed manual: 17/24 4-speed automatic: 17/24 |
5-speed manual: 15.3 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.0 / 302 | 245 | 320 | 5-speed manual: -- | 5-speed manual: -- |
| ohc I4 | 2.3 / 140 | 105 | 135 | 5-speed manual: 22/30 4-speed automatic: 22/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 19.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Ford Mustang include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1993 Mustang |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1993 Ford Mustang directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-93:
Ignition switch could short-circuit and overheat, causing smoke and possible fire.
1991:
Park rod assembly of automatic overdrive transmission may contain a cam with inadequate surface hardness, which could lead to disengagement or nonengagement when lever is placed in "Park" position; with parking brake off, vehicle could then roll away.
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