2003 Ford Mustang: Road Test
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2003 Ford Mustang ▼
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- MSRP: $17,720 -$37,835
- Invoice: $16,338 -$34,819
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Our road test for the 2003 Ford Mustang includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Ford Mustang from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Ford Mustang, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Ford Mustang help you decide if a 2003 Ford Mustang is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Mach 1, man. | SVT Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 5.9 |
V6 sprightly enough, especially with manual transmission. GT's V8 is robust with either transmission; Mach 1 faster still. Cobra's supercharged thrust is spine-compressing and virtually lag-free, though shifter suffers notchy movement.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Mach 1, man. | SVT Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 6.1 |
Test manual-transmission GTs averaged 15.5 mpg, a Mach 1 16.3 with more highway miles. Expect slightly better with V6. No opportunity yet to measure Cobra mileage. Base and GT models use regular-grade fuel. Ford recommends 91-octane premium for Mach 1 and Cobra.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Mach 1, man. | SVT Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.5 |
Base models fairly compliant, GT and Mach 1 firmer but not punishing, though aged suspension on both is poor at absorbing large bumps. Cobra's independent rear suspension aids composure over rough surfaces, but taut springs and low-profile tires still make for a stiff ride.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Mach 1, man. | SVT Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7.7 |
Plenty of lateral grip and good steering feel, but Base and GT tend to get skittish in bumpy corners where the Mach 1 and Cobra do a better job of staying on course. Traction control essential to help minimize tire slip in these rear-wheel-drive cars. Brake performance and feel escalate from adequate on base models to impressive on Cobra.
QUIETNESS
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Mach 1, man. | SVT Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.2 |
Full-throttle acceleration brings lots of V6 engine ruckus and, on V8s, engine and exhaust roar. Convertibles aren't uncomfortably noisy with the roof raised.
CONTROLS
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Mach 1, man. | SVT Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
Legible gauges, easy-to-use controls. However, Cobra's shift lever is shaped differently from that in other Mustangs and is difficult to use without stretching. Build quality is nothing special, and hard plastic dominates interior panels.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Mach 1, man. | SVT Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Good room for two. Seats in Base and GT are too soft for best comfort or support. Mach 1 seats a good blend of comfort and support. Cobra's buckets are narrow but firm and well-bolstered. Steering wheel mounted too close to driver for best positioning. Long doors a hassle in tight spaces. Rearward visibility limited--especially with the convertible's top up--but no worse than in most rivals.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Mach 1, man. | SVT Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.1 |
Inhospitable for adults. Entry/exit requires awkward crouching under low roof, squeezing between front seat and doorjamb.
CARGO ROOM
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Mach 1, man. | SVT Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Small trunk, and convertible lacks coupe's folding rear seatback.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Mach 1, man. | SVT Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Mustang outlasted the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird because of its wider appeal. Its reach broadens for '03 with the Corvette-baiting Cobra and nostalgic Mach 1. Any Mustang is an impractical car, but easily fulfills its core mission: deliver appropriate performance and looks for a reasonable price.
Total Score
| Base cpe, auto. | GT conv, auto. | Mach 1, man. | SVT Cobra cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | 40 | 42 | 42 | 47.3 |
Total Score: 41
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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