2004 Ford Mustang Review

Is the 2004 Ford Mustang Right for You?

What Is It and Who Is It For?

The 2004 Ford Mustang is a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe/convertible that seats four people. It’s meant for car enthusiasts, especially those who were fans of the legendary “pony car” Mustang, which dates back to 1964.

What Makes It Unique?

The 2004 model year marked the Mustang’s 40th anniversary, and that’s noted with specific badges on the fenders. It’s available with a V6 engine, for those who prefer more show than go, or with any of three rip-roaring V8s.

Mustang vs. Other Fords

For 2004, the Mustang shared showroom space with Ford’s other two-door car, the retro-styled Thunderbird, and a few more-practical models, like the Focus, Taurus and Crown Victoria.

Ford Mustang vs. Competition

There was a rather limited range of affordable sports cars for 2004. General Motors had halted production of the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, and Dodge had not yet reintroduced the Challenger:

• Nissan 350Z: The two-seat “Z” coupe/convertible packs a go-fast V6 engine and offers both precise handling and head-turning good looks, with a wide model line.
• Mitsubishi Eclipse: Mitsubishi’s curvy sports car was offered in coupe and Spyder convertible models, with either a tepid 4-cylinder engine or a more-rousing V6.
• Mazda RX-8: New for 2004, Mazda’s sophisticated sports coupe is distinguished by its rotary engine and small rear clamshell doors, which make access to the backseat easier.
• Infiniti G35 Coupe: A more luxury-oriented version of the Nissan 350Z coupe, with which it shares a platform and engines. Unlike the Z, the Infiniti has a backseat.

Is the 2004 Model Year Right for You?

Changes for 2004

• “40^th Anniversary” fender badges
• Exterior and interior upgrades
• Mechanical tweaks for V6 and V8 engines
• Improved window seals for a quieter ride

2004 Ford Mustang vs. Older Mustangs

The fourth-generation Ford Mustang ran from 1994 through the 2004 model year, with a styling refresh for 1999 and nominal improvements along the way. That’s a decade worth of similar Mustang models from which to choose. The car was redesigned for 2005, with throwback styling that harked back to the original 1964 iteration.

You can find used Ford Mustangs with Carfax’s used car listings. Each used car comes with a free Carfax vehicle history report.

Research the Ford Mustang from other model years

Which 2004 Ford Mustang Is the Best Value?

• Base coupe/convertible: Powered by a not especially quick V6 engine.
• GT coupe/convertible: Its V8 is a better choice, plus it has improved handling abilities.
• Mach 1 coupe: Limited-production model with a more powerful version of the GT’s V8 and a stiffer suspension.
• Cobra coupe/convertible: The sportiest Mustang for 2004, it packs a punch with its supercharged V8, and it hugs corners tenaciously.

We recommend the GT, as they’re plentiful and affordable in the resale market, come adequately equipped and are sufficiently fun to drive.

Find a used Ford Mustang GT

If you want maximum muscle, look for a used Cobra, though they’re not as easy to find in used-car listings as the GT. And they only came with a manual gearbox, thus they command more money.

2004 Ford Mustang Performance

Engine Options

The 2004 Mustang has four engine options:

• 190-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive
• 260-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive
• 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive
• 390-horsepower supercharged 4.6-liter V8 with a 6-speed manual and rear-wheel drive

Compared to the class? The Mustang’s biggest engines outgun the rest of the segment..

Fuel Economy

3.8-liter (manual/automatic): 21/20 EPA-estimated combined mpg*

4.6-liter (GT, manual/automatic): 18/18 mpg

4.6-liter (Mach 1, manual/automatic):  18/17 mpg

4.6-liter (Cobra): 17 mpg

*The EPA uses a mixture of highway and city driving for its combined estimate.

Compared to the class? It’s about average among V6/V8 sports cars of the time.

2004 Ford Mustang Safety Ratings & Features

The 2004 Mustang received five out of five stars in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s front crash tests, but only three stars for side-impact protection. It was not crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 2004 Mustang predates the latest accident-avoidance systems (even antilock brakes and traction control were optional) and did not offer side-impact airbags, as many models of the time did.

Key Standard Features

• Federally mandated front-mounted airbags for the driver and front passenger

2004 Ford Mustang Interior

Cabin Storage and Features

• Cupholders: 2 front
• Glove compartment, storage in center console under armrest

Compared to the class? It’s the minimum expected for the class.

Cargo Space

• Coupe: 10.9 cubic feet
• Convertible 7.7 cubic feet

Compared to the class? Sport coupes and convertibles are not usually known for their generous cargo holds, but at least you could fit a pair of golf bags in the trunk.

Seating Space

Compared to the class? Front-seat room is sufficient even for taller drivers, but it’s prohibitively tight in the backseat, which is really only useful as a padded cargo shelf.

2004 Ford Mustang Warranty

The 2004 Mustang was originally covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty that is no longer in effect.