2002 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

In an automotive world fraught with change, constants are few. One of the most enduring is the popularity of America's original ponycar, the Mustang. Ever since it began filtering into Ford retail corrals back in mid-1964, this stalwart steed has occupied a special place in the hearts and minds of buyers across the country. While sales volumes admittedly have dipped from their all-time highs, in a realm increasingly populated by SUVs and "crossovers," the Mustang still accounts for more than two times the combined volume of its closest competitors, the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird.

Designed in 1994 and updated in 1999, the Mustang's current bodylines are one of its more timeless iterations. GT models get assorted performance-oriented touches.

Ford currently offers the Mustang in coupe or convertible body styles and in standard or GT guise. The standard versions are fitted with a 193-horsepower/3.8-liter OHV V-6 while the GTs pack a distinctly performance-oriented 260-horse/4.6-liter SOHC V-8 under their hoods. For this ride, we decided to put the emphasis on fun and saddled up a Premium-grade drop-top GT.


While the standard features list on even the Base Mustang now includes air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo, tilt steering column, keyless remote entry and 4-wheel disc brakes, the GT adds a power driver's seat, cruise control, full sport suspension, Plus-1 (17-inch) wheel/tire package and anti-lock brakes in addition to the upgraded engine. Our top-line tester, which also came with leather upholstery and the primo Mach 460 sound system that includes a 6-disc in-dash changer, was fitted with the standard 5-speed manual transmission. It commanded $28,990 out the door, including $600 in freight fees. That's $4,255 more than an equivalent GT Premium coupe.


Mustang's last major "freshening" came for the 1999 model year, although a relatively low-key bodywork tweak of its 1994-era sheetmetal was markedly overshadowed by a comprehensive upgrade to its drivetrain and structural elements. Prime beneficiary of this mid-generational makeover was the convertible, which not only gained more go-power but a considerably stiffer unibody. There's still a bit of the old shudder and shake in evidence over rougher stretches—particularly when you're running in al-fresco mode—but it's now confined to levels any dyed-in-the-wool sun-worshiper worth his Ban de Soleil 45 will find acceptable.

Inside, rotary HVAC controls have the purist appeal, as does the twin-scallop dash design. Ergonomics could benefit from larger gauges and higher-up audio controls.

Despite its sporting character, the Mustang's interior treatment does leave a bit to be desired from a pure design standpoint. On the plus side, its twin-scallop dash still plays pretty well in context, and its rotary heat/air controls are—dare we say it—a genuine breath of fresh air in light of some of the more Byzantine designs that have risen to prominence of late.