2003 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 is now the best-selling American convertible.

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 includes air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, AM/FM/CD stereo, tilt steering column, intermittent wipers, 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 trimmed 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 $29,270 out the door, including $600 in freight fees. That's $4,195 more than an equivalent GT Premium coupe.


For 2003, the hood is re-sculpted and four new exterior colors are offered, although Mustang's last major "freshening" came for the 1999 model year. Prime beneficiary of a mid-generational makeover in '94—comprehensive upgrades to the drivetrain and structural elements—was the convertible. It not only gained more go-power but a considerably stiffer unibody. There's still a bit of shudder 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.

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.