The 1989 Mustang retained its popularity for the model year despite being considerably like the previous model year. There were fewer GTs produced in 1989 as the 5.0 LX "Sport" made an appearance. Some buyers preferred to buy a used 1988 Mustang rather than a new 1989 simply because they were practically identical.
Of course, the Mustang remained one of America's favorite cars. The history and style of the Mustang was appealing to many and this combined with incredibly affordable base prices continued the Mustang's popularity for 1989.
Also, 1989 marked Mustang's 25th anniversary. However, it was almost as if Ford overlooked the pony car's big milestone. This was because only halfway through the model year were any anniversary models released, and then the only recognition was a small anniversary plate that read "25 years" with the running pony on the passenger side dash.
1989 Mustang Lineup
Powertrain and Performance
1989 Ford Mustang Engine
The power and performance of the 1989 Mustang was practically identical to the previous third generation models and subsequent ones. The GT and LX Sport boasted the powerful 5.0 Liter HO engine while the Standard Mustang was about half as powerful with a 2.3 liter engine. The GT and LX Sport were the more popular models in 1989 so their respective power and performance specifications will be discussed in further detail.
As far as the GT was concerned the intake plenum was tuned length aluminum, and the EEC-IV electronics system, roller lifter cam, E7TE truck heads, 60 mm throttle body, low restriction air cleaner, and 19 pound per hour injectors remained the same. The stainless steel exhaust on the GT were continued for 1989 and these were coupled with tubular headers also made of stainless steel. More similarities continued in 1989 with the 10.84 inch front brakes, 1.3 inch front and .83 rear anti-sway bars.
There were not any changes in the GT's standard handling package for 1989. The package from 1988 which was used again in 1989 including rear quadra shocks, uni-directional Goodyear Gatorback tires with 15x7 wheels, progressive rate springs, gas pressurized struts, and sway bars.
There was a big difference that occurred in 1989. It was a mechanical changeover in the 5.0 Mustangs. All 5.0 Mustangs in all 50 states replaced the speed density system that was used in 1988 to mass airflow sensor metering. The GTs sold in California in 1988 had already been switched over, but the rest of the models for 1989 were changed.
There was another change that occurred in 1989 that decreased the total horsepower of the 5.0 Liter by three. The change was a adjusting the profile of the camshaft in a way that would quiet the noise from the valve train a bit. Mustang did not advertise the difference in the horsepower rating and since there has been criticism. However, some critics believe there really was no difference in the horsepower due to some previous changes that offset the reduction by the camshaft change. Regardless, the horsepower change if there really was one was not significant enough to make a big difference in acceleration or performance.
Although, it is interesting to note that some performances have shown the speed density 5.0 liters to be faster than the mass airflow sensor Mustangs. However, the mass airflow sensor vehicles have a benefit over speed. This benefit is the mass airflow Mustangs are easier to add performance modifications and maintain the vehicle in good driving order. The speed density 5.0 Ls make it difficult to perform such performance modifications.
Exterior
The 1989 Mustangs remained very similar to their predecessors in 1988. There were very few changes, if any, in the exteriors of these vehicles. Both hatchbacks and convertibles were available in 1989. The most important exterior features exhibited by the 1989 modeled had already been seen by consumers because they were the same as the previous year. The GT model in particular remained the same with circular fog lights, flat headlamps, a back wing and quarter window in the rear, 15x7 Turbine wheels, and the ground effects package.
The colors of the exterior were outstanding again for 1989 and the molding insert stripe was available as well as lower Titanium paint at no additional price. This was also the case in the previous two model years and consumers were accustomed to these options and appreciated them. Exterior colors for 1989 included Bright Regatta Blue Metallic, Bright Red, Black, Dark Grey Metallic, Deep Shade Blue Metallic, Light Grey, Oxford White, Cabernet Red, and Medium Shadow Blue Metallic.
Interior
The 25th anniversary of Mustang was celebrated in Aril of 1989. The interior was tagged with a "25 Years" emblem accompanied by a running horse on the right side dash. These commemorative tags were used from April of 1989 to April of 1990. The anniversary of the Mustang was celebrated for a year and then afterwards the running horse emblem remained in the Mustangs without the "25 Years" engraving.
The previous speedometers were rather weak with only 85 mph. However, in 1989 the speedometer received an upgrade in the 5.0 Liter Mustangs with a new speedometer measuring 140 mph. Not all 1989 5.0 models received the upgraded speedometer because the stock of 85 mph speedometers were used up in some of the '89 models before the new version was used.
The basic GT interior designed reflected previous years. The instrument panel, dash, seats, console, and control knobs were ergonomic and the same as the interiors of the 1987 and 1988 models.
The interior trim colors that were used from years past included Medium Grey, Scarlet Red, and Beige. Sports seats with optional leather were optional in white and blue, white and red, or white and gray leather on convertibles. Additional options included rear defrost, power locks and windows, air conditioning, speed control, dual remote mirrors, and electronic AM/FM stereo with cassette. T tops were removed from the 1989 list of options.
Standard features were exactly the same as the 1987 standard interior features. These included warning lights for low coolant, check oil, low washer fluid and low fuel; 7,000 rpm tachometer, tilt wheel, center console, pivoting map light, driver's foot rest, as well as accelerator and brake pedals that allowed for easy downshifting.
Final Thoughts
The Mustang received an amazing change in 1987; however that was the last time the third generation of Mustang got a pick me up before the fourth generation began. As a result, the 1989 Mustang remained almost identical to the 1987 and 1988 models and the 1990 model would not receive many changes either. Amazingly, the Mustang was popular despite the few changes it received during this time period.
Perhaps the biggest reason the Mustang remained its popularity despite changes was the 5.0 liter engine. This engine seemed to beckon to consumers and many Americans got the pony car fever. Even after the fourth generation of Mustangs had been introduced late model 5.0 liter third generation Mustangs were popular with street racers.
In fact, street racers claim the 1989 Mustang is the best late model Mustang to buy for this type of activity. The reasons cited? The 1989 Mustang is the last model year that can be purchased without power windows and door locks. Why does this make the 1989 Mustang better for street racing? Because it is lighter of course!
The Mustang managed to remain popular in spite of making almost no changes to the vehicle from 1987 until 1989. This goes to prove how a history of an outstanding vehicle with great power and performance, amazing style, and affordability can keep a car popular even when it shouldn't be.
