1991 Ford Mustang

1991 Ford Mustang

The Mustangs from 1987-1990 were almost identical and consumers were ready for a bit of a change. Fortunately, the 1991 model year showed that Mustang was listening to customers. No huge changes were made, but some small ones were. For example, new aluminum wheels were added to set the 1991 model apart. Unfortunately this had little impact on sales which were the lowest they had been in nine years. Regardless, Mustang was still considered a great vehicle and an affordable one at that.

Perhaps the decline in sales was partly due to the third generation of Mustangs being more than 10 years old and consumers were interested in a new look. Regardless, the vehicle stayed the same and used its rear drive with coupes, convertibles, and a two door hatchback. The LX trim was available on all three body styles while the 4 cylinder engine was standard and the V8 optional. The hatchback and convertibles with the V8 engine were available for the GT.

The Mustang was still considered affordable in 1991 although it was the first year the base Mustang had a base price over $10,000. The V8 convertible cost closer to $20,000, but the prices were going up.

1991 Mustang

The 5.0 liter HO engine accompanied the 1991 Mustang as it had the 1990 Mustang. All the fabulous details from the year before were also present. These included 19 lb- hr injectors, a mass airflow sensor, E7TE truck heads, a 60 mm throttle body, low restriction remote air cleaner, a roller lifter cam, as well as others. The 1991 Mustang had the same standard equipment as the 1990 model and the same ones that would carry forward to 1992. These include rear quadra shocks with gas pressurized struts, stainless steel tubular headers, progressive rate springs in the handling suspension, 10.84 inch front brakes, and a 1.3 inch anti-sway bar with a .83 rear anti sway bar.

The 1991 Mustang saw the introduction of new 16 inch wheels. These were accompanied by Goodyear uni-directional Gatorbacks on all standard Mustangs. However, an upgrade was available to the all season performance tires.

The base Mustang model saw an increase in horsepower, which was certainly welcomed by drivers. However, the pros and cons still show what drivers really liked about the 1991 Mustang and what they did not. The benefits were acceleration with the GT and the handling on roads. The downside included noise, the lack of acceleration on the four cylinder, tiny rear space, and a bumpy ride.

Exterior

1991 Mustang Engine

The exterior of the 1991 Mustang was practically identical to the prior years except for a new convertible profile when the top was down. The change in stack height gave off a smoother look that had been lacking in previous models.

Many of the exterior colors remained the same in 1991 as in 1990. These included Bright Red, Wild Strawberry Metallic, Oxford White, Twilight Blue Metallic, Black Clearcoat, Twilight Blue Metallic, and Ultra Blue Metallic. Some new colors were introduced for the 1991 GTs and these included Medium Red, Medium Titanium Clearcoat Metallic, Deep Emerald Green Clearcoat Metallic, and Titanium Frost Clearcoat Metallic.

Other carry-overs for the 1991 GT's exterior included the ground effects package, the close fitting headlamps, an aerodynamic front, a rear wing, circular fog lights, and a level quarter window in the rear of the vehicle.

1991 Mustang Interior

There were not too many changes with the 1991 Mustang's interior from the year before either. Most of the design stayed the same because it appeared Mustang's motto was, "if it's not broken, don't fix it." And, they kept most everything the same. One big change was a lock on the shifter on automatic Mustangs. This was to ensure individuals placed their foot on the brake before shifting into gear. This was a great safety feature and replaced the key release button that had been used in years past.

The interior colors mimicked those of years past with the trim colors being Titanium, Scarlet Red, and black with Titanium leather in the GT hatchback. The convertible GTs with leather had three interior trim choices including white and titanium, black, and white and red. The 1990 GT had an extra color, white and blue, that was discontinued.

Options were pretty much the same with an electronic AM/FM stereo/cassette, dual remote mirrors, power locks and windows, sunroof, speed control, and air conditioning to name a few. A new option, which had been absent from the Mustang a couple of years, returned, and this was the seven band graphic equalizer. Another new option included the tie down net for cargo in the rear hatch. A driver's side airbag and rear shoulder belts were also new.

The interval wipers, sporty seats, and center console were all the same as the 1990 Mustang. The same goes for the tachometer with 7,000 rpm, the support for the driver's foot and the conveniently positioned brake and accelerator pedals.

Final Thoughts

By 1991 the Mustang GT had been around for years and instead of fizzling out and losing fans it continued its reign as king of the pony car. Low sales figures could not even keep the king of the road down and the Mustang bounced back and continued its reign as an affordable sports car that any American could enjoy. The power, performance, style and affordability, as well as history, make the Mustang the special vehicle that it is.