1992 Ford Mustang

1992 Ford Mustang

The 1992 Mustang was met with low sales, although it was considered one of the best buys for your money. In fact, 1992 had the lowest production of Mustang GTs during the previous decade and 3,983 fewer GTs were produced than in 1991. In order to combat slumping sales a 1992 ½ model was produced. This half year model was a convertible with white wheels, white interior, and a Vibrant Red exterior. Only 3,333 of these special editions were produced, but it did help pick up interest in the Mustang for 1992.

In 1992 the Mustang's rear drive styled generation was approximately 13 years old as it was first introduced in 1979. There were three Mustang models available including the two door hatchback coupe, the convertible, and the coupe. The LX trim was available on all body styles with either the standard four cylinder engine or the LX 5.0L which was a V8. The GT model was available in hatchback and convertible and all GTs sported the more powerful V8 engine. New additions included shoulder belts for rear passengers as well as a very welcome driver side airbag. The biggest change the 1992 Mustang experienced was a new dome lamp for all models, as well as new moldings and bumper stripes that were color keyed for the LX Mustangs.

The 1996 Mustang was not significantly different from the 1994 and 1995 models, but there were some small changes made. Because the 1994 and 1995 models had been so successful, the similar 1996 Mustang was a somewhat predictable success.

Powertrain and Performance

1992 Ford Mustang GT

The available engines for 1992 included the 2.3 liter 4 cylinder 105 horsepower engine as well as the 5.0 liter V8 engine with 225 horsepower. Neither of these engines were nearly as powerful as the Mustang engines would become, but they were competitive at the time.

The pros of the 1992 Mustang included its acceleration on the V8 models and its handling on all models. Some drawbacks included interior noise, lack of room in the back, acceleration on the four cylinder, and gas mileage on the V8. However, on average the Mustang was considered an American legend that was affordable and desired by many.

The four cylinder engine was not accepted with much enthusiasm as it was loud and weak for a pony car. It did not have a good record for being repaired, either, which worked against it as well. Consumers quickly learned that if power and performance were what was desired the V8 was the best option. But, the V8 had drawbacks of its own most notably horrendous gas mileage in town as well as poor traction in wet weather. The stiff suspension was not anything to brag about either because it resulted in a rough ride many consumers did not care for. The ride in the base model was smooth and controlled. On the other hand, the stiff suspension should be thanked for the outstanding handling on the V8 while the four cylinder lacked this stiffness and leaned harshly on even small turns.

Another problem spot for the 1992 Mustang was the brakes. The front disc and rear drum brakes just were not powerful enough for this vehicle. Some of the controls were located in strange places and not very big, but were not too bad to use once the driver became accustomed.

As far as the GT it appeared that Mustang was pleased with the Fox chassis because it mimicked the prior year's performance with the chassis. The chassis had been around for a decade, but it was still better than the competition when compared to value and performance. The V8 engine in the GT was another repeat from 1991. It maintained its aluminum intake, true mass airflow sensor, low restriction air cleaner, roller lift cam, as well as the same injectors and truck heads.

The GT continued in plenty of style with the stainless steel exhaust paired with the tubular headings that were also stainless steel. The front brakes were 10.84 inches that worked well with the suspension. The suspension was specialized with a .83 rear anti sway bar, a 1.3 front anti sway bar, and quadra shocks in the rear with gas pressurized struts.

Exterior

The 1992 Mustang GT was almost identical to the 1991 model. The tight headlamps, rear wing, circular fog lights, rounded hood, ground effects package, and level rear window were repeated from the year before. The paint colors were also reminiscent of the previous model year with Wild Strawberry Metallic, Titanium Frost Clearcoat Metallic, Medium Titanium Clearcoat, Black Clearcoat, Ultra Blue Metallic, Bright Red, Oxford White, Bimini Blue, and Medium Red. The only paint differences from '91 to '92 was the addition of the Titanium lower accent treatment with Medium Red. The only exterior change was the removal of a piece of trim on the convertible.

1992 Mustang Interior

The 1992 Mustang was very similar to the 1991 Mustang where the interior was concerned as well. The interior trim colors were the same with Titanium, Black with Titanium leather, and Scarlet Red. The GT leather seat options were the same with white and titanium, white and red, and black.

The sporty seats also made an appearance in the 1992 model as well as many other details. These include the specially positioned accelerator and brake pedals, interval wipers, center console, and the tachometer. The old details combined well with the new dual map lights and dome lamp. Another small change was that the power window buttons in the rear seating area were removed. An additional option was the power driver's seat.

Some other options available on the 1992 Mustang included air conditioning, a tie down net for cargo, seven band graphic equalizer, power locks and windows, dual remote mirrors, speed control, sunroof, rear defrost, and AM/FM stereo with cassette.

Pricing and Production

The prices for the 1992 Mustangs were $10,125 for the coupe, $16,899 for the convertible, and $10,721 for the hatchback.

The Mustang production for the different model are as follows:
Standard Coupe: 15,717
Standard Convertible: 23,470
Standard Hatchback: 40,093
The total production of Mustangs for 1992 was 79,280.

Final Word

The third generation Mustang had been around for quite some time, in fact since 1979, and although it was popular and a good deal, sales began dropping. As a result, Mustang had to look towards the future to decide how to regain market share and retain its status as America's Pony Car. The end of the third generation was 1993 and many Mustang enthusiasts were sad to see the end of an era while others were excited to see what new and improved things Mustang would come up with next.