The 30th year anniversary of Mustang occurred in 1994 and was celebrated with the fourth major redesign of the Mustang. Of course, the new design was influenced significantly from the 1964 model, but the 1994 model had a look all its own and a significant amount of power. One design feature reminiscent of the '64 Mustang was the famous pony running through the grille of the Mustang. Having been missing for 16 years, fans were ecstatic the pony was back.
Other design changes included the Fox-4 platform that was modified to be better at reducing vibration and noise, as well as altogether stronger and stiffer. Larger rocker panels, roof rails, and stronger joints were all part of the changes to the car. The many changes to the design resulted in a more aerodynamic Mustang, one that was curvier and more modern that the past edginess of the Mustang design.
For 1994 the hatchback was finally discontinued, but the popular coupe and convertibles remained.
The anniversary year combined with the new design and ever affordable price resulted in a big sales year for the Mustang. In fact, Mustang sold 10,000 more cars in 1994 than in the 1993 model year. That is a significant difference and one that complemented Ford on the new Mustang's design and pony car power.
1994 Mustang Lineup
The Mustang lineup for 1994 stayed much the way it had been. Of course, a major redesign and tweaks to all parts of the engine made the new model better than ever and a very good seller.
Powertrain and Performance
1994 Mustang Engine
The 1994 newly designed V6 Mustang was a great vehicle for every day driving and real world maneuvering. A sports car that was also an every day car really turned America's heads. The improved suspension made the V6 a good drive whether winding through back roads or speeding down the Interstate. The biggest reason the 1994 Mustang became a better drive was due to a new and improved chassis. The final result provided a stability to the vehicle and its suspension, as well as reduced vibrations and sound, and simply made the vehicle stiffer yet easier to handle. These changes resulted in a quieter Mustang that was smoother and much more enjoyable to drive anywhere.
While anti-lock brakes were an option on the V6, the four wheel disc brakes were standard. However, upgrading to the ABS was strongly recommended and a choice many consumers made.
From a performance standpoint, the 3.8 liter V6 was a good motor for the base model. Power and performance were increased from previous models and coupled with the four speed automatic transmission that was controlled electronically made the Mustang a powerhouse to be reckoned with on the highway. The tried and true fuel injected engine with overhead valves produced 145 horsepower and 215 foot pounds of torque. Drivers could feel the power of the Mustang and enjoyed good gas mileage after many years of complaining about bad fuel economy.
Of course, the 1994 powertrain options were not significantly different from the previous years. The V6 was a 3.8 liter engine with 145 horsepower. The GT was bigger and stronger with more muscle. It boasted a 302 cubic inch 5.0 liter V8 engine that powered out an amazing 215 horsepower at 4200 rpm and 285 foot pounds of torque at 3400 rpm. The Cobra was even more powerful with a 5.0 liter V8 engine that muscled out 240 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 285 foot pounds of torque at 4000 rpm. The standard transmission was the manual five speed however a four speed automatic option was available.
As far as safety was concerned the 1994 Mustang boasted some standard passive safety features. These included three point outboard seat belts and front dual airbags. Other active safety devices included the standard four wheel disc brakes while ABS were an option.
Exterior
The new exterior took quite a bit of work, but the new design was something all it own yet reminiscent of the 1964 Mustang. Similar design features included the short rear deck with long hood design with a side air intake and the long awaited return of the pony on the grille. The new changes that made the design one of a kind included a high rear deck with a low wide nose and an oval wedge. The coupling of past and present resulted in a pony car that looked tough and soft simultaneously.
Exterior colors for 1994 included Crystal White, Black, Canary Yellow, Bright Blue, Deep Forest Green, Laser Red, Iris Metallic, Vibrant Red, Opal Frost, Rio Red, and Teal. The most produced colors included Laser Red with 22,345, Black 19,849, Crystal White 18,760, and Deep Forest Green 18,869.
1994 Mustang Interior
The interior of the 1994 Mustang was outstanding with today's comforts and a double cowl dashboard very similar to those used in sports cars during the '60s. A mohair fabric was used to cover the bucket style front seats in the V6. This provided comfort to both driver and passengers for short or long trips. The driver's seat was still using the four way power. It would be years before the six way power seat would be initiated. The back seats folded down to create additional cargo space, a design feature that would stay with the Mustang for many more model years to come. A great design feature that drivers loved was that the analog instruments were easy to see and any switch or control that needed to be adjusted could be done so conveniently.
There were a variety of equipment packages, but the best one included power windows, locks and mirrors, remote entry, air conditioner, and a net for cargo in the trunk. Those who love music and listening to it at high decibels and with great speakers enjoyed the optional Mach 460 230 watt CD sound system that boasted a variety of speakers.
Interior colors for 1994 were available in Opal Gray, Bright Red, Saddle, and Black. White was only available for convertibles.
Final Thoughts
The Mustang was outstanding for 1994. The new design was accepted very well by the public and in fact the '94 Mustang even received the Motor Trend's Car of the Year Award. The first time this honor was given to the Mustang was in 1974 and due to amazing design, increased power, and performance the 1994 Mustang was a pony car, true to its origins. Increased sales after some slow years ensured Mustang's popularity and catapulted it ahead of its competition where it enjoyed the limelight of America's best pony car.
