The 2002 Mustang saw a lot of changes, including the name change of the sub models to Standard, Deluxe, and Premium. And, since the Mustang was voted America's Favorite Car of all time the already bright future of the vehicle became even brighter. The accolade is one reason, but the other is that the Mustang's competition disappeared quickly. The year 2002 would be the last for the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird. Meaning in the 2003 model year the only pony car left would be the Mustang.
Approximately 200,000 individuals become owners of Mustangs each year and all find exciting new features and options available each year. One of 2002's greatest accomplishments was the all new Cobra, although it was a 2003 model that appeared late in the summer of 2002.
With so many new accomplishments year after year and managing to beat out the competition for almost 40 years, the Mustang is strong and powerful in more ways than one and from the looks of it forever popular.
2002 Mustang Lineup
No major changes in interior or exterior design occurred in 2002, but many small changes were made to both the GT and standard Mustang. Of course, the Mustang was available in coupe and convertible, and the biggest edition of the year was the 2003 SVT Cobra coupe that was more powerful than the last Cobra.
As far as the base model's three trim packages were available including the Standard, Deluxe, and Premium that were renamed in this year. The GT and convertibles were available in the Deluxe or Premium packages while the Cobras were outfitted with everything imaginable.
The 2002 lineup included the base V6 coupe and convertible and the V8 GT coupe and convertible. The Cobra was not produced for the year 2002 although the 2003 model did show up in the summer of 2002 to the surprise of Mustang fans.
Of course many options are available for the different models, but standard equipment includes a tilt steering column, air conditioning, power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry, a floor console, and interval windshield wipers. More standards include the reclining rear seatbacks on coupes that provide a small amount of additional cargo space and reclining cloth bucket seats for the driver and front passenger.
Convertible tops are protected in a similar way to other Mustang convertible models with an automatic retraction of the top at the touch of a button and storage in a hard boot to protect it and give a clean appearance to the convertible look.
Even more incredible are the standard aluminum 16 inch wheels that sport exposed lugs for some added muscle on the V6 Mustang. Options include leather seating, an outstanding Mach 1000 audio system, as well as many others.
Powertrain and Performance
The powertrain and performance of the V6 is good, but nothing exceptional. The split port V6 engine is strong with a 3.8 liter block that powers up 190 horsepower and 220 foot pounds of torque.
The GT is more powerful with a 4.6 liter V8 engine with overhead cam modular. The engine creates 260 horsepower and 302 pounds of torque which makes the horses grumble at all times.
The 2002 V6 and V8 are both clean cars that have good power and smooth transmission changes. Also, the car grips the road well on sharp turns and one can tell that while the 2002 model is not significantly different, it at least offers a smoother drive. Also, traction control is offered on the Premium V6 and standard on the V8. This too increases the smoothness of the drive due to increased driver control and handling.
The V6 and V8 are the most popular cars purchased in 2002, but the new addition is the one everyone wanted to hear about. The Cobra's powertrain was new and improved, and so it was paid more attention than the other Mustang models.
The Cobra was full of muscle and power, thanks to a V8 Eaton supercharger and an intercooler to ensure the engine didn't overheat. A powerful 390 horsepower was emitted from this engine at 6000 rpm and 390 pounds feet of torque at 3500 rpm. That's a superpower in a pony car!
The Cobra's suspension was completely changed in order to respond to the new design and power of the Cobra. The retuned suspension was comprised of stiffer front springs than ever to support increased weight on the front end of the car as well as front and rear Bilstein shock absorbers. An anti roll bar that was also stronger and more durable than ever completed the new suspension system.
All the Cobra's power could not be stopped with regular brakes, so the rear brakes were increased and improved to equal the power of the front brakes and increase stopping capacity significantly. Also included on this muscle car was a Tremec 6 speed manual transmission to make shifting easier and increase driver control.
The Cobra's new elements and options make it a super car and one that keeps the driver occupied at all times. No driver can slide behind the wheel of a Cobra and not fully enjoy the horsepower, the unrestrained urge for speed, and the increased control due to the best brakes ever when driving on any terrain.
Exterior Design
Few changes occurred in 2002 as far as the exterior design is concerned. Of course, the original Mustangs from the mid '60s did play a role in this car's design. However, the modern technology allowed for a newer rendition of an already famous classic. The rear end sports the typical three element tail lamps made so popular when they emerged in '65 as well as the front fender badges that are tri-colored. The just-for-looks hood scoop also is a nod to the original design. Modern influences on the vehicle's design can be seen on the curved rocker panels or the wheel well arches. Wraparound headlamps with side marker lamps also put a little of today's style in yesterday's successful design.
The GT also remains the same as previous years, although a rear spoiler, a side scoop treatment, and new fog lights help to differentiate it from previous year's models.
And the 2003 Cobra that made its appearance in 2002 is noted for its power and muscle, but its exterior design is also worth taking note of. The front and rear of this Cobra is completely different than the previous Cobra and really sets it apart. Additionally, a supercharger under the hood increases the car's power and two rear vents help evacuate hot air to keep the engine cool. Basically, everything is new on the new Cobra from a new rear valance panel to new rocker panels! Side scoops, 17 inch wheels, driving lamps, grille opening, and front bumper are all new making the Cobra new and improved to say the least.
Interior Design
The interior is much the same for the 2002 Mustangs as well. Of course, space is a commodity and one that is not used in abundance in the Mustang's cockpit. However drivers will find just enough space to accommodate them and their knees and elbows. Taller drivers will notice a seat the slides further back and just a little more head room than years before. Fortunately, the seats are cozy and firm and the seatbelts are connected to them making buckling up convenient and easy no matter where you have the seat located. And, the revised cup holders are better than ever and easier to reach from the sporty bucket seats.
The back seat remains small and works really well for hauling groceries and other similar objects. Carpooling with your co-workers in the back probably won't be such a great idea, but small kids fit in ok. The trunk isn't much to brag about either, but it does have enough space for a set of jumper cables and a first aid kit.
Two front air bags are included in this model, although side air bags are not yet part of Mustang's design. Despite this the government awarded Mustang with the five star passenger safety rating, which just happens to be the highest score a car could receive.
The Cobra that made its appearance in 2002 was the most luxurious Mustang to date. No muscle car had ever been so soft, yet powerful at the same time. Leather trim and suede inserts accented the front seats while the seat supported the back and body in every way possible with power lumbar support and power thigh and side bolsters that could be adjusted to just the right support level for the driver.
Electro-luminescent lighting illuminates the titanium gauges and the extra boost gauge is included on the Cobra's instrument panel. Really, lots of leather and aluminum are everywhere in the Cobra and all the standard features like remote keyless entry, air conditioning, anti-theft system, and the like are included.
Final Thoughts
Although the 2002 Mustang lineup was limited to the standard V6 and the sportier GT, Mustang still made many strides this year. One of them of course was the appearance of the 2003 Cobra that really turned heads and made people realize that Mustang meant more than just muscle, it also now meant style, class, and luxury. The bright future of Mustang continued to brighten when the competition took a hike and left Mustang, the last muscle car, alone and standing tall. America's most popular convertible is likely to remain so for years to come. Who knows what Mustang will think of next!
