1987 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 HO from North America

Summary:

A perfect balance between power and control

Faults:

Water pump died 2 weeks after purchase.

Fuel pump went out on me 2 times crossing the desert.

Alternator died at 130,000 miles.

General Comments:

I always hated Fords until I drove this beast.

The acceleration is lightning.

Gurgling exhaust sounds intimidating.

Seats wrap around the body like a well fitted glove.

Automatic overdrive gets very fast line starts and has seen 147 mph 3 times.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th May, 2002

1987 Ford Mustang GT Conv. 5.0L 302 from North America

Summary:

High maintenance, high performance, high sex appeal

Faults:

Rattling inside right muffler (replaced with Flowmasters).

Burned up rear posi-trac (only one tire burns rubber now).

U-Joints needed replacement.

Speedometer cable was melted through.

Speedometer drive gear was also replaced, but still didn't fix the speedometer.

Replaced the convertible top cylinder.

Both of the outside door handles have broken and not many people can figure out how to use them (good anti-theft device).

Rear window shattered randomly.

Air pump locked up (I over-revved and it broke).

Fan clutch broke (replaced with electric fan).

Clutch & Flywheel replaced. It still slips on occasion and makes crazy noises.

Ashtray won't stay down (I hear that this is quite common in the '87-'93 Mustangs).

Fuel injector got crushed and was preventing the #3 cylinder from firing.

Headlight switch needed replacement.

Turn signal stalk needed replacement (twice).

Right rear window will not go down.

Innumerable minor faults/failures in the cabin.

Lots of squeaks and creaks due to a chassis that bends like a wet noodle.

The rubber loses tread at ungodly speeds, though it is probably driver-induced.

General Comments:

Even with all of these faults, most of which occurred within a year of purchasing the car, I have fallen in love with the sheer beauty and brute force of the car.

As long as it is kept out of the rain, the Mustang has wonderful road manners. The suspension is comfortable, yet the cornering ability even surpasses most of today's luxury cars (with the right tires).

The Mustang, even in stock form, is able to hold its own in most races. If this is not satisfying enough for you, effective modifications are simple and relatively cheap.

It is a great car to learn to work on. Simple, straightforward American engineering may have its weak points, but gives great opportunity for learning about working on a car.

If you are considering purchasing a Mustang for your child, I would testify that it is a great choice if you trust them. If you think they will abuse their privileges of having a powerful car, perhaps a newer V6 Mustang would be a better choice (though its reliability is questionable).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st April, 2002

1987 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 L from North America

Summary:

A great, reliable high performance vehicle

Faults:

Two passenger side struts

Fuel pump

AIR pump.

General Comments:

This car is a blast to drive, and has been since day one! Every time I think of selling the car, I just have to pop off the T-roofs and drive it on a sunny day. The decision is easy to keep it for a while longer. I have never owned a car this trouble-free and put as many miles on any other car. So far the odometer reads 363,000 and it is still going strong! The car has been VERY reliable, even in our harsh Canadian climate.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd January, 2002

19th Aug 2002, 10:46

Your comments brought back some memories! I had an 1987 Mustang GT, 5-speed, 3.08 rearend, with a sun roof. I drove that car hard for the first 60k, and it never failed me.

Unbelievable reliability, I'm just sorry that I treated the car badly. I traded it for an 1989 Toyota Supercharged MR2 - definetly not the same.

The only problem I had was with the brakes, I can't even remember how many times the the pads and rotors were replaced.

I'm hoping to buy another in the near future. Enjoy your car, and thanks for sharing the comments.

24th May 2003, 12:16

My dad owned the '86 Mustang GT with the sunroof, 5.0L, 5-speed, said it was one of the fastest cars he's ever owned and he has owned A lot, and I mean A lot, of HIGH PERFORMANCE cars.

16th Jul 2004, 07:31

My buddy owned a 92 5 speed when I rode in this thing I wanted one now... few months down the road I found an 87 automatic wow I love this car it is not mint the previous owner was cRuel to it, but she will be nice soon I picked this car up for $500 and nothing wrong except minor body.

Chevy lover.