1986 Ford Mustang GT review from North America

Air conditioning went out 1 month after I got the car. This was due to Ford's poor choice in A/C fittings on the A/C condenser (they always leak). I cut these fittings off and changed them to GM style fittings. I haven't had a problem since.

Heater core was shot on this car when I bought it. This is another Mustang problem. Be sure not to buy a cheap heater core replacement or you will have to do the job over in a few years.

Power lock solenoids and ignition switch went out after a few years also.

Try to stay away from automatic Mustangs because they are a lot slower.

This car is fast, durable, practical and economical (for a sports car). The 5.0 liter HO Mustang is the bench mark by which all other American sports cars/hot rods are compared when talking about acceleration.

Police Departments buy 5.0 Mustangs, beat the hell out of them, put 80,000+ miles on it and then sell them. Then 18 year old teenagers buy them at auctions and race them at the drag strip all day. Then they'll drive them home afterwards and go to work in them the next day with no problems.

Compare a 1979-93 Mustang to a 1994 or newer Camaro in these often overlooked areas. These year Mustangs have a real back seat! Two adults can really sit back there! So will a car seat. Also look at how the rear seat folds down. I have fit a 6.0 hp, big wheel Craftsman push mower in the back of my Mustang with plenty of room. Last but not least, these Mustangs are very easy to work on. There is lots of room under the hood of this vehicle. I dare you to try and change the spark plugs in a newer Camaro (Can you say bleeding limbs).

The bottom line - I paid $4,000 for my car in 1991. If I put a new paint job on it, I could probably get my $4,000 back today (not that I want to sell it). It runs a 13.9 in the 1/4 mile (it has a few minor modifications). It gets 24 mpg on the highway at 65mph. All this plus real room for my two kids in back.