Best premium four-seat convertible 2009 BMW 3 Series Convertible *Est. $44550
Best premium roadster 2009 Porsche Boxster *Est. $46600
Bargain four-seat convertible 2009 Mini Cooper convertible *Est. $23900
Best roadster value 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata *Est. $21750

See All Convertibles

2008 Ford Mustang Convertible

*Est. $24,475 to $32,245

Attractive retro styling
Good value
Potent, fun-to-drive performance V-8
Five-star crash test ratings
Well-insulated fabric top

Lack of refinement
"Archaic" live-axle rear suspension
Cramped backseat
Low fuel economy

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Our Analysis

Reviewers insist that the Mustang's already-competent handling could be greatly improved if Ford would replace the Mustang's old-tech live-axle rear with an independent suspension. The car's ride gets mixed reviews; some call it appropriate and compliant, while others say it is jiggly and uncontrolled with too much body flex. For 2008, the Ford Mustang gets standard side-impact airbags, and scores an impressive five-star rating in frontal and side-impact crash tests. Reliability, however, is expected to be only average. The Mustang's lack of refinement is also mentioned as a drawback by many reviewers. A larger rear seat and retractable hardtops can be found in front-wheel-drive alternatives like the Chrysler Sebring (*est. $26,600 to $32,715) or the Pontiac G6 (*est. $30,210). A super high-performance Mustang alternative is the Shelby GT500 convertible (*est. $47,155).

Edmunds.com, which puts the Mustang convertible on a list of top recommended convertibles, has a comprehensive review with driving impressions. Car and Driver has an excellent three-car comparison test featuring a 2007 Mustang convertible, which is essentially the same as the current model. Consumer Reports has solid information and a road test review on its subscriber-only site, while Kelley Blue Book features a convertible-specific review. CNet.com reviews a V-6 convertible, paying special attention to the cabin electronics. Automobile.com and TheTruthAboutCars.com each feature a road-test review of convertible models, and Popular Mechanics includes the Mustang on a top-10 list. SaferCar.gov reveals impressive Mustang crash-test results while also has providing details on the Mustang's significant recall record.

The Ford Mustang convertible's retro styling and feel-good ambiance are applauded by many reviewers. Some critics, however, say the Mustang's materials are inferior and note that its interior styling doesn't live up to its eye-catching exterior. The sportier car, they say, is the Mustang GT with a 300-horsepower V-8 engine. Many auto writers strongly recommend the GT over the base 210-horsepower V-6 model because of its better resale value and more satisfying performance. Reviews offer no compliments for the Mustang's mediocre fuel-economy ratings..

Where To Buy

Our Sources

1. Edmunds.com

Editors put the Mustang on their list of top convertibles under $35,000 and acknowledge that the Mustang is an American icon. They also, however, mention the Mustang's lack of refinement (which is said to be offset by its low base price). Overall, V-8 models are given preference over the less powerful V-6 cars.

Review: Top Recommended Convertibles, Editors of Edmunds.com

2. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

This article compares three "value-priced" 2007 V-6-powered convertibles: the Chrysler Sebring, the Ford Mustang and the Pontiac G6 GT, each of which have few changes for 2008. The Mustang places second to the costlier Pontiac G6 with its folding hardtop. Lauded for its V-6 engine and torque, the Mustang's cramped backseat and "coarseness" are noted as negatives.

Review: 2007 Ford Mustang Review, Patrick Bedard, Aug. 2007

3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Editors of Consumer Reports test the Ford Mustang GT coupe and V-6 Mustang convertible. Data on the Mustang's historical reliability compiled from owner surveys is also included.

Review: Ford Mustang Review, Editors of Consumer Reports

4. CNET

CNet.com reviews vehicles with an emphasis on in-cabin technological features. The Mustang gets good marks for its styling, trunk space and steering. The Mustang's 10-speaker Shaker 500 audio system is reported to deliver bass-heavy music effectively.

Review: 2008 Ford Mustang V-6 Premium Convertible, Wayne Cunningham, Apr. 1, 2008

5. Automobile.com

This mostly non-critical road test report describes the Mustang GT with the California Special trim package. The writer reports being disappointed in the quality of the interior but is pleased overall with the Mustang GT's performance, handling and ride.

Review: 2008 Mustang GT California Special Convertible Road Test, Editors at Automobile.com

6. Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book's Ford Mustang review summarizes key features, drawbacks, specs, safety and more. Editors note that the V-8 Mustang GT model is likely to retain resale value better than the V-6, and has more "bang for the buck" than pricier European convertibles.

Review: 2008 Ford Mustang 2-Door Deluxe Convertible Review, Editors of Kelley Blue Book

7. SaferCars.gov

Frontal, side and rollover crash tests recounted here yield a five-star performance by the Ford Mustang convertible. This site also links to a Mustang recall affecting 434,593 2005 to 2008 Ford Mustangs.

Review: Ford Mustang Convertible Crash Test Results, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

8. The Truth About Cars

This writer finds very little to like about the base model Ford Mustang convertible, though designers are credited with carrying its retro styling coherently from the exterior to the interior. The V-6 engine's power and fuel economy are mentioned as disappointments.

Review: 2008 Ford Mustang V-6 Convertible Review, Samir Syed, June 23, 2008

Popular Mechanics lists 10 fun, affordable roadsters and four-seat convertibles, including the Ford Mustang V-6. Editors admit the V-8 GT is more fun, but say that the base model Mustang V-6 with manual transmission is enjoyable and gets better fuel economy.

Review: 10 Fun Convertibles That Won't Pinch at the Pump or the Lot, Editors of Popular Mechanics, July 3, 2008