2003 Ford Mustang Consumer Discussions

Ford Mustang Engine Problems

• Ticking noise in the engine

  Written by: broken72182 on Mar 5, 2010 4:08:55 PM

  I bought a 2003 Ford Mustang 3.8L v6 about 2 years ago and the car has had this ticking noise in the engine ever since I have bought it. When I start my car the ticking starts high, then dyes down a little, then gets the loudest, then gets low and goes away after 3 minutes of starting. When my car makes the ticking noise I have noticed my rpm gauge ... Read More

Ford Mustang Fuel Problems

• Re: fueling issue with 2007 Ford Mustang Convertable [drumhedd]

  Written by: clanger on Jan 12, 2009 1:31:26 PM

  In the state of California;you can not leave your pump.You can get ticketed for not being right there at the pump.I am small enough;I can not hold the pump upside down and watch the gauge.My gauge never shone full;even though it was! Ford never accepted responability for that either! My 2007 mustang is sitting on the car lot for someone else to deal with! I bought a 2003 mustang GT.At least ... Read More

• fueling issue with 2007 Ford Mustang Convertable

  Written by: clanger on Aug 4, 2008 9:16:58 AM

  I sold my 2007 mustang convertable;I traded it for a 2003 GT coupe;that has 17. 000 miles. A lady had it and took good care of it.I was amazed how much heavier it is to lift the trunk and hood on 2003. I miss the car I sold. I hope to buy a 2010.I am glad you like your GT! Dealing with Ford reps,advisors, engineers;was mind boggling! FRUSTRATING!!!!!!! I work for ... Read More

Ford Mustang Electrical Problems

• Fog lights 2003 Mustang GT convertible.

  Written by: belvette on Aug 28, 2007 5:13:37 AM

  I recently bought a 2003 Ford Mustang GT conv 4.6 liter. I noticed the fog lights are always on when the lights are on low beam. I cannot seem to turn them off via the fog light switch. Does this seem normal or is the switch defective? If it is a bad switch how difficult would it be to change?

Ford Mustang (2004 and earlier)

• Re: 2003 Mustang GT Problems [myyellowlabs]

  Written by: akirby on Feb 21, 2007 7:39:45 AM

  1. Ford uses a binary switch for the oil pressure - it's either below normal (no pressure) or normal. Either you have a defective oil pressure sending unit or your oil pressure is fluctuating which is dangerous. You need to have a mechanic check the actual oil pressure while it's fluctuating to see if it's the pressure itself or the sending unit. 2. Time for a new clutch or clutch related ... Read More

Ford Mustang Engine Problems

• Re: 2005 Ford Mustang-GT Ticking noise from engine [tayl0rd]

  Written by: jensgt1202 on Nov 15, 2006 8:30:35 AM

  I just joined today and i'm not exactly sure how to post things or create a new one, so i figured i would start here. I just purchased a 2003 Mustang GT and i love it. The problem is, after my first oil change i was getting a little belt noise. The stupid dealership got Armour All on it. I replaced it, and the chirping noise at acceleration stopped, until i ... Read More

2007 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500

• Re: Visited a dealer [bri66]

  Written by: genez4 on Jun 8, 2006 6:25:38 AM

  You make an excellent point on the insurance issue. When the "new" T-Bird came out, there was teh same frenzy to get one, and customers were paying $K's over sticker for the cars. A couple of weeks ago, my local Ford dealer still had a 2005 T-Bird (new) on the lot, and heavily discounted. If you want a really good mustang collector at a great price, locate a 2003 Mach-1...if you ... Read More

• Re: Ford now? [sssst]

  Written by: aviboy97 on May 2, 2006 10:12:39 AM

  Yes they did. I really liked the last Mustang Cobra, 2003-2004. The SVT Lightning was a beauty as well. I've been reading a lot here about dealers charging stupid money over MSRP for this car. I am affiliated with a Ford dealer (I work for a Mazda dealer) and I asked the GSM there, and he said they have not set an asking price yet. I'm guessing it will be over ... Read More

Ford Mustang (2005 & newer) Problems and Solutions

• Well sort of

  Written by: m1miata on Apr 28, 2006 5:55:51 PM

  They sort of recommended the Mustang. They recommended the GT, but not the V6. They did not elaborate on why they do not recommend the V6. The CR reviews are a bit quirky, so I use to use the magazine mostly for the back pages where they have the data of the owners survey. But now I see some very-very strange quirks in the rating of the LS Lincoln. I was ... Read More

Ford Mustang (2004 and earlier)

• A Few answers...

  Written by: john_324 on Apr 7, 2006 3:56:45 PM

  ...for what they're worth: dubinsc, you're speaking of the V6 Mustang, right? If so, probably the reason for the seemingly lack of mods for the 2003 V6 could be the different engine Ford started using that year. Until 2003, Ford used the 3.8l Essex V6 for the Mustang. In '03, Ford moved to the 3.9. That said, with the exception of some engine mods, stuff like exhaust, etc. should work just ... Read More

Ford Mustang (2005) vs. 2005 Pontiac GTO

• Re: GTO ... yuck! [pony_pirate]

  Written by: carlots101 on Feb 10, 2006 1:11:00 PM

  Don't forget, people were paying MSRP and over to get the first 2004 GTO's too, which was crazy. Some were marked up $5k+ over MSRP. People were also "tickled pink" buying Honda Odyssey's in 2003, paying MSRP+ and waiting as long as 6 months for it. Personally I have never and will never pay MSRP for a car or wait for it, IMHO. Also ford didn't know that the V8 model ... Read More

Ford Mustang Cobra and SVT Cobra

• Re: My 2003 Cobra Mustang problems [columbusrocket]

  Written by: cobra123 on Jan 25, 2006 8:09:40 PM

  2003 mustang cobra SVT 25k miles have had minor gear slop type noise since new and its progressivly worsened and I am about to take it in for service. Have called 1-800-ford SVT and asked about this and they say the clank sound is more pronounced due to the IRS rear and that it should not pose a problem. But a car that at least lists for about 40K (conv.) should ... Read More

Ford Mustang (2005) vs. 2005 Pontiac GTO

• Re: Who said anything about magnificent comfort? [cobragt]

  Written by: dclark2 on Jan 24, 2006 4:08:37 PM

  "Seriously, people need to stop assuming things, or saying things like the Mustang doors just snap in or clip on. GTO owners: HAVE ANY OF YOU TAKEN APART A MUSTANG DOOR YET?" Gee, do you think a dealer would let me take apart a door? Get real! "Because if you have, then you are just simply lying. The doors are held on by 4 bolts on the bottom, and 2 bolts ... Read More

Ford Mustang Cobra and SVT Cobra

• Re: My 2003 Cobra Mustang problems [cobraowner03]

  Written by: columbusrocket on Aug 20, 2005 8:20:08 PM

  bought my 03 Cobra in April 05. Now about 40,000 miles. Had clunking sound at rear w/ shifting. Dealer had a "clutch in the differential" replaced. Less clunking, but still there sometimes. Dealer has it again now & I am trying to find if there have been other owners w/ similar problems. Why did Ford replace your tranny?

Ford Mustang (2005) vs. 2005 Pontiac GTO

• Info

  Written by: cobragt on Jun 24, 2005 3:57:32 PM

  21-Male 2005 Mustang GT 2003 10th Anniversary SVT Cobra 2001 Neon R/T 1998 Mustang V6 1993 Ford Explorer I too am in IT. Field tech for Unisys. I think as long as everyone is happy with what they got, then what the hell, thats what counts. I don't think, like mentioned before, that anyone is going to change their opinions about these 2 cars. I don't doubt the GTO is a ... Read More

• Facts

  Written by: cobragt on Jun 23, 2005 5:58:50 PM

  2003-04 SVT Cobra when you purchase the vehicle says 0-60 in 5.4 secs. 2005 Mustang 0-60 time is rated 5.2 Not much of a difference, but numbers dont lie. Also, for those of you pissing and moaning about Ford having to supercharge their mustangs to get power... HELLO Anyone remember the 2000 SVT Cobra R? 5.4 L Engine. ( NOT SUPERCHARGED) 385 HP Top Speed of over 170 MPH. I do ... Read More

Ford Mustang Cobra and SVT Cobra

• My 2003 Cobra Mustang problems

  Written by: cobraowner03 on Jun 23, 2005 5:01:26 PM

  I currently have 54K miles on my 2003 Ford Cobra Mustang convertible. I have had several problems (albeit all covered under my extended Ford warranty) with shifting and also engine cooling. In regards to shifting, Ford ended up changing out and replacing my transmission after me bringing the car into the dealer approximately 6 times. The car drove great, shifted and clutched better than the day I bought it, and worked ... Read More

Ford Mustang (2005) vs. 2005 Pontiac GTO

• This is funny

  Written by: cobragt on Jun 23, 2005 1:11:49 PM

  I guess you could consider me one of those "kids" who buys Mustangs. But, let me tell you what I know. Seeming that I am a young one, my 1st mustang was a 98 V6. Car 2 was a 2003 10th Anniversary SVT Cobra Car 3 a 2002 Z06 Vette, aftermarket workdone (450HP) Car 4 2001 Neon RT (irrelevant car...beater...for work) ANYWAY Car 5 and present car 05 Mustang GT. I've ... Read More

Ford Mustang GT vs C5 Corvette (2005)

• Which car?

  Written by: skeezix on Apr 19, 2005 11:25:55 AM

  As Starrow points out, one will have to settle for a used Corvette, maybe a 2002 or 2003, to match the price of a new GT. A new car vs a 2 - 3 year old car could make quite a difference. I'm still amazed that Ford didn't put a 6 speed in the new GT. That would mean a lot to me. I've driven 4 F-bodies and believe me, I ... Read More

Ford Mustang Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Below invoice

  Written by: m1miata on Apr 3, 2005 7:45:55 PM

  Lots of cars are sold below invoice. Sure the GT Stang may not for a few more months, or maybe give it two years - hard to tell. Sooner or later, it will sell at invoice or lower, if you are saying only a $2,500 mark up. I do not believe that the invoice is the bottom line. Too many other payments must go to the dealerships. Otherwise, why would anyone ... Read More

Ford Mustang (2004 and earlier)

• Bullitt

  Written by: john_324 on Feb 17, 2005 2:46:49 PM

  Only miscue with the Bullitt IMO is that it sports the GT's fake hoodscoop. The side scoops were changed to a wonderful streamlined, "scoopless" style, but the hood scoop remained the same. If Ford had gone with the same reverse-scoop hood that was used on the 2003-2004 V6 Mustangs (which itself is from the 1999 Cobra)...it would have made the Bullitt even more distinctive. Plus it would have been more similar ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: john_324 on Oct 26, 2004 10:19:17 AM

  Ad supposed to come out in theaters (you know, before movies) on Oct. 29th, and on tv shortly thereafter. I for one will be anxiously awaiting it. Supposed to be very well done, and the McQueen/Bullitt ethos was part of the reason I bought my '02. Also, in 2003 there was a short-run Mustang ad that featured Bill Ford talking about how he loves mustangs with clips from Bullitt playing in ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: john_324 on Sep 27, 2004 3:31:59 PM

  dcls, good question...all the body parts I see these days are for the 1999+ Mustangs. Tried an ebay search? As for cleaning up the top, a good carwash solution has always worked for me. Use a soft brush too. That should do it. Darren, that price range sounds about right for a loaded V6 convertible with all the goodies (though I do note for 2004, Ford got rid of that odd ... Read More

• Buying a used 2003 Mustang GT

  Written by: mikhail24 on Aug 25, 2004 1:17:27 AM

  Hey all...I've been searching for a while and finally found the right Mustang. I left the dealership this evening and told them I needed to think about it for a day or so, but unless something drastic happens I'm going back tomorrow to purchase it. Car is a Dark Shadow Grey Mustang GT coupe, 5 spd. It only has 5,200 miles on it and is in pristine condition. Mach 1000 audio ... Read More

Ford Mustang (2005 and Newer)

• PINTO!!!!!

  Written by: peter1c on Apr 6, 2004 11:15:33 AM

  I am a long time mustang fan, but is it just me or does this car kinda resemble an early 80's steched out pinto?????? I really think ford is making a big mistake with this one. What I like in cars is new gagets and electronic devices. Why can't Ford integrate some futuristic electronics into the mustang instead of a boring and plain design! And I have a 2003 mustang, I ... Read More

Ford Mustang Cobra and SVT Cobra

• model 2003 svt Mustang Cobra

  Written by: jacuzz on Oct 31, 2002 5:40:54 PM

  Talked to SVT folks at ford today--all is well with the Cobra's all cars built and held were released. Production has resumed. It seems a dealer bulletin on Quality CONTROL CHECK POINTS was confusing. No engine issues at this time---the engines have been performing well. They will build 2003 models until August 2003-( 10,000 to 12,000). Cobra certificates will be issued October 2003.

Ford Mustang (2004 and earlier)

• no title

  Written by: lcorri on Feb 4, 2004 8:46:50 PM

  john_324, thanks for the feedback re: bad repair service. In the past the dealer actually provided good service at times, but in the year 2003 there suddenly was a big change for the worse. I hope I can help someone else who may have the same problems as I did with my Mustang 3.8 V6. If any of you have a slow constant coolant leak, w/ no obvious external leak, don't ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: mbak on Feb 27, 2003 1:39:04 PM

  Yeah, I work with that guy. He's got a 1992 Corvette with about 37,000 miles. He lucked up and bought it from an older couple that had won it in a raffle and rarely drove it. He just bought a 2003 S Blazer - Yellow. So, he rarely drives the Corvette. In fact, he's at a big car show right now. His '92 is one of the 50 in the show. ... Read More

• Another ragtop fan.....

  Written by: andys120 on Jan 21, 2003 3:10:04 PM

  personally I can't conceive of buying a hardtop Mustang. I've always been partial to Mustang 'verts. Owned one, may buy another. April 2003 will be the intro date of the new production Mustang. The should be in showrooms. by late spring or summer '03. The 64 1/2 designation was never actually used by Ford Motor. Those early Mustangs had data plates and titles that said they were officially 1965 models. I ... Read More

• 2005 mustang eh?

  Written by: joshhaus on Jan 21, 2003 12:10:58 PM

  well, presently im in the market for a new Ford Mustang GT. I was gonna wait til november of 2003 to purchase - but it looks like i should just wait for this new one to come out. I went to the NAIAS show in Detroit to see the concept first hand - and I have to admit - that retro throwback styling is great. Even though I do like the ... Read More

• want to see the 2004/5 mustang GT

  Written by: breetiara on Jan 20, 2003 7:52:59 PM

  The best picture that I have seen was on the Ford website at: www.ford.com After getting to that page go to the bottom and click on the "2003 auto show"link and it will show all of Fords concept cars at the Detroit Auto show. The picture is a concept but is 90% final (I was told some of the "toys" may be added or removed) but besides that this is it. ... Read More

• My 23 Year Wait is over!

  Written by: blackpony on Dec 31, 2002 10:57:42 PM

  Hello everyone, this is my first post although I have been enjoying this chat board. Last Saturday, the Saturday before Christmas, my long 23 year wait finally ended. You see, years ago, when I was 19, I purchased a 1974 Mustang II Ghia (leather, landau roof-you remember it). At that time all I wanted was a Ford Mustang and it did not even matter to me that this one was brown ... Read More

• Oh, by the way..........................

  Written by: gtgtcobra on Dec 28, 2002 12:24:30 AM

  I can't wait for the new 2004 Mustang design to come out. I hear that it will be unveiled next month in January 2003 at the Detroit Auto Show. I want to buy one within the next 2 1/2 to 3 years. I will wait until all the quirks ( if there are any ) are ironed out. Also, the price of the new design Mustang will be more reasonable after ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: blacktalon on Jan 9, 2003 9:05:47 AM

  http://www.cardesignnews.com/autoshows/2003/detroit/highlights/h08-ford-mustang.html I'm liking the coupe design much better than the convertible -- but look at the last line in the article. They claim all of the new 'stangs except the Cobra will be using a live rear axle, despite being based on the LS/S-type platform.

• This is the story............

  Written by: gtgtcobra on Jan 4, 2003 1:39:45 PM

  The NEW Body style Mustang will probably go into production in the late fall of 2004 and it will be called a 2005 model. As for the 2004 model year, from say the fall of 2004 up to and including the end of the summer of 2004, Ford will keep building the current body style Mustang. We will see the BOSS Mustang in the current body style in the end of ... Read More

• I don't know if I am with you on the 275's demon.

  Written by: americanflag on Dec 14, 2002 10:23:46 AM

  The 2003 SVT Cobras (can we assume they get good tires?) come stock with 275/40-17" Good Years on 17x9 wheels. Road and Track in their review gave the look of the wider tires high marks, saying it added to the car's good looks, giving it a "squat" appearance. I read squat to mean wide and strong as opposed to just low. The 2003 SVT Cobra has good handling and has a ... Read More

Ford Mustang Cobra and SVT Cobra

• At $36,000 the Mustang SVT COBRA coupe is well worth it

  Written by: jacuzz on Oct 27, 2002 11:24:05 PM

  I have owned many automobiles, I well appreciate the engineering marvel of them all, yes some were problematic,I personally have never owned a Toyota,or Nissan, the only foreign cars I have driven are Mazda and Hyundai,Chevys, Fords, Chrysler and Jeeps I have had quite a few and currently have Jeeps and my newest Baby the SVT Cobra 2003. My 93 Chevy s-10 4x 4 pick up has 120,000 miles and runs ... Read More

Ford Mustang (2004 and earlier)

• 2003 Ford Mustang Sport Coupe

  Written by: topgun9 on Sep 5, 2002 6:54:13 PM

  Hello everyone i just bouth a 2003 Ford Mustang Sport Coupe GT Premium 2dr Coupe (4.6L 8cyl 5M. i was wondering if any1 knew about BODY KITS. i would like to get a full body kit for it. can you put a body kit from the 98 models or the 02's or must it be the 2003 body kits (witch i cant find any of) so it would be great if ... Read More

• jeffer2

  Written by: revdrluv on Aug 17, 2002 4:12:08 PM

  Check out mustangweekly.com and click on the link on the front page that says 2003 Mustang. They have a update on the new mustangs for 2003 like the Mach 1 and Cobra as well as changes to the V6 and GT. I read on there that Ford is going to release a "Pony" edition V6 that has a lot of the styling cues and content from the GT as well as ... Read More

• Any changes in store for 2003

  Written by: jeffer2 on Aug 16, 2002 6:46:50 PM

  I know Ford isn't redesigning the Stang for 2003, but are they making any modifications or option changes? Especially the V-6 I may become a Mustang owner next year. I did a search on the web, but didn't find much. Thanks. - J

Ford Mustang Cobra and SVT Cobra

• Cobra impact on GT

  Written by: ccasey2 on Mar 30, 2002 10:17:01 AM

  I don't typically follow trends in rebates, incentives, etc.... Does anyone have any thoughts on whether introduction of the 2003 Cobra will put downward pressure on prices for new GTs. I see that ford is currently offering a 1500 rebate but the program ends soon.....future? Also, how "real" are some of the predictions about dealers pricing Cobras ~10k above MSRP (and lack of availability). I could probably be convinced to go ... Read More

• Prices

  Written by: charliemike on Feb 6, 2002 10:31:35 AM

  The price is the estimate from the March Issue of Motor Trend magazine for the 2003 SVT Ford Mustang Cobra Convertible.

65/66 mustang the only stang worth a damn

• Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Jul 13, 2000 5:38:50 PM

  The books show the DSO89 code as "Transportation Services" but no one explains what that means...rather annoying...the other codes are readily explained, such as 84= Home Office REserve, 85= American Red Cross and 90= Export. thanks for the info...Ford launched the Mustang early to help generate that incredible publicity, but they list all Mustangs as 1965 cars, in spite of when they were made....uncommon practice then, but now we see this ... Read More