2002 Ford Mustang Review
2002 Ford Mustang Review





+83
Used Mustang for sale
Appraise This CarFord Mustang model years
Ford Mustang types
- Coupe
- Convertible
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong V8 power with GT, fun to drive, appealing all-American style, good crash-test scores, ragtop option.
Cons
- Solid rear axle, excessive gingerbread detailing on GT, poor stereo ergonomics, flaccid seats.
What’s new
Lower-line V6 models get standard 16-inch alloy wheels and a new hood while losing the fake side scoops. Premium models can be equipped with a Mach 1000 audio system. Both this system and the Mach 460 get speed-sensitive volume. Later this year, an MP3 player will be available. Performance Red paint is replaced with Torch Red.
Edmunds says
Despite a performance disadvantage, Ford's Mustang will outlive the Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, which are being euthanized at the end of the year. Even though it's not perfect, the 2002 Ford Mustang embodies raw American style and power, is fun to drive and easily tossed about, and doesn't break the bank in terms of cost of ownership.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Ford Mustang 2dr Coupe (3.8L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$181/mo for Mustang Base
Mustang Base
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Rapidly approaching the big 4-0, Ford's perennially popular Mustang is advancing upon middle age. But if it's going through a mid-life crisis, nobody is noticing. The Mustang is as hot as ever. Ford's sport coupe has outsold GM's Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird for years. This is in spite of the fact that the Mustang has suffered a performance disadvantage since its 1994 redesign.
There are four Mustangs from which to choose: the V6 Coupe, the V6 Convertible, the GT Coupe and the GT Convertible. All models can be ordered in either Deluxe or Premium trim. There is also a standard trim available on V6 coupes only. A 3.8-liter pushrod engine that makes 190 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 220 pound-feet of torque at 2,750 rpm powers the V6 model. Acceleration is acceptable, especially with the standard five-speed manual transmission, though V6 Coupes definitely have a rental-car stigma attached to them.
The GT Coupe and Convertible are more in tune with what pony cars should be. Equipped with a 4.6-liter overhead-cam V8, GT output is listed at 260 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 302 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. That's good for a 0-to-60 blast of less than 6 seconds, and plenty of twist for tail-out slides around nearly any corner.
Standard V6 coupes include features like air conditioning, a dual-media stereo with cassette and CD players, alloy wheels, power windows and door locks, rear defroster and an anti-theft system. Add Deluxe trim, and you get a rear spoiler, floor mats, power driver seat and cruise control (Deluxe convertibles also come with an automatic transmission). Options on Deluxe models include a Mach 460 sound system, ABS with traction control (when the automatic transmission is selected) and a special Sport Appearance Group. Premium models include those items and buy access to the Mach 1000 audio system and leather upholstery.
Deluxe GT adds the V8 engine, a traction-lock rear axle, dual exhaust, upgraded suspension, 17-inch wheels shod with performance tires, foglights and cloth sport bucket seats. Leather and a Mach 460 audio system are optional. Step up to a Premium GT, and you'll enjoy those two options as standard, plus a unique set of rims. You'll also be able to select the Mach 1000 audio package. Simple enough, eh?
Mustangs offer drivers and passengers comfortable front chairs that lack any semblance of side bolstering, well-placed controls with the exception of teensy stereo buttons, clear views out the front and side windows and acceptable interior materials presented in a retro dual-cowl design cabin. Though technically a four-seater, Mustang's rear seat passengers, especially those riding in the convertible, had better be short.
One reason the Mustang has enjoyed continued success is its relaxed, easy-going and tossable nature on the road. Predictable during hard cornering, and exhibiting progressive side-to-side weight transfers, Mustang exhibits commendable stability during high-speed driving. The braking and steering have also impressed us during test drives. Rough pavement can make the ride uncomfortable, however, as the rear suspension still uses a solid rear axle. And watch out for lumpy road surfaces in turns, because the Mustang will easily side-step if the live rear axle gets jostled about.
Another Mustang advantage is safety. It offers drivers and front-seat passengers a high level of crash protection as rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All-speed traction control and antilock brakes are also standard on most trim levels. Ford thoughtfully provides a traction-control defeat switch for those people who like roasting the rear tires on a regular basis.
Mustang is one of the most recognizable nameplates on the road. In fact, the term "pony car" was coined because of this sporty Ford's name. And since the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird are scheduled for termination later this year, the Mustang will once again become the only traditional rear-drive pony car on the market. That seems fitting.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Ford Mustang.
5 star(60%)
4 star(32%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(1%)
200 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Beastly, Rock Solid, and Efficient
blackmetalwolf, 06/04/2013
2002 Ford Mustang GT Premium 2dr Convertible (4.6L 8cyl 5M)
I've had experience driving all sorts of vehicles, and I can say without a doubt that my 2002 Ford Mustang GT is among the best of the best in almost all categories. For starters, it's a Mustang, an American icon. Now take that image, add 260 stock horsepower and you've got a beast of a car.
Not only is it powerful, it gets surprisingly great mileage; mine is getting roughly 26 mpg … highway. The thing is also built like a tank; I haven't had any mechanical issues other than routine maintenance.
The only issues are low seating capacity and cargo room, but hey, you don't get a Mustang in place of an SUV, do you?
4.38 out of 5 stars
Fun, Fun, Fun
Cindy, 02/05/2010
2002 Ford Mustang Deluxe 2dr Convertible (3.8L 6cyl 5M)
Love my convertible. Fun to drive and enjoy the power. If you have more than one child, makes for a challenge if they want to take friends somewhere. Not much trunk space. Looks good and sounds even better. Didn't buy the car for fuel efficiency, so gas mileage is not an issue for me. Multiple CD changer and sound system add to it's appeal. Convertible top easy to operate.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Great Daily Drive
scott221, 06/26/2013
2002 Ford Mustang GT Premium 2dr Coupe (4.6L 8cyl 5M)
I finally don't need a family car and bought an 02 GT with 100K miles at age 50. It needed a little TLC. I added a radio, new COP's, a gear shift knob, + more. I love this car.
I get better than 27mpg on the highway and 23-24 combined. The engine is smooth and has a higher power-to-weight ratio than any car or truck I have had. It took me a couple of months to tame this Pony.
I changed … the real seals, bearings, left axle, and c-clips. One c-clip broke and ground up inside the left axle causing that bearing to fail.
The car is definitely a sports car. I have a Flowmaster catback and Nexen 3000 tires with Bullet rims. Other drivers taunt me on the road. I just smile and enjoy.
4.63 out of 5 stars
I trust over any new car.
mommame, 11/19/2013
2002 Ford Mustang Premium 2dr Convertible (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
I had a new car and had so many problems. Hard to work and picture it being a throw away car like some. I decided to go backwards to a 2002 V6 that reminds me more of the days a
person could work on a car..HAHAHA
There are some people who have these cars and they are over 200,000 miles.
When you buy something at this age remember it may need a couple things. Don't gripe about it. Do your … homework. Some people beat the Hell out of them. I happen to get mine from an older man in his 60's who took care of it.
2002 Mustang Highlights
Coupe
Base
Base MSRP | $17,475 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $181/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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