why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Ford Mustang

Please enter a valid mileage

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Ford Mustang

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2008 Ford Mustang Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2008 Ford Mustang shows not only Ford's commitment to keeping alive a legendary name, but the public's underestimated love of the traditional American muscle car. Shortly after its introduction, rivals Chevrolet and Dodge were sent scrambling, spending much of last year showing off revitalization plans for their own muscle car greats, the Camaro and Challenger. But show cars are no cars when it comes to sales and, for the time being, the Mustang is the only game in town. Unlike the terminated Pontiac GTO, the Mustang is blessed with iconic good looks, a choice of V6 or V8 engines and, most importantly, a really affordable sticker price. Make no mistake, serious competition is on the way but, for now, look for Ford to make the most of the Mustang's solo success.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're a fan of the affordable, powerful, rear-wheel-drive vehicles that have defined the American muscle car, you'll find the 2008 Ford Mustang a properly refined version and thoroughly satisfying.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Although the 2008 Ford Mustang is noticeably larger than the previous generation, it still lacks much of the practicality -- like a roomy rear seat -- some people may need.

What's New for 2008

High-Intensity Discharge headlamps (HID) and an ambient interior light package are offered as options, while side airbags are made standard on all models. Two new Shelby Mustangs, the GT and GT500KR, are made available for 2008.

Driving the Mustang

Driving Impressions The 2008 Ford Mustang fires up with the satisfying snarl every red-blooded American expects from one of the country's most identifiable vehicles (although the growl is more pronounced with the...

V8). On the road, the Mustang's chassis and suspension deliver both an insulated ride and controlled handling. Road irregularities are less jarring than in previous generations, and the car corners more confidently. While increased power from the V6 and V8 engines is part of the Mustang's appeal, the refined suspension is the car's most valuable improvement.

Favorite Features

Front-End Styling
With or without the GT's two additional grille-mounted headlamps, the new Mustang's front end defines it as both a modern muscle car and a tribute to the car's celebrated heritage.

Rear Suspension
The Mustang's suspension includes a newly designed solid rear axle that delivers improved ride and handling while still allowing for impressive smoky burnouts.

2008 Ford Mustang Details

Interior

If the 2008 Ford Mustang's exterior puts you in a retro state of mind, the interior will transport you like a time machine. A steering wheel with three metal-look spokes teams up with a speedometer and tachometer that rest deep in their own chrome-ringed wells to deliver a driver's-seat view as retro as any. On the flip side, this throwback's instrument panel features a modern illumination system, color-configurable with 125 different lighting combinations. Seating is comfortable and the new car's added exterior dimensions allow for a noticeable increase in headroom and legroom. A few less hard-edge plastic surfaces would go a long way to turning a good interior into one that's great.

Exterior

By borrowing liberally from the Mustang's past, the new car's designers have created a vehicle that wholly captures the essence of the original. The long hood and short rear deck that have defined the Mustang from day one are joined by the return of round headlamps and vertical "tri-bar" taillamps especially reminiscent of the 1967 model. The Mustang V6 features nifty multi-spoke wheels with real three-point spinners and both the V6 and GT offer plenty of room for aftermarket customization.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The Mustang V6 Deluxe includes a 4.0-liter SOHC V6 engine, five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, cloth sport bucket seats, 16-inch painted cast aluminum wheels, AM/FM stereo with CD and auxiliary input jack, manual air conditioning, one-touch up/down power windows, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, rear-window defroster, tilt steering wheel, front side airbags and cruise control. The GT Deluxe adds a 4.6-liter V8 engine, anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, fog lamps, rear spoiler and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels.

Optional Equipment

Features available only on select trim levels or as stand-alone options include the Pony Package (V6 only), the California Special Package, the GT Appearance Package (GT only), five-speed automatic transmission, 500- or 1000-watt audio system with six-disc CD/MP3 changer, leather seating, navigation, sport bucket seats, heated seats, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with traction control, HID headlamps, ambient interior light package, rear spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels, a 125-color instrument panel and the Warriors in Pink package, with proceeds going to help raise funds for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.

Under the Hood

For those not bothered by the lack of V8 growl, the V6's output is more than sufficient to get your blood flowing. Originally designed for use in the Ford Explorer SUV and Ranger pickup truck, the Mustang's V6 demonstrates a noticeable amount of vibration and harshness, and the single exhaust note just doesn't quite cut it---but the performance is surprisingly peppy. The GT is clearly faster and more refined, and its V8 is one feature many male buyers wouldn't dream of sacrificing. Ford's three-valve per cylinder technology allows the big V8 to breathe easier, producing better low-end power without sacrificing fuel efficiency. The true powerhouse, however, is the limited-production Shelby model, which features a 500-horsepower supercharged V8.

4.0-liter V6
210 horsepower @ 5250 rpm
240 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 (manual), 16/24 (automatic)

4.6-liter V8
300 horsepower @ 5750 rpm
320 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/23 (manual), 15/22 (automatic)

5.4-liter V8 Supercharged
500 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
480 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Ford Mustang vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2008 Ford Mustang Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 1393 Ratings for the 2005 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.4/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.5/10

Shelby GT500 - LOTS of power, but easy to drive

By BobShelby (FL) on Monday, July 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 175

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Powerful, awesome exhaust sound, love driving it!"

Cons: "Small gas tank, hood prop rod, no spare tire"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Got my 2014 Shelby GT500 about a month ago -- luckily I just so happened to be at the right place at the right time - each dealer gets allocated only a few of these and they FLY off of the lot QUICKLY. Have about 175 miles so far, and am still in the break-in period. Just need to press the accelerator down about 1 inch for normal driving. That said, the car is easy to drive and the exhaust sounds awesome! Mine came fully loaded except for the glass roof (which I preferred not to have anyway). Lots of electronics to learn how to use, but suspect that I will get used to it as I drive it more. Don't normally get the factory extended warranty, but with everything that is packed into this baby, I thought that it would be a good idea. Front seats are comfortable, rear seats are pretty cramped. Trunk space is good considering the size of the car. OK, now for the cons. Door/hood/trunk fit could be better, but is not unacceptable. Hood latch is not easy to find/release. Factory floor mats were pretty cheap - I've already replaced them and added a trunk mat. Hood prop rod instead of struts - getting ready to add struts and get rid of the prop rod. So, for about $300 took care of floor mats, trunk mat and prop rod - problem solved! Mileage is not great (that said, there is no gas guzzler tax), but what would you expect from a 662 HP, supercharged car? Only has a 16 gallon gas tank, so plan on filling it up frequently. No spare tire (guess that is a weight saving issue, as there is room for one). Overall, based upon my experience so far, I HIGHLY recommend this car. My friends are lining up to sit in it or drive it. Can't wait until the break-in period is over and I can see how it really accelerates!"

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

2014 roush rs mustang

By mario (IN) on Sunday, July 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "good fuel mileage and great looks"

Cons: "lots of plastic inside and out has bad blind spots"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"the car is down right good looking. love the feel and feed back from driving it. if a car could be sexy this is it."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

My Mustang GT came in yesterday! I LOVE HER SO!

By Lena Marie (MI) on Tuesday, July 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 59

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Sleek, fast, sexy and such a riot to drive."

Cons: "Can't see out the back window due to spoiler."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love this beautiful car. My third (white no less) Mustang GT premium pkg. From starting at around 280 hp with my first... 360 with my second. And now 420 with this beauty. I am finding I love everything about her. She's sleek and smart... And actually has a functional hood now! Real vents!! yahoo! Love the stripes in the seats and the glass roof is amazing. Still learning the curves as all the techy stuff can be a bit overwhelming. I just want to listen to my favorite tunes and keep the wheels on the ground. The ONLY drawback I've seen thus far, is the rear spoiler I ordered. It has 3 towers and it's quite tall. It truly takes up a third of my viewing area. I am afraid this is going to be a problem, as I don't like having an obstructed view. I'm 5'2". I've had spoilers on my other Mustangs without this issue. I will be calling the dealership to see if they can do something, as I NEED to see behind me. I think about her all the time and can't wait to spend some more time together and get her striped up. I will never sell this one. Ever."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

2012 Boss 302 excellent road trip car

By stock (WA) on Friday, July 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "These are the glory days of muscle performance"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"No problems, great performance, will not disappoint. Careful buying any performance used car as flash tuning, modding will void your warranty. This car stock really is the goods."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Fun to Drive

By SuspenderJohn (TX) on Saturday, July 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Comfortable, Fun to drive, Good AC"

Cons: "Too much power, Miniscule back seat"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Having an F150 as my other vehicle, I was looking for something small and fun-to-drive. This Mustang fits the bill. I like the heavier feel of the V8 while driving on the road, but this car has much more power than I need. For those who do not "need" the GT nametags and the big fog lights in the grille, I suggest the V6 model as a better option."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great GT500

By svtpops (NJ) on Saturday, July 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Fast, reliable, looker."

Cons: "too much interior plastic. Eats up tires."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love my 2007 GT500....just over 600HP, fast as heck. 17,000 miles. For being a 60 year old guy I am reliving my youth when muscle cars were at their best."

3 people out of 5 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 1393 reviews