1998 Ford Mustang

Change year or car

Change year or car

$16,150

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Coupe

Body style

4

Seating capacity

181.5” x 53.2”

Dimensions

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

4 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 1998 Ford Mustang trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Coupes for 2023

1998 Ford Mustang review: Our expert's take

By

Hold on.

Tightly.

The 4.6-liter, 305-h.p., 32-valve V-8 packs a punch when you kick the pedal, and the 17-inch radials bite the pavement–unless it has rained and the asphalt is covered with water and those radials would rather surf the turf.

Anti-lock brakes are standard, but traction control isn’t available. For shame.

And be advised that the Mustang line gets some cosmetic changes for the 1999 model year, including a small h.p. boost in the 4.6-liter V-8 engine–the Cobra version and the base 225-h.p. V-8.

So if you wait a few months, you will have to hold on longer and tighter when leaving the light, though, of course, the price of the ’99 isn’t going to be lower than that of the ’98.

The SVT Mustang Cobra is the limited-edition (less than 10,000 to be built), really high-performance sports coupe produced by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team, the in-house custom shop that also does the Contour SVT and is putting the final touches on the ’99 F-150 Lightning pickup.

The brakes and suspension are beefed up and 17-inch speed-rated tires added to accommodate the motoring enthusiast. The focus is on handling. Ride tends to be firm.

Other than the high output V-8 and subtle styling differences, Cobra sports neat chrome Cobra snake ornaments bolted to the fenders to separate it from other Mustangs.

The snakes drew lots of glances from those who appeared to be dreaming about what a chrome Cobra would look like hanging around their neck. Get a car cover or make friends with a welder.

Not only will Ford limit output, but Cobra also comes only with a smooth-operating 5-speed manual, which delivers 17 m.p.g. city/25 m.p.g. highway.

But you do have a choice of closed or convertible top. We tested the drop top, which could have been a bit more finely tuned and user-friendly.

Unlatch the levers from the header, hit the power-down button and the top motors out of the way. Hit the power-up button and the top motors up and, as sometimes is the case with Ford convertibles, you now must pull, yank and generally try to line up the fasteners with the holes they slip into and then press the levers to lock in place. Whew!

The Chevrolet Cavalier power top operates more smoothly, but, of course, there isn’t a Cavalier Cobra to play in like there is in a Mustang.

Base price is $28,430. Add $1,040 for leather interior, upgraded sound system and anti-theft system; $195 for deck lid spoiler; and $525 for freight.

New for ’98 are a compact-disc player added to the AM/FM stereo cassette premium sound system, dual cupholders and clock integrated into the radio display.

When looking for an SVT Cobra, call Ford’s toll-free SVT hot line at 800-Ford-SVT (800-367-3788), or its French-language hot line–905-845-2511, ext. 1517 for those Quebecois.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior design 4.4
  • Performance 4.7
  • Value for the money 4.7
  • Exterior styling 4.6
  • Reliability 4.8

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

Fun Fast Fantastic Ford!

The Ford Mustang is the kind of car that you get because you want, not because you need. And this one is exactly what I need. Much more ruggedly built the Fox body Mustangs, Though a little smaller in appearance, but a whole lot of fun for the money especially if you can find 8 cylinder with low mileage.

4.0

Want a hot rod

Want a hot rod project that already has after market parts on in in nice condition almost new tires on it then this is the car for you!

5.0

I got mine for trading a go cart

96,000 miles perfect interior and exterior just needed painted and new gauges. Now it’s a show car and has only hit 120,000 miles and still no rust never broke down on me just changed the battery and maintenance

See all 51 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Ford Blue Advantage Blue
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
24 months/24,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
90-Day/4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty
Powertrain
Available
Dealer certification required
139-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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