Ford Mustang

Name: 2004 Ford Mustang
Brand: Ford

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

This rather primitive rear driver continues to command a loyal following. The base model's 3.8-liter V6 generates more noise than power. The 4.6-liter V8s are much stronger and more in character with the car. Only the top-of-the-line SVT Cobra version gets an independent rear suspension. The manual transmission is balky, and the clutch is heavy. The front seats aren't especially comfortable, and neither one tilts forward to allow for easy access to the rear. The SVT Cobra packs a supercharged, 390-hp engine and a six-speed manual transmission.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2004 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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2004 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2004 Ford Mustang

$3,975 - $15,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Audi TT

$4,675 - $8,100

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 BMW 3 Series

$4,050 - $5,400

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Cadillac CTS

$3,075 - $9,175

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Chrysler Crossfire

$4,975

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Dodge Viper

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Hyundai Tiburon

$3,100 - $3,300

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Jaguar XK

$5,425 - $9,200

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Lexus SC

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mazda RX-8

$3,100 - $3,150

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mercedes-Benz CL

$5,400 - $7,400

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK

$4,400 - $7,300

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse

$3,050 - $3,950

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Nissan Z

$ NA

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Pontiac GTO

$8,500

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Porsche 911

$13,000 - $28,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

$ NA

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Toyota Camry Solara

$3,200 - $4,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Volkswagen GTI

$3,725 - $4,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Volvo C70

$3,325 - $3,525

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

convertible

coupe

2 front, 2 rear

Rear

3.8-liter V6 (193 hp)
4.6-liter V8 (260 hp)
4.6-liter V8 supercharged (390 hp)
4.6-liter V8 (305 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2024-Present

Current Generation

Changes for the redesigned 2024 Mustang centered around freshening the appearance, boosting the convenience technology, and edging up horsepower. There are three core versions: The EcoBoost with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 315 hp, the GT with a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 480 hp, and an all-new Dark Horse, a higher-performance V8 model with 500 hp. The EcoBoost and GT are available as both coupes and convertibles, with a Premium trim and Performance Package option to add upgrades. The cabin centers around a digital instrument panel and infotainment screen, available with a single pane of glass connecting the two. There is much customization available via the screens, allowing the driver to impact appearance and performance. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 includes AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW.

2015-2023

2015 Redesign Year

The biggest news for the 2015 version of the Mustang is the adoption of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, marking only the second time in the history of the car a four-cylinder engine can be found under the hood. Styling, while redolent of the Mustang's past, is fresh and quite handsome. Soft-touch materials and retro cues improve interior quality considerably and an independent rear suspension system is finally applied to the original Pony Car. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are available, as are forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. New equipment for the 2020 model year includes a 2.3-liter High Performance package for the entry-level four-cylinder model, (basically the Focus RS engine, making 330 horsepower). Upgraded brakes and suspension components are also part of the package, and will be offered on both the coupe and convertible body styles. Other 2020 updates include a new Shelby GT500, which produces 760 hp from its supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine. The 2021 model year brings the return of the performance-oriented Mach 1. Also, the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety systems is standard on all but the Shelby models, and includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance.

2011-2014

2011 Redesign Year

This freshening includes more refined handling, upgraded interior materials and standard electronic stability control. Traction control and ABS are also standard. Interior fit and finish are greatly improved, as is ride quality. The adoption of Ford's Sync system introduces voice control for cell phones and music players. Parabolic spotter inserts on the exterior rearview mirrors offer coverage for the Mustang's blind spots and interior comfort is commendable. As always, the big draw is the Ford's prodigious horsepower.

2005-2010

2005 Redesign Year

A major upgrade over the previous model in terms of style, comfort, and performance, the Mustang's 2005 redesign takes retro styling cues from past iterations of the car, while bringing its driving dynamics into the modern era. Handling is nimble and forgiving, but the ride is still stiff, which is not unusual for a sporty car. Fit and finish of the interior remain unimpressive. While the interior has a heavy dose of chrome and retro styling, with a dash and gauges evocative of earlier models, the materials look and feel low-grade. Hard and thin plastics dominate throughout. Among the pros are acceleration, handling and the V8's engine note. On the con side of the equation are a rough ride, poor interior quality and limited trunk space.

1994-2004

1994 Redesign Year

Ford's popular "pony car," the Mustang, was redesigned for 1994 with a more rigid construction and new exterior and interior styling. Available as a coupe or convertible, this rear-wheel-drive car handles steadily on smooth roads, but bounces and steps to the side on bumpy ones. The V6 model feels sluggish; the V8 has more punch. The car's nose dives severely during hard braking. The Mustang was updated for 1999 with fresh styling, more power for both the V6 and V8, and a stiffer structure for the convertible. The Cobra model also got an upgraded independent rear suspension.