2003 Ford Mustang Convertible 4.6 DOHCSC from North America

Summary:

An almost perfect beast, that with a couple mods will satisfy all your needs

Faults:

The clutch continues to be a problem.

Shifting is a nightmare when getting on it. Being easy on it presents no problems in shifting. Racing is a nightmare; long shifts, clanking drive shaft, popping out of 1st at a start at about 44500 miles. Frustrating to say the least.

This has made me have bad feelings towards this vehicle. To have such a awesome car and then ruin it with this annoying defect is a shame.

I replaced the clutch with a stock one, and had the same results after a couple months. If you like to drive your car hard, upgrade the clutch when replacing to the most advanced, most expensive heavy duty one they offer. Do yourself a favor and don't spare the expense when it comes to this issue.

General Comments:

Disappointed with the overall acceleration. I expected it to be faster. Most people scream when they are in the car though. It is like a roller coaster to a normal person.

If you are a motor-head, you have some aftermarket shopping to do. In order to break 12's at the track, you are going to have to change the pulley on the supercharger and do some major tuning. I do not recommend this if you have a warranty, and definitely make sure you have an experienced professional do any modifications to the supercharger set up.

This car is as fast as a stock C5 vette. Trust me, that's what I traded in on this car. It is a gorgeous, head turning, kick ass fun car to drive, that eats up the abuse, and drives home every time after a hard day's work at the track.

Upgrade the clutch, get a short throw shifter, put a cold air intake, change your pulley, and get rid of the muting mufflers, and you will have a perfect snake.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2009

2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 4.6 32 valve from North America

Summary:

Best investment ever, it's a keeper

Faults:

The radio went at 40,000 km, had to be replaced; the new one sounds better anyway.

The seat belts are twisted in the panels; dealer wants 100 $ to fix.

General Comments:

The car is very fast, runs 12 second 1/4 miles, and all I did was install an exhaust; I gained 35 hp on the dyno.

It sounds amazing and looks mean. It's nice to know that this car will be worth some money in the future, since they only made a couple of these cars.

The interior is awesome and I'll probably be keeping this car forever.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd December, 2007

2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 4.6 DOHC from North America

Summary:

I'll be taking this one to car shows in 30 years

Faults:

The left front brake caliper boot disintegrated and the caliper started to seize around 20k miles, caliper and front pads replace under warranty.

Driver's seat belt retractor broke, rear window trim came loose, both fixed by deal at no cost.

Mach 460 stereo occasionally doesn't eject CDs fully. This only requires a little user intervention to get the CD out, and I haven't yet remembered to have the dealer check it out.

Original clutch went bad around 52000, not warrantied since clutch is normal wear-and-tear. I was told the expected clutch life for the Mach 1 and GT is 60,000 to 80,000. I drive this car *hard* though, it's not surprising it went sooner.

General Comments:

This car is a good performer, a good bargain, and just all around fun to drive.

Seats are comfortable and I've done 8 hour road trips (only getting up once for gas) with no problem.

Sometimes I feel like I want just a little more range of movement in the seat adjustment.

I don't like the steering wheel adjustment. I prefer a more vertical steering wheel placement, but in that position the wheel is resting on my knees.

Cost of ownership is high. I burn through tires rapidly, that money adds up quickly at $150+ per tire. Premium gasoline and 16 mpg (in town) fuel economy also adds up.

Highway mileage is surprisingly good. Window sticker stated 25 mpg, I generally see better. My car seems to like higher altitudes too, I see a consistent 30 mpg on a 300 mile stretch that starts at 6500ft and ends at 7200ft.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th May, 2006