1979 Ford Mustang Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Ford Mustang received a breath of fresh air in 1979. After four years of a poor-performing Pinto-like Mustang wannabe, the future of...
The Ford Mustang received a breath of fresh air in 1979. After four years of a poor-performing Pinto-like Mustang wannabe, the future of the Mustang was in jeopardy. But then the 1979 Mustang arrived, and did it ever look sleek!
There were some great reasons it looked so good. It had a sloped-back front end, which was almost completely new for the American car market, and the hatchback had the totally amazing drag coefficient of 0.44. (That's less than a baseball's coefficient of drag.) This was the most aerodynamic car yet in Ford's history, and it held that honor until the Thunderbird took that honor some years later. It was 200 pounds lighter, while roomier and bigger overall than the Mustang II. It had the first square headlights on a Mustang. The 302ci went metric that year with the new moniker 5.0, and the fan belt went to a serpentine style. The 5.0 was a powerhouse at 140hp in an emissions- and fuel-strangled economy, with 0-60 times of 8 to 9 seconds and 17 seconds at 85mph in the quarter mile. This was a sad sign of the times in a 55mph society. Other engine choices included the then pretty new V6, rated at 109hp with a 0-60 of 11 seconds, but due to shortages the old reliable but less powerful 85hp L6 came in most '79 Mustangs. Options included a four cylinder rated at 88hp and the radical Turbo-4 at 132hp. In my experience I recall that you could only get a V8 with the automatic and the Cobra package only came with the Turbo-4. This body style, known as the Fox body, would be the backbone of Mustangs for the next 14 years before tooling changes would extend it another 11 years.
What owners say
"Owners of the 1979 Ford Mustang generally love its performance, classic style, and driving experience. Many appreciate the V8 engine's power, with some mentioning the fun of cruising and racing. However, some drivers noted challenges with maintenance and parts availability, especially for models with modifications. Overall, it's viewed as a nostalgic and enjoyable car, though it requires commitment in upkeep."
It's an LX 5.0 package, came with the automatic, cruise, Tilt, A/C, and the premeium AM/FM 8-track with built in Amplifier. At 145hp it wasn't going to win any races but it has a solid nible feel to it. It's no longer stock, It cranks out approx 300-330hp now, and it will surprise the younger kids in thier newer 'stangs. I'm looking to install Cobra 4 wheel disc brakes under it sometime down the road. This is my life-time soulmate.
June 27, 2007Regular maintenance is a must for all cars, but the previous owner neglected this one. Slowly but surely I've replaced everything except the transmission.I've done all the work myself, & it was easy. Now I just drive it & check fluid levels, & never have to add or fix anything 'till the next service... except gas. To help traction I put on larger rear tires & a thicker sway bar.The car doesn't spin out now,& corners excellent without leaning. Good luck finding one... I've only seen a few left on the road. Plenty at the wrecker though. I never broke down once in 14 yrs. The car never left me stranded... Regular routine maintenance really works.
October 5, 2006I have a 1979 Mustang in fair condition. Has 75703 original miles. Needs some body work but a damn good strong motor and good interior. For the price I can't complain. I love it!!!!!!!!!
May 18, 2008What owners say
It's an LX 5.0 package, came with the automatic, cruise, Tilt, A/C, and the premeium AM/FM 8-track with built in Amplifier. At 145hp it wasn't going to win any races but it has a solid nible feel to it. It's no longer stock, It cranks out approx 300-330hp now, and it will surprise the younger kids in thier newer 'stangs. I'm looking to install Cobra 4 wheel disc brakes under it sometime down the road. This is my life-time soulmate.
June 27, 2007Regular maintenance is a must for all cars, but the previous owner neglected this one. Slowly but surely I've replaced everything except the transmission.I've done all the work myself, & it was easy. Now I just drive it & check fluid levels, & never have to add or fix anything 'till the next service... except gas. To help traction I put on larger rear tires & a thicker sway bar.The car doesn't spin out now,& corners excellent without leaning. Good luck finding one... I've only seen a few left on the road. Plenty at the wrecker though. I never broke down once in 14 yrs. The car never left me stranded... Regular routine maintenance really works.
October 5, 2006I have a 1979 Mustang in fair condition. Has 75703 original miles. Needs some body work but a damn good strong motor and good interior. For the price I can't complain. I love it!!!!!!!!!
May 18, 2008it had the turbo badges and someone transplanted the 302 into it. Honestly it was hard to get the proper parts for it since it had everything smaller than the v8 cars. when it was all done it was very fast like any other 302 GT.
April 5, 2008With the 302 bored .030 over and Boss 302 cam and better flowing heads this thing gets up and really hauls ass. There have been a few things I've had to fix, throw out bearing, rear-end, and now the transmission has givin up the ghost. That's the downside of having a muscle car. If it's fast and reliable it ain't cheap. Other than that it's been a blast to own and I'll probably keep it for a long time.
January 22, 2010Nice car, mine used to be a dragster so it needs to be babied or it breaks
May 31, 200879 Cobra 2.3L turbo car with cam exhaust needs work but is still fun to drive
May 6, 2008Because of its age, it does not accelerate that fast.
June 12, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
