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1986 Ford Mustang Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Although Ford did not do much with the 1986 Ford Mustang, it remains a popular car today, as it is relatively easy to tune (anybody have any more details they can provide on this?) Otherwise, the car remained pretty much the same as the 1985 model year. The standard engine was an oil-leaking 2.3-liter I4 rated at 88 horsepower, and options included a 3.8-liter V6 (120 horsepower). An updated 5.0-liter HO V8 was now the standard in GTs, formerly rated at 210 horsepower. 1986 was the first year for fuel injection, as the 8.8 rear and TRUE dual exhaust. Horsepower went up to 225, also torque went up to 300 ft.lb., making the car quicker. The SVO trim had a 2.3-liter I4 turbocharged engine, capable of 200 horsepower. As for the Saleen, Ford began moving some of the after-factory improvements into its standard car, including a new spoiler package, nicer bucket seats, and a leather steering wheel. However, dealers were still required to buy cars specific for conversion which were limited to an LX hatchback or convertible.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1986 Ford Mustang
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by Chris K
Aug 15, 2020
I have owned a 1985, 1988, 1989 & a 1993 Fox body GT. Every one has been trouble free! The 302 HO engines are bullet proof! They take a licken & keep on ticken! The 5 SP manual is a tough unit! Every one of them LOVED power shifting! I could hard shift by banging the gears using the accelerator pedal instead of the clutch pedal! I am looking for another 85-86 GT as I like the LX look of the GT & still have the FI engine!Aug 15, 2020
by Doug A
Nov 17, 2014
This car is a blast to drive. Quick but still uses 87 octane and the AOD is splendid for those who still like to sip a coffee as they drive. We went to a 6000 car cruise in in Mississippi and there were no other cars like this one. 25 mpg at 75mph is hard to beat.Nov 17, 2014
by Jenn B
Dec 22, 2013
My Mustang has a built 302 in it and is falling apart. not much else to say. The interior is in shambles, I got it as a gift and it's most definitely a fixer upper. I'll get it to where I want it some day, until then it's going to be my project car.Dec 22, 2013
User rating:
by Chris K
Aug 15, 2020
I have owned a 1985, 1988, 1989 & a 1993 Fox body GT. Every one has been trouble free! The 302 HO engines are bullet proof! They take a licken & keep on ticken! The 5 SP manual is a tough unit! Every one of them LOVED power shifting! I could hard shift by banging the gears using the accelerator pedal instead of the clutch pedal! I am looking for another 85-86 GT as I like the LX look of the GT & still have the FI engine!Aug 15, 2020
by Doug A
Nov 17, 2014
This car is a blast to drive. Quick but still uses 87 octane and the AOD is splendid for those who still like to sip a coffee as they drive. We went to a 6000 car cruise in in Mississippi and there were no other cars like this one. 25 mpg at 75mph is hard to beat.Nov 17, 2014
by Jenn B
Dec 22, 2013
My Mustang has a built 302 in it and is falling apart. not much else to say. The interior is in shambles, I got it as a gift and it's most definitely a fixer upper. I'll get it to where I want it some day, until then it's going to be my project car.Dec 22, 2013
by Anonymous
Oct 01, 2013
I am the second owner of this vehicle and owned it since August of 1997. When I purchased, the car had 77K. It now has 101K There are several upgrades I have done, however new plans have been made for 2014. Brake, transmission, motor upgrades to be completed through the winter.Oct 01, 2013
by Donna B
May 30, 2013
This was a great car in it's day and with some TLC it can be again. Love the fact it has a large trunk and a back seat. Love the fact it's economical and it is a convertible. I love convertibles! =))May 30, 2013
by Anonymous
Dec 05, 2011
Very fun car very easy to work on, smooth driveability with the fuel injection
Can't imagine an aod in a mustang at all, Love the 5 speed, Love working on the car,
love the feel of the pull from the power and torque blended together very wellDec 05, 2011
by James S
Sep 03, 2011
Good for the price. Used 5.0's are going for 800-2000 bucks in the wintertime.
It's fun! Parts are cheap for Ford 302's and peformance parts are everywhere. There is not one thing that you can't buy for this car, unlike a Ford SHO, where most of the SHO specific parts are discontinued and you can't find aftermarket.Sep 03, 2011
by Anonymous
Mar 07, 2011
this is a old colorado state cop car
I put a 69 351w in it and a 66 ford toploader 4 spd in it I drag race it in Colorado.it took a special bell housing and other parts I made.
and header I bought for the converionMar 07, 2011
by Joe A
Dec 07, 2010
Fun to drive and reliable. - My monster is a 5-
speed convertible. Under
1,000 GT stick convertibles built in '86. This
is
my second '86, the first lives in Costa Rica
now. Acceleration aw sum, usual rattles, good
eye appeal. 14 MPG in town. Drove it 2,000
miles the first week owned two months ago,
performed flawlessly. A very fun car to drive.
Would highly recommendDec 07, 2010
by Ron W
Nov 23, 2010
fun to drive and appearance ITS A MUSTANG! my first 4 cars were mustangs would still have my 88 gt convt but..... it play hell to put my daughters car seat in the 2+2 style rear seat ha haNov 23, 2010
by Damien R
Oct 28, 2010
the 86 mustang lx is a fast car, not very good looking i perfer the 90-93 but still very fast. the worst thing i can say about the car it that it does not handle good in rain or snow. the car it self picked up speed fast an stopped on a dime (as long as the road was dry) the interior was very plain an clothe material but due to its age it was built like a tank for a 24 year old car it didnt have much rust or noises an didnt need alot of work to stay running. over all a super fun car to drive hard in or just cruse with friendsOct 28, 2010
by Steve E
Oct 13, 2010
its fast, its fun, its rwd, it is built, it is black with a red stripe got it cheap sucks becuase i run through gas like crazy it is awesome to drive very very fun and very very freakin funOct 13, 2010
by Ryan P
Sep 04, 2010
2.3l T3 turbo factory, disc brakes all around, thicker spings, ajustable shocks and struts from koni. upper and lower spoilers, dif taillights, side spats, functional hood scoop, dif wheels,and dif front end style, 18-20c, 26-28hwy, very fun to drive if its running.Sep 04, 2010
by Chris M
Aug 06, 2010
Awesome Car, has the 5.0 Engine. After all these years still starts up like a rocket.
0-60 5.62 seconds. The LX Convertible, not a care in the world when driving that
car. lol. One of the last 5.0 untill the 2011 lineAug 06, 2010
by Rikki T
Jul 27, 2010
preformance is awsome pushn 420 off the 220 stock
build is okay it rattles sum from the body metal but hey thats wen doors weightd 90 pounds
apperance lol its a 86
5 mpg
very fun to drive if u can handle raw power on a stage 3 clutchJul 27, 2010
by Ed S
Jul 03, 2010
My car is an 86 Saleen, got it back in 1988. Used to drive it to work daily. That is a thing of the past. It's a toy now, just for pleasure. It's got 78k miles on it. The car was repainted in 93 the original color. I redid the interior with covers from Late Model Restoration. Just added 17" rims from Late Model Resto. 17x9 rears, 17x8 fronts. 255x40 fronts and 275x40 rears. Car has a Bassani Exhaust with hi-flo cats and an X pipe. JBA headers and a host of other things done. Jul 03, 2010
by Cam B
Jun 07, 2010
I Love it, acceleration is more than it looks. Braking is great, handling is eeeh not so great but thats why you get CJ pony Launch shock and that pretty much loosens up everything and the handling went up in points.
the stock Driveline is fragile, when i first bought it of course i hit the gas every chance i got now the driveline has a dent in it and now she vibrates it you go passed 80.
the interior is comfertable its made for short people like me.
Gas Milage is tolerable but not great, the cost of having a 5.0
This car is fun to drive Jun 07, 2010
by Matt C
May 12, 2010
well i started raciing this car it lasted 7 years i could swap a 4 speed transmission with a 5 speed in 15 minutes i love all the room working on 4 cyl cars this car has been thru alotMay 12, 2010
by Michael A
May 10, 2010
Needs work like new doors, the top need to be replaced, new tranny which I have, shifter, seats, engine needs work and parts, dashboard, it's a project car...
Appearance- Its good
Performance- Amazing when I'm done with it
Cost of ownership- going to dent my piggy bank
Fun Factor- PricelessMay 10, 2010
by Danny O
Mar 21, 2010
i bought this car beacsue i hated fords and my intention was to blow the car up ....It had a five speed and a dumped the clutch at 4000 rpm a hundred times and did some inasne burn outs in this car.....BUT IT WAS A FORD>>>>>>lol i will say after owning one i did enjoy it occasionaly,, but they dont like to turn.. Not like a camaro at least...the chutter form the rear around turns was annoying in the rain, and under power it got squirlly quick........Mar 21, 2010
by Matt F
Nov 11, 2009
its a v8, it wheelies, sounds gr8, drifts, makes ppl look no matter how old they are oh and did i say it has a v8 lol wa more could ya ever want!!! ( a fuel truck behind ya maybe lol.) Nov 11, 2009
by John T
Nov 04, 2009
Ridiculously fast, unfortunately due to lack of frame. Good engine layout with plenty of space to work on vehicle if needed. Again if the car had a frame I would still have it to this day but the cost of keeping the car would have been the same as buying a GT in mint condition of the same year.Nov 04, 2009
by Donna-Marie T
Oct 09, 2009
this is my fave car so i say it is ausum i love it. although the '69 is my fave year of this car but i just love al of the mustangs so ya i just love them hehehehehe yahoo.Oct 09, 2009
by Kole C
Oct 01, 2009
I love this car. Im cant wait to start adding performance parts to it. I am not driving it because my clutch is shot, but I hopefully itll be fixed within two weeks. I am going to eventuallly spray it.Oct 01, 2009
by Ol L
Sep 22, 2009
Performance- handles pretty well, not the best choice for snow
Build Quality- well it held together after all these years...
Apperance- still looking good, just need to buff it out
Cost- Its a 23 year old V8 5.0 liter muscle car, what to you think?
Fun Factor, it is sure fun to drive!Sep 22, 2009
by Anonymous
Aug 30, 2009
ehh i didnt realy like the front end so i changed the hole fornt of the car from a 1986 nose to a 1993 nose fully rebuilt rear end like $1200 in to the rear end the floor has major rust and decay with holes because the deals from the windshield corrode and let water in that fall to the floor and you know what happens there umm bought the car for $500 put in about $4000 and im still not done with it stock 5.0l motor just a little tuned :)Aug 30, 2009
by Mike M
Jul 20, 2009
Nice comfortable Grand Touring 80's sports car from America. Classic muscular style. Comfortable seating. Vast Supply of aftermarket performance and styling parts available. Lots of inexpensive factory replacement parts. This vehicle has been a blast to own and drive.Jul 20, 2009
by Connor H
Sep 29, 2008
the preformance is fairly good i would say... the build quality is fine, it's a unibody .. the exterior colour is a midnight blue, on the inside i have NOS racing seats and the back seats are just blue and orange pedals... the cost of this vehicle was 1200 to buy straight out but then i had to put 1400 into the safety and everything it needed to pass the safety, it does not require an e-test because it's older then 20 years... the fun factor eh!? it certainly is fun to drive, it's super comfortable... GO GET ONE!!!Sep 29, 2008
by Steven F
Sep 18, 2008
Its a good looking car. I put my own sun roof in it, air shocks, rims, paint job, all of that makes one hell of a car. It could use a brand new engine, but I will get to that sum day jus not sure when. Besides that it looks awesome.Sep 18, 2008
by Mark I
Sep 18, 2008
I love everything about my 'stang... I've had it since high school and have made consistent improvements to it just about every year, which have challened my mechanical abilities as well as given me an extreme sense of accomplishment. There nothing better than telling another car nut that "I built my own car!"Sep 18, 2008
by Michael F
Jul 30, 2008
Mustangs are cool cars and convertible Mustangs are even cooler. I really like this car, but there are some issues related to its 20+ years of age. That is really all I have to say about this car but the comment section requires a minimum of 50 words words words.Jul 30, 2008
by Tom H
Mar 31, 2008
The car is an LX GT. Same as a GT but with out the markings. One of the last 5.0 with rolling cam and stainless headers and exhaust from factory.Mar 31, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 29, 2008
Great car - miss it. Except when the snow and rain starts flying! Mar 29, 2008
by Jamie B
Mar 28, 2008
Almost a classic car with great potential. My personal car was the Expo '86 demonstartor which was used to show-case Ford's newest addition to the mustang community, fuel injection.
The car only has a few draw packs in todays world. The engines are large (3.8L V6 or 5.0L V8) but their transmissions are not geared well so you are unable to tap into the engines full potential. This leads to lower fuel economy and lower perfomance levels. This is especially so for the V6 w/t auto transmission w/o overdrive. Three gears is not enough and the car sounds like a wounded animal above 130kph (especially with the convertable top). With overdrive or 4spd the car becomes slightly better but the best option is still the 5spd.Mar 28, 2008
by George T
Feb 29, 2008
This Mustang has a full custom leather interior. With a custom MB Quart sound system with two 10" Subwoofers. Has a Hurst short throw 5 speed manual transmission. GTO black head light covers, 18" cobra R rims, and T-tops. The car has over $20,000 in the engine and drivetrain. The car puts around 400 Horsepower to the rear wheels. The car is just absolutly gorgeous.Feb 29, 2008
by Tony V
Feb 11, 2008
Performance mods include full exhaust and intake bolt ons. 3.73 gears, electric fan, and underdrive pulleys. Chassis stiffened with subframe connectors and matrix braces.Feb 11, 2008
by Aimee H
Jan 12, 2008
My racecar! I restored this car when I was 18 and I race in Reading. It's an 86 H.O 5.0 Mustang with lots of extras under the hood. I love this car and it always takes me for a nice 1/4 mile. Jan 12, 2008
by Dan M
Jan 11, 2008
I had it given to me on loan shortly after I wrecked my Camaro. Second Ford I owned and I like it allot.Jan 11, 2008
by Byron A
Jan 07, 2008
one of the best cars for american racingJan 07, 2008
by Ben L
Dec 25, 2007
The pic isn't acctually mine but mine is a fully loaded black on black gt convertible. The car has very good response and is fun to drive.Dec 25, 2007
by Anonymous
Oct 04, 2007
Good looking, fun to drive, strangers turn and lookOct 04, 2007
by Anonymous
Jul 07, 2007
I just love my 86 GT first performance car i bought in 1986 off the showroom floorJul 07, 2007
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1986 Ford Mustang?Compare this car
1986 Ford Mustang Pricing
Original MSRP
$7,669 to $15,660Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Roof
T-Tops: glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Roof
T-Tops: glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Roof
Convertible roof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Roof
Convertible roof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Roof
T-Tops: glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent