2008 Ford Mustang Convertible Interior Review
Interior - What the Auto Press Says
Reviews say the Mustang's interior is "as blatantly a throwback as the exterior, and nearly as well done. It's sporty and crisp in appearance and straightforward in function," reports Automotive.com. Some find the convertible interior finish a bit low-grade and the rear seat and cargo space tight.
MarketWatch sums it up nicely by saying that "the interior of the new Mustang has just the right touches -- both retro and modern -- to make it work. One of the major flaws, though, was the chrome rings that surround the otherwise sharp-looking instruments. They create a large amount of glare that can make the dials virtually impossible to read on a sunny day." The Cleveland Plain Dealer adds that the "functional arrangement ... misses elegance by a long shot because of some hard, nasty-looking plastic trim and other economy measures." Motor Trend adds to the complaints, saying the Mustang convertible is "a four-passenger car, but gymnastics might be needed for climbing in back."
Seating
The Mustang Convertible comes with cloth bucket seats up front, which most reviewers find adequate. Though Edmunds says that the "seats need more lateral support," the Chicago Sun-Times reports "good room up front for tall adults in supportive bucket seats." Reviewers from Forbes add that the "front seating area can feel claustrophobic due to the low roofline and small side windows, but it comfortably accommodates drivers of all sizes".
The rear seat, according to reviews, has a surplus of headroom but not legroom. Motor Trend reports, "There's enough headroom for a six-footer, though tucking and folding the lower appendages into the tiny rear seat footwells requires negotiation with those riding up front." The San Diego Union-Tribune says there's "adult space in back, at least for a short distance, if those in the front aren't too tall." Automotive.com has the strongest criticism and says back seat "might be better described as a package shelf."
Interior Features
The 2008 Mustang Convertible's interior "looks like a throwback from the ‘60s, but it's functional and well finished," says Automotive.com. Reviewers like the Mustang's interior gauges, which About.com calls "retro" and "completely redesigned around a circular theme." Some reviewers find, in addition to the retro appeal, that the interior is functional and clear. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says the Mustang has "easily read instrumentation." In contrast, Automotive.com reviewers find that the shiny metal can "create some glare problems for drivers on sunny days." And other opinions say that interior finish lacks quality. The Chicago Sun-Times says the controls "feel cheap," and Edmunds finds the standard Mustang interior "heavy on hard plastic."
Stereo and Entertainment
The standard stereo system in the 2008 Ford Mustang Convertible isn't talked about by reviewers, but the optional Shaker 1000 Audio System is well-liked and highly regarded. The Shaker 1000 Audio System, available for the V6 Premium, GT Deluxe and GT Premium, comes with AM/FM stereo, six-disc in-dash CD changer, 10 Audiophile speakers and MP3 capability. The system produces 100-watt sound. Road & Travel Magazine says that "the tuning of the monster system is truly surprising given the strength of the system, delivering excellent sound even with the top down at 70 mph on a California freeway." Kelley Blue Book calls the system "amazing, though the trunk-mounted subwoofer does eat up most of the usable cargo space."
The 2008 Mustang V6 Premium and GT Premium can be fitted with an optional Shaker 500 Audio System. When fitted with the Shaker 500 or Shaker1000 Audio System, the Mustang can also have SIRIUS Satellite Radio. A touch-screen DVD-Navigation System is available on the V6 Premium and GT Premium.
Cargo
The 2008 Mustang Convertible comes with 9.7 cubic feet of cargo space and little interior storage room. Reviewers call the trunk of the Mustang adequate -- while not outstanding when compared to the coupe, it is comparable to other convertibles and sports cars. The Atlanta-Journal Constitution calls the meager amount of trunk room "skimpy," but the Chicago Sun-Times calls the trunk "reasonably large for a small convertible, although it's best suited to soft luggage," and adds that the "trunk lid raises smoothly on struts, but the inside of the lid looks unfinished, with only bare metal to be seen."
Reviewers like the Arizona Republic note that the Mustang's interior lacks "places to stow loose objects, such as cellphones and sunglasses." The Chicago Sun-Times agrees, adding that there is "little interior storage space -- the small door packets are almost useless and the glove box is tiny."
