2008 Ford Mustang Exterior Review [ 2009 , 2007 ]

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Exterior - What the Auto Press Says

Redesigned in 2005 to reflect its rich muscle car heritage, the Ford Mustang leaves auto writers floored with its powerful curves and menacing grin. Adding additional character to its iconic design is a "Warriors in Pink" edition, which raises funds for breast cancer research, as well as a de-badged Bullitt trim. The 2008 Mustang ranks in the top half of its class for its classic exterior design.

• "Most recently, the Mustang's major redesign in 2005 resulted in head-spinning styling that had both old- and new-school car enthusiasts stampeding to their local dealers. Inspired by the 1965-'69 Mustangs, the current car stands out thanks to its big grille, round headlights, side sculpting, tri-bar taillights and, on the coupe, triangular quarter windows and fastback roof." -- Edmunds

• [T]he Mustang is blessed with iconic good looks...  By borrowing liberally from the Mustang's past, the new car's designers have created a vehicle that wholly captures the essence of the original. The long hood and short rear deck that have defined the Mustang from day one are joined by the return of round headlamps and vertical 'tri-bar' taillamps especially reminiscent of the 1967 model. " -- Kelley Blue Book

• "Nothing says modern American sporty car better than this latest Mustang. Its long hood and short rear deck capitalize on 40 years of pony-car heritage." -- Automotive.com

• "It grabs people-baby boomers who remember the first Mustangs from their youth and young people who weren't even born in the '60s but who likely recall a Mustang or two featured on the silver screen. (In fact, the Mustang ranks as the No. 1 car of American film, having had starring roles in more than 500 movies, according to Ford officials. Even John Wayne, who was the leading man in a record 142 movies, can't top that.)" -- MSN

• "I loved this car, and it was equipped almost perfectly for my tastes, meaning I appreciated the lack of tacky body add-ons or goofy stripes or any other junk hanging off the body. This was a nice, clean shape. Not even a spoiler on the back. Perfect." -- AutoWeek

• "What's in a Bullitt? First, there's the dark green paint, which looks terrific, no question (buyers can also get the car in black but that seems like getting a Rolls-Royce without the flying lady). The car is de-badged: no chrome pony, no Ford ovals. The only identifying marking is the word Bullitt in the cross-hair design on the faux filler cap in back. The car is gorgeous, with no scoops, spoilers or ventilating air dams." -- Los Angeles Times

• "The [Bullitt] car's entire exterior is subtle. Most people won't know what you've got when you drive up -- so you'll have to tell them." -- Detroit News

• "The cast-aluminum Euro-Flange wheels of the 2008 [Bullitt] model mimic the 14- and 15-inchers on the original, but modernization demanded an upgrade to 18-inchers on the new model." -- Car and Driver