Ford Mustang History and Development 1985 to 1990 Simplifying the Line

Ford followed 1985 up with some minor changes until 1987 when things changed do to the Capri. It was fuel injection that was the only induction system in the following year. The 200 hp with both the five-speed manual and the four-speed automatic were in the Mustang GTs. The real dual exhaust also made its debut this year. This meant that, now instead of one, there were two catalytic converters giving each engine bank its own exhaust right to the tail pipes.

The disappearance of the Mercury Capri led to the simplification of the Mustang in 1987. What they did was eliminate the V6 engine option and pared down the trim levels to just LX and GT. The only model available in LX was the coupe whether it was hatchback or convertible.

There was also the redesign of the front end and taillights. The GT again got a grill-less face with flush single headlamps. Many preferred the low key LX as the having the most performance value because it offered the GT options with out the “bling-bling” exterior pieces. There was also a new interior coming for both the LX and the GT. With an improved dashboard that moved the instrumentation in front of the driver in the form of a pod.

With the end of the need for carburetors, the Mustang went untouched mechanically until 1993. You will notice that the 1988 and 1989 Ford Mustang is practically the same as the 1987 Mustang.

Sad to say or think that Ford almost stopped producing the Ford Mustang before the 1990 model was completed. This was due to the contemplation of adding the driver-side airbag. They did go ahead and spend the money to re-engineer the Mustang so that the driver side airbag was included in the 1990 edition and this took away the tilt steering column.