2001FordMustangFord Mustang2001 Ford Mustang Cobra ConvertibleConvertibleConvertibleRWDDearborn, MIGT models get unique hood and side scoops, so that you can tell 'em apart from V6 models. They also receive standard 17-inch wheels, and V6 Convertibles get 16-inch wheels as standard. All cars have a revised center console and blacked-out headlights and spoilers. The Mach 460 stereo system comes with an in-dash six-disc CD changer. A new "premium" trim line is created for both V6 and V8 models. After a one-year hiatus, the Ford SVT Mustang Cobra returns for 2001.Strong V8 power, competent chassis and brakes, good crash test scores, ragtop option.Solid rear axle, dorky-looking fake hood and side scoops, poor stereo ergonomics.Now 37 years old, the Mustang is quickly approaching middle age. But if it's going through a mid-life crisis, nobody is noticing. The Mustang is as popular as ever. Ford's sport coupe has outsold GM's F-bodies -- the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird -- the last six years in a row. This is in spite of the fact that the Mustang has suffered a performance disadvantage since its redesign in 1994. There are four models: the V6 Coupe, the V6 Convertible, the GT Coupe and the GT Convertible. All models can be ordered in either deluxe or premium trim. There is also a standard trim available on V6 coupes only. All V6 models have a 3.8-liter pushrod engine that makes 190 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 225 foot-pounds of torque at 2,800 rpm. Power is acceptable, though V6 Coupes definitely have a rental-car stigma attached to them. The GT Coupe and Convertible are more in-tune with what pony cars should be. Equipped with a 4.6-liter SOHC V8, GT output is listed at 260 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 302 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. If that still isn't enough, you should know Ford has brought back the SVT Mustang Cobra this year. Because of production problems with '99 SVT Mustang Cobras (they weren't making the power they were supposed to), Ford took the car off-line for 2000 to get everything sorted out. The Ford SVT Mustang Cobra is a high-performance Mustang that has been heavily modified by Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT). Available in either coupe or convertible, the SVT Cobra's main calling cards are a totally different engine, a revised suspension, and an improved interior. The Cobra's firepower comes from a 4.6-liter, 32-valve DOHC V8. While based on Ford's family of modular V8s, the Cobra's engine is considerably more advanced. The engine produces 320 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 317 ft-lbs. of torque at 4,750 rpm. All Mustangs offer drivers and passengers supportive, upright front chairs, well-placed controls, clear views out the front and side windows, and acceptable dashboard and seat materials. For 2001, Ford upgraded the center console by adding a larger rear cupholder and repositioning the front cupholder, power point, tissue holder and parking brake boot. The standard, deluxe and premium trim groups offer varying levels of standard and optional equipment, with the premium trim group being the most inclusive. Another advantage of the Mustang is its demeanor on the road. The Mustang's suspension allows the car to be predictable during hard cornering and side-to-side weight transfers are progressive for added stability during high-speed lane changes. The braking and steering have also impressed us. Rough pavement can make the ride uncomfortable in base- and GT-model Mustangs, however, as the rear suspension still uses a solid rear axle. The Mustang has always been crashworthy, offering drivers and front-seat passengers a high level of protection as rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All-speed traction control and antilock brakes are standard on most trim levels. Ford thoughtfully provides a traction-control defeat switch for those people who like roasting the rear tires on a regular basis. As for the rest of us, Mustang is one of the most recognizable nameplates on the road. And since the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird are scheduled for termination in 2002, the Mustang may be the only pony car left for the new millennium. Chevrolet CamaroPontiac FirebirdSaab 9-3Volvo C70336,000336,000336,0005UnlimitedNANANA84.6 litersV8320 hp @ 6000 rpm317 ft-lbs. @ 4750 rpm183.5 in.73.1 in.53.5 in.3560 lbs.101.3 in.38.1 in.35.8 in.53.6 in.41.4 in.52.3 in.41 in.42.6 in.29.9 in.7.7 cu.ft.StandardStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableOptionalNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested15.7 gal.18 mpg / 25 mpg283 mi. / 393 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$30,190$32,6057.35%$600N/A3% of the Total MSRPBASE COUPE (5M): 3.8L V6 OHV SMPI 12-valve engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission; HD battery; 130-amp HD alternator; rear-wheel drive, 3.27 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rigid rear axle multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; rack-and-pinion power steering; 4-wheel disc brakes; 15.7 gal. capacity fuel tank; front license plate bracket, side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers; rocker panel extensions; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps; driver's and passenger's power remote black outside mirrors; 15" x 7" painted alloy wheels, P205/65TR15 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning; premium AM/FM stereo w/clock, seek-scan feature, cassette player, single-disc CD player, 4 performance speakers, amplifier, fixed antenna; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keylessentry, power remote hatch/trunk release; 2 power accessory outlets, driver's foot rest; instrumentation display includes tachometer, oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, volt gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel; driver's and passenger's front airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm; tinted windows with driver's 1-touch down function; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 4, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's and front passenger's seats include 4-way adjustment and easy entry; 50/50 folding rear bench seat; cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering; interior lights include dome light, front reading lights, illuminated entry; steering wheel with tilt adjustment; vanity mirrors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box, frontcupholder, instrument panel bin, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor; black grille, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and body-colored door handles.
GT COUPE (5M) (in addition to or instead of BASE/COUPE (5M) equipment): 4.6L V8 SOHC SMPI 16-valve engine; limited-slip differential; dual exhaust with tailpipe finisher; sport-ride suspension; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; rear wing spoiler; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; 17" x 8" silver alloy wheels, P245/45ZR17 BSW performance tires; compact alloy spare wheel; warning indicators include low coolant; front sports seats; leather-wrapped steering wheel and cargo light.
BASE/GT CONVERTIBLE (5M) (in addition to or instead of BASE/GT COUPE (5M) equipment): Power convertible roof with lining, glass rear window; 16" x 7.5" painted alloy wheels, P205/55TR16 BSW A/S tires; cruise control with steering wheel controls; driver's seat includes 14-way adjustment (6-way power); dual illuminated vanity mirrors.
COBRA COUPE (5M) (in addition to or instead of GT COUPE (5M) equipment): Engine oil cooler; dual stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; rear independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering; 6-disc CD changer, 8 performance speakers, premium amplifier; cruise control with steering wheel controls; warning indicators include low oil level, low coolant; driver's seat includes 8-way power adjustment, power 2-way lumbar support; leather seats, leatherette door trim insert, leather-wrapped gearshift knob and leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment.
COBRA CONVERTIBLE (5M) (in addition to or instead of COBRA COUPE (5M) equipment): Power convertible roof with lining and glass rear window.