2008 Ford Mustang GT Convertible - Topless

Regardless, the GT was a dream to drive. The stock Three-Valve, which has been the foundation for many killer naturally aspirated or forced induction buildups, had just enough kick to move the car quickly from stoplights and in front of those pesky imports. The Tremec transmission and stock shifter were both smooth as butter, and the 3.38 First gear was perfect for getting going, especially with the optional 3.55 gears with which the car's 8.8-inch rear was equipped. While I didn't have a chance to record the car's exact fuel mileage, rest assured that, thanks to the 0.68 Overdrive gear, it was well within Ford's advertised 17 city and 25 highway mpg economy rating.

The driveability and road manners of the Mustang were excellent, to say the least. While I didn't push it hard on a road course, it was well balanced and ate up the highway off-ramps and local twisties. The Pony settled nicely in the corners, with a minimal amount of chassis flex or cowl shake. Coupled with a ride on the highway that was nowhere near harsh, I had no problem loading up the good-sized trunk with a radio, a cooler full of drinks and sandwiches, a couple of beach chairs and umbrella, and cruising to the beach with the wife.

The interior upgrade included...        read full caption The interior upgrade included this super-neat aluminum dashpanel. Ford also threw in the Sirius radio, which was easily operated through the factory head unit in the center stack. Other than that, the interior remains as it looked when the car debuted in 2005.

What would an MM&FF evaluation...        read full caption What would an MM&FF evaluation be without some time at the dragstrip? In air that was almost the consistency of soup, the Mustang managed to click off a 13.96 at 100.66 mph. This was with the engine as hot as the summertime asphalt. The driving technique employed consisted of leaving at 3,800 rpm and powershifting the car at 6,300. As per usual, the traction control was switched off.

Our tester was equipped with...        read full caption Our tester was equipped with the interior upgrade and premium trim packages. The interior upgrade package gave us the comfy yet supportive Dark Charcoal leather seats, while the trim package earned us the black floor mats.

Overall, the time I spent wheeling the '08 Mustang GT convertible was completely enjoyable. With all of the options this car was equipped with, the $35,720 price tag seemed fair, especially compared to other offerings. This Mustang is a good value. You get the sex appeal of a convertible, the comfort of some luxuries when it comes to interior niceties, and a great 300hp V-8 engine that is respectable and a powerhouse if (or should I say, when) modified.

Whether cruising to the beach or taking a couple of rips down the Old Bridge Township Raceway Park quarter-mile, the car showed its versatility. (By the way, it did run a 13.96 at 100.66 in pretty bad air.) The car appeals to just about everyone, from young, male Generation X-ers looking for a hot car, to college-age females looking for a ride that has a sexy, independent style.

Whether you drive with the top up or down, one thing that hasn't changed since the Mustang was introduced in 1964 is the fun that owning and driving one can bring. It's just a shame I had to give the car back.

Window Sticker
Below is the list of options our '08 Mustang GT convertible tester was equipped with, and what the final tally came out to be. Keep in mind, this is an MSRP before tax, tags, and title are included.