About Mustang Generations

1st Generation Classic: 1964-1973

We have a huge love of the first generation Mustang, and at Dallas Mustang Parts you can find practically every part you would need to build one from the ground up. The Classic Mustang, introduced on April 17th, 1964, started a love affair that exists still today. The Mustang created the “Pony car”, and started a competition the likes of which the car world had never seen. In 1967 The Mustang had it first face lift; it became more massive than before. New safety features were added in 1967 and in 1968. The Mustang included shoulder belts for both front seats for the first time. In 1969 the Mustang changed again, becoming larger yet again, and Ford started offering more and more options adding to both performance and looks. In 1971 the Mustang was restyled yet again, growing in every way except height. This was a more luxurious design, this larger mustang marked the end of an era, as the 1973 Mustang was the last to come off the assembly line before the introduction of the smaller Mustang II.

3rd Generation Fox Body: 1979-1993

The Fox Body was introduced in 1979, built on the Fox Platform. This was a huge departure from the styling of the Mustang II. Between 1979 and 1986 this Mustang was easily identified by its 4 headlights, or “Four Eyes”, but in 1987 the front end changed, trading the 4 headlights for a more “aero” dynamic look. The late 80’s were especially popular due in part to the low cost, stock power and easily available aftermarket performance parts. By 1989 Ford already had it’s eyes on the next platform and the 1990, 1991, 1992 & 1993 Mustangs received minimal changes. Several limited editions were produced during this time. In 1993 the Ford SVT Cobra and Cobra R were produced. The Last Fox was produced in September of 1993. The Fox body mustangs retain a huge following to this day, and as a result many aftermarket and performance products are available.

4th Generation SN95: 1994-1998
4th Generation SN95 New Edge: 1999-2004

The SN-95 redesign was the first one in 15 years, and it was dramatic. Sweeping curves replaced the simple lines of the Fox, and a new generation was born. 1994 would be the first year since 1974 a hatchback would not be offered, gone too was the notchback designation. Ford poured money into the redesign of the platform, addressing handling and vibration, and softening the overall harshness of the ride. The interior changed to feature a “dual” cockpit that mimicked the curves now adorning the exterior of the car. The option list was long and featured many choices that would soon become standard, like power windows & doors, air conditioning, cruise control and an upgraded sound system. In 1999 the Mustang was redesigned again, with sharper contours and harder lines than the previous model. 2001 was also the first year the Mustang was marketed to the right-hand drive market.

5th Generation Early S197: 2005-2009
5th Generation Late S197: 2010-2014

At the 2004 Ford Auto Show, Ford unveiled the redesigned 2005 Mustang. The styling was reminiscent of the Mustangs of the late ‘60s (they called it retro-futurism). The 2005 Mustang was the first to offer the MyColor option, which allows you to change the lighting in your instrument cluster. In the following years there were several new option packages available. In 2006 you could get the Pony Package. 2007 brought heated seats and Satellite radio and the California Special Mustang. Standard side airbags appeared in 2008 along with HID headlights and color changing ambient lighting. The engines remained the same for the ’05-’10 production years with the base model engine pushing 210 hp and the GT producing 300 hp, but the exterior was redesigned again in 2010 to reduce the drag. The emblem was also changed and the headlights were redesigned to include integrated turn signals. The sequential turn indicator LED taillights were also added in 2010. The new styling focused on a redesign of the front end and grille. This is the first generation Mustang to be sold in Japan in left hand drive form. 2013 brought another facelift, a larger grille, and LED accent strips on the now standard HID headlights. The Pony package features spot lights under the mirrors that project a Running Horse puddle light.

6th Generation S550: 2015-2017

2015 brought about some major restyling, new engine options and a little bit of controversy. The headlights are reminiscent of the early model Mustangs, and it still has a “retro” flair, but the 2015’s new grill is more in keeping with Ford’s brand identity. The new Mustang, though long and sleek, is smaller than its predecessors, but not by a lot. Everything in the 2015 is new; the body, the fully independent suspension and interior. The Mustang is now available with the 2.3L EcoBoost and the GT features a 5.0L V8 with 435hp and 400 lb-ft. torque.