2008 Ford Mustang: Ultimate In-Depth Guide

History, Specs, Options, Performance & More

2008 Ford Mustang

2008 Ford Mustang Overview

The 2008 Mustang year was all about better standard safety equipment (side air bags are now standard on all Mustang models), cool new customization features and options packages, three new colors and available 18-inch premium wheels on the V6 coupe. Most exciting though was the return of some Shelby Mustang Magic. The Ford Shelby GT was back, this time with a new convertible body option and there was the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR, the most powerful production Ford Mustang ever produced.

Model: 2008 Ford Mustang
Generation: 5th Generation Mustang
Type: 2 Door
Body Styles: Coupe, Convertible
Engines: 4.0L SOHC EFI V6, 4.6L 3V EFI V8, 4.6L 3V EFI V8 FR, 5.4L 4V Supercharged V8, 5.4L 4V Supercharged V8 FR
Original Price: $19,650 (Base Coupe), $24,475 (Basic Convertible)
Units Produced: 108,767

Additional 2008 Mustang Research: 2008 Research Center / Colors Details / Production Numbers / Prices & Options / Sales Brochures / Owner Manuals / Maintenance / Pictures / Videos / VIN Decoder / Special Editions

Background & Details

The 2008 Mustang saw the return of both the Shelby Mustang available as a GT or a convertible with upgraded performance from the 4.6 liter V8 found in the new Mustang. A host of tasty special editions joined the lineup for 2008 including the Shelby GT500KR and Shelby Super Snake.

The 2008 Mustang came in both coupe and convertible body styles, V6 Deluxe, V6 Premium, GT Deluxe and GT Premium variants. All Mustangs were built in Flat Rock, Michigan with final assembly of the Shelby GT and GT500KR taking place at the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas.

Other changes to the 2008 Mustang were mostly cosmetic as it continued to be the leading pony car on sale. Ford chose to stretch its segment leadership with new features for that personalized look and feel that Mustang enthusiasts love. New special edition cars were also on the menu for 2008. This year there are many different option packages offered. Some are only offered to the V6’s and help V6 owners convert their car to more closely resemble the GT.

The Exterior Sport Appearance Package is one such package. It added a spoiler, and a lower body stripe kit. The V6 Pony Package included a pony grille and integrated fog lights, Pony fender badges, lower body side molding, floor mats with chrome badge and 17″ painted aluminum wheels with a tri-pony emblem in the center.

The V6 appearance package includes 18-inch, five–spoke, polished forged wheels, providing an aggressive stance that complements the 60s-inspired styling. Additional features, including chrome billet grille insert, scoops, spoilers and blackout treatments come together to deliver a distinctive and integrated look. The package added excitement and a design exclusive to the 2008 Mustang V6 Coupe.

The Pony Package, available on the V6 model, first launched in 2006. It featured a GT-handling package that includes a larger front stabilizer bar, the addition of a rear stabilizer bar and P235/55ZR17 tires on painted cast-aluminum wheels. Also included were bright, machined rims and unique tri-bar Pony center caps. Further touches include fog lights, Pony front fender badges, lower door tape stripe, carpeted front floor mats with special brushed chrome Mustang logos and a rear spoiler. Also available and tuned for the 2008 V6 Mustang were the Ford Racing power upgrade and handling packs that could be used alone or in combination. Add a Ford Racing short-throw shifter for manual transmissions, and the V-6 Mustang was transformed with added performance and excitement.

The V6 safety and security package included ABS, traction control, the active anti theft system and wheel locks. The GT appearance package included the hood scoop, Pony emblem engine cover and bright rolled exhaust tips. The GT California special package Includes dark charcoal leather trimmed seats, with dove or parchment inserts, unique front and rear fascias, side scoops, bright rolled exhaust tips, floor mats with bright badging, mid-body GT/CS stripes an polished 18″ wheels.

Three new colors were added in 2008. Candy Apple Red, Metallic Silver, and Vapor Silver were all new and exciting color options. Dark Highland Green was also available but only on the revived Bullitt Mustang.

Safety and security took a big leap for 2008. The 2008 Mustang range got standard side air bags to an already comprehensive safety package. Along with the addition of seat-mounted thorax side air bags, safety features also include dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners, seat weight sensing system for the passenger seat and crash severity sensing.

An optional active anti-theft package offers customers an added level of security. It includes a sensing module to guard against tow-away thefts, an interior motion sensor to detect smash-and-grab break-ins, a separate alarm sounder  in addition to the vehicle horn to thwart thieves trying to disable the horn, and a high-capacity, 60-ampere-hour battery that sounds the alarm longer.

The 2008 Mustang interior for the standard packages remained relatively unchanged, save for the addition of standard side air bags on all models. The Interior Sport Package included Leather wrapped steering wheel with satin aluminum spokes, and aluminum pedal covers unique shifter and graphite Parchment interior with dark charcoal seats and interior trim. The Interior Upgrade Package included a 6-gauge instrument cluster with 125 color lighting choices, satin aluminum plated automatic transmission shift lever, bright chrome on the manual transmission. Leather wrapped steering wheel, bright polished register rings, satin aluminum door handles, message center with satin aluminum scuff plates with bright Mustang lettering.

The “MyColor” new 125 color ambient interior lighting system was definitely the coolest feature. Mustang owners could mix and match lighting at the touch of a button to create more than 125 color backgrounds to suit their personalities, moods, outfits or whims.

The Premier Trim With Color Accent Package, Includes wrapped and stitched instrument panel brow, console lid and upgraded arm rests, satin aluminum plated automatic transmission shift lever, bright chrome on the manual transmission. Leather trimmed sport bucket seats front and rear. matching door trim inserts and floor mats. Your choice of 5 color combinations. The Comfort Package included heated driver and front passenger seats and an auto dimming rear view mirror with a compass. Requires leather trimmed seats and power driver’s seat.

The standard 4.0 liter V6 remained the base engine choice for 2008 cars and provided a useful 210 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. The 4.6 liter V8 in the GT cars has an unchanged 300 horsepower. Both engines are available with either a 5 speed automatic or a 5 speed standard transmission. The new Shelby Mustang GT featured a reworked 4.6 motor with some additional go fast Ford Racing parts to bump it up to 319 horsepower. The crazy fun Mustang Shelby GT500KR king of the road featured a supercharged version of the 5.4 liter engine with 540 horsepower on tap, coupled to a short throw shifter and a 3.73:1 rear end.

At the front suspension, MacPherson struts with reverse lower control arms deliver comfort. The three-link rear suspension has a lightweight, tubular Panhard rod that provides precise control of the rear axle. This technology stabilizes the rear axle as the wheels move, particularly during hard cornering.

The standard four-wheel disc brakes have the biggest rotors and stiffest calipers ever fitted to a mainstream Mustang. Twin-piston aluminum calipers clamp down on 12.4-inch ventilated front brake discs on GT models. In the rear, the brake rotors are 11.8 inches in diameter.

A four-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS) with traction control is standard on GT models and available on V-6 models. It uses electronic sensors to constantly monitor road conditions and feed the information to a dedicated control computer that’s capable of determining within milliseconds whether the vehicle is on dry pavement or negotiating a slippery surface. When traction control isn’t desired, drivers can deactivate the system with a button on the instrument panel.

 

Special Edition Models & Variants

New for 2008 was a limited-edition Warriors in Pink Mustang car designed exclusively in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, it featured unique pink exterior and interior design accents. Sales from this package help raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Cure. The Mustang GT California Special continued for 2008 and remained essentially identical to 2007.

Two Shelby Mustangs were available for 2008, the 2008 Mustang Shelby GT and Shelby GT500KR. The 2008 Mustang Shelby GT offered consumers a new Vista Blue exterior color with silver stripe, and the choice of two body styles, coupe or convertible. Under the hood, the Shelby GT got the 4.6-liter V8 engine with the Ford Racing Performance Parts upgrade that generates 319 horsepower as well as other chassis and performance tweaks.

With its exclusive dark green paint and an aggressively tuned engine, suspension, and exhaust note, the return of the Bullitt Mustang was an exciting development for 2008. It was built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Bullitt starring Steve McQueen and a Highland Green 1968 GT390 fastback. Speaking of 40th Anniversaries, Ford marked the 40th Anniversary of the original “King of the Road” Mustang with the return of the Shelby GT500KR, the most powerful production Ford Mustang ever produced. It got 540-horsepower from a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 and if that was too tame for you don’t worry, because the folks at Shelby Autos would happily sell you the 2008 Mustang Super Snake which raised the performance bar to between 600 or 725 horsepower depending on options.

2008 Ford Mustang GT

GT

The 2006 Mustang GT was pretty much a carryover year but 2007’s GT got several upgrades worthy of mentioning and those largely carried over into the 2008 Mustang GT model year. Once again the Mustang GT came in both GT Deluxe and GT Premium forms. Buyers who wanted to dress-up their Mustang GT could opt for the GT appearance package. This package included a non-functional hood scoop, rolled chrome exhaust tips and a decorative plastic engine cover with a running horse emblem.

Learn more about the 2008 Ford Mustang GT

Shelby GT

The 2008 Shelby GT slotted in between the Mustang GT and below the supercharged Shelby GT500. The successful formula from 2007 was applied again for the 2008 model year. The most exciting update for 2008 was the addition of open-air excitement in the form of a convertible version of the Shelby GT. This made a ton of sense given that the Mustang convertible was the number one selling convertible in the U.S. at the time. In addition to the drop-top Shelby GT, both coupe and convertible models were now offered exclusively in Vista Blue exterior color with silver stripes for 2008.

Learn more about the 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT

2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-C

Shelby GT-C

A rare special edition model of 215 2008 Shelby GTs that were collectively painted Grabber Orange and sent to California Ford dealers in the day. For the 2008 model year all Shelby GTs were painted Vista Blue. Turns out those fun Ford dealers in California had a problem with that colors and wanted something a little more fun. So they got together and asked Ford and Shelby for a special version of the 2008 Shelby GT that would be unique California.

Learn more about the 2008 Mustang Shelby GT-C

Shelby GT500

The 2008 Shelby GT500 is one awesome car. Equipped with a 5.4L (330 cid) super charged intercooled DOHC V8 engine that produces 500hp at 6000 RPM and 480 lb-ft torque at 4500 RPM, this car is fast! Using a dual 60mm electronic throttle body and a supercharger operating at 9 psi of boost Shelby and SVT have created a legend.

Learn more about the 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR

Shelby GT500KR

To mark the 40th Anniversary of the original ‘King of the Road’ Mustang, 2008 saw the return of the Shelby GT500KR. Hailed as the most powerful production Ford Mustang ever produced, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR featured an epic 540 horsepower 5.4-liter supercharged V8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack, 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, short-throw shifter, and unique suspension tuning. The exterior design drew inspiration from the classic Shelby KR Mustangs and features unique carbon composite hood, Shelby-designed 18-inch wheels, and special 40th Anniversary badging and unique striping.

Learn more about the 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR

2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT Barrett Jackson

Shelby GT Barrett Jackson

Three American automotive icons, Ford Motor Company, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company and Shelby Automobiles, collaborated to create collector car history with a limited edition 2008 Mustang Shelby GT. With an MSRP beginning at US$38,980, a total of 100 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GTs, in both coupe and convertible body styles were sold through Arizona Region Ford dealers.

Learn more about the 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT Barrett Jackson

2008 Ford Mustang GT:CS California Special

GT/CS California Special

The classically styled GT/CS “California Special” package which had returned to the Mustang lineup in 2007 was given another go-around for 2008. The Mustang GT California Special is available on GT Premium models and includes 18-inch wheels, side scoops, unique tape stripes, rolled bright exhaust tips, black leather trimmed seats with unique Cal Special contrasting Dove or Parchment leather inserts, a larger air intake, a chin spoiler (1.5 inches lower than GT), and unique front and rear fascias. An appearance package was available for the Mustang GT. The California Special and GT appearance packages can be ordered separately or combined to give Mustang enthusiasts one of the most expressive Mustang GTs ever offered. Mechanically, the 2008 model was identical to previous year. The only noteworthy change came in the exterior paint color palette, with Dark Candy Apple Red replacing Redfire Metallic.

Learn more about the 2008 Ford Mustang GT/CS California Special

Bullitt

Four decades after hitting the big screen the Ford Mustang Bullitt returned. Ford found Highland Green paint and tweaked Mustang to celebrate the occasion.Thank the success of the Bullitt inspired Mustang from 2001 which made the decision by Ford easier to make in terms of moving forward. Just like the 2001 Bullitt, the 2008’s engine was enhanced to be more responsive and produce more power. A new cold air intake system that came from Ford Racing was installed and was the first open-element air filter used in a factory produced fuel-injected Mustang.

Learn more about the 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt

Warriors In Pink

Also new for 2008 is a limited-edition Warriors in Pink Mustang – designed exclusively in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Produced in celebration of Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s 25th Anniversary, the vehicle features unique pink exterior and interior design accents. Sales from the Warriors in Pink edition helped raise funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Learn more about the 2008 Ford Mustang Warriors In Pink Edition

Racing Cobra Jet

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the release of the first Ford Cobra Jet Mustang in 1968, Ford Racing introduced the 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang for customers to race in NHRA sportsmen classes during the 2009 season. The goal was simple, to help Ford get more involved with the sportsmen racers in drag racing. The FR500CJ Cobra Jet got an extensive options package designed by Ford Racing added to the V6 bodyline to create a track-only race car. The options package includes the 5.4L V8 with racing upgrades and optional supercharger, racing transmission, racing wheels and tires, racing suspension and handling, roll bars, all welded body seams, and tons more available from Ford Racing. The Cobra Jet was limited to 50 cars and are all white.

Learn more about the 2008 Ford Mustang Racing Cobra Jet

Shelby Terlingua

Shelby Terlingua

Many people don’t even know what a Terlingua is, never heard of it. Well, I suggest you search the Internet for the “History of the Terlingua Racing team”. It is quite an interesting story. However the 2008 Shelby/Ford Terlingua is a special performance package mated to a V-6 engine that consists of a number of upgrades. You get a light V6 car and 375 tire smoking horsepower ready for the race track.

Learn more about the  2008 Ford Mustang Shelby Terlingua

Aftermarket Mustang Models

Shelby Super Snake

The cost, is a whopping $31,995 OVER the cost of the regular GT500. Apparently that still was not enough to keep people from snatching up all 1000 cars that were built. The SuperSnake ups the ante of 500 horsepower to a staggering 750 horsepower which allows it to run 10 second quarter miles at speeds of about 135 mph.

Learn more about the 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby Super Snake

Specifications, Options & Detailed Stats

Production Numbers

2008 saw sales fall 31% to a paltry 108,767 units thanks in large part to the start of the financial crisis. To dive into the model and body splits as well as see charts and percentages, check out our 2008 Ford Mustang Production & Sales Numbers deep dive.

Options and Pricing

V6 Deluxe: Auxiliary audio input jack; One-touch up-down power windows; Power mirrors and door locks; Keyless entry; air conditioning; AM/FM audio system with single CD; Tilt steering wheel; Speed control; Rear window defroster; Stainless steel exhaust; 16-inch wheels; Four-wheel power disc brakes; Cloth bucket seats with 50/50 split-fold rear on coupe models; Seat-mounted side air bags; LATCH; Personal Safety System; SecuriLock; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

V6 Premium adds: 16-inch, painted bright machined-aluminum wheels with chrome spinner; Shaker 500 audio system with six-disc CD changer and MP3 capability; Six-way power-adjustable driver seat.

GT Deluxe adds: 4.6-liter, 3-valve, V-8 engine; ABS with traction control; Stainless steel dual exhaust; Front fog lamps in grille; Complex reflector halogen headlamps with integral turn signals; Rear spoiler; Performance tires with 17-inch, painted cast-aluminum wheels; and AM/FM audio system with single CD.

GT Premium adds: Shaker 500 audio system with six-disc CD player; and Aberdeen leather-trimmed, Embossed sport bucket seats.

Options include: Ambient interior lighting; GT California Special Package; GT Appearance Package; Comfort Group; Shaker 1000 premium audio system; SIRIUS Satellite Radio; Touch-screen navigation system; V-6 Pony Package; Interior Upgrade Package with satin-aluminum trim or dark aluminum trim and MyColor custom instrument panel; Sport Interior Appearance Package; Premier Trim with Color Accent Package, Sport Exterior Appearance Package; Five-speed automatic transmission; Two styles of 18-inch, cast-aluminum wheels; Active anti-theft system.

Clearly there was no shortage of special edition cars and options for the 2008 year. For more detailed options and pricing, please check out our 2008 pricing and options research.

Exterior & Interior Colors

A total of 11 colors were available for the 2008 Mustang model year. Three new colors were added to the lineup with Candy Apple Red, Metallic Silver, and Vapor Silver making an appearance. Dark Highland Green was once again available but only on the Bullitt Mustang (in the spring of 2009). Redfire, Satin Silver, Tungsten Grey, and Windveil Blue were dropped from the 2007 exterior color list while our favorite Grabber Orange paint option continued for 2008. For detailed colors, color palettes, codes and interior colors please check out our in depth 2008 colors information post.

Engine Specs

The base 4.0 liter V6 continued with 210 horsepower, while the GT retained the 300 horsepower 4.6 liter V8 from the 2007 car. The Shelby Mustang GT featured a reworked version of that 4.6 V8 with some additional go fast Ford Racing parts to bump it up to 319 horsepower. The crazy fun Mustang Shelby GT500KR king of the road featured a supercharged version of the 5.4 liter engine with 540 horsepower. For more information on engines for 2008, you can find the information here.

Dimensions & Weight

There were no major changes to the dimension and weight of the main models. The special editions did have different weights.

Performance

When Car and Driver tested the 2008 Shelby GT500 they were able to get it to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The quarter-mile required only 12.9 seconds at 112 mph, 150 mph came in 30.3 seconds, and an electronic limiter cappedtop speed to 155 mph. This was one serious performance Mustang. The Super Snake and King of the Road amped up 2008 Mustang performance to an entirely new (crazier) level. Below we have included 0-60 mph times, 0-100 mph times as well as quarter mile times and top speed where available for the 2008 Mustang model range.

VIN Information

Vin Decoder Mustang 2008

This link will take you to a page which contains the VIN tag information for all years of Mustangs. Previously this information appeared on each Mustang’s year page, but consolidating it has significantly reduced page loading times. To decode the build sheet, check out our 2008 VIN & Data Plate Decoder sheet.

Videos & Picture Galleries

We managed to find some great video reviews of the 2008 Mustang so definitely check those out. We also have a picture 2008 Ford Mustang Picture Gallery and photos of real Mustangs in each color that was available.