1990 Ford Mustang
The 1990 Ford Mustang added a driver airbag and became famous for the limited Emerald Green 7-Up edition LX 5.0 convertible.
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1990 Ford Mustang 7-Up Edition Convertible. Photo: Michel Curi via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
Overview
The 1990 Ford Mustang focused on safety and refinement. Compared with the 1989 Ford Mustang, it gained a driver’s airbag in a new steering wheel, a revised lower dashboard with a knee bolster, standard door map pockets and clear-coat paint, while keeping the familiar LX and GT lineup.
The 5.0-liter High Output V8 continued with its mass air flow system and was again the performance choice in both the GT and the LX 5.0, while the fuel-injected 2.3-liter four remained the base engine. The small 25th anniversary dashboard emblem introduced in 1989 continued on cars built through the end of the 1990 model year.
The most famous 1990 model is the 7-Up edition. Ford built a limited run of 5.0 LX convertibles in Emerald Green metallic with white tops, white leather interiors with GT seats and 15-inch turbine wheels for a planned NCAA promotion with 7-Up. When the promotion was cancelled, 4,103 of these cars were sold through dealers, making them a sought-after special edition today.
Production fell to 115,230 cars as sales slowed. Between the airbag, the anniversary emblem and the 7-Up convertible, the 1990 Mustang offers several details that interest collectors. For more background, see the third-generation Mustang history, or compare it with the first-generation 1966 Ford Mustang.
1990 Mustang timeline
- 1988Earlier development
- 1989Previous model year
- 1990Featured model year
- 1991Continued evolution
Engine options
| Engine | Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel / induction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L (140 cu in) Lima | Inline-4 | Approx. 88 hp | Fuel injection | Base engine | |
| 5.0L (302 cu in) H.O. | V8 | Approx. 225 hp | Approx. 300 lb-ft | Sequential multiport fuel injection, mass air flow | GT and LX 5.0 engine |
Specifications at a glance
Production
- Notchback17,808 (15.5%)
- Hatchback71,798 (62.3%)
- Convertible25,624 (22.2%)
Dimensions
Original colors
Color research in progress.
Performance
Buyer’s guide highlights
- Inspect the floor pans, torque boxes, strut towers and rear frame rails for rust and accident damage.
- Verify a claimed 7-Up edition with documentation, as Emerald Green LX convertibles are easy to copy.
- Confirm the VIN engine code on GT and LX 5.0 cars.
- Check the airbag warning light and steering wheel for proper operation.
- Inspect convertible tops, seals and floors for leaks.
- Buy on condition and originality, since special editions carry a premium.
1. Start With Rust and Structure
Check the floor pans, torque boxes, strut towers and rear frame rails on any 1990 Ford Mustang, and look for accident damage.
2. Authenticate the 7-Up Edition
The 7-Up edition is the most valuable 1990 model. A genuine car is an LX 5.0 convertible in Emerald Green with a white top and white leather interior. Ask for documentation, because many cars have been repainted to copy it.
3. Check the Engine and Airbag
Confirm the VIN engine code on 5.0 cars and make sure the airbag warning light works as it should.
4. Inspect Convertibles
Check the top, rear window, seals and floors for leaks and rust.
5. Buy the Best Example You Can
Original, documented cars bring the best prices and are the safest long-term buys.
Values
1990 Ford Mustang values are highest for documented 7-Up edition convertibles and original GT and LX 5.0 cars.
Market references are research guides, not appraisals. Actual value depends on condition, originality, documentation, drivetrain, options, location and current buyer demand.
