1998 Ford Mustang
The 1998 Ford Mustang was the last of the original SN-95 styling, with the GT rising to about 225 hp and production jumping sharply.
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1998 Ford Mustang Yellow. Photo: GPS 56 via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
Overview
The 1998 Ford Mustang was the final year of the original SN-95 body style before the 1999 New Edge redesign. It looked much like the 1997 Ford Mustang, but Ford improved the GT’s performance and extended the model year, which helped push production sharply higher.
The GT’s 4.6-liter SOHC V8 gained power through revised engine calibration and a modified fuel system, rising to about 225 horsepower. The SVT Cobra continued with its 4.6-liter DOHC V8 at about 305 horsepower, and the base 3.8-liter V6 stayed at about 150 horsepower. Coupe and convertible bodies were again offered across the lineup.
Ford extended 1998 production by about three months, running until October 1998, and sales responded strongly. Total output reached 175,522 cars, nearly 70,000 more than 1997. Base prices ranged from about $16,070 for the V6 coupe to about $28,430 for the Cobra convertible.
As the last of the rounded SN-95 cars, the 1998 Mustang is popular with fans of the mid-1990s design. The more powerful GT makes it a good value among modular V8 Mustangs. For more background, see the fourth-generation Mustang history, or compare it with the classic 1969 Ford Mustang.
1998 Mustang timeline
- 1996Earlier development
- 1997Previous model year
- 1998Featured model year
- 1999Continued evolution
Engine options
| Engine | Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel / induction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L (232 cu in) Essex | V6 | Approx. 150 hp | Sequential fuel injection | Base engine | |
| 4.6L SOHC modular | V8 | Approx. 225 hp | Sequential fuel injection | GT engine, up from 215 hp | |
| 4.6L DOHC SVT Cobra | V8 | Approx. 305 hp | Sequential fuel injection | SVT Cobra |
Specifications at a glance
Production
- V6 Coupe99,801 (56.9%)
- V6 Convertible21,254 (12.1%)
- GT Coupe28,789 (16.4%)
- GT Convertible17,024 (9.7%)
- SVT Cobra Coupe5,174 (2.9%)
- SVT Cobra Convertible3,480 (2.0%)
Dimensions
Original colors
Color research in progress.
Performance
Buyer’s guide highlights
- Check the floors, rear frame rails, rocker panels and strut towers for rust and accident damage.
- Verify a claimed SVT Cobra with documentation and Cobra-specific parts.
- Listen for timing chain noise and check the intake manifold on 4.6-liter V8s.
- Confirm the engine with the VIN code, since many V6 cars have been dressed up as GTs.
- Inspect convertible tops, seals and floors for leaks.
- Buy on condition and originality, since many SN-95 cars have been modified.
1. Check for Rust and Accident Damage
Look at the floors, rear frame rails, rocker panels and strut towers of any 1998 Ford Mustang, and check for signs of accident repair.
2. Authenticate the SVT Cobra
Check the VIN, SVT paperwork and DOHC engine on any claimed Cobra.
3. Check the Engine
Listen for timing chain noise on the 4.6-liter V8 and look for coolant leaks around the intake manifold.
4. Inspect Convertibles and Interiors
Check the convertible top, seals and floors, and look for worn seats and cracked dash panels.
5. Buy the Best Example You Can
Clean, original cars from the last year of the first SN-95 style are getting harder to find and are worth a premium.
Values
1998 Ford Mustang values are highest for documented SVT Cobras, while GT and V6 models remain affordable.
Market references are research guides, not appraisals. Actual value depends on condition, originality, documentation, drivetrain, options, location and current buyer demand.
