1999 Ford Mustang
Fourth generation · SN95 1994–2004
The SN95 platform, which returned curved styling to the Mustang from 1994 to 2004.
The 1999 model year
Overview
The "New Edge" restyle — same chassis, sharper skin. Creased panels, larger wheel arches, and hard-cornered headlights and taillights replaced the soft 1994–98 surfaces. It was also the 35th Anniversary, marked by a limited edition. Power jumped across the board: the V6 to 190 hp (split-port heads), the GT to 260 hp, and the DOHC Cobra to a rated 320 hp. (Horsepower figures are SAE net.)
Specifications
- Engines
-
- 3.8 L Essex V6 (split-port, base) 190 hp
- 4.6 L SOHC modular V8 (GT) 260 hp
- 4.6 L DOHC modular V8 (SVT Cobra, rated) 320 hp
- Transmissions
- 5-speed manual (T-5 V6 / T-45 V8), 4-speed automatic (4R70W)
- Body styles
- Coupe, Convertible
- Base price
- $16,470 (V6 coupe) ≈$31,000 today (inflation-adjusted) Original MSRP adjusted for inflation (CPI, 2024); not the car's current market/collector value. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI-U (U.S. city average, all items), annual average.
- Production
- SVT Cobra: 4,040 coupes + 4,055 convertibles; 35th Anniversary Limited Edition: 2,318 GT coupes + 2,310 GT convertibles
Year over year
What changed
- The "New Edge" exterior restyle — creased sheetmetal, larger arches, sharp-cornered lamps.
- V6 power rose to 190 hp with new split-port induction.
- GT power rose to 260 hp; the DOHC Cobra was rated 320 hp.
- The Cobra adopted an independent rear suspension (IRS) — a first for the modern Mustang.
- 35th Anniversary Limited Edition GT package (≈4,628 cars).
Living with it
Reliability & ownership notes
- 1999 Cobras were the subject of an SVT power-rating recall — early cars made less than the rated 320 hp, and Ford reworked intake, exhaust, and calibration to meet the figure. Confirm a recalled/corrected car when buying.
- The new Cobra IRS is excellent on the road but a known checkpoint: inspect bushings and mounts on hard-driven cars.
- New Edge bodies share SN95 underpinnings — same convertible-seal and front-end rust checks.
Worth knowing
Notable
- First New Edge year — the styling most people picture for the 1999–2004 cars.
- 35th Anniversary Limited Edition (black-accented hood/side scoops) is a recognizable collectible.
- The 1999 Cobra horsepower controversy is part of the car's story — and a buying checkpoint.
Sources
Other Fourth generation years
Explore the SN95 generation → All Fourth generation · SN95 years →