2003 Ford Mustang | Car Model History

Quick facts

Engines: 4offered3.8 L Essex V6 (base) → 4.6 L DOHC supercharged V8 (SVT Cobra "Terminator")
Top output: 390hp4.6 L DOHC supercharged V8 (SVT Cobra "Terminator")
Production: Mach 1: 9,652. SVT Cobra Terminator (2003–04 combined): 19,140
Base price: $29,305Mach 1
Today: ≈$50,000inflation-adjusted MSRP, not market value

Body stylesCoupe · Convertible

The 2003 model year

Overview

A banner year. The Mach 1 name returned on a 305 hp Ram Air 4.6 DOHC with a functional Shaker hood scoop and a retro interior — and the SVT Cobra came back supercharged. Nicknamed the "Terminator," the 2003 Cobra used an Eaton-blown 4.6 L DOHC making 390 hp, a Tremec T-56 six-speed, and an independent rear suspension — the most powerful factory Mustang to date. (Horsepower figures are SAE net.)

Specifications

Engines: 3.8 L Essex V6 (base)193 hp
4.6 L SOHC modular V8 (GT)260 hp
4.6 L DOHC Ram Air V8 (Mach 1)305 hp
4.6 L DOHC supercharged V8 (SVT Cobra "Terminator")390 hp
Transmissions: 5-speed manual (T-5 V6 / Tremec TR-3650 GT & Mach 1), 6-speed manual (Tremec T-56, Cobra), 4-speed automatic (4R70W)
Body styles: Coupe, Convertible
Base price: $29,305 (Mach 1)See what that's worth today →
Production: Mach 1: 9,652. SVT Cobra Terminator (2003–04 combined): 19,140

Year over year

What changed

The Mach 1 returned — 305 hp Ram Air 4.6 DOHC, functional Shaker scoop, retro comfort-weave interior, Magnum-500-style wheels.
The supercharged "Terminator" SVT Cobra debuted — Eaton-blown 4.6 DOHC, 390 hp, T-56 six-speed, IRS, forged internals.
A Centennial (Ford 100th Anniversary) appearance package was offered (black, parchment leather).
V6 and GT carried over.

Worth knowing

Notable

The 2003–04 supercharged "Terminator" Cobra (390 hp) is the most coveted modern fourth-gen Mustang and a blue-chip tuner car.
Return of the Mach 1 (9,652 built in 2003) with its functional Shaker scoop.
Most powerful factory Mustang up to that point.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

The Terminator's iron block and forged rotating assembly make it very strong and a favorite tuner platform; the Eaton supercharger and its intercooler add maintenance items — check for boost/cooling-system service.
The Mach 1's DOHC engine and the Cobra IRS are both buying checkpoints; verify documentation given the premiums these carry.
Standard New Edge body and modular-V8 notes apply (convertible seals, front-end rust).

What it costs now

Price today

Original MSRP$29,305 (Mach 1)2003

Inflation-adjusted≈$50,000what that MSRP is worth in today's dollars

Current market value

We don't publish a market estimate for the 2003 model year yet. A valuation ships here only when it can be sourced and dated — we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.

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.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 2003 Mustang on the road

Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.

Service topics: 8
Scheduled topics: 7
Applicability stated: 8
Exact references: 1

Before ordering Identify your engine, options and build date. Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.

Engine oil and filterView intervals, applicability and sources
Engine oil and filter
Sourced interval available
Applies to: 2003 · US
Published interval: 5,000 mi / 6 months · normal service, whichever comes first
Source: Ford — 2003 Scheduled Maintenance Guide, Cars & Minivans · Normal Schedule Cars & Minivans · checked 2026-08-05
Engine oil filterView intervals, applicability and sources
Engine oil filter
Exact reference available
Manufacturer application-catalog fitment only; this does not establish an oil-change interval.
Applies to: 2003 · US
3.8L/3.9L V6
Baldwin B243
Applies to: 2003 · 3.8L OHV V6 · US
Source: Baldwin Filters — Automotive Applications catalog (2017) · PDF page 240 — Ford 2003, Mustang V6 row · checked 2026-09-01
Verified ordering references
Service replacementBaldwin B243
Qty. 1 · Engine oil filter · catalog-listed
Baldwin's manufacturer application table lists this filter for the stated model year and engine. Confirm the VIN and installed engine before ordering.
Catalog: Baldwin Filters — Automotive Applications catalog (2017) · PDF page 240 — Ford 2003, Mustang V6 row · checked 2026-09-01
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4.6L/5.4L V8
Baldwin B329
Applies to: 2003 · 4.6L SOHC V8, 4.6L DOHC 32-valve V8, supercharged 4.6L DOHC 32-valve V8, 5.4L DOHC V8 (385 hp) · US
Source: Baldwin Filters — Automotive Applications catalog (2017) · PDF page 240 — Ford 2003, Mustang V8 row · checked 2026-09-01
Verified ordering references
Service replacementBaldwin B329
Qty. 1 · Engine oil filter · catalog-listed
Baldwin's manufacturer application table lists this filter for the stated model year and engine. Confirm the VIN and installed engine before ordering.
Catalog: Baldwin Filters — Automotive Applications catalog (2017) · PDF page 240 — Ford 2003, Mustang V8 row · checked 2026-09-01
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Cabin air filterView intervals, applicability and sources
Cabin air filter
Sourced interval available
Replace if equipped.
Applies to: 2003 · US
Published interval: 15,000 mi · normal service
Source: Ford — 2003 Scheduled Maintenance Guide, Cars & Minivans · Normal Schedule Cars & Minivans · checked 2026-08-05
Engine air filterView intervals, applicability and sources
Engine air filter
Sourced interval available
Applies to: 2003 · US
Published interval: 30,000 mi · normal service
Source: Ford — 2003 Scheduled Maintenance Guide, Cars & Minivans · Normal Schedule Cars & Minivans · checked 2026-08-05
Fuel filterView intervals, applicability and sources
Fuel filter
Sourced interval available
Applies to: 2003 · US
Published interval: 30,000 mi · normal service
Source: Ford — 2003 Scheduled Maintenance Guide, Cars & Minivans · Normal Schedule Cars & Minivans · checked 2026-08-05
Spark plugsView intervals, applicability and sources
Spark plugs
Sourced interval available
Applies to: 2003 · US
Published interval: 100,000 mi · normal service
Source: Ford — 2003 Scheduled Maintenance Guide, Cars & Minivans · Normal Schedule Cars & Minivans · checked 2026-08-05
Automatic transmission fluidView intervals, applicability and sources
Automatic transmission fluid
Sourced interval available
Confirm the exact fluid against the fitted automatic transmission.
Applies to: 2003 · automatic · US
Published interval: 150,000 mi · normal service
Source: Ford — 2003 Scheduled Maintenance Guide, Cars & Minivans · Normal Schedule Cars & Minivans · checked 2026-08-05
Motorcraft Premium Gold engine coolantView intervals, applicability and sources
Motorcraft Premium Gold engine coolant
Sourced interval available
Initial replacement at five years or 100,000 miles; thereafter every three years or 50,000 miles.
Applies to: 2003 · US
Published interval: 100,000 mi / 60 months · initial service, whichever comes first
Source: Ford — 2003 Scheduled Maintenance Guide, Cars & Minivans · Normal Schedule Cars & Minivans · checked 2026-08-05

2 accessory matches

Lighting
YITAMOTOR LED DRL Headlights Assembly Compatible with 1999-2004 Ford Mus
Fits 1999–2004 Ford Mustang
Fitment details
Fits 1999–2004 Ford Mustang. Confirm body style, doors, drivetrain, dimensions, and exclusions on the merchant listing before ordering.
View at OEDRO
Lighting
Headlight assemblies
Fits 1999–2004 Ford Mustang
Fitment details
Fits 1999–2004 Ford Mustang. Confirm body style, doors, drivetrain, dimensions, and exclusions on the merchant listing before ordering.
View at OEDRO

Collect

Bring this model year home

Find a scale model using the exact year, make, and model—not a generic generation search.

Famous variants this year

Sources

Other Fourth generation years

Explore the SN95 generation →All Fourth generation · SN95 years →

Documented lineup

Find your exact 2003 Mustang

Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.

21factory configurations

Exact factory pairings documentedHow this lineup was verified

These source-backed records identify published body, engine, and transmission combinations. Exact pairings do not by themselves assert that every factory option or special edition is represented.

Browse 21 documented records — use the filters above to narrow the list

Coupe

Mustang Standard Coupe 5MT

Body: Coupe
Engine: 3.8L OHV V6
Gearbox: 5-speed manual overdrive
Built: Regular production

Overview

Specifications

What changed

Notable

Reliability & ownership notes

Price today

Current market value

Keep your 2003 Mustang on the road

YITAMOTOR LED DRL Headlights Assembly Compatible with 1999-2004 Ford Mus

Headlight assemblies

Bring this model year home

Sources

Mustang Standard Coupe 5MT

Mustang Standard Coupe 4AT

Mustang Deluxe Coupe 5MT

Mustang Deluxe Coupe 4AT

Mustang Deluxe Convertible 5MT

Mustang Deluxe Convertible 4AT

Mustang Premium Coupe 5MT

Mustang Premium Coupe 4AT

Mustang Premium Convertible 4AT

Mustang GT Deluxe Coupe 5MT

Mustang GT Deluxe Coupe 4AT

Mustang GT Deluxe Convertible 5MT

Mustang GT Deluxe Convertible 4AT

Mustang GT Premium Coupe 5MT

Mustang GT Premium Coupe 4AT

Mustang GT Premium Convertible 5MT

Mustang GT Premium Convertible 4AT

Mustang Mach 1 Coupe 5MT

Mustang Mach 1 Coupe 4AT

SVT Cobra Coupe 6MT

SVT Cobra Convertible 6MT