The Mazda Mustang (according to the VIN)
8/19/05, 05:21 PM
#1
Team Mustang Source Legacy Member
Thread Starter
(This should stir things up. 
)
I'm sure a lot of you remember when Ford made plans back in '88 for the Mustang to become a front wheel drive Mazda Mustang. It was supposed to be phased out by '92 and replaced with what became the Ford Probe.
Thank God it didn't because look what became of the Probe. Looks like they decided to try it again. Only this time they succeeded in the form our beloved 2005 Ford (Mazda) Mustang. I realize most of this information was known before the cars even came out, but while decoding my VIN for another thread, I came across some interesting little facts.
Here's what some of the numbers represent.
1st, 2nd, & 3rd: 1ZV = Vehicle Manufacturer: Automotive Alliance International (USA)
(NOTE: Not Ford. All the other codes are Ford Motor Company)
5th: T = Passenger Car Identifier: All passenger cars imported from outside North America or non-Ford built passenger cars marketed by Ford.
(NOTE: Must be why the ERL always said our cars were "Released from foreign assembly plant..." Obviously the Mustang gets this code because it's built at a Mazda plant)
11th: 5 = Vehicle Assembly Plant: AAI, Flat Rock, MI
(NOTE:AAI's the only one with a number here. All other Ford's have a letter. Must be a Mazda thing.)
2005 VIN Guide
Technically Ford is calling it a Mazda. OK. They got one over on me. I still love the car. Way to go, Fo.. err Mazda!
)I'm sure a lot of you remember when Ford made plans back in '88 for the Mustang to become a front wheel drive Mazda Mustang. It was supposed to be phased out by '92 and replaced with what became the Ford Probe.
Thank God it didn't because look what became of the Probe. Looks like they decided to try it again. Only this time they succeeded in the form our beloved 2005 Ford (Mazda) Mustang. I realize most of this information was known before the cars even came out, but while decoding my VIN for another thread, I came across some interesting little facts.
Here's what some of the numbers represent.
1st, 2nd, & 3rd: 1ZV = Vehicle Manufacturer: Automotive Alliance International (USA)
(NOTE: Not Ford. All the other codes are Ford Motor Company)
5th: T = Passenger Car Identifier: All passenger cars imported from outside North America or non-Ford built passenger cars marketed by Ford.
(NOTE: Must be why the ERL always said our cars were "Released from foreign assembly plant..." Obviously the Mustang gets this code because it's built at a Mazda plant)
11th: 5 = Vehicle Assembly Plant: AAI, Flat Rock, MI
(NOTE:AAI's the only one with a number here. All other Ford's have a letter. Must be a Mazda thing.)
2005 VIN Guide
Technically Ford is calling it a Mazda. OK. They got one over on me. I still love the car. Way to go, Fo.. err Mazda!
8/19/05, 06:03 PM
#3
Dethroned Nascar Guru
Does this mean that all 05 and 06 mustang owners are ricers? Boy, I'm glad I still drive a true red blooded American mustang, rather than one of those foreign imitation ones. 
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
8/19/05, 06:12 PM
#5
I don't want to put a parkbench wing and 900hp stickers on my car...
8/19/05, 06:28 PM
#7
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AAI is Ford. Ford owns Mazda. Keep in mind all the employees at that plant are technically Ford employees.
As for that Flat Rock plant, it has been known for high quality cars, can't think of a better place to build my new car. It is a relatively modern plant.
As for that Flat Rock plant, it has been known for high quality cars, can't think of a better place to build my new car. It is a relatively modern plant.
8/19/05, 06:29 PM
#8
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Originally posted by Donna@August 19, 2005, 8:29 PM
but Mustangs are the only car built at AAI aren't they?
but Mustangs are the only car built at AAI aren't they?
8/19/05, 06:36 PM
#10
Team Mustang Source Legacy Member
Thread Starter
Originally posted by Enfynet@August 19, 2005, 7:15 PM
I don't want to put a parkbench wing and 900hp stickers on my car...
I don't want to put a parkbench wing and 900hp stickers on my car...
8/19/05, 07:03 PM
#11
:cry: :cry: :bang: I'm gonna trade my car in for a SRT-4... At least that's American rice!!!!
8/19/05, 11:04 PM
#14
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Originally posted by adrenalin@August 19, 2005, 8:38 PM
Don't worry. Mustangs are untamed horses. There for we can be proud knowing we drive "Wild Rice"
Don't worry. Mustangs are untamed horses. There for we can be proud knowing we drive "Wild Rice"
8/20/05, 06:40 AM
#17
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My 91 Mazda Miata was (and is) a fantastic car, with lots of suspension mods. It has always been reliable, cheap to service, and drives like a dream.
If my 05 Mazda Mustang is half the car, I'll be happier than a pig in poo/rice.
If my 05 Mazda Mustang is half the car, I'll be happier than a pig in poo/rice.
8/20/05, 07:20 AM
#18
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Knowing that the Mustangs are built at a Mazda plant rather than a Ford one is an advantage to me. American Fords aren't exactly associated with build quality on this side of the pond. Mazda, more so.
8/20/05, 07:27 AM
#19
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Originally posted by adrenalin@August 19, 2005, 7:38 PM
Don't worry. Mustangs are untamed horses. There for we can be proud knowing we drive "Wild Rice"
Don't worry. Mustangs are untamed horses. There for we can be proud knowing we drive "Wild Rice"
So, umm, are you saying if Nic Cage or Angelina Jolie steals your car in 60 seconds, they got... Minute Rice?
