I am slowly learning how to tell which model year I am looking at, but have not been able to differentiate between the 96-98, is there a way. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dunno.gif[/img]

Also ( although it may be simple, i have not looked into it yet ), how do you tell the difference between 99-04. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/headscratch.gif[/img]

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MY05GT @ February 24, 2006, 9:05 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
I am slowly learning how to tell which model year I am looking at, but have not been able to differentiate between the 96-98, is there a way. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dunno.gif[/img]

Also ( although it may be simple, i have not looked into it yet ), how do you tell the difference between 99-04. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/headscratch.gif[/img]
[/b][/quote]The 96-98's are basically the exact same car except for a few things. 96 and 97 still had the clock on the top of the dash, like the 94's did. They did away with this after 97 and the 98's did not have the clock up there. Also, I believe that 98 was the first year that the center console came stock with cup holders, rather than an ashtray assembly. In 98 I believe the ashtray package was an optional smokers package. Transmissions, suspensions, engines, brakes, intakes were all the same from 96-98 to the best of my knowledge.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MY05GT @ February 24, 2006, 9:05 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Also ( although it may be simple, i have not looked into it yet ), how do you tell the difference between 99-04. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/headscratch.gif[/img]
[/b][/quote]

Rims on V6 where different for 99-00 and 01-04.
Wing was different on 99-00 and 01-04.
'99 Cobra had "Mustang" writen on rear bumper while '01 Cobra had "Cobra" writen on rear bumper.
Of course there were 35th Ae and 40th Ae badges
Mach 1 existed only for 2 years, Bullitt and Cobra R only existed for 1 year

I'm pretty sure there are more details, but I can't remember now.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Red Star @ February 24, 2006, 10:41 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Rims on V6 where different for 99-00 and 01-04.
Wing was different on 99-00 and 01-04.
'99 Cobra had "Mustang" writen on rear bumper while '01 Cobra had "Cobra" writen on rear bumper.
Of course there were 35th Ae and 40th Ae badges
Mach 1 existed only for 2 years, Bullitt and Cobra R only existed for 1 year

I'm pretty sure there are more details, but I can't remember now.
[/b][/quote]

Also...
GTs from 2001-2004 had side scoops and hood scoops
2001-2004 mustangs also have different radios and the backlighting is different (changed from aqua-like color to a yellowish green)
Ford put smoked headlights on the 2001-2004 model years

With this information I can tell apart 1999, 2000, and 2004 mustangs pretty easily (as far as the V6s and GTs go). 2001-2003 I think are basically identical (excluding cobras, machs, bullitts)

 

Paint colors come into play alot with these as well.

Sonic blue was offered 2003-2004. Mineral Gray was 2001-2002. Dark Shadow Grey was 2003-2004. There's more I am sure.

Also something else to note about the difference in 96-97 cobra/gt vs 98 cobra/gt is that in 96-97 they had a factory strut tower brace. In 98 they did away with it.

 

Thanks for the info....lots of new stuff to memorize.....

 

check the time line also. they have alot of info as far as updates from year to year. and also list the colors and options available. 01-04 also have the 6 disc in dash cd player.


hey scott, what happened to chuck norris? [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/headscratch.gif[/img]

 

The '96-'98 17" were different each year, the '96's were painted, the '97's were polished w/dark inserts & the '98 were just polished. All your '99 models had 35th Anniversary badges on the fenders. '00 model GT's had the GT emblem on the fender but had the '99 rear spoiler. '01 is when they went to the 17" Bullitt wheel. In '99 Ford offered an Anniversary package and in '00 offered a Springtime package that both had the hood & side scoops that became standard on GT's in '01. Hope this helps some.

 

96 had a honey comb front grille. 97-98 didn't. And although you can't see it, 96-97 had 215hp, 98 had 225.

 

Easy one that was missed...
99-00 GT Spoiler is different than the 01-04 GT spoiler.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mestizo @ February 26, 2006, 1:37 AM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Easy one that was missed...
99-00 GT Spoiler is different than the 01-04 GT spoiler.
[/b][/quote]

I mentioned that.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Red Star @ February 26, 2006, 2:20 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
I mentioned that.
[/b][/quote]


But the 1999 "Limited Edition" GT spoiler is different from all other years, even 01 and above.

 

The Mustang Red Book is a good resource for identifying Mustangs it has options, trims, pricing, production numbers, engines, transmissions ect. and pictures of mustangs from '64 1/2 to '04.
It's a paperback and only about $13.

 

Well, this topic has moved a little bit beyond the original 96-98 field recognition tips, but here's mine anyway:

1999 and 2000 have clear headlight covers. 2001-2004 have smoked covers.

Chrome Yellow was available on 1998 and 1999 models.

Sunburst Gold was a 2000-only color option.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cadmonkey12 @ February 27, 2006, 3:43 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
The Mustang Red Book is a good resource for identifying Mustangs it has options, trims, pricing, production numbers, engines, transmissions ect. and pictures of mustangs from '64 1/2 to '04.
It's a paperback and only about $13.
[/b][/quote]

I think this would make a great gift for my son....thanks for the info. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumb.gif[/img]

 

1998 models also had a 10HP boost to 225. The SVT cobra models had thin 5-spoke wheels similar to the 1995 cobra R's. The 96 and 97 Cobras has the flat, wide, 5-spoke wheels.

 

just watch out for people that put 2001 V6 wheels on a 2000......... [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrinjester.gif[/img]