2007 Ford Mustang Convertible

Galloping Under an Open Sky

The all-American Ford Mustang Convertible still rides like the wind, and it comes in V6 and V8 models.

Few cars embody all-American rugged individualism like the Ford Mustang. The current version debuted as a coupe in 2005, with convertible models joining the line within a few months. Today’s Mustang Convertible successfully captures the brawny coolness of the trendsetting 1967 original, thanks to retro design cues and gutsy engines.

The Ford Mustang Convertible is available with either a V6 or V8 and the choice of a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The Mustang is an excellent value, offering more style and performance than most vehicles in its price range. It seats four, but the backseat is cramped.

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The Ford Mustang Convertible features a power-operated top with a glass rear window that does a decent — but not great — job of sealing out noise. The top lowers and raises at the push of a button, but in addition, you’ll have to fight with a stiff set of latches to secure and unsecure it. Unlike many upscale convertibles, the Mustang drop-top shimmies, shakes and rattles over bumps due to the car’s lack of a fixed roof, which compromises its structural rigidity. The folding top also takes away a good amount of trunk space when it’s down, and provides even less backseat room than the coupe.

The current generation incorporates elements from the original ’60s Mustangs: a long hood, short trunk area, three-element taillamps, side scoops and blackened front grille, with a galloping-pony emblem. The interior treatment is a similar throwback. The redesign was more than skin-deep, with wheels pushed farther toward the corners of the car and a longer (by six inches) wheelbase, providing both better stability and additional passenger room.

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Recent updates to the base V6 and the burly Ford Mustang GT Convertible include an auxiliary jack for connecting MP3 players and other portable audio devices to the car’s stereo system. Satellite radio capability and DVD-based navigation are optional.

A GT California Special Package pays homage to the Golden State with unique front and rear treatments, side scoops, 18-inch wheels and tires, door stripes and specially trimmed seats. A GT Appearance Package comes with bright exhaust tips, an engine cover with a Mustang logo and a hood scoop. A Comfort Package incorporates an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, heated front seats and a power driver’s seat.

Ford Mustang Convertible Vehicle Summary

The base Ford Mustang Convertible has a 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine. Performance buffs will appreciate the Ford Mustang GT Convertible variation, with its all-aluminum, 4.6-liter V8 engine that generates a healthy 300 hp and 320 pound-feet of tire-burning torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on both versions, while a five-speed automatic is optional.

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A solid axle continues to drive the rear wheels — an antiquated but cost-effective setup — but the rest of the suspension was completely revised in 2005. It affords sharp handling, with a ride that’s on the rough side, but not unduly so.

Disc brakes are fitted at all four corners, with antilock technology standard on the GT and optional on the base car. Traction control is included on GT versions and is bundled with the antilock brakes as an option on V6 models. This system allows a bit more wheel slippage than you might otherwise find in a family car for the benefit of more-enthusiastic drivers, yet it will engage more aggressively in icy, snowy or wet-road conditions.

A handful of options are offered, none of which are particularly high-tech. Of note is the earsplitting, 1,000-watt Shaker audio system with MP3-playback capability.