1988 Ford Mustang Specs & Details
With all the Mustang changes that occurred the previous year, it’s no surprise that there’s nothing significantly new
going on with the 1988 model. The 5.0 V-8 continued with its 225 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and the
standard powerplant for the LX remained the 2.3-liter inline-four with 89 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque. In
addition, the LX could still be configured as either a notchback coupe, hatchback, or convertible, while the GT was
hatchback or convertible only. It’s safe to say the Fox Body Mustang had matured at this point. But, this wasn’t a
bad thing.
The motoring press loved the 1988 Mustang. Along with the Chevy Corvette and Acura Integra, it made Car and Driver’s
10Best list for that year. Road & Track heaped similar praise on Ford’s pony car. Performance and value are a
winning combination, and the Mustang basked in this success.
Maturation also helped with sales, as Ford produced nearly 225,000 Mustangs for 1988. An impressive increase of
almost 25% over the previous year. The best-selling body style was the hatchback in LX trim (75,636), followed by
the LX coupe (53,221). The ability to stuff the high-output V-8 into a base Mustang body undoubtedly accounts for
these numbers. Who doesn’t love a bargain? And with 50,294 examples sold, the GT hatchback still held its own. Its
6.1-second time for a 0-60 dash was quite respectable for the day.
Ford also expanded the color pallet a bit for the 1988 Mustang. Finishes like Tropical Yellow helped add some visual
excitement and a sharp contrast to the drab offerings that dominated earlier years. Of course, nothing says the
1980s like the blue or red interior available with the Mustang. But, Ford still offered grey or beige for buyers
preferring a more understated cabin.
This is also a good time to mention the Mustang Special Service Package (SSP) that Ford built for law enforcement
agencies from 1982-1993. Using a modified Fox Body (sold as either a hatchback or notchback), police mainly used the
car for interceptor duties (chasing bad guys and catching speeders).
With the 5.0 V-8 under the hood, Ford added engine oil and transmission fluid coolers, a calibrated speedometer, an
upgraded electrical system, and reinforced floor plans. Ford produced more than 15,000 units during the SSP’s
12-year production run. So, it’s not unusual to find an example for sale in the collector market.
1988 Ford Mustang Specs
| Engine |
HP |
TQ |
| 2.3L I-4 |
89 |
120 |
| 5.0L 2V HO V8 |
225 |
300 |
| Model |
Engine |
| LX |
2.3L I-4 |
5.0L 2V HO V8 |
| GT |
5.0L 2V HO V8 |
| Color Name |
Color Code |
| Black |
1C |
| Light Gray |
1K |
| Scarlet Red |
2D |
| Cabernet Red |
2H |
| Smoke |
1K |
| Mimosa Yellow |
66 |
| Bright Regatta Blue |
7H |
| Dark Shadow Blue |
7N |
| Sand Beige |
8L |
| Dark Brown |
6L |
| Oxford White |
9L |
| Dark Gray |
1D |
1988 Mustang Articles
Check out other 1979-1993 Mustang Specs: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
