2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

High-performance versions of the Ford Mustang have been offered almost since the car was introduced in 1964. However, the SVT Mustang Cobra delivers exotic car performance--for a reasonable price.

The 155-mph Cobra was developed by Ford's elite Special Vehicle Team (SVT), which has come up with limited-volume high-performance versions of Ford cars and trucks for the past 10 years. The first SVT-modified vehicles were a Mustang and a high-performance Ford F-150 pickup truck. More than 100,000 SVT vehicles have been sold.

The Cobra always has been the star of the SVT show. The 2003 version is offered as a $34,125 coupe and $38,370 convertible.

The Cobra is so well equipped that the only options are $695 chrome finish for the wheels, a no-charge delete of the nicely integrated rear spoiler--and a $1,495 (SVT) Tenth Anniversary package with unique leather upholstery, anniversary badging and special alloy wheels.

Other high-performance rear-drive Mustangs are the 260-horsepower GT coupe and convertible and 305-horsepower Mach 1 coupe. They're fast and cost less than the Cobra, but lack its sophistication and startling performance.

The Cobra offers a 4.6-liter V-8, which propels it to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and to 100 mph in 10.6 seconds. It's a supercharged and intercooled 390-horsepower engine with special cylinder heads, 32 valves and dual overhead camshafts.

A Maserati is no faster than the Cobra to 60 mph, and a Ferrari is only a few tenths of a second faster. Both those Italian exotics are more refined, but cost a lot more.

Premium gasoline is required and fuel economy is only an estimated 16 mpg in the city and 22 on highways. But the city figure can be raised a few miles per gallon by starting in second gear and upshifting directly to third or four gears in town. The engine has so much power and torque that little shifting is required.

The docile Cobra V-8 actually is hand-assembled in this mass-produced era by two-man teams, and is the most powerful engine ever put in a Mustang.

Also exclusive to the Cobra is the first independent rear suspension and first six-speed manual gearbox put in a regularly produced Mustang (no automatic is offered). That suspension provides surer handling and a better ride than the old-style solid-axle suspension on other Mustangs, especially on bumpy roads.

Both front and rear Cobra suspensions are modified to handle the added power and large amount of torque the engine produces. The huge 40-series performance tires on 17-inch wheels enhance handling.

The anti-lock brakes are Brembo units, also found on exotic foreign cars. They stop the Cobra quickly and surely, with good pedal feel.

Most of the money Ford gave the Special Vehicle Team to create the Cobra went into mechanical improvements. The Cobra thus only gets fairly subtle cosmetic changes. For instance, it has unique front and rear fascias, a redesigned hood with functional scoops, reshaped rocker panels, side scoops and "Cobra'' and "SVT'' emblems.

Unique interior appointments include very supportive front bucket seats with leather trim and suede inserts, along with power-adjustable thigh and side bolsters and power lumbar support. The instrument cluster has titanium-color gauge faces and has been redesigned to include a supercharger boost gauge and electroluminescent lighting.

The Cobra should help maintain interest in the Mustang, which has an old basic design, until the redesigned, next-generation Mustang arrives in 2004 as a 2005 model.

The Cobra is fun to drive, although there really is no place to responsibly use all its performance unless you're on a race track. The Cobra has heavy duty components, so the shift lever has a firm action and the clutch is rather stiff, with a long throw. The shift lever also calls for those with shorter arms to stretch a bit to reach third and fifth gears.

On the other hand, the quick steering has the right amount of power assist, and the brake pedal is appropriately firm for such a fast car. Handling is sharp, and the ride is firm but surprisingly supple considering the beefed-up suspension and wide wheels and tires.

Door handles are easily grasped, but long doors make it a hassle to get in and out in tight spots. There's decent room up front, but the rear seat is only comfortable for children or pets. Power seat controls are awkward to use, but power window controls are nicely placed on the driver's door.

Gauges are easily read, and dashboard controls work smoothly. The dual console mounted cupholders are OK, but sound system controls are small. The door storage pockets are deep but made from marginal looking plastic. The bucket seats need a better seatback adjuster, and the glove compartment is tiny.

The coupe is quiet, except for some typical supercharger whine and tire "slap'' on pavement expansion strips. The convertible's power top lowers and raises quickly, and there's only moderate wind buffeting with it down at highway speeds.

The trunk lid raises well out of the way on hydraulic struts to reveal a small trunk, which is even smaller in the convertible. Strategically arranged soft luggage is the way to go here with either model.

Some people buy SVT Mustang Cobras and put few miles on them because they essentially consider them a collector's item. That's kind of a shame because this car was built primarily for driving enjoyment.


2003 FORD SVT MUSTANG COBRA
Prices:
$34,125-$38,370

Likes:
Exotic car performance. Hand-built V-8. Only Mustang with independent rear suspension for better ride and handling. Exclusive six-speed manual gearbox.

Dislikes:
Tight back seat. Poorly placed power seat controls. Long doors awkward in tight spots.