2003 Ford Mustang
The 2003 Ford Mustang is a coupe. It has a 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine producing 193 hp (144 kW), with a 4-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is 140 mph (225 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2003 FORD MUSTANG
The 2003 Ford Mustang is a two-door coupe from the fourth generation (SN95), in its “New Edge” form introduced for 1999. This base entry uses the 3.8-litre V6 with 193 hp and 225 lb-ft (305 Nm), driving the rear wheels, and covers the version with the four-speed automatic; a five-speed manual was also offered.
The 2003 range
2003 was a strong year for the Mustang line-up. The retro-styled Mach 1 returned with a “Shaker” bonnet scoop, and the SVT Cobra gained a supercharged 4.6-litre V8 rated at 390 hp. The V6 remained the entry point, and a Pony Package added more sporting styling to the base car. The 2004 model was the last of this generation before an all-new Mustang arrived for 2005.
What the V6 is like
The V6 coupe offers the Mustang’s looks and rear-wheel-drive layout with lower running costs than the GT. The rear seats are small, but the boot and folding rear seat make it usable day to day.
Buying one today
The 3.8 V6 of this period is known for head gasket and intake gasket leaks. Check the automatic for slipping, and inspect the floors, rear arches and subframes for rust.
Rivals
The V6 Mustang faced fewer direct rivals in 2003, as the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird had ended production in 2002; alternatives included the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Toyota Celica and Hyundai Tiburon.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | Ford | Model | Mustang |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2003 | Version / Trim | Ford 2003 Mustang |
| Body Style | Coupe | Doors | 2 |
| Seats | 4 | Ext. Colour | Oxford White, Black, Silver Metallic, Torch Red, Laser Red, Sonic Blue, True Blue, Zinc Yellow, Dark Shadow Grey, Mineral Grey, Redfire |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | United States |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic 4-spd |
| Engine | 3.8L 6-cyl | Engine Size | 3,800 cc |
| Power | 193 hp / 144 kW | Torque | 305 Nm / 225 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 6.5 sec | Top Speed | 140 mph (225 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 17 mpg city / 25 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,575 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,750 kg (3,858 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2003 COUPES
Compared with other 2003 coupes in our database, its 193 hp is 17% less than the average 2003 coupe (232 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 0.8 seconds slower than average, and it is 27% heavier than the typical coupe.
| 2003 Ford Mustang | Average 2003 coupes | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 193 hp | 232 hp (10 cars) | -17% |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 273 Nm (10 cars) | +12% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.5 s | 5.7 s (11 cars) | +13% |
| Top speed | 140 mph | 149 mph (11 cars) | -6% |
| Kerb weight | 1,750 kg | 1,380 kg (15 cars) | +27% |
| Engine size | 3,800 cc | 3,253 cc (15 cars) | +17% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2003 coupes with similar power to the 2003 Ford Mustang.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 193 hp | 6.5 s | 1,750 kg |
| 2003 BMW 325ci | 184 hp | 6.8 s | 1,460 kg |
| 2003 Audi TT Coupe | 180 hp | 5.9 s | 1,285 kg |