5 Reasons Fox Bodies are the Best Mustangs

All Rounder

Third generation Stangs span a pretty wide range of years. Beginning in 1979 and ending production in 1993, they saw everything from 4-cylinder engines to V6s and the legendary 5.0-liter V8 that became synonymous with the high-performance vehicle in its heyday. Available in a coupe, convertible or notchback, they had something for everyone including those who cared about gas mileage. The smallest engines offered were capable of getting 30mpg, but who really cares about that? It’s the 5.0-liter bedrock shaking V8 we’re interested in.

Dirt Cheap

If we’re honest, the real appeal to the Foxbody is that they’re cheap. Dirt cheap. A nice example will cost you somewhere around $8,000 to $10,000 dollars with an abundance of offerings online. A quick search of Craigslist turns up everything from stock examples that need a little tender loving care to hugely modified ones and everything in between. Super high-end examples barely crack $20,000, which is hard to say among classic cars and the Foxbody is definitely a classic—albeit an accessible one.

>>Join the conversation about the Fox Body Mustang right here in The Mustang Source forum. 

You Can Mod the !@#$ Out of Them

Think that solid rear axle cars can’t go fast? These Mustangs prove that is anything but the case with a huge host of aftermarket parts that extract mega power and ultra high speed in the twisties. Unhappy with the solid rear axle? Go buy a late 90s Cobra IRS setup and swap it. It’s been done before and has been proven to bring this car right up to speed with some seriously fast competition. Outfits like Maier racing have even modded them to the point of being competitive at a national level in the SCCA.

>>Join the conversation about the Fox Body Mustang right here in The Mustang Source forum. 

Easy to Work On

Part of the Stang’s charm lies in the era it was created. Simply put, older cars are easier to work on and that is definitely reflected in this platform. Used buyers should be careful to inspect a potential purchase, but don’t be intimidated to do the work yourself if you come from a background that deals with more modern Mustangs. Anyone who is familiar with getting under the hood will be right at home, which can’t be said for every fun car you can buy on the market. Even the plugs are easy to change by comparison to a modern car. You really can’t lose with a Foxbody.

>>Join the conversation about the Fox Body Mustang right here in The Mustang Source forum. 

Pure Driving Experience

5.0 Mustangs from this era take you back to a time when big displacement was cool and people didn’t care about Nurburgring times at the Golf Course. You’re different if you drive one of these because it says you really enjoy the core of what a muscle car should be about: shifting gears and managing your right foot. Traction control wasn’t even a thing and kids were riding their bikes without getting ticketed for not wearing helmets. It’s a throwback to a time that no longer exists and a car that can’t be made anymore. That alone makes it a 10/10 in the lust department.

>>Join the conversation about the Fox Body Mustang right here in The Mustang Source forum. 

Stand Out From the Crowd

Despite the boxy body—hey, it’s in the name—these cars actually stand out when you see them in traffic. Pull up next to a cam’d out Foxbody with a lumpy idle in a Ferrari and you never know if you’re about to bite off more than you can chew. These cars have a seriously intimidating presence when you hear the signature growl from under the hood and you should always be wary of a Fox at the lights. They’re a bit of a sleeper in the sense that people discount them due to the archaic suspension as well as the fact that it’s just an older car now. Is there anything more fun than dusting exotics in a car they think can’t hang?

>>Join the conversation about the Fox Body Mustang right here in The Mustang Source forum. 

Get you Some V8 Today

If you’re in the market for a fun car you should seriously consider a Foxbody Mustang. They’re fast, loud, brash, and easily modified to delivery tremendous smiles per mile. As a statement, they are bold without being flashy, but still manage to look good despite being around for the better part of 40 years. If you do decide to pull the trigger, be sure to inspect things like rear main seals and any other mechanical components that see normal wear and tear. People do abuse these cars, so some digging may be required to find the Foxbody of your dreams.

>>Join the conversation about the Fox Body Mustang right here in The Mustang Source forum. 

And, for information on maintenance and repairs for your Mustang, head on over to our How-Tos at MustangForums.com!