EDMUNDS.COM 2004 FORD MUSTANG SVT COBRA
Find, Buy, Review, Make offers on, and View more vehicles like the 2004 FORD MUSTANGSVTCOBRA new at UsedNewCars.com!
Click Here For More Reviews On Edmunds.com
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
The only game in town if you''re looking for a high-powered pony car that won''t break the bank.
Pros
Instantaneous power off the line, predictable handling at the limit, cheap power-to-price ratio.
Cons
Gummy steering, low-grade interior materials, awkward shifter.
What''s New for 2004
Changes to the Cobra are minimal for 2004. Screaming Yellow and Competition Orange are new exterior colors, and dark seat inserts are available this year. The Cobra can also be equipped with a limited-edition Mystichrome Appearance Package that provides a "color-shifting" exterior paint job and interior leather.
Overview
Introduction:
Sorry, Camaro fans, but there is no typographical error here. This is a modern, feature-laden and smog-legal Mustang making 390 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 390 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. Unlike the limited-run 2000 Cobra R that made similar power, the 2003-2004 SVT Cobra has all the amenities and comforts of a regular Mustang and is backed by a factory warranty. Like previous SVT Cobras, this one has a 4.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8, but most of the components are different. Ford''s Special Vehicles Team (SVT) has bolted on an Eaton Roots-type supercharger, a water-to-air intercooler, new aluminum cylinder heads and revised intake manifolds. To help bolster the engine, the block is iron, not aluminum, and stronger pistons and connecting rods were fitted. Other changes include an aluminum flywheel and a stronger clutch. A standard six-speed manual transmission delivers the power via an aluminum driveshaft and 3.55 gears. The Cobra''s independent rear suspension benefited from upgraded bushings and an additional tubular cross brace for 2003. In a departure from past practice, the coupe and convertible received their own individual suspension tuning to suit their body characteristics. Compared to a 2001 Cobra, the coupe has stiffer springs, firmer Bilstein dampers and a thicker front antiroll bar. The five-spoke aluminum wheels are a new design and measure 17 by 9 inches. They are fitted with 275/40ZR17 Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. For stopping power, there''s a set of twin-piston Brembo calipers up front and larger rotors all around compared to previous SVT Cobras. To distinguish a Cobra from other Mustangs, look for the distinctive front fascia, the reverse hood scoops, reshaped rocker panels and integrated rear spoiler with an LED third brakelight. Convertibles have a higher-quality top. For 2004, Ford is offering the Mystichrome Appearance Package. The package adds special leather seats and chrome wheels, but the main draw is the funky paint that appears to shift colors depending on the light and angle from which it''s viewed. The Mystichrome paint combines tiny particles in five layers that act as a prism to give the appearance that the car''s color is changing from one iridescent color to another. Only 1,000 Cobras will be sold with this special paint. At the end of the day, the SVT Cobra represents one of the best values on the market in terms of bang for the buck. Where else can you get anywhere near 400 horsepower for less than $35K? Sure, the interior is all plastic and mouse fur and the steering feels like it was swiped from a Kia, but if speed on the cheap side is what you desire, this Cobra is king.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The SVT Mustang is available as both a coupe and convertible. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, leather/suede sport seats with power adjustment for the driver, a 460-watt sound system with an in-dash CD changer, keyless entry and power windows, mirrors and door locks. The only options available are a rear spoiler delete (no charge), chrome wheels and the limited-edition Mystichrome Appearance Package. That package includes special paint, matching leather seat inserts and chrome wheels.
Powertrains and Performance:
Power comes from a supercharged 4.6-liter V8 rated at 390 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The engine has a cast-iron block with aluminum "high-flow capacity" heads all hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission. The driveshaft is aluminum and strengthened U-joints are used -- it all connects to 3.55 gears in the rear axle. Putting the power to the ground are beefy 275/40ZR17 rated Goodyear Eagle F1s.
Safety:
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard, as is traction control. In crash testing, the Mustang earned a perfect five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. In side-impact testing, the Mustang coupe earned three stars each for front and rear occupants; the convertible received two stars for the front and three stars for the rear.
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The Cobra''s unique hood features a flow-through air extractor, and both the hood and trunk lids are made of lightweight composite materials. The rear deck lid also features a unique spoiler with an integrated third brakelight. Inside, the front bucket seats come in Dark Charcoal Nudo leather trim which is accented by suede seat inserts available in either Medium Graphite or Dark Charcoal. The titanium-color gauges feature a supercharger boost gauge. It''s not uncommon for Mustang drivers to find it difficult to achieve a comfortable driving position. This is because of the rather awkward placement of the shifter and steering wheel in relation to the driver seat.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The instantaneous thrust of the supercharged engine makes jumping from light to light almost fun, as the rear tires lay tracks with even the gentlest application of the throttle. Gear whine from the blower at full boost can be intrusive, but if you don''t like the sound then this isn''t the car for you. Drive the Cobra in everyday traffic and you''ll hardly notice the firmer springs and bushings. The clutch is neither excessively stiff nor hard to modulate, and the take-up is progressive enough for lazy launches if you''re so inclined. We still can''t get used to the awkward shifter throws, though, as no amount of seat repositioning seems to put it within comfortable reach. When exercised on a road course, the Cobra exhibits the kind of playful handling you''d expect from a supercharged pony car. The flat torque curve of the blown V8 serves up tire-spinning power no matter where the tach needle happens to be, allowing for strong exits on even the slowest of turns. Body roll is noticeable when the Gs build, but the Cobra stays planted as long as you stay off the accelerator. Steering feel is the Cobra''s major shortcoming, as the wheel feels lifeless through the turns.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ FORD Information Index ] [ CONVERTIBLE, COUPE/HATCHBACK Information Index ]
|
