• The early 1980s were a rough time for the Ford Mustang and especially for those who loved its styling and power. It had drifted away from its muscle car roots as a necessity during the gas crisis, and it was taking a long time to return back to its heritage. In the late 1980s, the styling and power improved and more enthusiasts began to take notice of the Mustang again. The 1988 Ford Mustang came in many different options and marked the return to its muscle car past.
  
  

Engine and Transmission Options

• The 1988 Ford Mustang came with two different engines, the 4.9-liter, 225 hp V8 or the more fuel-efficient 2.3-liter 90 hp I4. The V8 engine offered 225 hp with 300 ft-lbs.of torque while the 2.3-liter engine offered just 90 hp and 134 ft-lbs. of torque. The smaller engine came standard on all of the LX models, while the V8 was standard on the GT models. A five-speed manual transmission was offered as standard on all models, but a four-speed automatic transmission was available across the board for an additional charge. Fuel efficiency ranged from 30 mpg for the LX models down to about 16 mpg for the GT with the bigger engine.
  
  

Trim Styles

• The 1988 Mustang came in five different trim styles. The LX was available as a convertible, hatchback or coupe, while the GT was offered in either a hatchback or convertible. Prices ranged from over $8,000 for the LX hardtop all the way up to more than $16,000 for the GT convertible. The GT offered more options, but both models were basic in nature. Available add-ons included a rear window defroster, vinyl seating, AM/FM radio with optional cassette, a premium sound system as well as speed control and power mirrors.
  
  

Production Numbers

• All told, 211,225 1988 Ford Mustangs were produced. Hatchbacks accounted for the largest share of production with 125,930 models, while hardtops accounted for 53,221 and convertibles topped out at 32,074 models produced.
  
  

Available Colors

• The 1988 Ford Mustang was offered in Black, Dark Grey Metallic, Cabernet Red, Bright Red, Medium Metallic Shadow Blue, Almond, Deep Shadow Blue Metallic, Tropical Yellow, Oxford White and Bright Regatta Blue Metallic. The interior colors offered were Sand Beige, Regatta Blue, Scarlett and Smoke for Hardtops and Hatchbacks. Convertible interior colors included premium two-tone seating available in Scarlett/White, Blue/White and Smoke/White.