Introduced in 1964, the Ford Mustang has been a symbol of American automotive muscle through its six-decade production run with a simple formula: rear-wheel drive, a throaty V8, and unmistakable road presence. But what if that legacy had been radically altered in the late 1980s?
Ford once flirted with an idea that would have flipped the Mustang’s formula on its head: a front-wheel-drive coupe with a four-cylinder engine, built on a Mazda platform. While this may sound unthinkable now, the economic pressures and market trends of the time almost made it a reality.
This is the tale of the Mustang’s narrow escape from identity loss, the resistance that preserved it, and its ultimate rebirth into its fourth generation. Along the way, we’ll revisit the key decisions, the cars that came out of this unusual chapter, and the people who fought to keep the Mustang true to its roots.
A Mazda-Based FWD Mustang? The 1980s Had Other Plans
By the late 1980s, the Mustang faced an identity crisis. Sales had slumped, and the world was gripped by OPEC, high gas prices, and fuel rationing, casting a long shadow over American car design. Fuel efficiency and compact designs were the priorities of the day, and Ford saw a partnership with Mazda as a potential solution. The two companies had already collaborated on successful vehicles like the Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series trucks. So why not extend that synergy to the Mustang?
On paper, Ford’s plan was bold: use Mazda’s front-wheel-drive platform (already underpinning the Mazda MX-6) as the basis for the next-generation Mustang. This Mazda-based Mustang prototype project even had a codename (ST-16) and was well underway. They built concepts and prepared a production facility in Michigan for what many assumed would be the “new Mustang”, but if materialized, this decision would’ve almost certainly damaged this nameplate’s legacy forever.
This proposed Mustang would feature smaller engines, prioritizing fuel efficiency over performance. Ford would abandon the iconic V8 and rear-wheel-drive layout that had defined the car since its debut in 1964 and reduce the cylinder count by half. For Ford’s leadership, this felt like a modern, forward-looking approach. For Mustang enthusiasts, however, it was nothing short of heresy.
Pushback from Fans and Engineers Saved the Mustang
The idea of a front-wheel-drive Mustang wasn’t just a fleeting thought—it was a serious consideration at Ford. By the mid-1980s, Mustang sales were slumping, and the company’s leadership was looking for ways to revitalize the brand while also keeping up with changing market dynamics. Rising fuel economy standards and the increasing popularity of compact cars made the traditional V8, rear-wheel-drive Mustang seem like an outdated concept to some executives. Enter the Mazda-derived ST-16, a prototype that was well on its way to becoming the new Mustang.
Public reaction to the proposal was swift and overwhelmingly negative. When AutoWeek published an article in 1987 revealing Ford’s plans, the backlash was immediate. Enthusiasts flooded Ford’s offices with letters expressing their outrage, making it clear that a front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder Mustang was unacceptable. Mustang loyalists didn’t just see the move as a change in design, they viewed it as an attack on the car’s identity.
Within Ford, dissent was brewing as well. Engineers like John Coletti, who would later lead the Mustang’s rebirth, voiced their opposition to the ST-16 project. Coletti and his team argued that a front-wheel-drive Mustang would alienate the car’s core audience. They took their case to higher-ups, ultimately convincing CEO Alex Trotman to reconsider the direction. They pivotally rebranded the ST-16 project as the Ford Probe and granted a stay of execution for the Mustang. This pushback set the stage for the SN95 Mustang and preserved the legacy of America’s pony car.
The Fourth-Generation Mustang: A True Comeback
The decision to stick with the Fox Body platform paved the way for the fourth-generation Mustang, which debuted in 1994. Dubbed the SN95, this iteration of the Mustang brought modern styling and engineering while staying true to its roots. It featured rear-wheel drive, a V8 engine option, and the unmistakable proportions of a classic pony car.
The Mustang’s rebirth wasn’t just about aesthetics. Ford engineers reinforced the Fox platform to improve rigidity and handling, widened the car’s track, and updated the suspension for better performance. The 5.0-liter small-block V8 returned, delivering 215 horsepower and a satisfying growl. The return of the Mustang instilled a collective sense of relief among enthusiasts.
The 1994 Mustang was more than a car; it was a statement. After listening to customers, Ford emphasized what made the Mustang special. The gamble paid off. Sales rebounded, and the Mustang reclaimed its place as America’s favorite pony car. Meanwhile, the Ford Probe quietly exited production in 1997, never quite escaping its reputation as “the car that almost replaced the Mustang.”
The SN95 proved that even in an era of change, some traditions are worth preserving. For Mustang fans, it was a victory lap and a reminder of how close their beloved car came to becoming something unrecognizable.
