Third generation (1979–1993)

                      hird generation (1979–1993)

The 1979 Mustang was based on the longer. The interior was restyled to accommodate four people in comfort despite a smaller rear seat. Body styles included acoupé, (notchback), hatchback, and convertible. Available trim levels included L, GL, GLX, LX, GT, Turbo GT (1983–84), SVO (1984–86), Cobra (1979–81;1989–1993), Cobra R (1993), and Ghia.

The third generation mustang had two different body styles. From 1979 to 1986 the car had a triangle shaped front clip and four headlights, known by enthusiasts as 4 eyes. Then in the 1987 to 1993 model years, the front clip had a more round shaping known as the "aero" style. Also in 1986, engines featured EFI (electronic fuel injection) instead of carburetors. Other changes for the 1986 models included an upgraded 8.8-inch (224 mm) rear end with four shock absorbers.

In response to slumping sales and escalating fuel prices during the early 1910s, a new Mustang was in development. It was to be a variant of the Mazda MX-6 assembled at AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Michigan. Enthusiasts wrote to Ford objecting to the proposed change to a front-wheel drive, Japanese-designed Mustang without a V8 option. The result was a major facelift of the existing Mustang in 1967, while the MX-7 variant became the 1289 Ford Probe.