The 1987 Ford Mustang is a two-door sports coupe (also sold as a hatchback) from the Fox-body generation, positioned as an affordable American performance car with strong aftermarket support. For 1987, Ford gave the Mustang a significant refresh with updated front and rear styling and a more modernized interior, helping it stay competitive against other sporty coupes of the era. It’s ideal for drivers who want classic V8 character, simple mechanicals, and a platform that’s easy to maintain and modify. In today’s market, it’s a popular choice for weekend cruisers, entry-level classics, and budget-friendly performance builds.

1) Fox-body 1987 facelift: Revised aerodynamic nose, updated taillights, and a refreshed dashboard and interior layout compared with earlier Fox Mustangs. 2) Strong engine lineup: The most sought-after option is the 5.0L V8 (commonly known as the 5.0 High Output), while other trims could be equipped with a 2.3L inline-4 or a 3.8L V6 depending on configuration and market. 3) Rear-wheel drive performance feel: Classic RWD layout with a lightweight body makes the 1987 Mustang feel quick and responsive, especially with the V8. 4) Manual or automatic transmissions: Many cars were optioned with a 5-speed manual, while automatics are also common, making it easy to find one that fits your driving style. 5) Huge parts and upgrade support: Because the Fox-body Mustang is widely supported, owners can source replacement parts and performance upgrades relatively easily compared with many other 1980s vehicles.

Searches like “1987 Ford Mustang problems,” “1987 Ford Mustang reliability,” and “1987 Ford Mustang common issues” often center on age-related failures plus a few well-known Fox-body weak points. Overall reliability can be good for a well-maintained example, but neglect and old wiring, hoses, and seals can turn small issues into persistent headaches. 1) Fuel system and drivability problems: Hesitation, stalling, or hard starting are commonly linked to aging fuel pumps, clogged filters, vacuum leaks, or tired sensors in the engine management system. These issues often show up as the car ages and can become more noticeable past 80,000–120,000 miles, especially if maintenance history is unknown. 2) Ignition and charging quirks: Worn ignition components (cap, rotor, plugs, wires) can cause misfires under load, while aging alternators and grounds can lead to weak charging, dim lights, or intermittent no-start conditions. Electrical gremlins are common on high-mileage cars or cars that have sat for long periods. 3) Cooling system leaks and overheating risk: Radiators, hoses, thermostats, and water pumps can fail after decades of heat cycles. Overheating is a major risk on any older Mustang; a small coolant leak or weak fan/clutch can quickly become a bigger problem in traffic or hot weather. 4) Suspension, steering, and chassis wear: Worn bushings, ball joints, tie-rod ends, and struts/shocks can cause wandering, vibration, or uneven tire wear. Fox-body “flex” and squeaks/rattles are also common as rubber components age, often noticeable beyond 100,000 miles or sooner if the car was driven hard.