When did the Mustang add power steering?
Power steering debuted as an optional feature on the Ford Mustang in the 1965 model year.
That development marked a milestone in the early pony car's evolution, aligning with Ford's broader push toward more comfortable, easier handling in a compact, sporty car. The option was not standard and varied by trim and engine, depending on production date and dealer inventory.
Context: era of steering technology
In the 1960s, American automakers began adding power-assisted steering as a selling point. For the Mustang, the addition helped attract buyers who wanted easier maneuverability and lighter steering effort, especially at low speeds and in urban driving, without sacrificing the car's performance character.
Timeline of introduction and availability
The following timeline highlights the key points in how power steering appeared in and around the Mustang's first generation.
- 1965 model year — Option introduced: Power steering was offered as an optional feature on Mustangs, rather than standard equipment.
- 1965–1973 — Continued availability: The feature remained an optional upgrade across the first generation, with various trim and engine configurations able to add it.
- Late 1960s onward — Wider presence in packages: As the era's mid-sized coupes and sports cars evolved, power steering became more common in option packages, though not universal across all models or years.
For collectors and restorers, the presence of a power-steering system in a Mustang can usually be verified via the engine bay components (power steering pump and hoses) and by checking the original build documentation or option stickers for the vehicle.
How to verify if a Mustang has power steering
Use these checks to confirm a Mustang's factory power steering configuration when evaluating a classic or project car:
- Inspect the engine bay for a power steering pump driven by a belt; follow the belts to verify it's linked to the steering box.
- Review the original build sheet, window sticker, or owner's manual for an explicit reference to "Power Steering" or related option codes.
- Look for period-correct hoses and steering hardware; confirm with a mechanic or Ford parts database if in doubt.
These steps help distinguish factory-installed power steering from later retrofits, which is important for authentication and value in classic Mustangs.
Legacy and impact on Mustang culture
Power steering contributed to Mustangs being accessible to a broader audience, supporting the model's reputation for handling that balanced performance with everyday usability. The option paved the way for subsequent generations to refine and standardize steering assist while maintaining the car's iconic driving feel.
Summary
The Ford Mustang first offered power steering as an option in the 1965 model year, marking a notable shift toward easier handling in the original pony car. While not standard initially, the feature remained a recurring option across the first generation lineup, reflecting broader industry trends toward driver comfort that continue to influence Mustang design today.
What year mustang to stay away from?
You should be wary of certain model years due to a history of poor reliability, quality issues, or performance problems, particularly the second generation (1974-1978), the early third generation (1979-1984), and models from 2005-2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022. Issues span from performance and handling to build quality and specific engine or transmission problems, with the 2010 model year specifically cited for body and paint issues.
Years to avoid
- Second Generation (1974-1978): This generation, including the Mustang II, is often considered one of the least desirable due to poor performance and lack of style.
- Early Third Generation (1979-1984): These models are frequently cited as ones to avoid.
- 2005-2010: Some models from this era had issues with top-end engine failures and quality problems, including body and paint defects on the 2010 model.
- 2006: This year had reports of unintended acceleration, stalling, and body paint issues.
- 2010-2012: Specifically, the 2010 is known for body and paint defects, while the 2011 and 2012 had engine problems, including with the 3.7-liter V6.
- 2011-2019: The 6-speed manual transmission in these models is a particular point of concern and has been the subject of lawsuits.
- 2015-2016: These years saw numerous recalls, including issues with 2.3-liter EcoBoost fuel vapor lines, door latches, and airbags.
- 2018-2020: These model years had various recalls, with specific issues including a missing roll pin on the 2018 and a front camera calibration and inoperative rearview camera on the 2020.
- 2022: Sales numbers for this year were the lowest in the Mustang's history, which, while not a direct indicator of quality, does show it was a less popular and successful model year.
When did Mustangs have power steering?
Two different ratios were offered on the 1965-70 Mustang: 19.9:1 boxes were used with standard manual steering and dealer-installed power steering, while the special quick-ratio manual steering option and factory-installed power steering had a 16:1 ratio.
Can you add power steering to a 1965 Mustang?
EPAS Performance electric power steering kits provide modern power steering for your 1965-66 Ford Mustang. This performance system requires no major modifications to your vehicle and allows everything to be located under the dash.
What year did power steering become standard?
Power steering became a standard feature on most cars in the late 1970s, particularly in the U.S. market, with its adoption on mass-market models becoming widespread by around 1975. While introduced earlier, it gradually moved from being an option on luxury vehicles to a necessary feature on more common cars as vehicle sizes increased.
- Early introduction: Power steering technology first appeared in the 1940s and became available on luxury models like Cadillac in the 1950s.
- Gradual adoption: By the 1960s, it was a common option or standard on most American-built vehicles.
- Standardization: By the mid-1970s, it became standard on most mass-market cars due to market demand and the increasing weight of vehicles, which made manual steering impractical.
