<Tr> <Th> Predecessor </Th> <Td> Ford Mustang (second generation) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Successor </Th> <Td> Ford Mustang (fourth generation) </Td> </Tr> <P> The third - generation Mustang was produced by Ford from 1978 until 1993 . Built on Ford's Fox platform (and thus commonly referred to as the "Fox" or "Foxbody" Mustang), it evolved through a number of sub-models, trim levels, and drivetrain combinations during its production life . It underwent updates for 1987, and for a time seemed destined for replacement with a front - wheel drive Mazda platform . However, company executives were swayed by consumer opinion and the rear - wheel drive Mustang stayed, while the front wheel drive version was renamed the Ford Probe . Enthusiasts group the generation into two segments: the 1979 - 1986 cars, with their quad headlight arrangement, and the 1987 - 1993 cars, with their aerodynamic composite headlamps and front fascia styling . Production ended with the introduction of the fourth - generation Mustang (SN - 95) for the 1994 model year . </P> <P> The 1979 model year Mustang was based on the Fox platform . This chassis was "Ford's initiative to build a one - size - fits - all car to serve as a two - door sports car and a four - door family car" with its initial use by the larger Ford Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr twins that debuted in the 1978 model year . "Ford built the 1979 Mustang around a platform it would share with more humble cars in the Lincoln - Mercury - Ford corporate family in order to keep development and construction costs down ." Body styles for the Mustang included a coupe (notchback) and hatchback . Two trim levels were available: the base model and the more luxurious Ghia model . Wheelbase dimensions was 4 inches shorter than the Fairmont / Zephyr series at 100 inches - same as the outgoing European Ford Capri and 6 inches longer than the Mustang II . </P>

What was the last year of the fox body mustang