"The knobs, buttons, and switches feel horrific" "The headlight switch is going to rip off in my hand if I pull it too hard" "The vents...feel like they're gunna dry rot and just crack or turn to dust if I touch them too hard" As a former 2002 Mustang owner....I can confirm that all of these are true, and all of these happened.
The headlight switch is too true, you always think about it and think "Naaah, it's how it was designed, it won't come out" and then one day you turn on your lights and realize you're still holding onto the knob. And...the vents adjusted? No, those were simply road-trip toys to amuse your passenger.
I graduated high school in 04, so as a teenager this car was THE SHIT to me and my friends back in the day. Seeing that plain interior takes me back to those days before everything got shit up with tech. And now that I'm in my 30's and hating life, it's nice to see something like this and reminisce about old times. Good video Mark and Jack.
It's not the tech that gets me; it's the screens. They get dirty, fingerprinted quickly, usually have 3 or 4 menus/controls jammed right next to each other, and do not give you any sort of feedback to let you know you've pressed the right button or turned the right dial, etc.
@@Shuckle_Sandwich in the context of video games. Most games I’ve played have had the Cobra R and not the Terminator. If we’re talking legacy it’s flipped since it seems the Cobra R flew under the radar and doesn’t have as much notoriety
Love the Terminator specific front end styling. It looks like it wants to swallow other cars on the road and they did it without turning the entire front end into a grill like modern cars.
It was actually the worst sounding stock Mustang you could buy in 2003. Both the GT and Mach1 sounded better in stock trim. The Cobra needed an exhaust and it really woke up with a pulley and tune.
I liked how Ford thought it was impressive to put a T-56 in the mustang when the Camaro did it in the base V8 9 years earlier. This is truly the epitome of "polishing a turd".
My uncle let me drive his terminator regulary when I first got my driving license. It is the only car that made me shake while driving and it got me hooked on American muscle cars. Amazing car and review.
It's amazing that his back-catalog will forever be full of goodies that even regular viewers will miss and be pleasantly surprised to see while rewatching. This guy's legit untouchable-tier in car video quality.
The SVT Terminator is an Icon... I do own one of these, totally stock and love it every time I get it out... For what they are they are brutal and fast, every time you take one out there is always someone that wants to race you, or give you the thumbs up... as far as creature comforts, who the hell cares, this is about hammering the firewall with your foot, the car was never meant to be refined, it was built for "car guys" (and girls)....This car is a Cult Classic and I love it every time I fire it up....
I own a 2003 dark shadow grey cobra and I feel your comment. Everytime I crank her up and hear the Eaton and feel the torque I know I made the right decision, hands down.
Imagine what cars must be saying about their owners: _"You can forget humans in general when you wanna travel with family. Their rear interior is always shit, a convoluted mess."_
When a similar year honda civic has a light-years better interior, it deserves criticism. Have you actually sat in a 90s,2000s mustang? A go kart interior has more thought put into it
My Dad use to take mi to school 1day he decided to take his 04 model cobra n everyone was just looking so hard lol n there my dad slowly revs it that supercharger nosie lol ,nostalgic memories i got older n learned to drive his cobra i actually passed my drivers test with my pops cobra he still has hes car! I think its gonna b ard for a long time my pops takes care of things i never drive it bcZ i liv in a other state. Beautiful feeling to drive a 03-04 Svt Cobra
One of the few auto reviewers that goes through the lengths to fully pay tribute to the history behind the badge. I want to say thank you to both of you for investing so many countless hours to your craft. The quality of your work reflects your dedication. 10/10.
I hate hearing people complain about Interior. "OmG ThErE's PlAsTiC EvErYWhERe 😱" Car manufacturer: "Ok, Let Leather cover every inch of this vehicle!" *PRICE GOES UP $15,000* "OmG WhY Is THiS CaR sO ExPeNsIve😱"
I’ve been in several s550 mustangs. The interior design looks even cheaper than that of the new edge. Might not be as flimsy but the shiny chrome plastic is horrid
Amazing Review, you guys are the best at reviewing cars with the amount of details that you provide us with. I own a 2003 SVT Terminator and all your points were right on the money, I appreciate that you took your time and read the book Iron fist lead foot, that’s an amazing book that covers the amazing story of this car. This car played a huge part on the modern muscle car development, with its forged bottom end capable of holding 1000hp from the factory, let’s not forget that it was the first muscle car that came from the factory with a supercharger. You guys killed it on this one, thank you for covering this car and for understanding it’s own and unique story!
1992 Mazda Miata There wasn’t one, do some research, I’m talking about a factory production car with a warranty. The 03/04 cobra were the first supercharged muscle cars, Ford had the lightning truck before they made the Terminator but no muscle car had ever had boost from the factory before
Gunnar DeRoss Where are getting this info? 😂 Ford never offered a supercharged option before 2003 for any mustang. Dealers in the other hand worked with aftermarket company like Roush, Saleen. Is like saying oh but the 2007 Shelby GT500 Super snake had 750hp back in 2007 how can ford said that the 2013 GT500 was the highest hp V8 they had ever produced.
The Terminator started the fad of modern blown V8's with forged motors capable of supporting a ton more power than they made stock. Small, budget mods yielded huge gains. Even cars like the ZR1 and GEN1 FGT owe their makeup to the Terminator. The GT500/ZL1/Hellcat would not be what they are today (if they even existed) if not for the 03/04 Cobra. Terminator taught people just how potent a modern SB V8 with a positive displacement blower could be. Before them the majority of people modding their cars with SC'ers were using Centrifugal blowers. Before Terminator Whipple made blowers for boats, and not for cars if I remember correctly. Whipple stepped into the automotive game because of the potential the Cobra had with a TS blower. GEN2 Lightnings were blown before the Terminators (started in 99) so the Terminator owes is DNA to the GEN2 L (both use Eaton M112 blowers, but different housings) but the L's bottom-end wasn't nearly as beefed up as the Cobras and it used 2V PI heads which flow like shit compared the the Cobras 4V heads. I own both an 03 Cobra and 03 Lightning. (As well as an 88 GT, 19 SS 1LE, and just got rid of my old 02 SS) The 03 Cobra is one of those cars the redefined what a performance car can be for X $ with a huge cult following. Much like cars such as a GN, MKIV Supra, C6Z, and maybe a R35 GTR. They redefined the game in their era, and are still very relevant even today. You half-step to the wrong Terminator, and he'll hurt your feelings with the quickness. Even your basic bolton/twin screwed Cobra from the 04/05 timeframe that you'd see on Streetfire with an old 2.2L Kenne Bell or GEN1 Whipple 2.3L would hurt 99% of modern day cars on the roads feels. Even a pulleyed/bolton car is nothing to take likely even in 2020. Also a Terminator is one of the best sounding cars ever. A ported/pulleyed Eaton car or an old KB 2.2L Terminator with a good exhaust setup doesn't get bettered by too much in the sound department.
@@04svt_twinscrew i agree 100%. Alot of mustang people say the same. Zinc yellow was like pastel yellow looked fadded in a way. My friend has a screaming yellow 04 gt pretty rare color
So my friend and I said this about these cars. And certain others In the time line of performance vehicles. Rarely does a car come out that every manufacturer fanboy knows a out. It might not be the fastest or the best handling or best looking but when it shows up everyone notices. And off the cuff the terminator I'd say can be harken to the Grand National. Just with presence alone. These cars just stand out.
Savageese is like Car and Driver magazine in its prime (late 80's to early 90's). A truly amazing automotive journalism as good as the legends: David E Davis, Brock Yates, Csaba Csere, Rich Ceppos, and Patrick Bedard). This channel picked up where car magazines left off. Bravo, amazing work. Automotive enthusiasts are grateful!!
Guys what you show here is amazing all around. When I was a bright eyed exchange student in the US in 2002 a guy there had New Edge Mustang Cobra and riding with him on backroads felt like Murica!
Yeah I saw the title and thought oh no, Jack is going to put the hammer down on this one. Since this is a viewer car he went easy on it though, not like the presscar Hellcat.
@@fabianherrmann6398 Anyone that lets the Savagegeese crew "review" their car is aware it's gonna get hooned. I'm sure there are barely enforceable "releases of liability" involved and the SG LLC has an insurance policy.
The quality might not be there with the New Edge but it's still one of my favorite Mustang's. The 99-04 design in particular is a really good look to me and I hope I can get my hands on a GT.
Mark and Jack you two are drop dead hilarious. I really dislike this era of Mustang but I will agree the Terminator is something special and you made the review tons of fun. Thanks for the great entertainment!
a buddy of mine has a 100% stock 03 cobra and it dynoed at 378 at the wheel on a mustang dyno which means it's probably got somewhere around 450 crank.
@@TheMrFlyBoy18 nope... 650+ to wheel is fairly common whem swapping eaton to a whipple or vmp (with correct supporting mods) My 03 puts down 505 hp/542 ft lbs to wheels (on 93 pump) with a stock/pullied eaton. Then again its getting prepped for a whipple has full bolt ons and a fuel system.
Car in the vid is mine. My favorite colors on the termi are Sonic Blue and Comp Orange. I just couldn't find a clean, stock-ish example in my price range. It took me a little over 6 months to find this one. Good luck with your search!
I actually love the new edge interiors. The seats feel great I fit perfect, everything feels great to me i love the doors the buttoms feel fine the dash looks great.
Thanks for the throwback. My whipple supercharged 04 was the most exhilarating car I ever owned. Miss it dearly. Tip for commenters; If you own one of these in good shape, dont let it go.
Made me cry. I absolutely love this vehicle. Would love to have one. It is my hot rod like my uncle had his Nova. The cobra R is amazing too but the terminator is the business! I don’t care.
Once again, Savagegeese puts out content that epitomizes why he is by far the best car reviewer on UA-cam. The mix of technical insights, humor, and story that he is able to convey far outshine the clickbait and memes of other reviewers.
I read that too but I thought the term "bro" was not yet invented as this car was made, but then they might just have been on the bleeding "edge" of things.
Coming back to this car (I owned the Mach I) and seeing how both you and Jack were killing it then, I absolutely cannot understand how this channel does not have 2M subs! The passion, the research and the appreciation for design is so evident with Savagegeese. I would love to own this Mustang, and I've also owned a BMW M240i. Modern cars are too big, too complex and sanitized.
Great review, as always. This is my favorite car! I own a '97 cobra and I always have the Terminator in the back of my mind. I love my car but you always compare it to this one.
Graduated high school in 2000...a few friends had some dope cars back then: '94 Boss Mutang, '98 Cobra, ''98 Camaro SS, ''98 WS6 Trans Am. I had a '94 Grand Am GT sedan, lol.
You guys are amazing, it's nice when you guys mix up reviews from current to older cars as well. Specially iconic to some, type of cars...It's refreshing. I even watch your guys reviews even on cars i don't even care about, but just to see what you guys have to say about them. I hope you guys get noticed a lot more from manufactures then say other reviewers which only talk good about it, and when it is negative it's a small thing...You guys say it how it is. You even read some or all of the actual book with this car, incredible man.
I bought a new 04 Cobra at Victor Ford in Wauconda Illinois in the summer of 04. She was an orange coupe. It was pretty close to being the perfect performance car (and I've owned many). Had some trouble with driveshaft resonance and a creaky steering rack, plus a little drive line clunking. Overall this was a really well engineered car and was cutting edge at the time for an American performance car. Even the new 2020 Shelby GT500 owes it's existence to the success of the 03-04 Terminators.
Car in the video is mine. There is some driveshaft resonance above 100mph. You can get rid of that with a good aftermarket DS, but I'm not modifying this car anymore than the minor stuff already done because it is so mint. It had the cobra clunk when I bought it. Rebuilt the rear end, and added a combo of poly/solid diff mounts while it was being done. Problem solved and also significantly reduced wheel hop. These cars were great from the factory, but there were some issues that needed to be sorted to make them "right".
I have watched this video like 20 times if not more .Love this review the sounds that this car makes drives me crazy about this car .Great job guys awesome work 🔥
Bought one of these new in 2003 in Sonic Blue with the chrome wheel option. It was the first new car I ever bought and I really enjoyed it. Took it too the drag strip right after purchase and ran 13.0s at 112mph on factory rubber. Soon after I installed a Magnaflow cat back exhaust and a cold air inlet. With just those two simple mods the car went 12.70s at 116mph. I could pull away from my friend's 2002 WS6 Firebird every-time. The exhaust note at WOT with the aftermarket exhaust was insanely loud. At the time I didn't think the interior was cheap at all. Most exciting of all though was that supercharged 32 valve engine and the inclusion of a IRS rear-end which made it extra special.
I’ve driven my share of fast cars, including a Huracan on a race track, and I swear the straight line thrill and sound of the terminator cobra punches far above its class as far as an adrenaline rush and thrill. That being said the interior and ergonomics are god awful
I swear I’m not a fan of a lot of vehicles but the honest an loving effort you put into these videos makes it so hard for me to watch anything else I literally watch 4-8 videos of yours an be just in a pleasant mood an with a healthy dose of realism an honesty
Really appreciate the extra effort you guys put into this video. As always, Mark, you continue to outdo yourself on the editing. Was an absolutely pleasure to work with you guys on this. Glad you had fun with it. It shows.
Loved the styling of the Cobras of this body style. Drag coefficients were a thing in the 90s so all cars had the streamlined look. Love the Camaros of the same era too for that reason
You guys are absolutely spot on. I've owned 2 terminators and a 16 GT350. They're are both very amazing cars. Sadly the GT350 ruined the Terminator for me. The improved handling, braking and well, 12 years of innovation, make it leaps and bounds over the Terminator. I still love it, just view it through Rose colored glasses
It's a weird sensation when you start to have an interest for an specific car/platform and there are no videos exploring it in-depth, and the videos that are already there have like 3 years at minimun, and then a channel like this does what you need
Another honest review from the both of you with context. A car that proves engineering for purpose stands the test of times even in today's market. Thanks for the post.
14:03, shortblocks in these engines are strong. I got well over 600 rwhp @ 22psi out of mine. Ran 10.30's @ 135 on the drag strip, beating the hell out of it.
Great damn video. I learned so much and bloody hell, the editing amd commentary were spot on. The clarity and resolution of your videos are brilliant. And this car is beautuful. I grew up in this era and I never knew this version existed until I got older lol
The termi isn't the easiest car to get used to driving. Was really impressed he was able to get it down after about 10 mins of driving around. Jack is also a driving instructor on the side.
I had two Terminators. In 2003 I purchased a black coupe and my brother purchased a sonic blue coupe. Unfortunately, I purchased the car from him in 2008 when the recession hit. He loved that car and hated to part with it. So I took it off his hands. Anyways, both cars have under 10k on the odometer. No modifications and are driven on the weekends. Last week my brother asked me, if he could buy back his Cobra. I bought it from him for 25k and it’s worth much more that that today. He never fully recovered from his losses, but he is doing okay. I handed him the keys and stated, that I had been waiting 12 years for you to ask me. He said that he finally saved some money to buy it back. I told him keep your money. You just needed to ask and I would have given it back to you. I was was an import guy and my brother got me into mustang. He restored my 1967 GT at his shop.It took him 6 years but it was free and perfect. That’s what brothers do for each other. I was just the keeper of his car. It was never mine.
I've had my 04 for 10 years now. I always tell people that I'm not a mustang fan, I'm an 03/04 cobra fan, and it'll probably be the only sports car I'll ever own.
Wonderful review! These were all the rage when they came out. It was the first car from my era of growing up, where you could easily modify for huge power.
Being born in 92 this is one of my favorite models of mustangs growing up and one of my dreams is to make this a project car regardless of what the interior looks like. The exterior looks amazing and I love the style of this car!
I remember being drove and flying most of the time out our backroads with my mom in her '99 Cobra N/A, the looks that she got as woman that can speed shift. Its quite funny think to think back, and this woman can still speed shift great as an old lady I let her take my scat pack out occasionally when I don't have time. I just need to find one of these and I'd have a perfect pairing to my F-body WS6.
The 99 is a special and under appreciated car when compared to the famous termis. An aluminum block v8 cast in Italy with dohc and irs. It was the only year to offer all of those things before they switched to the inferior block in 01. The only other cars in that era with similar tech were Ferraris and the like. The 99 blocks were actually very stout, the weak point was the rods. The switch to iron in 03 was so they could get the strength back without the cost.
@@ttam142 Yes indeed very under appreciated car, she didn't keep it but 2 years. Single mom with 2 growing kids and bills to pay unfortunately. When they were cheap I was barely in HS so nothing I could do and now there hard to find.
I've always loved this car but I did not truly develop a passion for it until I read "Iron Fist Lead Foot", the story behind this vehicle is absolutely insane
Well done, i'm glad you were able to get away from the typical Ford interior issues of the 90's and early 2000's to really appreciate this car for what it is. And the added insight that you added when talking about the development was fascinating. Great video!
I've always had a soft spot for this car. It was one of my favorites growing up. My dad bought one for my older sister in 04 for her 16th birthday and she never bothered learning how to drive stick so it sat in the garage until my brother took over it 2 years later. I still remember how insanely fast it was. And somehow I always thought that a car like this would feel old and slow in the future. Boy was I wrong. This thing is still beautiful and it's still fast.
Wonderful to get some details and a solid driving review . These were my first "wow" cars. It was exciting to seem them push their own envelope . What may not have seemed like an enthusiasts car then certainly seems like one now. I'd like to get one a tighten up the handling, steering, and braking . Solid video!
Ah, this brings back memories. I had a 2004 Silver Cobra Coupe, that I bought brand new. Sold it in 2011 to help fund my wedding. It only had 5,000 miles on it when I sold it. I thought I was going to have it till the day I died and wanted to keep the mileage down. It still had that new car smell. My big regret was not driving it more! This video is spot on about the pros/cons. I think that engine is sexy, sitting like a jewel in the engine bay. The 390hp was so underrated from the factory.
This is the hellcat of my era
I'd bet money that the Hellcat wouldn't exist today had it not been for this car to spur on the big power modern muscle car trend.
jldude84- very true
ok boomer
@@jsiszero 😔
Yup, the American supra, the hellcat before the hellcat
"The knobs, buttons, and switches feel horrific"
"The headlight switch is going to rip off in my hand if I pull it too hard"
"The vents...feel like they're gunna dry rot and just crack or turn to dust if I touch them too hard"
As a former 2002 Mustang owner....I can confirm that all of these are true, and all of these happened.
Dont look at those vents sideways or they will break, forget about adjusting em.
As a current 2000 Mustang owner, my driver side door insert is held in place with literal Goop
People must beat the hell out of their cars. I have an ‘03 I use as a beater car now to tote the dog around. No interior trim has crapped out.
Those vents and tons of plastic were right out of the 90's Thunderbirds. The vents and THE EXACT SAME.
The headlight switch is too true, you always think about it and think "Naaah, it's how it was designed, it won't come out" and then one day you turn on your lights and realize you're still holding onto the knob.
And...the vents adjusted? No, those were simply road-trip toys to amuse your passenger.
I graduated high school in 04, so as a teenager this car was THE SHIT to me and my friends back in the day. Seeing that plain interior takes me back to those days before everything got shit up with tech. And now that I'm in my 30's and hating life, it's nice to see something like this and reminisce about old times. Good video Mark and Jack.
Cars were better without all the tech. Or as they usually call it, Tarded up.
@@nateavery2875 I'm all for simple interiors without a lot of tech, but the materials and build quality still need to be there.
@@BaldKiwi117 which there isnt for anything pre 2009 all the materials are still kinda shit
It's not the tech that gets me; it's the screens. They get dirty, fingerprinted quickly, usually have 3 or 4 menus/controls jammed right next to each other, and do not give you any sort of feedback to let you know you've pressed the right button or turned the right dial, etc.
God, I miss cars without all the tech bullshit, especially inside.
the one car that has managed to elude literally every single racing game out there lol
Overshadowed by the Cobra R
It’s in horizon 5 now. Thank goodness
Midnight Club 3 had the mustang Saleen
@@EJleon96How so? If anything the terminator has a stronger legacy than the R.
@@Shuckle_Sandwich in the context of video games. Most games I’ve played have had the Cobra R and not the Terminator. If we’re talking legacy it’s flipped since it seems the Cobra R flew under the radar and doesn’t have as much notoriety
" Divorce something very common, common term amongst Mustang owners "
LMAOOOOO
😂
Owned Mustangs, been divorced..... can confirm
@@charlescasturo9146 me to, I was asked to choose her or the car, car had no competition :d
Very true...my dad was a Mustang owner...and my mom divorced him...
dafuq?!?_ _LMFAO!!! WTH. 😂
To this day the terminator cobra styling has aged gracefully. Still my favorite mustang of all time as far as exterior.
That exterior really has aged well. Almost makes me want to buy a cheap gt from that generation but they're dogs
Yep new edge design has held up
Love the Terminator specific front end styling. It looks like it wants to swallow other cars on the road and they did it without turning the entire front end into a grill like modern cars.
It’s also my favorite mustang of all time!
I agree, the exterior looks beautiful still. Pretty impressive
“I’m afraid to say anything bad about it because I know I’m gonna get shot” 😂 I’m dead
Christian Zambrano did you say anything bad about the mustang?
Lol more like he's likely to get run over at a cars and coffee.
Even Stalin is building a new gulag as we speak.
*Favorite Mustang of all time one of the most badass, best sounding, and fastest Mustangs ever made
*
Definitely not the fastest mustang made
Grammar lol
@@edgarmorales5349 it was the quickest at the time tho.
It was actually the worst sounding stock Mustang you could buy in 2003. Both the GT and Mach1 sounded better in stock trim. The Cobra needed an exhaust and it really woke up with a pulley and tune.
@@MrHighlyEvolved pretty sure he was referring to the blower whine. Which puts it leagues ahead of the GT+Mach.
"...fit a stack of hundred dollar bills I carry around with me."
Please never change.
Todd rubbed off him.
I do believe he said it was bills, not change.
I think they were really 5's
I liked how Ford thought it was impressive to put a T-56 in the mustang when the Camaro did it in the base V8 9 years earlier. This is truly the epitome of "polishing a turd".
My uncle let me drive his terminator regulary when I first got my driving license. It is the only car that made me shake while driving and it got me hooked on American muscle cars. Amazing car and review.
“what heritage is it? i feel like i’m in a porta potty” That whole bit had me rolling 😂😂😂
Love the humour. (:
I died at the shifting lolol
👍🤣
As a mustang owner the SN series were just a porta potty with an engine... The newer mustang are light years better
“Baraba” would be rolling out the door! 🦶
The "bird" reflection in the wheels at 20:40 make me wonder how many other Easter eggs I've missed in Savage Geese videos.
I thought exactly the same thing and thought about looking at previous videos to see what I've missed 😂😂
I was looking for a goose lmao. It ain’t that kind of bird!
It's amazing that his back-catalog will forever be full of goodies that even regular viewers will miss and be pleasantly surprised to see while rewatching. This guy's legit untouchable-tier in car video quality.
the sheer amount of flashing hashtags and other subliminal messages in this video is leading me to believe Mark is trying to brainwash us
What was that color shift at 21:09?
The SVT Terminator is an Icon... I do own one of these, totally stock and love it every time I get it out... For what they are they are brutal and fast, every time you take one out there is always someone that wants to race you, or give you the thumbs up... as far as creature comforts, who the hell cares, this is about hammering the firewall with your foot, the car was never meant to be refined, it was built for "car guys" (and girls)....This car is a Cult Classic and I love it every time I fire it up....
I want to drive one. I have a 2004 Mach 1 but want to hear that supercharger whine from the driver seat.
I feel the exact same way about my C6 z06...I feel ya brother
I own a 2003 dark shadow grey cobra and I feel your comment. Everytime I crank her up and hear the Eaton and feel the torque I know I made the right decision, hands down.
I want 1 i have a 2000 gt and i really lpve this cars
Well said, mine is a bit from stock (600 to the wheels) but still a pleasure to drive every time.
As a C5 corvette owner (and well aware of how bad the interior is) that comment made me laugh🤣👍
Imagine what cars must be saying about their owners: _"You can forget humans in general when you wanna travel with family. Their rear interior is always shit, a convoluted mess."_
What is this? This doesn't look like a $120,000 luxury SUV. Are you sure you're a car reviewer on UA-cam?
When a similar year honda civic has a light-years better interior, it deserves criticism. Have you actually sat in a 90s,2000s mustang? A go kart interior has more thought put into it
@@19hundoc47 if you're complaining about an interior of a car that everyone already knows is bad and those same people don't care, you're stupid
@@jradish exactly.
Jarod Kelly who even bought a mustang let alone the terminator for the interior lol.
This hurts because it's true
This Cobra was so intimidating in high school & then seeing it race against other street cars was a fond memory, I still kinda want one 👀
I low-key want one too! That supercharger whine is intimidating.
My Dad use to take mi to school 1day he decided to take his 04 model cobra n everyone was just looking so hard lol n there my dad slowly revs it that supercharger nosie lol ,nostalgic memories i got older n learned to drive his cobra i actually passed my drivers test with my pops cobra he still has hes car! I think its gonna b ard for a long time my pops takes care of things i never drive it bcZ i liv in a other state. Beautiful feeling to drive a 03-04 Svt Cobra
SaveTha Elephants what color...don’t tell me mystic chrome
2 kids at my high school had these in 2001. Theyd always be next to each other and no one ever took their parking spot 😂
@@digimon916 They weren't even a thing in 2001
As a kid this was "the car" to me. This review was exceptionally excellent.
When Jack downshifted and accelerated, I said "Holy shit" and laughed, then Mark said it and I laughed even more
My favorite moments of all their videos is when or if he says holy shit
Jacks got some mad skills, the old fox I had would have kicked the tail out and been all over the road
Dude scream shifting at the beginning had me dying lol
Nah, you were fine the whole time.
You should consult your doctor if you experience pain during a bowl movement.
@@markm0000 bowel?
Man that thing sounds incredible
Borla S type mufflers sound awesome! And this car has cats on it so it gives it a bit more smooth tone vs raspy!
Instablaster
And the "boost psi" gauges, the neddle goes brrrrrrrrrrr
Lol glass cock
One of the few auto reviewers that goes through the lengths to fully pay tribute to the history behind the badge. I want to say thank you to both of you for investing so many countless hours to your craft. The quality of your work reflects your dedication. 10/10.
I used to own an '03 OW Cobra. I miss her everyday 😢. Thank you for taking me back. Great vid.
I miss mine too had an 04.
I have a buddy who has a 8000 mile Mystichrome SVT. The thing is absolutely gorgeous.
Try having to paint correct that colour if you had a scratch or dent.
Kenneth M. Sullivan yea... something I didn’t think through when I bought mine.
@@mk7.5gti20 but you do love your car nonetheless.
As awesome as that is to own i would sell it cause you can get top dollar for it and i wouldnt want to fuck it up. Im very good at beating on cars
I hate hearing people complain about Interior.
"OmG ThErE's PlAsTiC EvErYWhERe 😱"
Car manufacturer: "Ok, Let Leather cover every inch of this vehicle!" *PRICE GOES UP $15,000*
"OmG WhY Is THiS CaR sO ExPeNsIve😱"
What do people think interiors are made from today? Titanium? Bamboo? Carbon fiber?
bro my girl saids the same thing about my lightning:(
I’ve been in several s550 mustangs. The interior design looks even cheaper than that of the new edge. Might not be as flimsy but the shiny chrome plastic is horrid
@@luischavez8645 dump her
@Windows Vesta huh
Long live the Terminator. One of the best things Ford and SVT has ever done.
Probably the sane thing in an insane world.
Amazing Review, you guys are the best at reviewing cars with the amount of details that you provide us with. I own a 2003 SVT Terminator and all your points were right on the money, I appreciate that you took your time and read the book Iron fist lead foot, that’s an amazing book that covers the amazing story of this car. This car played a huge part on the modern muscle car development, with its forged bottom end capable of holding 1000hp from the factory, let’s not forget that it was the first muscle car that came from the factory with a supercharger. You guys killed it on this one, thank you for covering this car and for understanding it’s own and unique story!
I don’t think it was the first supercharged muscle car... there’s gotta be other production muscle cars that came with a blower before this.
1992 Mazda Miata There wasn’t one, do some research, I’m talking about a factory production car with a warranty. The 03/04 cobra were the first supercharged muscle cars, Ford had the lightning truck before they made the Terminator but no muscle car had ever had boost from the factory before
1992 Mazda Miata I guess you could count the original Shelby GT350 because it had an optional supercharger from the factory.
Gunnar DeRoss Where are getting this info? 😂 Ford never offered a supercharged option before 2003 for any mustang. Dealers in the other hand worked with aftermarket company like Roush, Saleen. Is like saying oh but the 2007 Shelby GT500 Super snake had 750hp back in 2007 how can ford said that the 2013 GT500 was the highest hp V8 they had ever produced.
The Terminator started the fad of modern blown V8's with forged motors capable of supporting a ton more power than they made stock. Small, budget mods yielded huge gains. Even cars like the ZR1 and GEN1 FGT owe their makeup to the Terminator. The GT500/ZL1/Hellcat would not be what they are today (if they even existed) if not for the 03/04 Cobra. Terminator taught people just how potent a modern SB V8 with a positive displacement blower could be. Before them the majority of people modding their cars with SC'ers were using Centrifugal blowers. Before Terminator Whipple made blowers for boats, and not for cars if I remember correctly. Whipple stepped into the automotive game because of the potential the Cobra had with a TS blower.
GEN2 Lightnings were blown before the Terminators (started in 99) so the Terminator owes is DNA to the GEN2 L (both use Eaton M112 blowers, but different housings) but the L's bottom-end wasn't nearly as beefed up as the Cobras and it used 2V PI heads which flow like shit compared the the Cobras 4V heads. I own both an 03 Cobra and 03 Lightning. (As well as an 88 GT, 19 SS 1LE, and just got rid of my old 02 SS)
The 03 Cobra is one of those cars the redefined what a performance car can be for X $ with a huge cult following. Much like cars such as a GN, MKIV Supra, C6Z, and maybe a R35 GTR. They redefined the game in their era, and are still very relevant even today. You half-step to the wrong Terminator, and he'll hurt your feelings with the quickness. Even your basic bolton/twin screwed Cobra from the 04/05 timeframe that you'd see on Streetfire with an old 2.2L Kenne Bell or GEN1 Whipple 2.3L would hurt 99% of modern day cars on the roads feels. Even a pulleyed/bolton car is nothing to take likely even in 2020.
Also a Terminator is one of the best sounding cars ever. A ported/pulleyed Eaton car or an old KB 2.2L Terminator with a good exhaust setup doesn't get bettered by too much in the sound department.
Anyone else feel that yellow works perfectly on this model ?
Specifically screaming yellow. Not a fan of the Zinc from 03... But screaming yellow is perfect on these cars.
Yellow is good. Orange is my favourite.
@@04svt_twinscrew i agree 100%. Alot of mustang people say the same. Zinc yellow was like pastel yellow looked fadded in a way. My friend has a screaming yellow 04 gt pretty rare color
@@robotbjorn4952 competition orange is rare and a great color
@@04svt_twinscrewNah, gimme Zinc Yellow all day.
So my friend and I said this about these cars. And certain others In the time line of performance vehicles. Rarely does a car come out that every manufacturer fanboy knows a out. It might not be the fastest or the best handling or best looking but when it shows up everyone notices. And off the cuff the terminator I'd say can be harken to the Grand National. Just with presence alone. These cars just stand out.
20:40 - You guys giving us the finger (look closer at the reflections) was a nice touch lol 😂👌🏻👍🏻
I was just about to post this but figured someone else already had (looks like I was right). When I saw it I was like, "Wait, what?!" :)
Lol !!
What the hell??
couple of bros!
🖕🏿🖕🏿🖕🏿🤣
Those downshifts at 14:32 were glorious. Straight up eargasm
Giving me envy for a car i never thought i'd want.
Yes
Savageese is like Car and Driver magazine in its prime (late 80's to early 90's). A truly amazing automotive journalism as good as the legends: David E Davis, Brock Yates, Csaba Csere, Rich Ceppos, and Patrick Bedard). This channel picked up where car magazines left off. Bravo, amazing work. Automotive enthusiasts are grateful!!
I agree 100%. These guys are the modern day Car and Driver. I appreciate the continuation of a great legacy!
The Savagest of Geese.
Guys what you show here is amazing all around. When I was a bright eyed exchange student in the US in 2002 a guy there had New Edge Mustang Cobra and riding with him on backroads felt like Murica!
Excellent video. The detail you go into is incredible. Love, love, love the shop reviews. No one does this. Be safe. Carry on.
I love it how everytime theres a pretty crazy car Jack gets to drive it like a mad man 🤣
Yeah I saw the title and thought oh no, Jack is going to put the hammer down on this one. Since this is a viewer car he went easy on it though, not like the presscar Hellcat.
@@fabianherrmann6398 Anyone that lets the Savagegeese crew "review" their car is aware it's gonna get hooned. I'm sure there are barely enforceable "releases of liability" involved and the SG LLC has an insurance policy.
I remember driving a 2003 Saleen S281 and then one of these. This car was something else.. truly one of the most badass American cars ever made!
I've never been a mustang fan but this one truly is amazing. Such a great car and honestly a time capsule. Just can't get cars like this today.
Just picked one up last week sold my c6 ls3 z51 was a great car
But this COBRA is unreal magic ! is all i can say ! This car is a keeper ! 🙌
How many miles and how much did you pay?
The quality might not be there with the New Edge but it's still one of my favorite Mustang's. The 99-04 design in particular is a really good look to me and I hope I can get my hands on a GT.
Mark and Jack you two are drop dead hilarious. I really dislike this era of Mustang but I will agree the Terminator is something special and you made the review tons of fun. Thanks for the great entertainment!
a buddy of mine has a 100% stock 03 cobra and it dynoed at 378 at the wheel on a mustang dyno which means it's probably got somewhere around 450 crank.
I have a 160k on my 03 cobra. Still puts down 657 hp to the wheels. Never any major engine problems. I will never sell it LOL
Drone Flight I feel that way about my 2v. Reliable af and sounds so good. Not fast, but all the fast mustangs require payments so this will do 😂😂
@@guitaristwagner yeah I drove my 2 valve 316k with no major engine problems
How do you make it up to 657hp? Roughly around 560 whp give or take right
@@TheMrFlyBoy18 nope... 650+ to wheel is fairly common whem swapping eaton to a whipple or vmp (with correct supporting mods) My 03 puts down 505 hp/542 ft lbs to wheels (on 93 pump) with a stock/pullied eaton. Then again its getting prepped for a whipple has full bolt ons and a fuel system.
WHIPPLE 1D1050 RETURN STYLE FUEL SYSTEM E85@@TheMrFlyBoy18
This is my dream car. One day soon there will be a 2003 sonic blue cobra in my garage
Car in the vid is mine. My favorite colors on the termi are Sonic Blue and Comp Orange. I just couldn't find a clean, stock-ish example in my price range. It took me a little over 6 months to find this one. Good luck with your search!
@@realbigtuna667 thanks man, can't go wrong with screamin yellow either
I believe you will get one 1day.
Ive been thinking selling mine. 03 s.b 70 k 2nd owner tampa fl.
I actually love the new edge interiors. The seats feel great I fit perfect, everything feels great to me i love the doors the buttoms feel fine the dash looks great.
Thanks for the throwback. My whipple supercharged 04 was the most exhilarating car I ever owned. Miss it dearly. Tip for commenters; If you own one of these in good shape, dont let it go.
What happened to yours
Made me cry. I absolutely love this vehicle. Would love to have one. It is my hot rod like my uncle had his Nova. The cobra R is amazing too but the terminator is the business! I don’t care.
Once again, Savagegeese puts out content that epitomizes why he is by far the best car reviewer on UA-cam. The mix of technical insights, humor, and story that he is able to convey far outshine the clickbait and memes of other reviewers.
One of my absolute favourite cars 👌
Saw my dad in one of the team pics lol. Working on the terminator is his pride and joy
LOL paint splatter that says "bro" on the dash
I read that too but I thought the term "bro" was not yet invented as this car was made, but then they might just have been on the bleeding "edge" of things.
Supplemental Restraint System
@@fabianherrmann6398 I see what you did there. Well played.
Coming back to this car (I owned the Mach I) and seeing how both you and Jack were killing it then, I absolutely cannot understand how this channel does not have 2M subs! The passion, the research and the appreciation for design is so evident with Savagegeese. I would love to own this Mustang, and I've also owned a BMW M240i. Modern cars are too big, too complex and sanitized.
Great review, as always. This is my favorite car! I own a '97 cobra and I always have the Terminator in the back of my mind. I love my car but you always compare it to this one.
I had a 99 in 99 but recently had a 98 which I liked alot more.
Graduated high school in 2000...a few friends had some dope cars back then: '94 Boss Mutang, '98 Cobra, ''98 Camaro SS, ''98 WS6 Trans Am.
I had a '94 Grand Am GT sedan, lol.
It’s their montages that never ceases to impress me. The trickery might be time consuming, yet it grabs me every time. Well done 👍🏼
Listening to Jack "Ape Man" Singapore rip through supercharged gears is therapeutic.
You guys are amazing, it's nice when you guys mix up reviews from current to older cars as well. Specially iconic to some, type of cars...It's refreshing. I even watch your guys reviews even on cars i don't even care about, but just to see what you guys have to say about them. I hope you guys get noticed a lot more from manufactures then say other reviewers which only talk good about it, and when it is negative it's a small thing...You guys say it how it is. You even read some or all of the actual book with this car, incredible man.
I bought a new 04 Cobra at Victor Ford in Wauconda Illinois in the summer of 04. She was an orange coupe. It was pretty close to being the perfect performance car (and I've owned many). Had some trouble with driveshaft resonance and a creaky steering rack, plus a little drive line clunking. Overall this was a really well engineered car and was cutting edge at the time for an American performance car. Even the new 2020 Shelby GT500 owes it's existence to the success of the 03-04 Terminators.
my 03' clunks to this day, only 14,000 miles on it.
Did you sell the comp orange? 40k car there.
Car in the video is mine. There is some driveshaft resonance above 100mph. You can get rid of that with a good aftermarket DS, but I'm not modifying this car anymore than the minor stuff already done because it is so mint. It had the cobra clunk when I bought it. Rebuilt the rear end, and added a combo of poly/solid diff mounts while it was being done. Problem solved and also significantly reduced wheel hop. These cars were great from the factory, but there were some issues that needed to be sorted to make them "right".
I have watched this video like 20 times if not more .Love this review the sounds that this car makes drives me crazy about this car .Great job guys awesome work 🔥
My favorite mustang design of all time
Bought one of these new in 2003 in Sonic Blue with the chrome wheel option. It was the first new car I ever bought and I really enjoyed it. Took it too the drag strip right after purchase and ran 13.0s at 112mph on factory rubber. Soon after I installed a Magnaflow cat back exhaust and a cold air inlet. With just those two simple mods the car went 12.70s at 116mph. I could pull away from my friend's 2002 WS6 Firebird every-time. The exhaust note at WOT with the aftermarket exhaust was insanely loud.
At the time I didn't think the interior was cheap at all. Most exciting of all though was that supercharged 32 valve engine and the inclusion of a IRS rear-end which made it extra special.
Had the pleasure to drive (allowed to floor it) one a while back, craziest car I have ever driven.
04 cobra owner here, this is a great review, probably the best one for 03-04 cobra.
I’ve driven my share of fast cars, including a Huracan on a race track, and I swear the straight line thrill and sound of the terminator cobra punches far above its class as far as an adrenaline rush and thrill. That being said the interior and ergonomics are god awful
I swear I’m not a fan of a lot of vehicles but the honest an loving effort you put into these videos makes it so hard for me to watch anything else I literally watch 4-8 videos of yours an be just in a pleasant mood an with a healthy dose of realism an honesty
From a Termi owner: thank you for this video!
Really appreciate the extra effort you guys put into this video. As always, Mark, you continue to outdo yourself on the editing. Was an absolutely pleasure to work with you guys on this. Glad you had fun with it. It shows.
I've always loved this generation of Mustang.
I had an '03 GT convertible with the five speed manual. I miss that car everyday, and I've been watching for a good condition one to come on sale.
Stephen Reed
I know and the good conditions one are still going for alot of money.
215 - 260hp from v8 is pretty awful. Especially when the Ls1 was making 350+ and had better interior. Svt model is pretty cool tho
abbreviation of time yes but a car with an Ls engine will cost you double so there’s that
Loved the styling of the Cobras of this body style. Drag coefficients were a thing in the 90s so all cars had the streamlined look. Love the Camaros of the same era too for that reason
I don't know why but I have been binge-watching reviews from you guys for the past couple of days... amazing content!
You guys are absolutely spot on. I've owned 2 terminators and a 16 GT350. They're are both very amazing cars. Sadly the GT350 ruined the Terminator for me. The improved handling, braking and well, 12 years of innovation, make it leaps and bounds over the Terminator. I still love it, just view it through Rose colored glasses
It's a weird sensation when you start to have an interest for an specific car/platform and there are no videos exploring it in-depth, and the videos that are already there have like 3 years at minimun, and then a channel like this does what you need
I miss my 03 cobra. Sometimes I cry 😢
This channel is so underrated, you guy’s deserve so many more subscribers! Best car review channel on UA-cam hands down.
A CULT classic. Still one of the best cars ever made in my opinion..
Another honest review from the both of you with context. A car that proves engineering for purpose stands the test of times even in today's market. Thanks for the post.
14:03, shortblocks in these engines are strong. I got well over 600 rwhp @ 22psi out of mine. Ran 10.30's @ 135 on the drag strip, beating the hell out of it.
Great damn video. I learned so much and bloody hell, the editing amd commentary were spot on. The clarity and resolution of your videos are brilliant.
And this car is beautuful. I grew up in this era and I never knew this version existed until I got older lol
14:31 Can we just talk about how excellent Jack's downshifts are there? My goooooosh.
4th to 2nd
The termi isn't the easiest car to get used to driving. Was really impressed he was able to get it down after about 10 mins of driving around. Jack is also a driving instructor on the side.
I had two Terminators. In 2003 I purchased a black coupe and my brother purchased a sonic blue coupe. Unfortunately, I purchased the car from him in 2008 when the recession hit. He loved that car and hated to part with it. So I took it off his hands. Anyways, both cars have under 10k on the odometer. No modifications and are driven on the weekends. Last week my brother asked me, if he could buy back his Cobra. I bought it from him for 25k and it’s worth much more that that today. He never fully recovered from his losses, but he is doing okay. I handed him the keys and stated, that I had been waiting 12 years for you to ask me. He said that he finally saved some money to buy it back. I told him keep your money. You just needed to ask and I would have given it back to you. I was was an import guy and my brother got me into mustang. He restored my 1967 GT at his shop.It took him 6 years but it was free and perfect. That’s what brothers do for each other. I was just the keeper of his car. It was never mine.
the fact that Turbowski isn't in this video means he's either dead or off in a meth lab with supercar blondie.
He died of a heroin overdose. RIP Scott.
I think he got fed up with his Cummins and became a transgender woman.
I've had my 04 for 10 years now. I always tell people that I'm not a mustang fan, I'm an 03/04 cobra fan, and it'll probably be the only sports car I'll ever own.
One of my all time favorites 😍
You guys do such an awesome job with your video work.... it stands out head and shoulders above others out there. Great work.
GREAT! Now PLEASE review a SVT Lightning!!
Wonderful review! These were all the rage when they came out. It was the first car from my era of growing up, where you could easily modify for huge power.
I wish Ford Performance was still SVT, such a freaking amazing name
What happened to SVT? im Honda guy but i love the terminators. Even if i win, they're still intimidating. They sound amazing
The sound had me drooling, I think it's a car that offers great theatre. Awesome video guys, really enjoyed this!
Yall be trolling like wow!!!! One of the best car reviewing channels hahhaha
Being born in 92 this is one of my favorite models of mustangs growing up and one of my dreams is to make this a project car regardless of what the interior looks like. The exterior looks amazing and I love the style of this car!
I remember being drove and flying most of the time out our backroads with my mom in her '99 Cobra N/A, the looks that she got as woman that can speed shift. Its quite funny think to think back, and this woman can still speed shift great as an old lady I let her take my scat pack out occasionally when I don't have time. I just need to find one of these and I'd have a perfect pairing to my F-body WS6.
The '99 was the 320hp version. It got this supercharged engine in '03.
The 99 is a special and under appreciated car when compared to the famous termis. An aluminum block v8 cast in Italy with dohc and irs. It was the only year to offer all of those things before they switched to the inferior block in 01. The only other cars in that era with similar tech were Ferraris and the like. The 99 blocks were actually very stout, the weak point was the rods. The switch to iron in 03 was so they could get the strength back without the cost.
@@ttam142 Yes indeed very under appreciated car, she didn't keep it but 2 years. Single mom with 2 growing kids and bills to pay unfortunately. When they were cheap I was barely in HS so nothing I could do and now there hard to find.
I've always loved this car but I did not truly develop a passion for it until I read "Iron Fist Lead Foot", the story behind this vehicle is absolutely insane
That’s one clean cobra! Love the yellow!
Well done, i'm glad you were able to get away from the typical Ford interior issues of the 90's and early 2000's to really appreciate this car for what it is. And the added insight that you added when talking about the development was fascinating. Great video!
You two make a great team.
This Intro is on another level, which already, on this channel pushes it into the stratosphere.
Holy crap. I didn’t know Camilo Pardo was the lead designer.
I've always had a soft spot for this car. It was one of my favorites growing up. My dad bought one for my older sister in 04 for her 16th birthday and she never bothered learning how to drive stick so it sat in the garage until my brother took over it 2 years later.
I still remember how insanely fast it was. And somehow I always thought that a car like this would feel old and slow in the future. Boy was I wrong. This thing is still beautiful and it's still fast.
20:40 lol
you too buddy!
Wonderful to get some details and a solid driving review . These were my first "wow" cars. It was exciting to seem them push their own envelope . What may not have seemed like an enthusiasts car then certainly seems like one now. I'd like to get one a tighten up the handling, steering, and braking . Solid video!
The OG SVT guys were the skunkworks division and most of their cars show the passion behind it. Something new cars are missing
Ah, this brings back memories. I had a 2004 Silver Cobra Coupe, that I bought brand new. Sold it in 2011 to help fund my wedding. It only had 5,000 miles on it when I sold it. I thought I was going to have it till the day I died and wanted to keep the mileage down. It still had that new car smell. My big regret was not driving it more! This video is spot on about the pros/cons. I think that engine is sexy, sitting like a jewel in the engine bay. The 390hp was so underrated from the factory.