What's omitted is that the popularity of the facelift and performance
improvements made possible the retention of the Fox-based RWD, when Ford
seriously considered using the Probe/Mazda 626 platform as the new
edition.

Mustang enthusiasts were able to point to sales figures as justification
for their  protests.
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z2948/default.aspx
quote:
1998 was a pivotal year in Mustang history. Ford planned to change the
Mustang to a front wheel drive derivative of the Mazda MX-6. An uprising
in the Mustang enthusiast community ensued, as did some pointed questions
from the automotive press. Thousands of letters decrying the idea of a
'Maztang' or 'Musda' beseiged Ford's product planners and the new car
went on to be the Probe. Ford scrapped the idea at the last minute,
cementing the Mustang heritage for the future. The decision however
locked in the Fox platform for the next five years.

From 1989 to 1992 changes were limited to wheel and tire combinations and
the introduction of 'Special Edition' models in non-standard colors. 1993
would be the final year of the original Fox body Mustang. Ford re-
introduced the Cobra, rated at 235 horsepower and distinguished by unique
front and rear bodywork. 107 Cobra R models were built which included
track tuned suspension and deleted the rear seat, radio, fog lights and
other components to reduce weight.
unquote