The Ford Mustang has been an iconic car since its introduction way back in the 1960s. This pony gets redesigned for 2024 which should help it gallop well into the future. The Mustang is definitely a head turner – especially as a Race Red convertible!
Base Price: $51,515
As Tested: $62,200
Horsepower: 480
Mileage: 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway/18 mpg combined
With the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger being discontinued, the Ford Mustang will be the last remaining American muscle car.
The redesigned Mustang is now in its seventh generation. For 2024, it gets exterior tweaks, new tech, and a new performance-oriented Dark Horse model. But even with the changes, the Mustang still looks and drives much like the outgoing model.
The 2024 Mustang comes in two body styles, fastback coupe and convertible. Trims are Ecoboost, GT, Ecoboost Premium, GT Premium, Dark Horse, and Dark Horse Premium. The Ecoboost, Ecoboost Premium, and GT Premium trims are available as convertibles. Starting prices range from $30,920 to $46,480 for the fastback models, and $39,020 to $51,980 for the convertibles; however, prices can quickly climb with packages and options. Rear wheel drive is standard on all trims.
There’s room for four passengers in two rows of seating, but the second row is cramped and really only suitable for small kids.
Several engines are available. The base Ecoboost engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that makes 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The GT trims get a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 480 horsepower and 410 pound-feet. And the Dark Horse has a 5.0-liter V8 that cranks out 500 horses and 415 pound-feet. The transmission is either a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic.
My tester has the V8 with 480 horses and the six-speed manual. The exhaust note is sweet when you start up the engine and it gives a pleasing roar when you press the accelerator. This Mustang is a sport horse with dynamic handling. Acceleration is brisk and the Mustang is nimble and balanced around corners. Steering is a bit light but brakes are responsive. The Mustang is very civilized as a daily driver as well, with a smooth ride. This pony is a lot of fun to drive, whether you’re commuting to work or cruising on a road trip.
Fuel economy is good for a sports car. EPA ratings for my tester are 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway with a combined rating of 18. I got 18 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
Putting the convertible top up and down is a breeze. With the push of a button, it only takes about 10 seconds.
The interior is where the upgrades on the 2024 Mustang are most noticeable. The cabin looks more upscale and modern, with nicer materials. A 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster and large 13.2-inch touchscreen dominate the dash; in upper trims, they are combined into one impressive glass panel. Front seats are roomy and comfortable. As you’d expect, the two rear seats are very cramped and not suitable for adults. However, they’re great as a space to stash your handbag or a few grocery bags.
Standard features include proximity keyless entry, rearview camera, automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster, infotainment system with 13.2-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a USB port, Wi-Fi hot spot, automatic high-beam headlights and FordPass Connect, which lets you use your smartphone to lock and unlock the vehicle.
Available features include remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic or real leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, Recaro front sport seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, nine-speaker audio system, 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, navigation, satellite radio, HD Radio, and additional USB ports.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, Lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and Ford’s MyKey which lets you control your vehicle’s safety settings for others such as your teen drivers. For example, you can set audio and speed limits for those drivers.
Available driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control and road-sign recognition.
The standard Infotainment system is Ford’s SYNC 4. The large 13.2-inch touchscreen looks great. Graphics are sharp, the system responds quickly to touch and voice commands, and the touchscreen is easy to see and reach. However, there aren’t many physical controls, except for a volume knob. However, several icons, including climate controls, remain on the touchscreen so they’re easy to use, even when using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Cargo space is good for a sports car. The convertible has 11.4 cubes while the fastback models have 13.5 cubes.
The good:
Fastback coupe and convertible body styles
Several potent available engines
Fun to drive
Comfortable, modern cabin
User-friendly infotainment system
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Price can quickly climb with packages and options
Very tight second row
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $51,515. Equipment Group 401A is $2,900 and includes premier trim with color accent, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, voice-activated touchscreen and navigation. The GT Performance Package is $4,995 and includes 19-inch carbonized gray-painted Aluminum wheels, 19-inch Brembo brake system, painted ebony black grille, heavy-duty front springs, unique chassis tuning, unique stability control, EPAS and ABS tuning, and upsized rear sway bar. The Mustang Nite Pony Package is $1,195 and includes black pony badges, black mirror caps, headlamps with black bezel, and black decklid spoiler. Destination fee is $1,595 bringing the grand total to $62,200.
Bottom line:
With the 2024 redesign, Ford has made this pony more modern but every bit worthy of the Mustang name. With striking looks, dynamic handling, and a comfortable cabin filled with tech and features, the Mustang will no doubt continue to be an icon long into the future. The only drawback is that the backseat is too cramped for adults.
