2024 Ford Mustang GT Review: Still the V8 Pony Car King?

For two decades, the automotive world has been echoing the supposed demise of the classic performance car. Phrases like “swan song” and “last of its kind” have become commonplace when describing powerful, analog, big-engine vehicles built against all odds. If every mention of the “last of the breed” translated to a nickel, you could probably afford one of these very cars.

But let’s be real, this narrative is largely exaggerated.

While the shift to electrification has indeed led to some casualties, such as the retirement of the Dodge Hellcats and the Mercedes-AMG C63’s drastic changes, the rumors of the traditional performance car’s death have been greatly overstated. How many “last analog” Porsche 911s have we witnessed? How many “final V12” Ferraris have been unveiled? Remember Jeremy Clarkson’s iconic 2009 Top Gear review of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage, where he suggested cars like it were “soon to be consigned to the history books”? Fast forward to today, and Aston Martin recently reintroduced a V12 to their lineup and I myself drove a brand new 656-horsepower Vantage just months ago. So much for the swan song.

This brings us to the 2024 Ford Mustang GT. This car, with its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine and available six-speed manual transmission, is a defiant statement that the old-school performance car is not only alive but thriving. This Ford Mustang Review will delve into what makes this latest iteration of the iconic pony car still relevant and desirable in today’s automotive landscape.

Ford Mustang GT: Design and Interior Impressions

Let’s face it, a significant part of the appeal of a car like the Mustang is its visual presence. In this aspect, the redesigned Mustang GT absolutely delivers. The new design features sharper, more aggressive lines compared to its predecessor, while maintaining the quintessential long, muscular pony car silhouette. The rear is particularly striking, boasting pronounced haunches and a sharply sculpted trunk lid that adds an almost exotic flair.

Inside, Ford has significantly elevated the Mustang’s cabin compared to previous generations. The centerpiece is a duo of large screens: a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch center touchscreen. These screens can be integrated under a single pane of glass, though the test car featured separate units. The displays are crisp and responsive, and the system incorporates impressive Unreal Engine 3D animations. However, the system does exhibit a slightly slow loading time upon starting the car.

One particularly noteworthy feature is the retro ’80s Fox Body gauge cluster mode, which glows green at night. This digital recreation of a classic analog display is admittedly nostalgic pandering, but undeniably fun and adds a unique touch to the driving experience. Adding to the retro charm, Ford has also announced a software update bringing a ’90s SVT Cobra gauge mode, showcasing their commitment to blending modern tech with Mustang heritage.

The user experience is generally well-thought-out. Dedicated steering wheel buttons for steering feel (normal, comfort, sport) and drive modes, a conveniently large and tactile volume knob, and intuitive screen navigation contribute to a driver-friendly environment. Apple CarPlay integration is seamless and expansive. While the climate controls are integrated into the touchscreen, which might be a minor drawback for some, the overall interface is user-centric.

The cabin ambiance is a significant upgrade, with higher quality materials and a more premium feel. The flat-bottom steering wheel, tasteful carbon-fiber style trim, fighter jet-inspired start button, and afterburner-esque center air vents add to the sporty and modern aesthetic. The seats are comfortable, though breathability could be improved, as experienced during a hot day in Toronto traffic. A minor quirk – the seats squeaked against the center console during adjustment, perhaps a nod to older Mustangs.

Driving Dynamics: Ford Mustang GT Performance Review

The Ford Mustang has evolved significantly from its leaf-spring era, a transformation evident since models like the 2012 Boss 302. The 2024 Mustang GT continues this trend, offering a surprisingly refined driving experience. Steering is precise, braking is confident, and even the Getrag manual shifter, often criticized in the previous generation, feels improved. While it might not match the slickness of a Honda shifter or the Tremec unit expected in the Dark Horse, it’s certainly adequate. Automatic rev-matching on downshifts is well-executed and can be disabled for purists.

The test car was equipped with the Performance Pack, which adds a front shock tower brace, Torsen limited-slip differential, wider rear wheels, and larger Brembo brakes with cooling ducts. The Performance Pack also unlocks optional MagneRide suspension, Recaro seats, and active exhaust, the latter of which was included in this model. Despite the performance upgrades, the Mustang GT is not a direct competitor to more focused sports cars like the Nissan Z, Toyota Supra, BMW M2, or even the lighter, nimbler Mazda MX-5 Miata. While performance figures might be comparable on paper, the Mustang GT delivers a distinctly different driving character.

The Mustang GT still leans towards a grand touring experience. While steering is precise, it lacks the visceral feedback and feel of a true sports car, feeling somewhat light and detached. Similarly, the brake pedal is effective but not overtly sporty in its feedback. Driving the Mustang GT at speed requires a degree of caution and awareness of its size and weight.

Unlike a Supra, which inspires confidence even at spirited on-ramp speeds due to its communicative chassis, the Mustang GT feels less surefooted at the limit. There’s a slight vagueness that prevents you from fully pushing its boundaries, especially given the Mustang’s reputation. Its considerable size further contributes to this grand tourer feel rather than a nimble sports car.

However, this size translates into excellent long-distance cruising comfort. The Mustang GT excels as a grand tourer, a point emphasized by its powerful V8 engine. While Dodge transitions the Charger to six-cylinder and EV powertrains and Chevrolet discontinues the Camaro, Ford remains committed to the V8 Mustang. The 5.0-liter naturally aspirated Coyote V8 delivers the quintessential pony car soundtrack and robust performance with 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.

The engine’s sound is undeniably muscular and aggressive, yet it can be tamed in quiet mode for daily driving. Being naturally aspirated, it requires revving to unleash its full potential, with peak torque arriving at 4,900 rpm. On open roads, the Mustang GT is undeniably quick, but its true forte lies in comfortable cruising and effortless overtaking with a satisfying V8 rumble. The ride quality strikes a good balance, being neither harsh nor overly soft.

Features, Options, and Competition: Ford Mustang GT Review

For buyers prioritizing aesthetics, the four-cylinder EcoBoost Mustang offers an entry point at a surprisingly affordable $33,515. However, the V8 GT, starting at $44,455, remains a compelling value proposition for the performance it offers. The Performance Pack adds $5,295, while the 301A equipment pack ($2,000) includes upgrades like a premium sound system, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and satellite radio. A 10-speed automatic transmission is a $1,595 option.

As tested, the Grabber Blue Mustang GT, with options, totals $53,765 in the US and $62,490 CAD in Canada.

With the Camaro discontinued and the Charger undergoing a significant transformation, the Mustang GT’s direct competition is dwindling. The Toyota Supra offers superior sports car dynamics but comes at a higher price point (starting in the high $50,000s). The BMW M240i, also around $50,000, presents a different driving experience. The closest competitor is likely the Nissan Z (starting at $44,000). Both are GT cars with sporty aspirations, sharing updated aesthetics over older platforms, but they diverge in execution. The V8 in the Mustang GT is arguably more charismatic than Nissan’s VR30DDTT V6, and Ford’s manual shifter is preferable to Nissan’s. Ford also holds an edge in in-car technology, but the Z offers sharper handling. For ultimate handling focus, the Z might edge out the Mustang, but for overall appeal, the Mustang GT, with its V8 and broader capabilities, emerges as the more compelling choice.

Fuel Economy: Ford Mustang GT MPG

The manual transmission Mustang GT achieves EPA ratings of 14 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. Real-world testing over 330 mixed miles yielded 16.9 mpg, closely aligning with EPA estimates. As expected, fuel economy is lower than the Nissan Z and Toyota Supra, which achieve 20 and 21 mpg combined, respectively. Interestingly, the outgoing 6.2-liter Camaro managed a slightly better 19 mpg combined.

Value and Verdict: Is the Ford Mustang GT Worth It?

While it’s tempting to label the Mustang GT as the “last bastion” of the V8 pony car, a more nuanced Ford Mustang review considers its strengths and weaknesses against the current market. However, the 2024 Ford Mustang GT arguably exists in a class of its own, transcending direct competitive analysis.

You choose a Mustang not solely for rational comparisons to BMWs or Supras, but because you desire a Mustang and everything the name embodies. It stands as the sole attainable front-engine V8 American coupe remaining. Despite chassis advancements, it remains fundamentally a Mustang – large, bold, powerful, and with a touch of endearing “dumbness.”

The future remains uncertain. Perhaps this is the last of its kind, or maybe V8s will see a resurgence. Regardless, the 2024 Mustang GT exists in the present, and it’s a compelling offering. If you seek a large, loud, comfortable grand tourer that embodies Americana, the Mustang GT is currently the only option in town.