Is the 2024 Ford Mustang GT a Good Sports Car? 6 Pros, 3 Cons

The 1964 launch of the Ford Mustang revolutionized the sports car market and marked the birth of a whole new category of competitors, including the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. Some 60 years later, the Mustang is about to be in a category of one again, and Ford has doubled down with an extensively freshened Mustang for the 2024 model year.

Related: 2024 Ford Mustang GT Review: Stomping Into the Future

The Mustang’s changes include more power for the GT’s V-8 engine and added tech features to gain the interest of younger buyers. What hasn’t changed is the longstanding Mustang formula of combining a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a choice of coupe or convertible body styles — and yes, a manual transmission is still available.

Cars.com Senior Road Test Editor Mike Hanley recently sampled several versions of the updated Mustang, including both coupe and convertible versions of the high-performance GT. He found a lot to like even if not all is perfect. Tap the link above for Hanley’s expert review; for a quicker look, however, read on for six things we like about the 2024 Ford Mustang GT and three things we do not.

Things We Like

1. Throaty Power

A new intake with twin air boxes and other tweaks to the GT’s snarling 5.0-liter V-8 boost output to 480 horsepower, which is more than the 2023 Mach 1. Opting for the available Active Valve Performance Exhaust increases output to 486 hp at a lofty 7,250 rpm. The option adds a choice of four modes with varying degrees of noise: Normal, Sport, Track or Quiet.

2. Shifting Priorities

Both coupe and convertible versions of the GT we drove had the six-speed manual transmission, which is a delight to use and is well matched to the V-8. Short throws and a precise feel add to the fun, and while the clutch pedal requires some effort, it’s not overly heavy. There’s also a rev-matching feature to help with smoother downshifts, but it can be turned off if desired.

3. Adaptive Suspension

An available adaptive suspension keeps the GT civilized when cruising on the highway and provides the option of firming things up in the twisties. That said, the MagneRide suspension is firm even in Normal mode, but it’s not punishingly stiff. Choosing Sport firms things up more and minimizes body lean in turns during more aggressive driving.

4. Commendable Convertible

A fully lined and insulated convertible top helps keep noise at civilized levels on the highway when it is up, and front occupants aren’t subjected to a lot of breezes or buffeting with the top down. The power top does not interfere with trunk space, either, and takes about 10 seconds to close if you get caught in the rain. Once up, it’s easy to latch using a center handle.

5. Big Screens

Inside the cabin, the most notable change for 2024 is a new dashboard that features a 12.4-inch digital instrument display and a 13.2-inch center infotainment touchscreen. Both offer vivid colors and high-resolution graphics, as well as a broad choice of customization options. The Sync 4 multimedia system is easy to use and includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Additionally, most climate controls are now accessed through icons that are always visible at the bottom of the center screen, but a physical volume knob thankfully remains.

6. Agreeable Accommodations

Both Premium-trimmed models we drove had nicely done interiors, with soft-touch surfaces on the doors and mostly good materials quality. The new screens lend a more modern look to the Mustang’s cabin, and there’s decent room up front.

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Things We Don’t Like

1. Steering Feel

The Mustang offers three settings for steering effort, but it’s hard to notice much difference between them. The steering is precise, making it easy to put the GT where you want, but it’s light overall regardless of which setting is chosen.  That’s helpful for parking and tight maneuvers, but we’d prefer a bit more feedback from the wheel, along with greater differentiation between each setting.

2. Carbon-Fiber Knockoff

While interior accommodations are good overall, with soft-touch surfaces and mostly nice materials, our main gripe is with the plastic trim that’s meant to look like carbon fiber. It’s not very convincing and looks like a cheap add-on in an otherwise nicely finished interior.

3. Snug Seats

Recaro front sport seats are available with the Performance Package, and they add substantial side bolsters that keep the driver snugly in place during aggressive cornering maneuvers. But the big bolsters may be too confining for some, and we found it was impossible not to rub arms against them while steering and shifting.

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