When you hear the name Mustang, you might think of the wide-open plains of Wyoming teeming with vivid wildness and stunning intoxicating landscapes…but your mind is even more likely to bring an image of a roaring V8 exuding power and unrivalled muscle car engineering. Few cars indeed will light up people’s imagination quite like the Mustang and is highly popular with generation Z and Millennials. Recognizable all over the world as an icon in the auto space, how much though do you know about the Mustang? You’ve found your spot because in this Ford Mustang review well tell everything you need to know about the Mustang and why it’s able to elicit such emotions from car fans across the globe.
One of the main characteristic features of the Mustang is the V8 engine, that isn’t at all what you would consider a modern concept. The V8 has been around for decades and many of the Mustang’s competitors such as the Chevy Camaro and Dodge are synonymous with this engine type. But while both the Camaro and Dodge seem to have toned down on the traditional, fuel guzzling, carbon emitting, destroyers that they’ve been producing over the years, Ford is still loyal to its muscle car fanbase. This is clearly evident with the 2024 seventh-generation Mustang with a starting price of $30,920. Sure, this new Mustang has taken in some modern design features such as some extra tech and a sharper, sleeker look. But it is undoubtedly even more muscular looking than its predecessor.
The first Mustang was introduced at the New York Auto Show in 1964 and was an instant hit. Indeed, this first model sold more than 22,000 units during its first day. This first-generation model was replaced by the second-generation Mustang in 1974. With the Mustang II, buyers had the option of 2.3-Liter, 2.8-Liter, and 4.9-Liter engines which were a four-cylinder, V6 and V8 respectively. This generation however, didn’t sell quite like the original Mustang and sales took a dip. Trims included the Ghia and Mach 1. The third-generation Mustang hit the market between 1979 and 1993. Referred to as the “Fox Body Mustang” buyers now had a wider range of engine options to choose from including the 2.3- Liter options which could either be a four-cylinder or turbo, 2.8-liter and 3.8-liter options that were both V6 and a new 5.0 Liter V8. In 1994, Ford released its fourth-generation Mustang which boasted a completely new look. For one it had a steeper hood and a more aerodynamic design. The new model was based on Fords new SN-95 design. The fourth-generation of the Cobra trim even came with a 5.4-Liter V8.
Known as the S-197, this was Ford’s fifth-generation Mustang which came out in 2005 and lasted up to 2014. It got its name from the S-197 platform. The design also changed to a more retro look that was an instant hit with buyers. Trims included the Shelby GT, GT350, GTS, GT500 and the GT500 Super Snake. The sixth-generation Mustang called the S550 Mustang due to the all-new platform came out in 2015 till present. You can get this model with a 2.3-Liter, 5.0-Liter V8 and 5.2- Liter V8 engine options. Part of the lineup was the GT Jack Rouse Special and the Shelby GT500. In 2024 Ford is set to unveil its latest seventh-generation mustang. Ford claims that this latest model, also called the S650 Mustang is “edgy, stylish and disruptive”.
One look at the Mustang and you are sure to notice that aggressive yet modern look. But then you won’t miss that iconic Mustang outline that car fans have learned to love. The stance is broad and the rear haunches sit wide apart showing off that powerful look. The horizontal brow sits low and the front grill will take you back to the original first-generation Mustang. Then there are the LED headlights rocking that tri-bar design that is unmistakably Mustang. Depending on the trim, you can get a convertible top, high glass black painted grille and even a painted racing stripe. Buyers also have the option of up to 11 different standard paint colors.
The latest generation Mustang features a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster. But that’s not all! There is also a 13.2-inch infotainment screen that will instantly draw your attention. Simply put, over 60% of the dashboard is one single screen. Only a few buttons have been left on the dashboard. Talk about high tech! There is no missing the neatly designed steering wheel with a flat bottom. On the performance trims, the steering wheel is covered with a smooth and supple leather. And in case you plan on adding a dashcam as part of your interior accessories, there is a USB port situated right behind the rear-view mirror. The seats are highly comfortable and offers sufficient backrest and support. Thanks to the high sitting position, it offers unrivaled visibility compared to the likes of the Chevy Camaro. While there is a bit of plastic in the interior, and let’s face it, you can’t really expect the Mustang to ooze luxury, this seems better quality than in the 2023 Mustang.
With the seventh-generation Mustang, Ford took inspiration from a fighter jet cockpit. And while this might cause you to question the comfort levels on the inside, the reality is quite interesting. There is the massive 12.4-inch instrument cluster which comes with additional features that the previous 2023 Mustang just didn’t have. For one, it is highly customizable suiting the needs of the individual driver. One can choose the color and gauge or can even opt to shift to a simplified screen which shows only relevant information. There is also an automatic Rev feature which makes it possible to rev the car so you can listen to that roaring engine sound from the outside. Ford Streaming, Amazon Alexa, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, all come as standard.
With the base model, buyers get a 2.3-Liter Eco-Boost engine. And while this seems all too familiar causing one to think that Ford only worked on the exterior of the vehicle, they insist that it is a brand-new, revamped engine. The previous GT engine also gets a makeover and now Ford claims it’s an advanced 5.0 - Liter V8 Coyote engine that now comes with a dual throttle body design as well as a dual air-intake box. The result is an output of 480hp and an impressive 418lb-ft of torque. With this new engine, the Mustang GT now has even more horsepower from a previous 450hp to a now 480hp. And let’s not miss out on the 2024 Dark Horse Mustang - Ford’s top-of-the-line model. Its engine churns out a similar 418lb-ft of torque to the aforementioned Coyote engine, but will give out a more substantial 500hp.
The Eco-Boost Mustang models will only feature an automatic transmission. However, if you opt for the GT models, you have the option of the six-speed manual or the 10-speed automatic. The power is sent to the rear wheels in all mustang models. Now to actual performance numbers. The 2.3-Liter Four-cylinder engine is able to propel the base model Mustang from 0-60mph in only 4.9 seconds. Shift to the GT coupe with the 5-Liter Coyote engine and manual transmission and the car now moves from 0-60mph in only 4.3 seconds. With the automatic transmission, the time goes down further to 3.9 seconds. The 2024 Dark Horse Mustang featuring the manual transmission can reach similar speeds in 4.1 seconds and with the automatic transmission will do so in 3.7 seconds.
A classic Mustang in good condition could go for anywhere between $25,000 and over $250,000 for limited edition models like the Shelby GT500.
In our Ford Mustang review we’ve seen the car comes with some excellent engine options and a cool retro design that is bold and stylish. The 2024 model brings some moderate design changes which continue to play on the heritage of the 1960s Mustang, arguably one of the the best looking vehicles of its time. The 2024 Ford Mustang Darkhorse brings 500 ponies into play which the base V-8 engine also sees a power boost from the previous generation. We're looking forward to other future limited edition Mustang models, we're sure they will offer more power than ever.
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