Ford’s Mustang reeks of nostalgia for baby boomers and more recent converts.
Nearly 60 years since its debut, the 2024 Ford Mustang Convertible Premium is the most exhilarating and fun-to-drive yet, thanks to a completely reimagined driving experience. Flashbacks to my first car, the 1968 Mustang Fastback, were free.
The new Mustang adds another chapter to an icon, delivering the looks, sound and appeal of the world’s best-selling sports coupe for seven years running. Whether convertible or coupe, V8 or turbocharged 4-cylinder, manual or automatic, Mustang has options at multiple price points and performance levels.
My tester was powered by a 2.3-liter, EcoBoost engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers 315 horsepower. Believe me, it was plenty of power to get in more than a little bit of trouble.
But for those looking for more – and there are always people looking for more – Ford makes available a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that produces 486 horsepower to thrill two adults, and perhaps two more squeezed into the painted on backseat.
“Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company. “Ford, however, is turbocharging its growth plan.”
Making the Mustang even more irresistible – especially on a sunny, summer day – is al fresco driving. Turn a handle, push a button, and the cloth tops drops to reveal the sun on your skin, and wind in your hair.
On a twisty back road or a weekend track day, the driver can quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings through six available Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time. These are Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track, plus a customizable setting with up to six individual profiles.
Mustang’s sleek roofline, broad sprinting stance and shortened rear overhang are all true to the authentic proportions of the first-generation, while the widened rear haunches point to the power over the wheels in true Mustang style.
Behind the chiseled exterior silhouette of the seventh-generation Mustang lies the most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang to date. The fighter jet-inspired cockpit offers the driver two flowing and curved displays that can be quickly customized to show information the driver wants or needs to see.
This sports car is far from lacking in the creature comforts department. Highlights include a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 12 speakers, cranking hits from the 70’s on Sirius XM like you’ve heard them for the first time. Other features include ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, two USB smart charging ports, wireless smartphone charging pad, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The trunk was even large enough to fit a golf bag, albeit taking out my driver, 3- and 5-woods and placing them on top. There was room to space for shoes, and other assorted golf paraphernalia.
A robust suite of safety features completes the Ford Mustang’s recipe for success.
It comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360 technology which includes features like Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking, Lane-Keeping System, Blind Spot Information System, Cross-Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control with rearview camera and parking sensors.
Base Price: $44,545
Price As Driven: $49,060
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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