On the Road
Ford did the right thing by making the Mustang GT available to media equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. Three-pedal foot action is the essence of this car and fans love having this choice. Yes, you can opt for an automatic, but we’re thrilled Ford hasn’t dumped manuals, ala most BMW models.
There is nothing like driving a Mustang. Sure, comparisons with the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro are inevitable, but the Mustang maintains it own vibe.
The Joy of Driving
Indeed, the connection between the driver, car, and road is what makes the Mustang GT an absolute joy to experience. The car features four-wheel power disc brakes with EPB, an Electronic Brake Booster, and a four-sensor, four-channel antilock braking system. It also includes AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, with a drift brake available in the Performance Package.
The front suspension is a double-ball-joint MacPherson strut with aluminum control arms. The rear suspension is an integral-link independent system with coil springs.
Both front and rear suspensions include stabilizer bars. MagneRide dampers are optional with the Performance Packages.
Launch the ignition and the Mustang roars to life. The V8 engine percolates, while the exhaust system delivers a pleasant boom from the start. Ford utilizes a Getrag transmission that shifts smoothly and cleanly. The clutch engages with ease and supplies flawless uptake.
Working the Curves
Head to your favorite twisty road and the Mustang shines. Originally a straight-line champ, modern Mustangs are entirely suited for curves. Yes, the Mustang seems big and heavy at times, but it is also composed on its feet. Body roll is minimal, and the car doesn’t wander. Credit Ford with maintaining the Mustang’s crisp steering, spot-on handling, along with a sport-tuned suspension. Big brakes bring this stallion to a certain stop.
The fun factor is strong with this horse. We are not about to suggest breaking laws to drive one, but we are also not ignorant of how the GT is driven. You’ll go 0 to 60 mph in about 4.3 seconds, barely hitting third gear before reaching that speed. On the highway, fifth gear is ideal for passing, maintaining high revs for added boost. The sixth gear is where the Mustang is most efficient, but the only time we used it was while cruising on the highway.
Except for the Mustang, Ford has left the car market in the U.S. That seems unfortunate as both the subcompact Fiesta and compact Focus served as excellent options and steppingstones to the Mustang, particularly in performance guise. The Mustang remains proof that Ford Performance knows what it is doing, with aftermarket parts and superb variants available.
Competitive Set
Traditional competitors such as the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger are gone or will soon be. Beginning in 2025, an all-new Dodge Charger appears, a fully electric model with available gas engines. The new Charger will come in two- and four-door configurations, straddling the arrangement Dodge had when the Challenger and Charger were sold concurrently.
For now, the Ford Mustang is in a league of its own. For performance enthusiasts with cash to spare, the BMW M2 might be worth a look. But it isn’t a direct competitor to the Ford, so that’s a stretch. The same can be said for the Toyota GR Supra.
Ford Mustang GT Takeaway
We can praise the Mustang GT all day, but words alone don’t do it justice. You need to experience it yourself. Admittedly, the GT isn’t for everyone, and the cost of the convertible makes it unaffordable for many. Despite this, the Ford Mustang, in any form, continues to be a dream car. It has weathered market changes and now stands as the last of its kind.
