There’s something about sitting behind the wheel of an American icon that stirs the soul. The 2024 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Premium encapsulates the spirit of muscle cars gone by while integrating modern luxuries that feel entirely of this era. It represents not just a car, but a tradition—a reminder of the golden days of motoring, where the connection between driver and machine wasn’t just encouraged, it was required.
For this review, I opted for the 6-speed manual transmission. While the Mustang is available with a 10-speed automatic, the stick shift promises a visceral driving experience that’s becoming something of a dying art. (Or, as the internet might call it, the “Millennial Anti-Theft Device”—a joke rooted in the fact that many younger drivers have never learned to operate a manual gearbox.) Fortunately, I count myself among the dwindling population who can confidently wrangle a clutch pedal and shift lever. And believe me when I say, the manual is worth every ounce of its learning curve.
Performance
Under the hood, the Mustang GT packs a potent 5.0-liter V8 engine, churning out an impressive 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The roar of the engine is addictive—it’s music to any gearhead’s ears. The throttle response is sharp, and whether you’re cruising on the highway or flooring it down a back road, the Mustang delivers the kind of power that leaves your palms sweaty and your heart racing.
The manual transmission enhances this connection in every way. Each shift feels purposeful, and the clutch engagement is smooth yet firm enough to instill confidence. Downshifting into a corner while listening to the engine blip—it’s intoxicating. Sure, there’s a 10-speed automatic for those who prefer convenience, but opting for the stick grants you a sense of mastery over the beast under your control. Plus, it’s a surefire theft deterrent for anyone who falls victim to the “millennial anti-theft device” dilemma. Imagine would-be thieves staring blankly at the shifter, clueless about what to do next. That alone is priceless.
The 2024 Mustang has also sharpened its handling. The GT Premium includes added performance-oriented features like upgraded Brembo brakes and an optional performance package that beefs up the suspension, limited-slip differential, and offers summer tires. Around corners, the car feels planted. You can sense its considerable weight, but it communicates feedback cleanly through the chassis and steering. There’s still a hint of that traditional rear-wheel-drive muscle car looseness when you push it hard, but that’s part of the fun and character.
Ride Quality and Interior
Inside the Mustang, the cabin blends the classic with the contemporary. High-quality materials wrap the seats and surfaces, and the Premium trim adds a few touches of luxury like leather upholstery and ambient lighting. The driver-focused cockpit features an impressive 12.4-inch fully digital instrument cluster that seamlessly integrates with a center-mounted 13.2-inch touchscreen running Ford’s slick SYNC 4 system. It’s intuitive, fast, and integrates perfectly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Despite all the tech, Ford hasn’t forgotten the Mustang’s heritage. Analog enthusiasts will appreciate the Mustang’s retro-inspired toggle switches and the short, chunky gear lever that’s just begging to be grabbed. Sure, I stumbled on a few ergonomic quirks—some controls felt a little overcrowded, and the rear seat space remains just as snug as you’d expect in a sport coupe of this size. But what really stood out was how driver-centric the entire setup was. Everything is within reach, and when you’re behind the wheel, nothing else seems to matter.
The ride quality surprised me the most. For a muscle car, it’s surprisingly comfortable. The suspension does a decent job soaking up bumps on less-than-perfect roads, although it’s still stiffer than your average commuter car. This isn’t a luxury grand tourer, but it’s more than livable for daily driving duties.
The Manual Transmission Experience
Now, back to that glorious stick shift. There’s something primal about engaging with a manual transmission. Each press of the clutch, every shift of the gear, it feels like a deliberate partnership between you and the car. The manual Mustang doesn’t just get you from point A to point B—it makes the entire process an event.
For younger drivers who’ve never experienced a manual, it can seem daunting. But here’s my advice to those in the ‘automatic-only’ crowd: learn it. The Mustang GT is the ideal teacher. The pedal feedback is intuitive, and with a little practice, rowing through the gears becomes second nature. It’s satisfying in a way that no automatic can replicate. The joke of the “millennial anti-theft device” might be funny, but there’s truth in it. Owning a stick-shift car today feels like participating in a club—a nod to a more engaging time in motoring history.
Fuel Economy
Admittedly, fuel economy isn’t exactly a standout here. The 5.0-liter V8 achieves an EPA-rated 14 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. But is anyone buying a Mustang GT expecting hybrid-like efficiency? No. This is the price you pay for full-throttle adrenaline. The tank might drain quickly, but the memories you create behind the wheel will last a lifetime.
Who Is This Mustang For?
The 2024 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Premium straddles the line between old and new, which is precisely its charm. For seasoned drivers who remember the Mustangs of the ’60s and ’70s, the rumble of the V8 and the tactile rewards of the manual will feel like a warm, nostalgic hug. For modern enthusiasts—or even younger drivers caught up in the automatic rebellion—it offers a gateway to a more enriched driving experience.
If you’re in the market for a sporty coupe that doesn’t compromise on performance or technology, the Mustang GT deserves your consideration. And if you want to protect your investment from younger generations (just kidding, kind of), the manual transmission is the perfect option.
Final Thoughts
Driving the 2024 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Premium is sheer joy. It doesn’t try to hide its muscle car roots—it embraces them. And while the world is leaning towards EVs and driverless tech, the Mustang proudly keeps the flame of analog driving alive. Whether you’re a die-hard old-school enthusiast or just entering the performance car world, this Mustang has something special for you. And if you choose the manual, you might just be in on one of the best-kept secrets of driving pleasure—one that keeps people guessing and laughing about the “millennial anti-theft device” for years to come.
This car isn’t just a means to an end—it’s the reason you take the long way home.