The Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger win many races, but the Ford Mustang wins the pony car wars.

The only remaining pony car in production, the Mustang doesn’t just endure. It’s offered in 10 models — the base Mustang EcoBoost Fastback to the Mustang Dark Horse Premium. There’s also the Mustang GTD, the track-ready supercar.

When I recently reviewed the Mustang, I was hoping for a V8, not the “consolation prize” 4-cylinder. But its specs revealed something familiar: a 2.3L Turbo 4-cylinder engine.

Flashback to my high school days when the Mustang SVO was among the most desired cars. It was powered by a 2.3L Turbo 4.

The Spiritual Successor to the SVO

The original SVO had a respectable 200 horsepower and 210 lb. ft. of torque. The 2024 Mustang EcoBoost has 315 horsepower and 350 lb. ft. of torque. The 4-cylinder Mustang SVO weighs less than the V8 version, translating into better handling, as it does with the Mustang EcoBoost.

The modern EcoBoost is an evolution of the SVO’s 2.3L. It shares its displacement, but that’s where the similarities end. The 2.3L EcoBoost has revised architecture, is fitted with a twin-scroll turbo, direct injection, and has an electronic wastegate. The modern Mustang EcoBoost has only one transmission, a 10-speed automatic. A manual transmission is available only on V8 powered models.

First Impression

The Mustang profile is strikingly similar to the sixth-generation Chevy Camaro. But the front and rear is uniquely Mustang, with a retro flair. The rear clip features Mustang’s signature triple segmented tail lights. The front lighting and grille opening are similarly retro, incorporating styling cues from the 1964 Mustang.

The Mustang’s LED signature lighting is among my favorite features. Sequential front and rear turn-signals triggered nostalgic memories of my youth when I admired the sequential turn signals on T-Birds and Mercury Cougars.

Similarly appealing is the animated approach lighting. I loved the “Nite Pony Package.” It projects the Mustang’s pony icon onto the pavement beside the car.

Generously Equipped

I drove the fastback and convertible EcoBoost Premium models with the high-performance package. Both were equipped with the same 2.3L Turbo 4-cylinder engine, 10 speed automatic, 3.55 limited-slip rear axle, Brembo brakes, 19-inch Pirelli P Zero tires, and an active valve performance exhaust system.

Topless Motoring

I loved driving the convertible and had the top down most of time. The chassis is solid, cowl shake is non-existent and top down comfort is commendable. Wind buffeting is minimal and well controlled.

The power convertible top is operated with the touch of a single button; no clips, latches or locks. The top opens and closes quickly and smoothly. It’s operable with the vehicle is stopped or moving at less than three mph.

I liked opening the convertible remotely from the key fob, but the top doesn’t raise with the remote. I’ve rented a Mustang convertible in Hawaii and was caught in tropical rain showers on several occasions. Raising the top remotely would have been great.  

Comfort and Convenience

The Mustang interior is 21st-century modern. The instrument panel and 13.2-inch center-stack touchscreen is seamlessly integrated into a large wrap-around display. The Mustang EcoBoost Premium features Ford’s excellent and easy-to-use SYNC 4 infotainment system. It has a great-sounding Bang & Olufsen audio system.

The fastback is equipped with aggressively bolstered Recaro racing seats. They hold occupants securely and were ideal for spirited driving. But the Recaro seats are minimally adjustable, lack power controls, and have an unusually high seating position.

Taller drivers may find the Recaro seats uncomfortable and the high (non-adjustable) seating position makes it impossible to see out of the rear view mirror. I had to rely on the side view mirrors or slouch to see behind me.

The convertible was equipped with the far more comfortable leather trimmed bucket seats which featured power lumbar control, six-way power on the driver’s side, four-way power on the passenger side and seat heat.

Ingress and egress is excellent in the convertible, but the big bolsters on the Recaro seats made entering the fastback awkward.

Behind The Wheel

The Mustang EcoBoost is fun to drive. The handling is predictable and it’s willing to be tossed around. If you like driving the backroads, the Mustang is a great choice. It’s comfortable and economical on the highway. The 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, for a combined 26 mpg. I observed better than 30 mpg driving the interstate over California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain range. The turbo engine has plenty of power and there’s no perceptible turbo lag.

The Mustang EcoBoost has an aggressive but artificial sounding exhaust note. It’s not pleasing to hear like a V8, but the sound is sufficiently bold to announce its sporting intent. The active exhaust system has several modes — quiet touring mode to a wide open track mode. I wouldn’t opt for the active exhaust; the fixed dual exhaust system sounds better. 

On the Track

I drove the Mustang on a closed course, and it’s quick, reaching 60 miles per hour in under 5 seconds. The quarter mile is achieved in a little over 13 seconds @ 100 mph. At high speeds the Mustang feels unsettled, its stability uncertain. I was compelled to slow down. In contrast, at triple digit speeds, the sixth generation Camaro feels stable and well planted. I had to keep the Mustang under 80 mph to feel comfortably in-control.

Lack of high-speed stability is my only complaint with the Mustang EcoBoost. I believe every car with sporting aspirations should feel stable when driven fast.

The Verdict

I enjoyed driving the Mustang and was pleasantly surprised by the 4-cylinder engine’s power. The Mustang is an ideal road trip companion. It’s fun to drive on the backroads and gets great fuel economy. The convertible would be my first choice. It offers a compelling combination of open air motoring, economy and practicality. I would like to drive the Mustang convertible on Route 66. It looks great and feels good to be seen in.

I’m thankful to Ford for continuing to build Pony Cars with a V8 engine choice. If you’re an enthusiast, I’d hold out or the GT or Dark Horse editions. But in the spirit of the SVO, the Mustang EcoBoost has a weight advantage and handles great. It has an appeal all its own.