When properly equipped, the Dark Horse is capable of remarkable handling and impressive braking. The 500-hp V8 isn't too shabby either. Some traditionalists might scoff at the 2024 Mustang's digital interior but we think the biggest detriment to the Dark Horse is its steep asking price. But we don't think you could build a better-performing and well-rounded Mustang for the same price. It already feels like a classic for the Blue Oval.Read full review
The redesigned 2024 Ford Mustang introduces the seventh generation of the pony car, though much of the previous Mustang's DNA is still present. The new car rides on the same platform and uses the same engines (all with slight modifications), meaning that the new Mustang drives similarly to the outgoing model. Ford says that all of the 2024 Mustang's bodywork is new, save for the front pillars and roof, but the overall impression is one of many slight tweaks to the Mustang's current formula, albeit with more extreme lines. There's also a new high-performance Dark Horse model that combines elements of the much-loved GT 350 and GT 500 models but with added civility and comfort.
This new generation Mustang ushers out the more traditional analog dashboard layout and replaces it with a fully digital setup. Its appearance is polarizing, but the improvement in functionality and overall modernity cannot be disputed. The digital instrument panel has multiple configurations and displays far more information than previous iterations ever could. The same goes for the new, and much larger, 13.2-inch infotainment screen. It's easier to read, quicker to react, and much more comprehensive than anything ever offered in a Mustang.
Competitors to consider
While you might still be able to pick up a Dodge Challenger or a Chevrolet Camaro from a dealership, it's a sad fact that both of these long-term rivals will soon be out of production. That doesn't leave much in the way of direct competition, but the BMW 2 Series, Toyota GR Supra and Nissan Z offer both practical and sporty counterpoints to the Mustang.
What's it like to live with?
Our year-long road test fleet would feel incomplete without some muscle in it, so we bought a Ford Mustang Dark Horse to live with and enjoy its V8 engine note and surprisingly agile handling. And then to spice things up even more, we added on a Ford Performance supercharger kit to give it over 800-hp. Keep an eye on the Dark Horse's page for regular updates on what we've been getting up to with the pony car. U-Drags anyone?
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
8.0
out of 10
We drove the 2024 Ford Mustang on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
9/10
How does the Mustang Dark Horse drive? Somewhat disappointingly, the Dark Horse is not much quicker than the Mustang GT in a straight line. During our instrumented testing, our manual-equipped test car sprinted to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and raced down the quarter mile in 12.8 seconds at 111.6 mph. That's only 0.2 second quicker to 60 and essentially identical through the quarter mile than a manual transmission-equipped Mustang GT we tested earlier. But the Dark Horse wasn't built to win drag races — it was built for track days.
Our test car was equipped with the optional Handling package and, among other modifications, that means it was shod with the stickiest of Pirelli rubber. As a result, the Dark Horse delivered a hugely impressive 1.12 g on our skidpad, putting it firmly in the realm of more exotic and expensive sports cars. Braking numbers, too, were just shy of amazing. Stopping from 60 mph in just 94 feet, the Dark Horse is only out-stopped by the Porsche 911 GT3, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the C7-generation Corvette ZR1.
Put it all together and the Dark Horse rewards the driver with loads of confidence and speed. The brakes resisted fade over numerous hard laps, while the Dark Horse's chassis and suspension modifications allowed drivers to fully exploit all the grip of the Pirelli Trofeo RS tires. We only wish the steering provided more feel and feedback through the wheel. In more relaxed driving situations, the Dark Horse is as benign and easy to drive as a standard Mustang GT. The six-speed manual transmission's shift action is positive, direct and a great match for the Dark Horse's character.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Mustang Dark Horse? Thanks to its standard MagneRide adaptive dampers, the Dark Horse manages to deliver a fairly smooth ride even with its impressive performance potential. The optional Recaro sport seats are also pretty comfortable even considering their extra bolstering, though they lack the Mustang's otherwise available heating and ventilation functions.
Enthusiasts will likely have no problem with interior noise levels in the Dark Horse. There is tire and road noise from the wide tires, but the rest of the cabin is fairly well insulated. The various exhaust settings can be tailored from mild to wild, and we didn't encounter any droning over longer highway drives.
We're less keen on the Mustang's climate system design. The air vents don't offer enough adjustment or airflow, and some of the system's controls are touchscreen-based, which is inconvenient.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? Our test car had the optional Recaro front seats. Their thick bolsters can make it hard to get in and out without sliding the seat back. And, as expected, the Mustang's rear seats are cramped, especially when it comes to headroom, though they should work out OK for children on shorter trips. The Mustang's long doors can make it difficult to get in and out in tighter parking situations.
Whichever seats you choose, you will enjoy a driving position that works well for both road and track driving. Visibility over the largely flat hood is good, but the front roof pillars are thick and can block some of your view on tighter roads. The side mirrors are also too small for a car the size of a Mustang.
Once inside, the Dark Horse presents its occupants with a fully digital dashboard and a minimal assortment of buttons. Previously, the steering wheel in Mustangs has been overcrowded with controls so we're glad to see Ford has streamlined its layout. Most of the other functions and settings are accessible through the large digital infotainment screen. It can be a bit of a stretch for some drivers, but the screen is easy to read, fast-acting and fairly intuitive. The Mustang won't take most owners long to figure out.
Here are some buying and negotiating tips for the 2024 Ford Mustang:
Mustang trims show savings, such as the Dark Horse trim, with buyers benefiting from over 15% off MSRP—around $6,514 across models. This equates to savings upwards of $9,151 on specific trims.
There are currently no generally available customer cash rebates for new Mustangs.
New Mustangs are selling slower than average, taking 326 to 578 days on lots, allowing more room for negotiation due to lower demand.
Used Mustang buyers can find listings as low as $24,601.50, with over 845 units available, but they are selling faster than new, averaging 20 to 36 days on dealer lots.
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Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? Facing the driver is a 12.4-inch digital instrument panel joined to a 13.2-inch touchscreen powered by Ford's Sync 4 system. The instrument panel has a multitude of configurations, while the touchscreen is easy to read, fast-acting and features a menu structure that's relatively straightforward. We found the navigation system quick and efficient.
The Dark Horse's standard 12-speaker B&O audio system is less impressive. It can crank out decent volume but lacks any real nuance once you turn it up. Of course, there's always the 5.0-liter V8 to listen to. A wireless charging pad is available, and there's an assortment of USB charging ports within easy reach.
Equipped with standard driver assist tech like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning and lane keeping assistance, the Dark Horse is about average with other sports cars in the segment. Most of the systems worked well in our testing. The exception was the lane keeping system that had a difficult time keeping the Dark Horse centered, resulting in ping-ponging back and forth between the lane lines.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? The Dark Horse maintains all the usability of a standard Mustang, making it totally capable of being a daily driver and errand runner. Though the opening is a little oddly shaped, the trunk makes the most of its capacity — 13.5 cubic feet, far more than the Camaro's 9.1 cubes — to hold golf bags or suitcases with ease. It's also more practical than the hatchback trunks of the Toyota GR Supra and Nissan Z.
Interior storage space is also identical to a standard Mustang's. You'll find enough room for sunglasses, a phone and drinks, and everything stays secure during spirited driving. Car seats can be accommodated, but you will likely struggle to fit them inside.
How economical is the Mustang Dark Horse? With an EPA estimate of 17 mpg combined (14 city/22 highway) the Dark Horse is far from fuel-efficient. Over our 115-mile evaluation loop, we extracted 18 mpg from the 500-horsepower V8. It's worth noting that the 10-speed automatic transmission and six-speed manual have identical EPA estimates. As with any sports car, if you drive it with any vigor, expect to get fuel economy in the low teens.
Value
7/10
Is the Mustang Dark Horse a good value? This is the tricky bit for the Dark Horse. Unless you're in the market for a turn-key trackable Mustang, the Dark Horse's starting price of just over $60K is a little expensive. As optioned, our Dark Horse Premium stickered at $73,650. That's more expensive than a top-of-the-line Toyota GR Supra, Nissan Z Nismo and Chevy Camaro SS 1LE. While we know the Dark Horse is all about performance, its interior materials just aren't up to snuff for its price tag.
Warranties are fairly standard with bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage of three years/36,000 and five years/60,000 miles, respectively. Complimentary maintenance is not included but roadside assistance is covered for five years/60,000 miles.
Wildcard
9/10
If you're looking for a very well sorted and very fast Mustang and have zero interest in adding any aftermarket parts to do so, the Dark Horse is arguably the best Mustang. Brimming with attitude and capability, the Dark Horse still manages to be fairly comfortable and practical while you pass the time waiting for your next track day.
On the inside, the Mustang offers a much-needed update from previous generations and should satisfy the needs of more tech-savvy buyers without being overly difficult to use. Add one of the best six-speed manual transmissions on sale today and the noise from that 5.0-liter V8 and you've got an instant classic on your hands.
2024 Ford Mustang trim level differences
The 2024 Ford Mustang is available as both a coupe and convertible and is available in five versions: EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium and Dark Horse. Powering the Mustang EcoBoost is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (315 horsepower, 350 lb-ft of torque) mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. No manual transmission is offered for the EcoBoost. The Mustang GT uses a 5.0-liter V8 engine (480 hp, 415 lb-ft) and offers the choice between a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. Finally, the Dark Horse, which is available as a coupe only, uses a more powerful version of the GT's 5.0-liter V8 engine (500 hp, 418 lb-ft) and offers a 10-speed automatic or an uprated six-speed manual transmission. All Mustangs are rear-wheel-drive. Compare the 2024 Ford Mustang trim levels in-depth.
Which Mustang trim does Edmunds recommend?
For the quintessential Mustang experience, we'd strongly recommend selecting the GT. This choice ensures you get the snarling 5.0-liter V8 engine and opens up the option of a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission. To that, we'd add the GT Performance package to give the Mustang better handling and braking performance. If you have a bit more money to spend, opting for the GT Premium trim level gives you more standard equipment but does come at extra cost.
The overall sentiment from owners about the 2024 Ford Mustang is mixed. Many owners enjoy the car's powerful performance, sleek design, and fun driving experience. However, some have reported issues with the car's technology, including connectivity problems and dashboard glitches. Other problems mentioned include mechanical issues like bad batteries and quality concerns such as interior rattles and fender liner holes.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M)
Did I overpay, yes probably but not as much as other dealers are charging right now. My dad had a 64 1/2 convertible that we never got a chance to restore or build. When he sold it I was crushed but knew someday I would eventually get one. The DH is pretty close to that blue color it had except the amber gives it life. The 6sp is so much fun! I’m coming from a Subaru STI (04’) and grew … up on muscle cars. This is one fun to drive and I’m so glad I waited all these yrs for the 60th anniversary. “Speedy” RIP, this one is for you dad!!! Love you to the moon and back
U-DRAG RACE: 911 Carrera S vs. Mustang Dark Horse Supercharged | Handling, Quarter Mile & More
Welcome back to Edmunds U-Drags, our series of down-and-back drag races that incorporate a standing quarter mile, handling, and a rolling start all in one race! In this episode, our supercharged Ford Mustang Dark Horse takes on the Porsche 911 Carrera S in a battle of power versus precision.
The 2024 Ford Mustang has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 10 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #23 out of 28 among Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#23 out of 28 among Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$503/yr
vs. $415/yr for Average Midsize Car
Frequency
0.84x/yr
vs. 0.87x/yr for Average Midsize Car
Severity
15.9%
vs. 10.2% for Average Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
10 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
25V546000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
25C43
Manufactured from:
2022-09-07 to
Number of vehicles affected:
105545
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mustang, and Mustang GTD vehicles. Water may enter the body control module and cause a loss of communication with the exterior lighting, including the license plate light, side marker, and tail lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Defect Consequence:
License plate, side marker, and tail lights that fail to illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and seal the body seams as necessary. Dealers will also inspect the body control module for corrosion and replace it, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed September 1, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available, anticipated first quarter 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C43.
Recall Number:
25V516000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
25C35
Manufactured from:
2024-06-26 to 2024-06-26
Number of vehicles affected:
1
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling one 2024 Mustang vehicle that was repaired incorrectly under recall 24V802. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may not illuminate at startup or while driving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
Defect Consequence:
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
A dealer will update the instrument panel cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on September 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C35.
Recall Number:
25V315000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
25S49
Number of vehicles affected:
1075299
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2023-2024 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Defect Consequence:
A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 16, 2025. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated for third quarter 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
Recall Number:
24V802000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
24C35
Manufactured from:
2024-05-10 to 2024-08-20
Number of vehicles affected:
6212
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Mustang vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may not illuminate at startup or while driving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
Defect Consequence:
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C35.
Recall Number:
24V634000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
24S54
Manufactured from:
2024-05-31 to 2024-07-10
Number of vehicles affected:
24
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
Defect Consequence:
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S54.
Recall Number:
24V593000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
24S49
Manufactured from:
2023-07-25 to 2023-09-15
Number of vehicles affected:
4595
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Mustang vehicles. The rear suspension knuckles may have a casting defect that causes them to fail, which can result in a loss of vehicle handling and steering control.
Defect Consequence:
A loss of vehicle handling and steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and replace the rear suspension knuckle as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 26, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S49.
Recall Number:
24V496000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
24S43
Manufactured from:
2022-10-26 to 2024-02-08
Number of vehicles affected:
10
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Mustang vehicles. The brake fluid level sensor may not be properly configured after a Body Control Module (BCM) service update, resulting in a constantly illuminated brake fluid level warning light that can conceal a low brake fluid condition.
Defect Consequence:
An undetected low brake fluid condition can lead to a loss of braking function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will update the body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 12, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S43.
Recall Number:
24V394000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
24S36
Manufactured from:
2022-09-27 to 2024-05-23
Number of vehicles affected:
8161
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Mustang vehicles. The clutch pressure line may be improperly secured and contact hot exhaust components, which can result in melting of the clutch pressure line and cause a brake fluid leak.
Defect Consequence:
A melted clutch pressure line can result in a loss of drive power, increases the risk of a crash. A brake fluid leak increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect the clutch pressure line and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S36.
Recall Number:
24V220000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
24S19
Number of vehicles affected:
362
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Mustang vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines. The low-pressure fuel supply line may be damaged or cut, which can result in a fuel leak.
Defect Consequence:
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. In addition, a loss of fuel may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel supply line, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S19.
Recall Number:
23V800000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
23S61
Number of vehicles affected:
66
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Mustang vehicles. The brake pedal assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in a loose brake pedal.
Defect Consequence:
A loose brake pedal can result in a loss of braking function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the brake pedal and bracket assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S61.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Mustang both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Mustang has 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Ford Mustang. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Ford Mustang?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Ford Mustang:
New interior with larger screens and a more modern layout
Updated exterior styling with all-new body panels except the roof and front pillars
Dark Horse version features additional chassis tuning and 500-horsepower V8
To determine whether the Ford Mustang is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Mustang. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Mustang's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Ford Mustang a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Ford Mustang is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Mustang and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Mustang is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Ford Mustang?
The least-expensive 2024 Ford Mustang is the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $59,335.
Other versions include:
Dark Horse 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M) which starts at $59,335
If you're interested in the Ford Mustang, the next question is, which Mustang model is right for you? Mustang variants include Dark Horse 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M). For a full list of Mustang models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more