I’m thrown back into my seat as we dive into the first corner, a sharp right turn that feels like it’s trying to rearrange my internal organs. Honestly, just holding on for dear life feels like an accomplishment because the ride so far has been, in one word, exhilarating. It’s also incredibly smooth, cornering like we’re glued to the track. And in a way, we are – on a track, that is.
But let’s clarify, I’m not recounting a thrilling drive in a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost convertible just yet, though that adventure did happen during an unforgettable 800-mile road trip across West Michigan. Right now, I’m talking about Shivering Timbers, a massive wooden roller coaster hidden in a charming amusement park near the shores of Lake Michigan.
| Quick Specs | 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible |
|---|---|
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.3-liter Inline-Four |
| Output | 315 Horsepower / 350 Pound-Feet |
| Efficiency | 22 City / 33 Highway / 26 Combined |
| Base Price / As Tested | $40,615 / $49,455 |
| On Sale Date | Now |
The Mustang – specifically, a premium EcoBoost convertible model – was our chariot for a long weekend getaway with my wife, envisioned as a budget-friendly escape filled with fun. While the “budget-friendly” part proved to be a bit flexible, the “fun” aspect was undeniably delivered, both in getting to our destination and experiencing it. Having spent a decade enjoying three different V-8 Mustang convertibles, this EcoBoost experience sparked a compelling question: Do you actually need those eight cylinders to truly relish the pony car convertible lifestyle?
Day One: Tulip Fail and Mustang Win
Our long weekend started with a 2.5-hour drive to Holland, Michigan, with a romantic mission: to immerse ourselves in fields of tulips and bring home a bouquet for my wife. Holland is famous for its annual Tulip Festival in mid-to-late May, boasting around 5 million tulips in bloom. However, our vision of endless vibrant colors was met with acres of… well, dead tulips. They resembled crumpled brown paper bags, remnants of what should have been. A quick pre-trip check would have revealed that a mild Michigan winter had nudged Mother Nature ahead of schedule, causing the tulips to bloom weeks before our visit. A definite bummer for the floral expectations, but the giant windmill in town was undeniably impressive.
And so was the Mustang convertible. With the soft top raised, the cabin was remarkably quiet, even at highway speeds where you’d anticipate significant wind noise. Transforming into open-air mode is a breeze, taking roughly 15 seconds, although Ford mandates a complete stop for the top to operate. The seats proved comfortable for the extended drive, and I was pleasantly surprised by the well-tuned ride quality. It struck a good balance between confident cornering and effective bump absorption. Navigating the often-rough surfaces of US-31 in West Michigan, the Mustang remained composed, absorbing potholes without jarring us or losing its composure. There was some noticeable cowl shake, a characteristic trait in convertibles, reminding us that some things are inherent to the design.
Day Two: Conquering Coaster Fears in a Convertible
About 40 miles north of Holland lies Michigan’s Adventure, a smaller theme park housing one colossal roller coaster. Shivering Timbers, a wooden behemoth inaugurated in 1998, stretches over a mile in length, ranking among the world’s longest and most intense wooden coasters. Its initial drop is a stomach-churning 122 feet, launching riders to a top speed of 57 mph, and the thrills are relentless for the entire two-minute duration. My previous encounter with it 12 years prior had genuinely frightened me.
This time, I felt somewhat prepared for the adrenaline rush. But then, something unexpected happened: I genuinely enjoyed it. Perhaps it was the prior experience lessening the shock, or maybe it was the white-knuckle grip I maintained on the safety bar that gave me a false sense of control. Whatever the reason, I was ready for another round. My wife, however, was decidedly not.
Day Three: EcoBoost Sound and Scenic Drives
Sporting mild sunburns and post-theme park headaches, we decided to keep the Mustang’s top up for the journey home. We also opted for a more scenic, less congested route along Lake Michigan, ditching the major interstates and relying on Ford’s navigation system to guide us to interesting spots. It turned out that the combination of dense forests and proximity to one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world didn’t quite agree with Ford’s SYNC 4 system, as we experienced dropped connections in certain areas. Google Maps, however, remained unfazed. Eventually, we stumbled upon a particularly winding road aptly named Scenic Drive.
It was on this stretch that I truly came to terms with the Mustang’s soundtrack. Admittedly, I’m accustomed to the V-8 rumble from my previous pony cars, and I made a conscious effort to maintain an open mind about the EcoBoost. Many four-cylinder engines can sound fantastic; Honda’s engines immediately come to mind. However, in the Mustang, Ford attempts to give its four-cylinder EcoBoost a V-8-esque growl, aiming for a similar sonic character to the Coyote V-8. And it’s… not bad, under specific conditions.
At startup, it delivers a satisfying rumble, and the idle has a surprisingly deep tone. Push it to the redline, and the engine note isn’t unpleasant either. In track mode, you even get those sporty pops and crackles when you lift off the throttle. But during normal driving, the sound can become a bit tiresome. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts frequently, and under moderate acceleration, the engine and exhaust note can resemble a tuba struggling with a CVT. My test car was equipped with the optional active exhaust, which I promptly switched to “quiet” mode for the majority of the trip. For the last 200 miles, it remained exclusively in that mode.
Then there’s the steering. The GT model has been criticized for its numb steering feel, and the EcoBoost version shares this characteristic. To be fair, most EcoBoost Mustang convertible owners probably aren’t prioritizing mid-corner feedback for perfect apex hunting. But that’s no excuse for Ford to compromise on steering feel in any car, sporty or not. On my very first corner, I inadvertently drifted off the inside line simply because the steering felt too light. Gauging the load on the front tires is virtually impossible, even in sport mode. The silver lining? It didn’t ruin the car for me, and after 800 miles, I almost became accustomed to it. But Ford has room for improvement here.
The Not-So-Budget-Friendly Fun Factor
Once upon a time, Michigan’s Adventure was known as the go-to budget theme park. However, in May 2024, I paid $120 for two adult tickets and an additional $25 for parking. For that price, I could have opted for Ohio’s Cedar Point, a significantly larger park boasting a wider array of thrilling roller coasters. But then, I would have missed the dead tulips and my rematch with Shivering Timbers.
The Mustang EcoBoost I drove also stretched the definition of “inexpensive.” In Premium convertible trim, the Mustang started at an MSRP of $43,540, including destination charges. That’s a slight increase over the base EcoBoost Convertible’s $40,615 price. However, with options like the 201A Equipment Group, active exhaust, and a few other extras, the as-tested price reached $49,455. That price point edges into Mustang GT territory, leaving room for even more options on the GT. Yet, a comparably equipped Mustang convertible with the 5.0-liter V8 and a six-speed manual transmission would set you back a full $10,000 more. So, yes, “inexpensive” is a relative term.
V-8 Desirable, But Not Essential in a Mustang Convertible
Like many car enthusiasts, I appreciate the robust power and distinctive soundtrack of a V-8 engine. However, I believe we’ve become somewhat desensitized to performance metrics. The Mustang GT, with its 480-hp Coyote V-8, is undeniably quicker, and the Dark Horse model is even faster. But that doesn’t imply that the EcoBoost is slow or unexciting. 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque in a 3,700-pound convertible provide ample power for the majority of drivers. It can hit 60 mph in around 5 seconds, grips corners with satisfying confidence, and has more than enough power to spin the rear tires. Not long ago, these performance figures would have been considered benchmarks for a V-8 pony car. And the four-cylinder EcoBoost is also surprisingly fuel-efficient, averaging 33 mpg during my 800-mile road trip.
The EcoBoost Mustang often flies under the radar, but it deserves more attention. The ultra-high-performance $325,000 GTD or the $60,000 Dark Horse are halo cars, selling in limited numbers and not the backbone of the Mustang lineup. The EcoBoost Convertible, however, remains within reach for many new-car buyers. And at this level, you don’t necessarily need performance packages or active exhaust systems. Buyers seeking those upgrades will likely gravitate towards the GT. Appearance packages are also arguably unnecessary; it’s a Mustang, and owners will personalize it according to their budget and taste. The primary feature I appreciated in the more expensive Premium trim was the integrated single screen housing the dual displays.
Even that could be considered a luxury that could be sacrificed for a more budget-conscious fun experience. And that’s precisely what the EcoBoost Mustang Convertible delivers. Lower the top, turn up the music, and devour the open road. With the dwindling number of convertibles available today, it’s reassuring to know that the Mustang still offers smiles per mile at a relatively accessible price point. Relatively speaking, of course.
Our Take On The V8:
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse Rips
2024 Ford Mustang GT First Drive Review: Wild Horses Keep Dragging Me Away
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2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Convertible
Engine Turbocharged 2.3-liter Inline Four
Output 315 Horsepower / 350 Pound Feet
Transmission 10-Speed Automatic
Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive
Speed 0-60 MPH 5.5 Seconds (est)
Maximum speed 145 MPH (est)
Weight 3,741 Pounds
Efficiency 22 City / 33 Highway / 26 Combined
Seating Capacity 4
Cargo Volume 11.4 Cubic Feet
Trim Base Price $43,540
As-Tested Price $49,455
On Sale Now
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