An iconic nameplate is MotorWeek's 2024 Best of the Year as part of the TV series’ annual Drivers’ Choice Awards. MotorWeek, now in its 43rd season as TV and digital media’s original automotive magazine series, says the full slate of awards reflects the enthusiasm Americans continue to have for cars.
2024 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards
Ford Mustang - Best Of The Year
MotorWeek says with legendary style, power and fun, but still with everyday usability, the Ford Mustang wrangled the top spot in the corral of awards against the most outstanding array of vehicles in the award program’s more than four-decade history.
MotorWeek goes on to say that while the seventh generation Mustang is evolutionary, in its 60th-anniversary year, it remains America’s original, and now last remaining “pony” car.
“Part of the Mustang’s appeal has always revolved around its everyday viability, not just its muscle car performance,” says MotorWeek Host and Creator John Davis. “The 2024 Mustang pays homage to the past with design cues that keep America’s favorite pony car aesthetics intact. But make no mistake, this is, in every way, a 21st century Mustang.”
MotorWeek points out that Ford says the digital cockpit is inspired by fighter jets – and says with the two large customizable digital displays - believe it.
“The interior, including the standard 12.4-inch instrument cluster, is a tremendous improvement from the last iteration of Mustang – the big screens angled toward the driver, comfortable seats, and visibility all make this a driver’s car,” says Davis. “This is an ’everyman’s’ sports car with its long hood, short rear deck, safety features, and accoutrements. It is the last, best, truly attainable American high-performance vehicle.”
MotorWeek also says consumers can experience the improved Mustang performance at all price levels, starting with the 371-horsepower EcoBoost Coupe for around $32,515, right up to the 500-horsepower Dark Horse at just over $61,000. The 480-horsepower GT Coupe hits right around $43,000. It says this range of choices makes this new “pony” one of the most exciting car options available for a variety of budgets.
Matt Simpson, Ford’s General Manager, Enthusiast Vehicles, says “MotorWeek’s recognition affirms what we are hearing from customers about the seventh-generation Mustang’s advanced technology, driving dynamics, and style. And this year is just the beginning as we take Mustang around the world for customers and race teams. 2024 is more than Mustang’s 60th anniversary. It’s the kickoff for the next 60 years of Mustang.”
Drivers' Choice Award Category Winners
MotorWeek says its editorial staff evaluates more than 150 cars, trucks, and sports utility vehicles every year. It chooses Drivers’ Choice Award winners in 12 consumer-driven categories based on driving performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency, and value for the dollar.
“Our category winners this year represent a diversity, not only in vehicle choice, but in pricing. Plus, as the award’s name says, we love driving them” says Davis. “Prices start (on this award list) from around $29,000. More EV’s are being introduced into the market, but those who prefer all internal-combustion powered cars will see they are staying the course, with more on the way. For those uncertain about a full-on transition to EV, a lot of these vehicles come with either standard or optional hybrid powertrains. With inventories now fully stocked, it is becoming the year of personalized choice for both vehicle and price. That’s great news for car buyers.”
Category winners:
- Best Family Car: Honda Accord
- Best Luxury Car: BMW 5 Series
- Best Sport Sedan: Acura Integra (repeat winner from 2023)
- Best Sport Coupe: Ford Mustang
- Best Performance Car: Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
- Best Small Utility: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
- Best Midsize Utility: Jeep Grand Cherokee (repeat winner from 2023)
- Best Large Utility: Toyota Grand Highlander
- Best Luxury Utility: Porsche Cayenne
- Best Small Truck: Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon
- Best Fullsize Truck: Chevrolet Silverado
- Best EV: Hyundai IONIQ 6, Kia EV9, Volkswagen ID.4 (also a winner in 2022)
MotorWeek and the 2024 Drivers’ Choice Awards are nationally sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper-to-Bumper, and TireRack.com.
