2021 Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang has been America's most iconic muscle car since its introduction in the mid-1960s. While today's Mustang doesn't enjoy the Earth-shattering success as its forebear, the modern version is one of the most enjoyable and affordable sports cars on the market today.

The Mustang's faultless blend of athleticism and practicality wins it the top spot in our ranking of muscle cars. It effortlessly marries the sportiness of the Chevrolet Camaro with the utility offered by the Dodge Challenger while avoiding the pitfalls of both. Depending on how you spec it, the Mustang can be a hardcore track star, a comfortable cruiser or something in between. All powertrains offer quick acceleration, whether you select the base turbocharged four-cylinder or one of the several available V8s.

We don't expect any major changes to the core Ford Mustang offerings. However, a new Ford Mustang Mach 1 is rumored to bow in 2021. The last Mach 1 — available in the 2003-2004 model years — modified the standard GT with a more powerful V8, along with a Shaker hood, sport-tuned suspension and exterior graphics package. A modern interpretation would likely follow in the path blazed by the current Mustang Bullitt, itself a performance-oriented take on the GT.

We don't expect any significant changes to the core Mustang EcoBoost and GT offerings. That said, a new Mach 1 is rumored, which should extend the lifespan of this maturing but viable muscle car.