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The Ford Mustang is a thrilling yet practical muscle car, with enough civility in any trim for daily use. The V8-powered models deliver pulse-quickening performance and sound.
Best Muscle Cars of 2021 and 2022
Muscle cars
As American as triple cheeseburgers, muscle cars are brawny coupes based on the age-old belief that there's no problem a bigger engine can't fix. What's new these days is that impressive handling is now part of the package.
2
Redesigned in 2008
Dodge Challenger
People typically overlook convenience in two-door cars, but the Dodge Challenger bucks that trend with a spacious trunk and roomy rear quarters. If it's performance you're after, the Challenger also offers some genuinely gonzo engines that don't stop till they pass 800 horsepower.
- MSRP
- $28,295 - $82,590
3
Redesigned in 2016
Chevrolet Camaro
There's plenty of performance to be had in the Chevrolet Camaro, yet it also features precision handling. You expect the tire-smoking V8 acceleration, but even more striking are this Camaro's agility and poise around corners.
- MSRP
- $25,000 - $62,000
Edmunds' experts test 200 vehicles per year on our test track. We also test them using a 115-mile real-world test loop of city streets, freeways and winding canyons. The data we gather results in our ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover performance, comfort, interior, technology, utility and value.
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FAQ
Which is the best muscle car to buy?
There are only a few muscle cars on the market, and each offers its own benefits. The Dodge Challenger is big and brash, with distinctly retro styling and a choice of several powerful V8s. The Chevrolet Camaro is the athlete of the bunch, delivering razor-sharp handling and punchy engines no matter your budget. But our favorite is the Ford Mustang, which offers a sublime balance of comfort and performance. For our money, there isn't a better muscle car at its price point. Learn more
What is the best muscle car for 2020?
The Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro have their charms, but they can't beat the Ford Mustang's overall excellence. The Mustang gets even better for the 2020 model year, with the introduction of a performance package for models with the base turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The mighty Shelby GT500 also returns for 2020, powered by a supercharged V8 producing a massive 760 horsepower. Learn more
What is the best muscle car for 2019?
The best muscle car on the market is the Ford Mustang. The Mustang lineup expanded in 2019 with the release of the Bullitt trim, named after the 1968 film starring Steve McQueen, whose character notably drives a uniquely configured Mustang through the streets of San Francisco. The modern Bullitt is an homage to the coupe in the iconic movie and features similar styling as well as increased power from the V8 and performance upgrades. Learn more