Ford Fairlane (1955-1970)
Ford named its Fairlane after Henry Ford’s Michigan estate, and it embodied the 1950s appeal. While it had V8 engines, the Fairlane was more focused on comfort and performance, until it was retired in favor of the more market-relevant Torino.
Chevrolet Corvette (C1 - 1962)
Vehicle enthusiasts will know the Chevrolet Corvette as the originator of American sports cars, a beautiful fiberglass vehicle with an engine that was unrivalled for its time. However, Chevrolet ultimately rolled out improved versions and left the Corvette in the dust.
Ford Mustang (First Gen - 1965-1973)
Named after a wild horse, the Ford Mustang became synonymous with power and speed. But the best part? It was comparatively affordable! And while Ford released newer models, they never quite achieved the same sensation as this iconic muscle car.
Chevrolet Camaro (First Gen - 1967-1969)
The Chevrolet was the performance car that every manufacturer tried to measure up to in its day. As time went on and their designs developed, Chevrolet became less about its barely-controlled power, and more about its tightened user-friendly focus.
Pontiac GTO (1964-1974)
When you think of muscle cars the Pontiac GTO is iconic and captured the concept perfectly. Created by John DeLorean (recognize that name from Back to the Future?), it looked like a beast and didn’t break the bank balance but grew out of popularity in the ’70s.
Dodge Charger (First Gen - 1966-1978)
For many, when the Dodge Charger was released, it was an American Icon in muscle cars - it looked aggressive, had a rebellious attitude and boy, was it fast! However, when tastes changed and gas prices rose, the original Dodge Charger became redundant.
Chevrolet Chevelle (1964-1977)
While the Chevrolet Chevelle wasn’t the biggest car on the market, it packed in a roaring V8 engine. Times changed though, and as oil prices rose the Chevrolet Chevelle became less popular while safety regulations reduced its engine power.
Buick Riviera (1963-1999)
Buick outdid themselves with the Riviera, a luxury sedan with all the trappings of a top-grade sports car - and that signature front grille was the icing on the cake! It had everything - handling, beauty, style - yet the market still dried up and the Riviera was discontinued
Chrysler Imperial (1926-1975)
The luxury Imperial was Chrysler’s answer to the Lincoln and Cadillac. It offered technology no other cars did at the time: a push-button transmission and self-levelling suspension. Tough competition from its rivals and changes in market tastes contributed to its downfall.
Ford Thunderbird (1955-1997)
The Thunderbird is one of Ford’s crowning achievements, a versatile sports car that left its stamp on vehicle history as, among other things, a status symbol for the rich and successful. Eventually it became outdated, and never regained its popularity.
Pontiac Firebird (1967-2002)
The Firebird was the Chevrolet Camaro’s direct rival, and it offered a choice of engines: a 230-cubic inch inline-six engine, or a selection of V8s. While its opponents eventually overshadowed it, the Firebird remains a favorite.
Oldsmobile 442 (1964-1980)
Called the 442 because of its 4-speed manual transmission, 4-barrel carburetor and 2 exhaust pipes, it had a balanced performance and vehicle lovers still remember it fondly. Yet even so, it went the way of other muscle cars in its day, retired by rising gas prices and new regulations
Cadillac Eldorado (1953-2002)
When the Eldorado first released it was the very definition of Cadillac - it was big, flashy and stunning. Sadly, when it tried to change with the times its technology failed and Cadillac went in another direction.
AMC Javelin (1968-1974)
The Javelin was an underdog in the consumer war between muscle cars, and it was holding its own. However, AMC’s financial challenges and the car’s insurance rates ended the Javelin but it did leave an enduring legacy.
Chevrolet Impala (1958-1985)
The legendary Impala was the best-selling car in 1960s America. Eventually though, the market just slid from under it; Chevrolet created other, more popular models and the Impala faded into the history books.
Dodge Dart (1960-1976)
The Dart had a wild ride, starting in 1960 and fading in the ’70s. It almost made a comeback too; Dodge rebooted the car 40 years later, but its tech couldn’t compete in a modern market and it ended up on the scrap heap.
Chrysler 300 (First Gen - 1955-1971)
This car was so advanced for its time that it won several NASCAR championships in the ’50s. Chrysler updated it frequently at first, but eventually the advancements slowed to a trickle and stopped. It was discontinued in 2023.
Chevrolet Nova (1962-1979)
The Nova started out as a compact then became a muscle car, but it ended as a victim of the oil crisis in the mid-to-late 1970s. Its last gasp was in 1985, but its aesthetic and technology were not well-received and it didn’t outlive the decade.
Ford Torino (1968-1976)
In its day the Torino was fast, powerful and a real contender, and the TV show Starsky & Hutch extended its popularity. It wasn’t to be though, and it faded away among its overwhelming competitors and a changing consumer market.
Mercury Cougar (1967-2002)
The cougar was designed as a refined version of the Mustang. However, as time went on the models became larger and slower. It lost its proverbial drive and suffered an identity crisis, even ending up as a personal yacht until its 2010 retirement.
Pontiac Trans Am (1969-2002)
Known for its screaming eagle on the hood, the Trans Am found a higher level of fame when Burt Reynolds drove one in the movie Smokey and the Bandit in 1977) the Trans Am was a favorite on and off racing tracks and stayed relevant right up until its sales declined in 2002.
Chrysler Cordoba (1975-1983)
The Cordoba, known for its corinthian leather interior, was designed to tow the line between sports cars and sedans. It was very popular on release, but a market shift towards economical vehicles played a large part in its downfall.
Dodge Viper (1992-2017)
Designed to provide the pure joy of driving over fancy technological frills, the Viper offered an edge many other cars didn’t. When later models embraced a softer, less raw design the Viper lost its niche market and its sales numbers.
Chevrolet SS (2014-2017)
The SS was actually based on an Australian sedan by Holden, though this actually gave it extra appeal in the U.S. It was comfortable, reliable and aggressive, yet its price and limited availability led to its downfall. Chevrolet dropped the ball on its marketing too, which certainly didn’t help!
Pontiac Solstice (2005-2009)
As an affordable, powerful and stylish car you’d think the Solstice would have stood the test of time… but its production only ran for 4 years. The bankruptcy of its manufacturer, General Motors (or GM), was an underlying factor of its decline.
Chrysler Prowler (1997-2002)
The Prowler combined modern technology with a custom-car feel and a retro design. And while it looked the part - it stood out in a time when cars were traditionally trying to blend in - it had flaws. It lacked mass market appeal and its high price didn’t match its mid-level performance leading to a short-lived run.
Ford GT40 (1964-1969)
When you mention American performance engines, those in the know think GT40. It was originally created to compete with Ferrari at Le Mans, and it won! But the street version wasn’t as successful and was retired after a short run.
Lincoln Continental (1939-2020)
Henry Ford’s son, Edsel Ford, had the Continental created as his own custom car, and it became the car of choice for the affluent. Nevertheless, it lost sales during the gasoline crisis and couldn’t keep up with modernization. It’s still a legendary car though!
Buick Skylark (1953-1998)
Another victim of the muscle car decline, the Buick Skylark was created in 1953 as a high-end luxury convertible. Over a series of model upgrades, it transitioned into a muscle car, offering a combination of style, horsepower and increased performance.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo (1970-2007)
If you know luxury coupes, you'll recognize the Monte Carlo. Before its lack of fuel efficiency caught up with it, the vehicle was a comfort-focused, sleek beauty with two V8 engines, which made it very popular in its ’70s glory years.
Ford Falcon (1960-1970)
The Falcon hit all the right buttons in the ’60s when people were shopping for affordable practical vehicles, but it lost favor as the market shifted to larger cars. And even though it was discontinued in the U.S. in 1970, its legacy continued overseas in Australia.
Dodge Neon (1994-2005)
The Neon compact sedan was designed specifically for first-time car owners and younger drivers, and it incorporated a round, playful design for its target audience. It was fun and affordable, but it wasn’t reliable, so its competition eventually overtook it.
Oldsmobile 98 (1940-1996)
The 98 aimed to marry competitive performance with luxury, and it succeeded for a while. Unfortunately, new emissions and safety requirements forced the 98 to change its design and its compromises contributed to its ultimate end in 1996.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (1983-2007)
With its various high horsepower options and stylish form, the Monte Carlo SS put the “muscle” in muscle car, which was part of the problem: they were on the decline. The SS’s compact and sedan competitors outshone it as the market shifted, popping its metaphorical tires.
Chrysler Town & Country (1941-2016)
The T&C was retired relatively recently, but it had a good run! It went from its inception as a wooden-panelled vehicle (or a woodie) to a full-sized station wagon, it also branched out into minivans when the market shifted. Minivans went out of vogue in 2010 and so Chrysler adapted once more - this time choosing to create a new model instead of adapting the T&C.
