Dodge Dakota R/T
This mid-size truck packed a secret - a 5.9L V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. The Dakota R/T looked mild, but hauled like a muscle car. It was the pickup that thought it was a street racer - and proved it time and again.
Buick Grand National
The Buick Grand National was a blacked-out beast that shocked everyone with a turbo V6 that could outrun many V8s. It looked like a villain’s car, and performed like one, too. It was quietly powerful and oh-so quick, proving that the car’s six cylinders could play with the big boys.
Pontiac Firebird Formula
The Firebird Formula packed the same V8 power as many of the other muscle cars of its time. But it was lighter, cheaper, and faster than many people realized. If you wanted real performance without the spoilers, the Pontiac was the one to get.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
The Monte Carlo SS was inspired by NASCAR and had a sleek body and a strong V8 engine under the hood. It looked tough, adding to its street presence that made many people see it as more than just a cruiser - it had that muscle you could feel.
Oldsmobile 442
The comeback version of the Oldsmobile didn’t have the old-school roar it once did, but it handled better than expected, adding to its charm. The car had a solid V8 performance and made it onto just about every muscle car list in the 80s.
Ford Mustang SVO
The Mustang SVO was a car ahead of its time with a 4-cylinder turbo and sport-tuned suspension. It also had European handling and great fuel economy. Sure, it wasn’t loud or flashy, but it was clever and quick - just what you’d expect from a Mustang.
Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
The IROC-Z was pure '80s cool with bold looks and some serious V8 options. It handled better than most Camaros before it, and looked more like a street racer straight from the factory. Fans of the car loved it because it was as flashy as it was fast.
Pontiac Firehawk
The Pontiac Firehawk was a monster hiding in plain sight. It took the regular Firebird to the next level with better suspension, more horsepower, and a meaner attitude than ever before. It was a hidden gem for those who knew the car and what it could do.
Chevrolet Impala SS
The Chevrolet Impala SS was a big, bold, and mean full-sized sedan with Corvette power and a no-nonsense attitude. It had room for no less than five people, but could haul like nothing you’ve seen before. It was one of those cars that made four doors look cool.
Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe
Make no mistake - this is not your grandpa’s Thunderbird from back in the day. The Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe had a supercharged V6 and independent rear suspension, meaning it handled better than many other muscle cars of its time. It was smooth, quick, and also sporty for a big coupe.
GMC Syclone
The GMC Syclone was a turbocharged V6 pickup that could easily beat a Ferrari in a drag race. It had all-wheel drive and tons of torque that made it one of the craziest street-legal trucks ever made, and it became a must-have for muscle car fans.
Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS
The Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS was overshadowed by the Mustang Cobra. However, it had a strong V8 engine that made it quicker than most people realized. It didn’t get as much love as we think it should have, but it could move, and it still turns heads today.
Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
The SVT Cobra offered solid horsepower and better handling, especially in the 1999 and 2001 models of this popular Ford. It had a dual overhead camshaft engine, meaning a higher-revving nature. But it felt far more refined and underrated in the muscle car world.
Pontiac GTP Coupe
The Pontiac front-wheel-drive coupe came with a supercharged V6 engine and surprising speed! It didn’t look like very much, but it had torque for days and could easily go against some of the bigger names. It was a true ‘90s sleeper.
Chrysler 300C SRT8
The Chrysler 300C SRT8 was a big and bold luxury car that had a HEMI engine that pushed its power and performance to the next level. It featured 425 horsepower and a menacing stance, even though it looked like a muscle car in a three-piece suit. Great power, great comfort, and seriously underrated.
Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO was reborn in Australia and packed incredible LS1 and LS2 V8 power. It wasn’t as flashy as it once was, but it was fast - real fast. People wanted more of that muscle car flair, but this was the real deal, even though it was quieter.
Dodge Magnum SRT8
Dodge released its Magnum SRT8 in the mid-2000s. The muscle car in wagon form came with a HEMI V8 and loads of attitude. It could haul your groceries and destroy the competition at stoplights. You just don’t get anything as cool or quick as the unique Dodge Magnum SRT8.
Mercury Marauder
What do you get when you take a Crown Vic, add in some Mustang bits, and give it a V8 growl? The Mercury Marauder! This stealthy muscle car had a presence that most people missed, but those who didn’t still think it was one of the best.
Chevrolet Trailblazer SS
The Chevrolet Trailblazer SS was more than just a regular SUV - it had a Corvette engine! The Trailblazer SS had 395 horsepower and could really move. It was also practical, powerful, and surprisingly fast! Not many people knew about it, which makes it even cooler now!
Cadillac CTS-V
The Cadillac CTS-V is a luxury sedan with Corvette Z06 power - just what you want in a muscle car. It has a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, blending class and muscle like no other. Yes, it looks refined, but it can still fight dirty at any stoplight.
Mazda RX-8
The RX-8 is not a muscle car in the traditional sense, but it does deserve a mention thanks to its high-revving rotary engine, rear-wheel drive, and a fun-to-drive nature. It might not be popular on paper, but it feels alive behind the wheel.
Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack
Everyone always talks about the Dodge Charger Hellcat, but the Scat Pack delivers 485 horsepower of V8 muscle for way less money. It’s loud, fast, and a blast to drive. It has room for four or five people and has some serious muscle that makes it a car you’ll enjoy every day.
Chevrolet SS
The Aussie-built Chevrolet SS came with a Corvette LS3 V8 engine and even had a manual option. It might have looked plain, but it drove like a dream! The Chevy SS is a hidden gem that deserves way more love, as it is comfortable, fast, and rare.
Ford Mustang Bullitt
The Bullitt was inspired by the movie Magic and brought cool style with a few subtle performance upgrades. It has far cleaner looks, better handling, and more power than the standard GT, and has become a modern classic that celebrates the past without being overly flashy.
Chevrolet Camaro 1LE
The 1LE package really turned the Camaro into a track-ready monster worthy of muscle car status. It has better suspension, brakes, and handling, but is often overshadowed by the ZL1. Having said that, it can carve corners the best and is an absolute blast to drive.
Dodge Challenger R/T Classic
The retro-styled Dodge Charger R/T Classic brings back old-school looks with real HEMI V8 power. It doesn’t scream like the Hellcat, but it still has an impressive roar. It’s a fun and stylish ride that feels like you’re stepping back in time, but with some modern muscle under the hood.
Pontiac G8 GXP
The Pontiac G8 GXP is a rare four-door rocket with a 6.2L V8 straight out of the Corvette. It’s fast, comfortable, and totally unexpected from Pontiac. While it was only made for one year (2009), it is a unicorn in the muscle car world.
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
It’s not every day that you would call an SUV a muscle car, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT packs a 6.4L HEMI and some serious speed. It is incredibly fast off the starting line, handles surprisingly well, and also looks tough doing it. Some might even call it a beast.
Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec
The Genesis Coupe R-Spec flew under the radar with rear-wheel drive, a strong V6, and a manual option. But this is one sporty, fun, and affordable muscle car that’s a great mix of muscle and agility, especially for something that doesn’t wear a big-name badge.
Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400
Luxury looks with a twin-turbo V6 engine that pushes 400 horsepower - that’s what you can expect from the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400. It delivers smooth power and speed, all neatly wrapped in a sleek and sexy package. It’s refined but fast, perfect for those who want a quiet killer.
Kia Stinger GT
The Stinger GT is one of the more surprising cars on our list, but it deserves a spot with its twin-turbo V6, rear-wheel drive, and stylish looks. It’s fast, fun, and really way cooler than people think. It truly challenges the muscle car mold.
Ford Mustang EcoBoost
The turbocharged four-cylinder Mustang with the High Performance Pack isn’t just for fuel savers who love the power and performance of a muscle car. It handles better than most expect, and has sharp steering and surprising speed. It is like a lightweight fighter in a heavyweight world.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 V8 is one of the more popular cars on our list, and for good reason. These off-roaders can quickly be turned into a serious muscle truck with their rugged looks and incredible power. They bring the brawn to the trail.
Dodge Durango SRT 392
One of the newer cars on our list, this three-row SUV has a 6.4L HEMI engine. Sure, it’s a family hauler, but it sounds and drives like a muscle car. It’s also big, bold, and crazy fun with some serious attitude for a car that many would not consider a traditional muscle car.
Lucid Air Sapphire
Who says an electric car can’t be called a muscle car? The Lucid Air Sapphire has over 1,200 horsepower, which equals some pretty impressive speed. It’s also smoother and quicker than anything else on the road. This is what muscle looks like in the age of electric vehicles.
