Modern Muscle Cars For Enthusiasts

Introduction

It is no secret the world loves the American Muscle Car. Even those who comment how oversized and gaudy they are secretly love the allure of the quintessential muscle car. What’s even more prevalent are those finding their way into modern muscle cars. As the classics many of us have grown up around start disappearing or skyrocketing in price, the desire to own a muscle car increases. Fortunately, the “Big 3” of the American car brands have continued to provide us some healthy options of modern muscle cars.

My Upbringing Around Muscle Cars

As a kid, I grew up in a muscle car household. My Dad’s El Camino took me to and from school and all around town up until the day he sold it. Before owning the El Camino, he had owned a 1969 El Camino SS 396 and a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1. Today, my Dad is a proud owner of a 1969 Chevelle in Daytona Yellow. It is equipped 502ci motor built from a 1993 Chevrolet pickup. This is the type of car you will hear a mile away before you see it drive by!

Fortunately, my desire to own a muscle car is fulfilled as I proudly own a 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu. In our short time together, we have experienced a lot and I look forward to many more years of ownership! While there is still work to be done, it is a great cruiser and canvas to express my automotive appreciation.

What Are The Best Modern Muscle Car Options?

Modern muscle cars are everywhere, which is a fantastic thing for car enthusiasts. I’m not just talking about Camaros and Mustangs though. We can go through car sales sites anywhere and find some epic modern muscle cars to pick up. Luckily, the average muscle car doesn’t retain value like the classics so this shouldn’t break the bank.

The best modern muscle car for you is going to be the one you love looking at and driving the most. The V8 and rear wheel drive formula is all the same, but each one has their own unique twist on it. Go out and test drive them all and see where your heart lean you towards!

90s Modern Muscle Cars

Alright, I know you’re going to laugh at me for saying 90’s is modern, but here me out. You have computer assistance, fuel injection, ABS brakes, and other modern amenities in the 90’s cars, so its modern. Just a modern classic! Personally, this era is a great blend of affordability, a more analog driving experience, and tons of resources for builds. Your go-to cars in this list are going to be the late Foxbody Mustangs (1990-1993), 4th Generation Camaros, Impala SS, Pontiac Firebird/Trans Ams, or the SN95 Mustangs. I don’t list the Corvette amongst this list as I do identify the Corvette as a Sports Car. There is a difference, even though its minute. However, if you don’t see a difference, go ahead and add the C4 to this list!

2000’s Options

The 2000’s era brings in some pretty epic modern muscle cars, as well as some muscle trucks! On Ford’s side of the aisle, you’ll see the New Edge (99-04) Mustangs and the Terminator Cobra. The styling of this era Mustang is still one of my favorites. On the other hand, GM has the best iteration of the 4th Generation F-Body cars here because the LS1 engine was implemented at this time. Pontiac gave us the GTO and G8 models for epic LS2 power, despite their short lifespan. Lastly, you get the beginning of the Cadillac CTS-V with its epic super sedan performance.

To compete with Ford and GM, you start to see the beginnings of the LX platform Chargers, Challengers, Magnum and 300C. These cars stirred up the scene when they arrived as they gave us HEMI V8s in sleek modern designs. Alternatively, there were the muscle truck options that gained a cult following at this time. The Ford SVT Lightning, Chevy SSR, and the Ram SRT-10 are all iconic in themselves. To me, the muscle trucks are peak early 2000’s design and I love them all (Yes, even the SSR. Fight me on it).

Altogether, these are all fantastic options because many of the earlier models of these cars have not appreciated so they are relatively affordable! However, my number one pick in this bracket would hands down be a Terminator Cobra. It may be the priciest, but that supercharger whine is legendary. I wouldn’t shy away from a chance at owning an SRT Dodge Magnum though.

2010’s to Today

If you ask me, the 2010’s are truly when the modern muscle car horsepower wars began. Back in the day, muscle cars competed to be the fastest. Today, this competition is still in high gear. The fifth generation Camaro, Newer iterations of the Charger and Challenger, and Ford’s dominance with the Coyote 5.0 liter V8 are signs of pure competition arising. If you even got into a base model of any of these cars with a V8, you have an iconic V8 experience at your fingertips.

While most people will tell you to go for the SRT, the Shelby models, or the ZL1 Camaro, I wholeheartedly advocate for newer muscle car enthusiasts to go for a humble GT, Camaro SS, or R/T Charger and Challenger. It’ll help you in costs, insurance, and you have the ability to build something rather than simply buy the performance. If you do find yourself not caring about the budget so much, then I am sure you will find yourself behind the wheel of a GT350R, GT500, SRT Hellcat, or my personal favorite, the Cadillac CTS-V.

Conclusion

Modern muscle cars offer a unique driving experience. From the high performing V8 engine to the iconic styling, it’s no secret why these cars are loved universally. While some are priced astronomically, there are dozens of options for an affordable muscle car experience. Travel through the many eras of muscle cars and I’m sure you will find one that fulfills your vision!

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