The world of muscle cars is a fascinating, unique, and big world, filled with drag races, summer nights, crazy fun, wide-open American roads, and a kind of camaraderie you can't find in very many places. Classic cars and especially classic muscle cars are iconic, and they embody the freedom and thrill all cars should possess. They are works of art, and there's so much passion and character behind classic muscle cars and so much passion from the people who own them. Muscle cars really began in 1949, with a sudden demand for faster cars. Cue the Oldsmobile Rocket 88, a car that fit and defined the very definition of a muscle car: a car with a powerful engine and a light body. From that point forward, muscle cars took America by storm, creating a movement, a brand-new kind of car, a car that came to represent the American car industry, and really the spirit of America at the time.

Updated June 2023: The end of overpowered naturally aspirated V8-powered cars is upon us, and buying a classic muscle car is probably the best way to relive the past. In this world of turbocharged economy cars and hybrid supercars, it is a breath of fresh air – albeit one filled with the smell of gasoline – to drive a big naturally aspirated V8. So, we've updated this list with more muscle cars to guide you in your next potential purchase.

Through the 1950s, all kinds of muscle cars came into existence, and their popularity only grew. And so did the popularity of drag racing because muscle cars had lots of power, but poor handling. After a brief pause in the growth due to racing bans, there came the golden age of muscle cars, the era everyone remembers best. This article is going to look at 10 classic muscle cars worth owning.

The reliability and ownership report data for these classic muscle cars were collected from the popular automotive website, CarSurvey.org.

10 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500

1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500
Mecum Auctions

If anyone were to ask us what the best classic muscle car is, if the price was no determining factor, it's hard to imagine answering anything other than the first-generation Mustang GT500. The current GT500 is a true force to be reckoned with, even around a track, but there's just something immeasurably special about the original that we can't put our finger on. Perhaps it's the 355 hp 7.0-liter V8, maybe the incredible design of its fastback shape, or even its iconic stripes – whatever it is, we would highly recommend picking up one of these pieces of history on wheels – that is, of course, if you happen to have $300,000 to spend.

1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback

With the original Shelby GT500 being such a rare and wonderful vehicle, getting reliability reports has proven quite difficult. However, we did find a report from an owner in New Zealand who completely rebuilt his 1968 GT500KR, citing that it is a magnificent beast of a vehicle and that it has so far been really reliable – even in hot start/stop traffic conditions.

  • Problems Owner's Report: Not much, as the car in the report in question, was completely rebuilt
  • Highest Mileage Reported: 5,800 miles on CarSurvey

Related: Ranking The Coolest Ford Mustangs Ever Made

9 1987 Buick GNX

Black 1987 Buick GNX Parked
Mecum Auctions

The term sleeper isn't often associated with muscle cars since they're wide, aggressively designed, and make one hell of a noise, but the Buick GNX exceeded everyone's expectations. Underneath its hood wasn't a gas-guzzling V8, but rather a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine good for more than 275 hp, and as a whole, the GNX weighed 3,500 lbs – but things get even crazier. The Buick GNX could dash down a quarter-mile in 13 seconds, and reach 60 mph from a standstill in under 5 seconds, which was unheard of in terms of muscle cars, and it still holds up to current sports car performance figures. Unfortunately, only 547 examples were ever made, so if you happen to see one for sale, sell everything you have and take ownership.

1987 GNX Reliability Based On Owner Feedback

The GNX is a rare vehicle and with the current $150,000+ used price, not many owners really drive their cars on a regular basis. However, Buick did make a Grand National Turbo model, which had basically the same components as the GNX, but less power. One owner of a GNT notes that he struggled to get replacement parts for his car, while another cited that "the electrical antenna got stuck" – apparently quite a common problem in this era of Regal.

  • Problems Owner's Report: Worn seats, electrical antenna not extending, gets too much attention.
  • Highest Mileage Reported: 110,000 miles on CarSurvey

8 1966 Pontiac GTO

Pontac GTO - Front
Mecum Auctions

Meet the Pontiac GTO. This is the 1966 model – straight out of the golden age of muscle cars. This car was one of many in its class, but this one had some of the most class, with that big front end that looked fast yet stylish and the double headlights that made it look like an instant classic. This Pontiac GTO had somewhere in the neighborhood of 360 horsepower, in a car that is light and designed to showcase the engine in the most impressive way possible. If you're looking to buy a muscle car, the Pontiac GTO is a great option, especially one from the mid-sixties.

1966 GTO Reliability Based On Owner Feedback

Every owner of a classic GTO has high praise for the car, thanks to its comfort and effortless power. One owner noted that while he had a 389 cu in GTO, he upgraded to a 400 cu in model and definitely recommends the switch. They also stated that the 400 is more enjoyable to drive and restore.

  • Problems Owner's Report: Rust near the rear window which requires specialized repair, overheating at altitude.
  • Highest Mileage Reported: 80,000 miles on CarSurvey.

Related: Modern-Day Pontiac GTO Is A Captivating Muscle Car Fantasy

7 1968 Chevrolet Camaro

Yellow 1967 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro SS parked outside
Mecum Auctions

The Chevrolet Camaro is one of the few muscle cars to come back into existence in recent years with true success. And the reason is because of how much of a success and classic the original became. An icon for the ages, one of the true heavyweights of the muscle car world, the Camaro is one of the best muscle cars money can buy, in any of its golden age incarnations. Especially valuable are the special models, like the Z28, an upgrade package that turned the Camaro into a racing car, and a true muscle car. Sadly, 2023 will be the end of the Camaro as we know it now – with the nameplate possibly returning in the future on an electric muscle car to battle the upcoming Dodge Charger Daytona EV.

1968 Camaro Reliability Based On Owner Feedback

The Camaro is generally a robust and durable vehicle. However, one owner reported a handful of issues after the car stood still for a number of years. Even after completing the major repair work, the owner noted that "It is the best car I ever owned". Another owner used it as a daily driver for a number of years and only had to complete the normal maintenance for the car to work.

  • Problems Owner's Report: Rust, oil leaks, roof leaks, window leaks, vinyl roof cracks in hot weather, leaking fuel tank, bucket seat deterioration, brake cylinder issues.
  • Highest Mileage Reported: 246,000 miles on CarSurvey.

6 1969 Dodge Charger R/T

1969 Dodge Charger 440 R/T black
Dodge

The Dodge Charger is arguably the most iconic American muscle car out there. It may not be the first, the most original, or the truest to its roots, but by popularity, this car will try to take first place, every time. And it's no wonder when you start to understand why. The Hemi engine in the R/T Challenger models harnessed a massive 375 horses underneath that gracefully styled hood. It was an instant classic, and it not only embodied the spirit of muscle cars, but the spirit of the people at the time, and it did it with more power and performance than a lot of others.

1969 Charger Reliability Based On Owner Feedback

The major problems with the 1969 seem to be electrical, affecting the motors powering the headlight doors. One owner stated that his car "stood in his driveway for years", after which the electrical issues began. Luckily, it is a common issue that was easily rectified. All owners also note that the fuel usage is terrible, "but a small price to pay to get this kinda performance".

  • Problems Owner's Report: Rust, electrical issues, terrible fuel economy.
  • Highest Mileage Reported: 53,450 miles on CarSurvey.

5 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
Barrett-Jackson

The Chevrolet Chevelle remains a classic down to this day, a kind of secondary standby. It's not the most iconic name in the muscle car world, and it may not be a name or car recognized by people who aren't into muscle cars (for example, Camaro or Charger). But that doesn't mean this beautiful machine from the golden ages of muscle cars isn't worth your time or isn't a great car. Rather, it's a vastly popular classic muscle car, and a worthwhile investment if you're looking to buy a golden-age muscle car.

1970 Chevelle Reliability Based On Owner Feedback

The Chevelle is generally quite reliable and durable, producing a lot of power. Owners note that the fuel economy is quite awful, getting around 8.5 mpg. One owner completely restored his Chevelle SS and reported minimal issues. Another owner noted that it was the most powerful car they had ever driven, calling it a "Cobra killer".

  • Problems Owner's Report: Thermostat issues leading to radiator problems, rust spots around wheel wells, air-conditioning, and overheating issues.
  • Highest Mileage Reported: 122,000 miles on CarSurvey.

4 1970 Chevrolet C3 Corvette Stingray

1970 ZR1 
Mecum Auctions

Depending on the condition of the Corvette, these classic muscle cars can sell for phenomenal amounts of money. So if you have the money to buy a restored or mint version, do it, it's worth it. Or if you want to fix one up, the return will be more than worth it. The Corvette is a total icon of America, not just in the car world, but for everyone. And the golden age for the Corvette, many people say, was during the golden age of muscle cars. The car pictured above is the legendary Corvette Stingray, the best of the best Corvettes. Fun fact, after the Stingray name disappeared for decades, Chevy decided to revive the name with the seventh-generation Corvette, which also continued to the C8 generation as the base model.

1970 Corvette Reliability Based On Owner Feedback

The C3 Corvette is one of the Corvette models that remained in production for the longest time, with the earlier cars having more powerful engines thanks to the 1970s energy crisis era. One owner bought their Corvette and drove it a few hundred miles back home, with little issue. Other than some general maintenance, the owner only repaired small rust spots and a faulty distributor.

  • Problems Owner's Report: Harmonic balancer failure, front brake calipers leaks, engine gaskets leaks, belt failures, some gauges stop working randomly.
  • Highest Mileage Reported: 59,000 miles on CarSurvey.

Related: This 1970 Chevrolet C3 Corvette Convertible Had The Same Owner For 47 Years

3 1971 Plymouth Road Runner

Orange 1971 Plymouth Road Runner fron three-quarter
Via: Mecum Auctions

The Plymouth Road Runner will always have a place in the Hall of Fame of muscle cars. It's a true classic, a simple, straightforward, affordable version of a muscle car. In fact, not just a version, but really the best embodiment of what a muscle car should be. The original Plymouth Road Runner was to be more affordable than other muscle cars, but not sacrifice power or performance. This is why people loved it so much, and why it became so popular. With 335 horsepower and a respectable quarter mile time, it fit the bill, for not so big of a bill. Of course, nowadays, buying one will cost you anywhere from $25,000-$90,000.

1971 Road Runner Reliability Based On Owner Feedback

Generally speaking, the Plymouth Road Runner is pretty reliable for a car from the 1970s. One owner had theirs stood for a long time, which resulted in extensive repair work, while another bought theirs and had to repair some rust that formed under the trunk lining. Another owner noted the relatively good fuel economy for such a car, which was "17 mpg on the highway".

  • Problems Owner's Report: Rust in trunk area due to leaky seals, water pump failures, head-gasket leaks, thermostat failures, alternator failures, and timing chain wear around 180,000 miles.
  • Highest Mileage Reported: 186,000 miles on CarSurvey.

2 1974 Dodge Challenger

1974 Dodge Challenger
Mecum Auctions

Welcome to a true icon. The Dodge Challenger was truly in its glory days during the height of muscle cars. It was born into a market where the sky was the limit with muscle cars, and everyone loved them, wanted them, and was buying them. Car manufacturers cared about the cars they were making intensely, and people were eager and excited to buy them. They fed off each other, which led to almost a camaraderie between manufacturer and buyer, which is unheard of. The results were spectacular cars made with genuine care and craftsmanship. Like this Dodge Challenger.

1974 Challenger Reliability Based On Owner Feedback

With the Challenger being such a desirable vehicle, it is tricky to get proper reliability feedback from owners who actually drive their cars and don't just keep them in a garage. Luckily, we found a few who restored their Challengers. They noted that it likes to rust – from the bodywork to the chassis and even inside the engine when the car stood still for a while. Another owner states that the standard brakes are "unacceptable, but the rest is fun".

  • Problems Owner's Report: Challenger convertible top deterioration, lots of rust all around, electrical problems.
  • Highest Mileage Reported: 120,000 miles on CarSurvey.

Related: 1970-1974 Dodge Challenger: Costs, Facts, And Figures

1 1969 Pontiac Firebird

Red 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 parked
Mecum Auctions

Another giant of the muscle car world, the Pontiac Firebird will always be a worthwhile investment, whether you want a true classic to restore, to get the taste of the glory days, or if you're a collector of classic muscle cars. Clad with a 335 horsepower V8, the Firebird had plenty of heat to blister any strip of tarmac it was racing on. It was a powerful, far-reaching car. It never really faded out of existence, always having a lot of people who lived and breathed the fire of the Firebird continuing on into the '80s and on. Of course, its true glory days were with the rest.

1969 Firebird Reliability Based On Owner Feedback

Since the Firebird is based on the Camaro, the two cars share many parts and most of the reliability – even though the Firebird seems to fare better out of the two. One American owner needed a complete engine rebuild after just 85,000 miles, while another owner from Ireland had to get their car repaired due to the rust that formed thanks to the different weather conditions. Overall, the Firebird is a robust and great-looking muscle car.

  • Problems Owner's Report: Eats through rear tires too quickly.
  • Highest Mileage Reported: 100,000 miles in CarSurvey.