Muscle cars are considered one of the staples of American culture, and they are also considered great feats of engineering and innovation. Because of their daring looks and performance, the appeal of muscle cars increased with car enthusiasts exponentially. However, there’s one important factor that, besides looks and power performance, sets apart one muscle car manufacturer from the other, and that is durability and reliability.

Like any car, muscle cars are an investment, and when you buy one, you are looking forward to years of reliable use. No one wants a car that keeps breaking down every couple of years and needs replacement of parts that inflates its running costs.

But, unfortunately, not all manufacturers of muscle cars meet those essential criteria, it’s important to pay respect to those who still do - so we’ve compiled a list of 15 muscle cars that were built to last, possibly more than you!

15 1965 Ford Mustang

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You can’t ever talk about muscle cars without bringing up the Ford Mustang. While it wasn’t the first muscle car out there, it still outdid most of its competition. Today, the amalgamation of five generations of Mustangs since 1965 has optimized technology, innovation, and aesthetics and resulted in a safe, efficient, and gorgeous car.

14 1968 Chevrolet Camaro

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The Camaro and Mustang have always been and continue to be in constant competition, as the Camaro came to light in 1966, closely following the first Mustang. Today, the Camaro is one of the most reliable and safe cars on the market, with a 6.2-liter V8 and 650 horsepower, all while looking effortlessly cool.

13 1967 Dodge Charger

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Dodge is undoubtedly up there with the top muscle car players today. The Dodge Charger has been around since 1966, but it was introduced as a concept in 1946. Today, its sturdy engine can get it to 707 horsepower, matching up to its contemporaries and its close relative, the Dodge Challenger.

12 2004 Cadillac CTS

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Who says muscle cars can’t be luxurious? The beautiful Cadillac CTS comes in several models, all of which are a perfect blend of exterior aesthetics, power, and safety. The Cadillac CTS-V comes with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that gets you to a whopping 640 horsepower, with only 3.6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.

11 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

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There’s a bit of confusion between enthusiasts regarding the Z06 being a muscle car or a sports car, or both. Whichever way you decide to view it, the Corvette Z06 provides an authentic muscle car performance of a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 650 horsepower while also looking sleek and sporty.

10 1974 Dodge Challenger

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We’ve already established the high spot Dodge holds amongst muscle car manufacturers, but we have to pour more appreciation onto the Dodge Challenger. After three generations of reliable muscle cars, the latest Challenger sports a Hemi V8 engine with a whopping 707 horsepower, with peak safety and durability.

9 2014 Equus Bass 770

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There are many amazing non-production muscle and sports cars out there. The Equus Bass 770 is on top of that list. Manufactured by Equus, a luxury manufacturer of hand-built cars, this masterpiece shares the ZR1 engine with the Corvette. In 2015, Equus announced it will make only 250 examples of this limited edition beauty.

8 1964 Pontiac GTO

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One of the most well-known muscle cars out there, the Pontiac GTO reached its peak with its first two generations, settling itself as a staple in the muscle car market with its 6.4-liter V8 engine and classic, authentic exterior designs. The third generation, released in the mid 2000s, however, didn’t live up to those standards.

7 2017 Chevrolet SS

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Although the SS production was halted in 2017, it’s still one of the most reputable muscle cars of its time. There are no current plans of revival, but the latest edition from 2017, competing with the Camaro in the same year of release, sported a 6.2-liter LS3 engine that gave a sturdy 408 horsepower.

6 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda

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The 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda was the second generation of the Plymouth Barracuda, and it was its first entry into the world of muscle cars. The 426 ci Hemi engine produced 425 horsepower, and it was paired with Dana axles, which are still one of the most reliable axles to date.

5 1970 Oldsmobile 442

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Although it has a reputation for being a “grandparents” car, the Oldsmobile range was home to some of the coolest cars in the 60s and 70s. With models like Toronado and the Cutlass, Oldsmobile has made a name for itself among famous muscle car manufacturers, even after the 442 received mixed reviews on its muscle power.

4 1971 AMC Javelin

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Although AMC, or American Motors Corporation, was blended into Chrysler back in 1988, we can’t forget that they gave us the AMC Javelin, one of the most authentically American muscle cars of its time. The AMC Javelin, especially the 1971 model, gave us one of the coolest muscle car exteriors to this day.

3 1970 Buick GSX

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Muscle car enthusiasts might raise an eyebrow at this one, but there is no denying that the special edition Buick GSX was a competent car back in the day. Equipped with its 455 ci engine, the Buick GSX proved to be worthy competition to the Chevrolet SS and the Pontiac GTO.

2 2018 Kia Stinger

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Not all great muscle car manufacturers come from the US. Kia, the South Korean automotive giant, has left a significant mark on the world of muscle cars with the Kia Stinger. The Kia Stinger is relatively recent, however, it has made a name for itself as one of the most reliable and affordable muscle cars.

1 1974 Ford Torino

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It feels appropriate to conclude this list with the 1974 Ford Gran Torino, which was most notably featured on Starsky and Hutch and had a Clint Eastwood movie named after it. Contributing to is wide fame are the famous 428 and 429ci engines, also known as “Cobra Jet” V8 engines.