Modern muscle cars are changing the narrative that American cars are only built to go fast in a straight line. Today, they've become potent track toys that could hang around with the best of the Japanese and the Europeans could offer, earning the respect of enthusiasts on the twisties the same way they did on the quarter-mile.
What most people don't know about is the evolution of American performance cars from being one-trick ponies to well-rounded examples didn't happen overnight. Over the years, American carmakers have actually churned out quite some impressive performance cars, and turned out much better than expected. While they may have not become groundbreaking examples like what we see today, these often forgotten American sports cars on our list could actually surprise you with the way they go.
10 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
The fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaro's looks didn't really stand out from the crowd, as its curvy lines are completely different from the boxy muscle car that people were used to seeing. In fact, ask a non-car enthusiast to picture a Camaro, and it'd probably look like the current one or the much loved first-generation '67-'69 version.
However, the fourth-generation model actually ushered in the modern era of performance Camaros, as they've gained better track capabilities due to a double wishbone suspension up front with rack and pinion steering, and the revered LS1 engine with a six-speed manual transmission.
9 Pontiac GTO
Like the fourth-generation Camaro, the Pontiac GTO suffered from the rounded designs of the early 2000s, which prevented the car from showing its muscle car appeal. Car and Driver even calls it "a phone company fleet car".
While there's not much to write about the Australian-sourced GTO's looks, the car has plenty of go to compensate for the lack of show. It had a four-wheel independent suspension, and had the soundtrack and power of the Corvette's LS2 V8 engine. Quite simply, it's a normal-looking car with Corvette levels of performance. Maybe even better.
8 Ford Mustang Ecoboost
Some people think every Mustang should have a V8 engine, but not Jay Leno. In fact, the renowned American TV host and car enthusiast even mentioned that he loved the four-cylinder turbo Mustang better than the V8s on the twisties due to the lighter engine, which gave it more nimble handling.
It's a refreshing twist over an old favorite, and really expands the options of Ford's iconic pony car. If you want the old-school brute, opt for the V8. But for people who would like an athletic Mustang, the Ecoboost version is there.
7 Chevrolet SS
Here's another monstrous sleeper from the land down under. Known in Australia as the Holden Commodore VF, the Chevrolet SS is America's very own version of a sports sedan that could very well put up a great fight against the BMWs, the Audis, and the Mercedes-AMGs of Germany.
Whereas the modern German sports sedans have moved on to turbocharging and all-wheel-drive, the Chevrolet SS does it the old school way. It's an LS3-powered, 6-speed manual, rear-wheel-drive monster that could pull 13 seconds on the quarter-mile and would gladly carve its way around corners with ease.
6 Dodge Neon SRT-4
The early 2000s were the high point of the Japanese import scene in the United States, and American carmakers simply had no answer for the likes of the EK Civic, the Integra and the Miata. That was at least until Dodge had the Neon SRT-4.
While its looks and interior issues won't be everyone's cup of tea, its 230 hp 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine still has more power than a new Civic Si.
5 Cadillac CTS-V
The Cadillac CTS-V was one of the most exciting American executive sports sedans to hit the market, as it had the capability to smoke a proper sports car off the line while remaining camouflaged in a grocery getter suit.
Like the Chevrolet SS, the CTS-V benefited from the Corvette's LS6 V8 powerplant, which gave it 400 horsepower. It was capable of reaching 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
4 Mercury Marauder
The Mercury brand no longer exists nowadays, but it left us with cars like this. On a car normally used for limo, police and taxi services, the Mustang-powered Marauder is nothing short of awesome.
It perfectly fits the mold of a sleeper sedan, and more importantly, the Marauder still had the famed reliability of the Panther platform which was used by cars like the Ford Crown Victoria and the Lincoln Town Car.
3 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
The Chevrolet Cobalt SS came in an era dominated by Japanese imports and when Fast and Furious was still about illegal street racing. American carmakers had to keep up with the Japanese econoboxes and made econocars themselves, and thus the Cobalt SS was born.
It may be more than a decade old now, but the Cobalt SS could still roll with the newer front-wheel-drive sports cars with its performance in a straight line, and even in the corners, as it posted an 8 minute, 22 second lap on the Nürburgring, which was then the fastest lap for a front-wheel-drive production car.
2 Pontiac Solstice GXP
The Pontiac Solstice GXP is an awesome car that unfortunately was axed during General Motors' financial crisis in 2008. It's such a shame this car was short-lived, as it had the potential to go toe-to-toe with the likes of the Mazda MX-5 and the iconic Honda S2000 back in the day.
This American compact two-seat sports car definitely had more power than its Japanese rivals with its 260 hp Ecotec engine, and wins big points for its handling and dynamics. It's really unfortunate that it had a short model run, which prevented it from getting the attention it clearly deserved.
1 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R
The Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R is at a point where it's too old to be new, but it's still too new to be called a classic. However, 20 years after it first rolled off the Ford production line, the SVT Cobra R has all the makings of being one of the greatest Mustangs ever made.
Ford pulled out all the stops in this final iteration of the Cobra R, as it now had an independent rear suspension unlike the first two. Furthermore, the naturally aspirated DOHC Modular V8 offered modern levels of performance. Quite simply, the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R could be seen as the predecessor of the Shelby GT350R, as the two share many of the same tricks.