The top-selling muscle car of 2022 is none other than the Dodge Challenger. This powerhouse of a vehicle recorded an astonishing 55,060 sales for the 2022 model year, easily surpassing the 24,652 Camaro units sold by General Motors.
However, this surge in sales among muscle car enthusiasts likely stems from the heartbreaking news that Dodge is discontinuing the monstrous Hemi V8 engine, which has long been the beating heart of the Challenger’s rear axle.
While an electric replacement is on the horizon, the soon-to-be-retired Dodge Challenger leaves behind a massive legacy, posing a significant challenge for any successor to match as car lovers bid farewell to one of the most formidable muscle cars ever built.
For those considering ownership of the 2022 Dodge Challenger, there’s good news this muscle car offers a remarkably reliable driving experience.
This got us thinking: with traditional gasoline engines rapidly being phased out, which used muscle cars offer the best reliability for enthusiasts who still crave the raw power and unmistakable sound of a roaring V8?
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10. 2020 Dodge Charger – 89/100
The modern Dodge Charger first hit the roads in 2011 as part of the seventh-generation lineup, and the 2022 iteration of Dodge’s beloved sedan now stands as the most reliable used muscle car available.
According to J.D. Power, it earns a stellar 89/100 rating for quality and reliability.
Additionally, data from CarEdge reveals that the Dodge Charger is the most cost-efficient model from the Michigan-based automaker, with an average repair and maintenance cost of $7,809 over a 10-year period.
The long-standing reputation of the Hemi V8 family for durability and performance is difficult to dispute.
Though often overshadowed by its wilder sibling, the Dodge Challenger, the Charger presents a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance yet practical sedan.
With a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 under the hood and a price tag of around $40,000 in the used market, the Charger remains an attractive proposition for muscle car fans.
9. 2022 Dodge Challenger – 88/100
As previously mentioned, 2022 was a standout year for the Dodge Challenger in terms of both reliability and power.
Dodge’s boxy brute received a solid 88/100 quality and reliability score from J.D. Power, thanks in large part to its robust V6 and V8 engine options both of which are shared with its equally dependable sibling, the Dodge Charger, under the Stellantis umbrella.
For those seeking a used muscle car built to last, the 2022 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack presents a compelling option, with prices hovering around $40,000 in the used car market.
This price point makes it an enticing investment compared to the upcoming Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, which carries a hefty $96,666 price tag.
However, that high price comes with unparalleled performance, as the Demon 170 represents the pinnacle of American muscle car engineering.
Under the hood, the legendary 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 churns out an astonishing 1,025 horsepower, catapulting the car from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 1.66 seconds!
It’s safe to say that Dodge is bringing down the curtain on this iconic muscle car in spectacular fashion.
8. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro – 88/100
The year 2010 marked the highly anticipated return of the Chevrolet Camaro for its fifth generation.
This longtime rival of the Mustang made a comeback on GM’s proven Zeta-Platform, developed by the company’s Australian subsidiary, Holden, which oversaw the final stages of the Camaro’s development.
Chevrolet’s decision to revive the model proved successful, as the brand sold an impressive 81,299 Camaro units that year, surpassing the 73,716 Mustangs Ford sold in the same period.
Even today, the 2010 Camaro stands as one of the most reliable used muscle cars on the market, boasting an impressive 88/100 rating for quality and reliability from J.D. Power.
This dependability is largely attributed to its robust LS V8 engine options, paired with the well-engineered Zeta-Platform that underpins the returning classic.
In terms of pricing, a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro currently averages around $34,463 in the used car market.
7. 2019 Ford Mustang – 87/100
The 2019 Ford Mustang represents a high point in the legacy of the sixth-generation S550 muscle car, earning a solid 87/100 rating for quality and reliability from J.D. Power.
For enthusiasts looking to own one today, a used 2019 Mustang typically sells for around $35,000.
Ford first introduced the sixth-generation Mustang in 2015, while its iconic 5.0-liter Coyote V8 made its debut in 2011 with the previous generation.
By 2019, Ford’s flagship muscle car had reached new heights, spawning a range of impressive special editions, including the legendary Shelby GT350, which further cemented its place as a performance icon.
6. 2008 Ford Mustang – 87/100
Although the S197 Ford Mustang had a somewhat rocky start, the 2008 model year saw the muscle car truly come into its own, earning an impressive 87/100 rating for quality and reliability from J.D. Power.
Additionally, consumer reviews on Edmunds reflect the car’s solid reputation, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars clear evidence of its lasting durability and appeal in the used muscle car market.
Ford managed to sell 91,251 Mustang units in 2008, though only 1,000 of those were the exclusive Shelby GT500 “King Of The Road” editions.
This rarity has driven up its value, with owners of the 5.4-liter V8-powered GT500 now sitting on a used muscle car worth approximately $45,960.
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5. 2009 Dodge Challenger – 83/100
Dodge brought back the Challenger for a third generation in 2008, heavily influenced by the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
This reintroduced model stormed onto the scene with a refined lineup of Hemi V8 engines, a powertrain family that had been in development and operation since 2003.
During the Daimler-Chrysler era, the Hemi had already been utilized in heavy-duty vehicles like the Ram Pickup and several Jeep models before making its way into Dodge’s revived muscle car.
Today, the 2009 Dodge Challenger stands as a highly reliable used muscle car, securing an 83/100 rating for quality and reliability from J.D. Power.
The model benefits from a five-link rear suspension setup shared with the W211 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, along with various electrical components, such as the ESP controller and engine modules.
The 2009 Challenger was not the first instance of Chrysler leveraging its connection with Daimler, but it remains one of the most notable examples from the final years of their partnership.
4. 2017 Chevrolet SS – 4.9/5
If there’s one muscle car that truly deserves more recognition, it’s the Chevrolet SS. Built on the rock-solid Zeta-Platform originally developed for the high-performance Holden Commodore this underappreciated gem brought serious power and reliability.
UK automotive enthusiasts may recognize the Chevrolet SS under a different name: the Vauxhall VXR8.
The 2017 model marked the final year for this Australian-influenced muscle car, and according to customer reviews, it stands as one of the most reliable used muscle cars available, earning an impressive 4.9/5 rating.
Under the hood, the SS features the indestructible 6.2-liter LS3 V8, delivering a tire-melting 408 horsepower, further solidifying its reputation for reliability.
Sadly, General Motors decided to bring the Zeta-Platformed muscle cars to an end after 2017, ultimately retiring the Holden brand altogether by 2021.
3. 2009 Pontiac G8 – 4.8/5
Introduced during Pontiac’s final years, the G8 was the brand’s bold attempt to reinvigorate its muscle car lineup.
Replacing the underwhelming 2004 GTO, the G8 served as Pontiac’s last great performance sedan, riding on the same Zeta Platform as the Holden Commodore.
Despite its limited run, the G8 remains highly regarded among muscle car enthusiasts, with existing owners giving it a stellar 4.8/5-star rating.
Additionally, a used 2009 Pontiac G8 can be found today at an affordable average price of $23,306.
For fans of LS-powered GM vehicles, the Pontiac G8 GXP took things a step further, featuring the legendary 6.2-liter LS3 V8 borrowed from the Corvette, producing an impressive 415 horsepower.
However, due to lackluster sales, Pontiac only managed to manufacture a mere 1,829 units of the G8 GXP before the brand’s unfortunate demise.
2. 2002 Pontiac Firebird – 4.6/5
In 2002, Pontiac produced 30,690 Firebird units as the brand prepared to bid farewell to its legendary muscle car. Today, the final-generation Firebird stands as a fantastic choice in the used muscle car market, with an average price of $28,600.
Buyers can select from various LT and LS engine options, both renowned for their reliability, further cementing the Firebird’s status as one of Pontiac’s most iconic nameplates.
According to consumer reports, the 2002 Pontiac Firebird earns a strong 4.6/5 rating for reliability. Despite its highly collectible nature, the muscle car largely flew under the radar upon release.
However, enthusiasts recognize the value of models equipped with the revered WS6 package, which featured keyless entry and the classic T-Top Roof an unmistakable hallmark of early 2000s performance cars.
1. 2008 Chevrolet Impala SS – 4.4/5
The 2008 Chevrolet Impala SS remains a divisive choice in the used muscle car world, as its understated styling struggles to embody the bold aesthetics of American muscle.
However, beneath its modest exterior lies a true sleeper, powered by GM’s potent 5.3-liter small-block V8, allowing this family sedan to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.
Upon its initial release, the Impala SS was the most affordable V8-powered sedan in America, carrying a price tag of $27,000. Today, a used 2008 Chevrolet Impala SS can be found for a fraction of that cost, averaging around $6,700.
Consumer reviews rank the 2008 Impala SS as a dependable used muscle car, awarding it a 4.4/5 reliability rating.
In the event of mechanical issues, owners need not worry this model remains GM’s best-selling V8-powered W-Body vehicle, with 49,611 units sold between 2006 and 2009, ensuring that replacement parts remain widely available.