Muscle cars have long stood as a cornerstone of American automotive heritage. Their golden era began in the early 1960s and surged through the early 1970s, driven by the so-called “horsepower wars.”
It was almost an unspoken competition among American automakers each striving to engineer the most ferocious, pavement-shredding, rear-wheel drive powerhouse.
However, this era of high-powered muscle was put on pause with the advent of the oil crisis and stricter emissions regulations.
But muscle cars made a comeback in the 1980s and 1990s, thanks to advancements in technology like turbocharging and electronic fuel injection, which allowed them to meet emissions standards without sacrificing performance.
Still, when people think of American muscle cars, reliability isn’t usually the first quality that comes to mind. Yet muscle cars do possess the potential to be dependable, long-lasting vehicles.
To prove that point, we’ve compiled a list of 12 vehicles ranging from Chevrolet to Dodge to Ford all with odometer readings above 200,000 miles.
Arranged from the lowest to the highest mileage, these cars show that muscle can indeed go the distance.
12. 1972 Plymouth Duster 318-V8: 200,000 Miles
- Displacement: 318 ci
- Configuration: V8
- Horsepower: 150 hp
- Torque: 260 lb-ft
- 0 to 60 MPH: 8.4 seconds
The Plymouth Duster emerged in the early ’70s as a spirited little muscle machine. Although it may not have delivered the same raw power as some of its more formidable peers, it certainly had the aggressive styling and solid reliability.
One reviewer on CarSurvey fondly described the Duster as “one of the great ones!” and said they would “happily buy another,” underscoring its lasting appeal and dependable performance.
11. 1973 Mercury Cougar XR-7 351: 210,000 Miles
- Displacement: 351 ci
- Configuration: V8
- Horsepower: 168 hp
- Torque: 266 lb-ft
- 0 to 60 MPH: 10.2 seconds
The Mercury Cougar spans eight generations, though not all have earned the muscle car label especially the more recent versions.
The second generation Cougar, however, came equipped with a robust 351-cubic inch V8 producing 266 lb-ft of torque. One owner managed to push their Cougar past 210,000 miles.
They purchased the car with 90,000 miles on the clock and noted, “I remember being quite pleased with the lack of maintenance or repair costs for the first 50,000 miles,” highlighting its enduring performance.
10. 2008 Pontiac G8: 210,078 Miles
- Displacement: 364 ci
- Configuration: V8
- Horsepower: 361 hp
- Torque: 385 lb-ft
- 0 to 60 MPH: 5.1 seconds
Alongside the GTO, the Pontiac G8 GT represented the brand’s final salute to no-holds-barred, mass-produced muscle cars.
Though modern cars like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing still carry that performance torch, the G8 was far more accessible, offering incredible power straight out of the gate.
Its 364-cubic inch V8 engine delivered 361 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque, capable of launching the car to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds.
Loved by enthusiasts as a symbol of Pontiac’s legacy, some G8s have proven their durability by surpassing the 200,000-mile mark with ease.
The 2008 Pontiac G8 was a bold and refreshing entry into the American sedan market, especially at a time when rear-wheel-drive performance cars were becoming scarce. Based on the Australian Holden Commodore, the G8 delivered a blend of muscle car performance and everyday usability.
It came in two main trims: the base model with a 3.6-liter V6 engine pushing out 256 horsepower, and the more aggressive GT version, which packed a 6.0-liter V8 producing 361 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. The GT could hit 0–60 mph in about 5.5 seconds, putting it firmly in sports sedan territory.
The G8’s driving dynamics were a standout feature, especially for the GT. With rear-wheel drive, a sport-tuned suspension, and precise steering, it offered an engaging experience behind the wheel.
It wasn’t just a straight-line brute—it handled corners with confidence and had a well-balanced chassis. Inside, the G8 featured a spacious and practical interior.
While some materials felt a bit cheap compared to luxury competitors, the design was clean and arguably one of Pontiac’s best at the time.
In terms of reliability, the G8 GT held up well during long-term testing, needing only routine maintenance over nearly 36,000 miles, with no major mechanical issues reported.
Fuel economy, especially for the GT, was nothing to write home about—averaging around 18 MPG combined—but that’s expected for a V8 sedan of its class.
9. 1994 Chevrolet Impala SS: 215,000 Miles
- Displacement: 350 ci
- Configuration: V8
- Horsepower: 260 hp
- Torque: 330 lb-ft
- 0 to 60 MPH: 7.4 seconds
The 1994 Chevrolet Impala SS proved that large sedans didn’t go extinct after the 1950s.
It also showcased Chevrolet’s ongoing capability to produce front-engine muscle cars, with this model housing a 350-cubic-inch small block V8 that generated 260 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque.
According to Hagerty, a well-maintained example can be bought for around $17,000. Enthusiasts on the Impala SS forum also highlighted the value of high-mileage versions, particularly when a 215,000-mile model was listed for $10,000 some years ago, sparking a detailed discussion.
8. 2001 Chevrolet Corvette: 221,168 Miles
- Displacement: 346 ci
- Configuration: V8
- Horsepower: 350 hp
- Torque: 375 lb-ft
- 0 to 60 MPH: 4.7 seconds
Whether the Corvette qualifies as a true muscle car remains a hot topic among automotive enthusiasts.
While the current C8 Corvette, with its mid-engine layout, leans more into supercar territory, earlier generations such as the C5 are often considered by many to fall within the muscle car category.
With its 346-cubic-inch V8 and 350 horsepower output, the 2001 Corvette fits the bill. We came across an example that had racked up over 221,000 miles no surprise considering these cars blend modern-day driveability with classic American performance.
7. 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T: 245,853 Mile
- Displacement: 345 ci
- Configuration: V8
- Horsepower: 372 hp
- Torque: 400 lb-ft
- 0 to 60 MPH: 5.2 seconds
The 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T stands out not only for its high mileage potential but also for its solid reliability ratings.
JD Power awarded this model year an impressive 82 out of 100, a score that reflects its dependable nature. Under the hood lies a beefy 345-cubic-inch V8 engine, delivering 372 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.
This combination of performance and durability makes it one of the standout long-distance muscle cars on the market.
6. 1996 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 5.7-Liter: 246,000 Miles
- Displacement: 350 ci
- Configuration: V8
- Horsepower: 280 hp
- Torque: 330 lb-ft
- 0 to 60 MPH: 5.9 seconds
Despite being considered a hazard to pedestrians today, hidden headlights were a huge trend throughout the 1990s.
The 1993 Firebird embraced this styling cue, reinforcing the idea that the legendary Firebird nameplate wasn’t fading away anytime soon.
With its aggressive looks and performance to match, the car came equipped with a 350-cubic-inch V8 producing 280 horsepower, making it capable of hitting 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds.
The Firebird is also a great example of muscle car reliability. As one owner put it in a review on CarSurvey, “The car was very reliable, had excellent handling, and wonderful styling.”
5. 2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS1: 248,321 Miles
- Displacement: 375 ci
- Configuration: V8
- Horsepower: 426 hp
- Torque: 420 lb-ft
- 0 to 60 MPH: 4.7 seconds
The Chevrolet Camaro consistently earns a spot on any list of dependable American vehicles and for good reason. The 2015 model, in particular, stood out with impressive reliability.
According to JD Power, it scored 83 out of 100, solidifying its place as a trustworthy performer.
The SS1 trim is powered by a 375-cubic-inch big-block V8 pushing out 426 horsepower, and it accelerates to 60 mph in a mere 4.7 seconds. Its performance and long-lasting build make it a top-tier muscle car for reliability.
4. 2006 Ford Mustang GT: 274,899 Miles
- Displacement: 280 ci
- Configuration: V8
- Horsepower: 300 hp
- Torque: 320 lb-ft
- 0 to 60 MPH: 5.2 seconds
While the 2006 Ford Mustang GT doesn’t boast the near 500-horsepower figures of the 2024 Mustang GT the last of the true muscle car breed it still ranks as one of the most durable pony cars available.
Many examples on the road today have surpassed 250,000 miles, proving its mechanical endurance. The performance is no slouch either, with the 280-cubic-inch V8 delivering 300 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, resulting in a 0 to 60 mph time of just 5.2 seconds.
Its longevity and performance credentials continue to make it a standout in the muscle car category.
3. 2015 Dodge Charger R/T: 277,786 Miles
- Displacement: 345 ci
- Configuration: V8
- Horsepower: 370 hp
- Torque: 395 lb-ft
- 0 to 60 MPH: 5.2 seconds
The Dodge Charger blends practicality and performance seamlessly it’s part family sedan, part muscle-bound powerhouse.
The R/T variant strongly supports the performance aspect, boasting a 345-cubic-inch V8 that generates 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque.
JD Power recognizes the long-lasting potential of this model, awarding it a solid reliability score of 82 out of 100, which aligns well with the impressive near-300,000 miles achieved by the example we found.
2. 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe 250 cid: 353,000 Miles
- Displacement: 250 ci
- Configuration: Inline 6
- Horsepower: 115 hp
- Torque: 190 lb-ft
- 0 to 60 MPH: 13.6 seconds
The 1979 model year brought forth what many consider the quirkiest-looking Camaro ever produced. It features highly stylized headlights, a dramatically sculpted hood, and a sharply tapered rear end.
Yet, with a bold enough paint job, this late-’70s Camaro can still pull off a muscular appearance. The particular high-mileage example we found comes equipped with the smaller 250-cubic-inch inline-six engine.
Despite its modest output of 115 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque and a more leisurely 0 to 60 mph time of 13.6 seconds it managed to log an incredible 353,000 miles, earning its spot as the second most durable car on this list.
1. 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.0 H.O.: 375,000 Miles
- Displacement: 305 ci
- Configuration: V8
- Horsepower: 190 hp
- Torque: 240 lb-ft
- 0 to 60 MPH: 7.4 seconds
At the very top of our list of the most enduring American muscle cars is the 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 H.O. Despite the “high output” label given to its 5.0-liter V8, its actual performance was modest by today’s standards.
While 190 horsepower was respectable in its day, it pales in comparison to the nearly 700-horsepower modern Camaros.
Still, the Z28 proved its worth through longevity. One owner reported racking up 375,000 miles on their example, which secures this classic firmly in the number one position on our list.
