2017 Muscle Car Buyer's Guide

• January 18, 2017
• Story By
  Motorhead Mama

Merriam-Webster defines a "muscle car" as "any of a group of American-made 2-door sports cars with powerful engines designed for high-performance driving." But these days, a muscle car can be a little different. Some have *gasp* 4 doors, like the CTS-V or the Charger, and some are even *gulp* made outside of the U.S. When it comes to performance, the current muscle car line up is an embarrassment of riches — from those fine EcoBoosted Mustangs, to the slick ZL1 Camaro, to the jaw-dropping Dodge Hellcat.

We have the greatest problem a muscle car lover could have: which badass car to choose?! During our current muscle car rebirth, the truth of the matter is that our choices are better than ever.

Here are the best of muscle cars of 2017:

2017 Cadillac CTS-V

After selling out its CTS-V in 2016, Cadillac brings back muscle car for 2017 and makes it meaner than ever. This year the CTS-V comes with available launch control, new technology enhancements and a slick Carbon Black sport package. Also available is the factory Performance Data Recorder which allows drivers to record, view and analyze their driving using real time video, cabin audio and performance data. Sadly, the only thing missing in the 2017 CTS-V line-up is that rocket ship of a wagon. Maybe next year.

2017 Chevrolet Camaro

2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the quintessential Chevy muscle car. At the time of its release in 1967, the Camaro had a base price of $2,477, not including the whopping $57 upcharge for an AM radio. These days, the Camaro's sticker price adds an additional digit, but it does include a ridiculous amount of performance and technology. New for 2017 is the ZL1, which originally debuted in 1989 — only 111 were made that year. This modern ZL1 is the fastest Camaro ever, ripping from 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds. Bitchin'!

2017 Dodge Challenger

When an automaker claims "best in class," "class leading" or a "class first," it's tempting to ignore these claims. But when Fiat Chrysler claimed that the Dodge Challenger is the most powerful muscle car ever, very few could argue. This is because FCA can legitimize with just one word, and that's "Hellcat." The hair-curling 707 hp monster truly redefined what a modern muscle car could be. With the success of the Challenger and Charger models, Dodge now makes both of them in a baffling number of trims, yet each have something to excite. New for 2017 is the reintroduction of the Challenger T/A with chassis upgrades for better handling and braking.

2017 Dodge Charger

Not to be outdone by its 2-door brother, the 4-door Charger allows the driver to burn rubber during the daily commute but still bring the kids to ballet in one piece. With four vastly different engine options, the Charger offers everything from mild muscle to full-on racked and ripped. Luckily, the gaping price differences also reflect these options. New for 2017 is the latest version of the Charger Daytona and the Daytona 392, which have been absent since 2013.

2017 Ford Mustang

The original pony car, the Ford Mustang is as iconic on current day streets as it was in the late 1960s. Now the 6th generation Mustang continues its muscle car reign by selling over 100,000 of these vehicles in 2016. Mustang love isn't just for Americans either, as Ford currently ships them to over 140 countries on six continents and features factory right-hand drive. In fact, the Mustang is currently known to be the best selling sports coupe in the world and currently Germany's most beloved performance car, beating out the homegrown 911. For the 2017 Mustang, most of upgrades went to the GT350, which received power sport seats versus manual Recaro seats and a standard track page. (Ford just released some details about the 2018 Mustang.)

No matter what your choice, chances are you'll have a lot of fun in any of these muscle cars.

Have you considered a hot hatch instead of a muscle car? We've got you covered with a 2017 Hot Hatch Buyer's Guide.