2007 Dodge Charger
Muscle cars are deeply embedded in the Dodge corporate DNA. It makes it hard for them to manufacture a “normal” automobile. The Charger is an example of how an otherwise “normal” family sedan becomes linked to the muscle car rumblings of the 60s.
Yes, it has four doors. But it also has edgy styling, sport wheels and, if you want, an intimidating 6.1L Hemi V8 engine capable of 425 horsepower. Tack on Mercedes-Benz suspension and transmission technology, and you have a car that can outrun anything in its class and most of the expensive “performance” cars.
It’s the family sedan that makes dad look cool. When you find one you fall in love with, expect to lay out about $22,000.
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
The 2008 Challenger SRT8 looks, sounds and blows by the competition like its predecessor from 1969. The 6.1L Hemi V8 can crank out 425 horsepower and 420 ft-lb of torque. This reincarnation has a top speed of 173 mph and does the standing quarter mile in 11.1 seconds.
The SRT8 came as a limited edition, with only 6,400 units built. Each one sold at $50,000-plus before hitting a lot. Today you can park one of these monsters in your driveway for about $27,000.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Chevrolet reintroduced the Camaro in 2008 to take on the Dodge Challenger. It hit its stride in 2010 with a fantastic design and an optional 426-horsepower V8 engine with a five-speed manual transmission.
This dangerous looking four-seater with the gun slit windows can hit 0 to 60 in 5 seconds flat. Tire evaporating torque and a classic muscle car roar made the 2010 Camaro SS an easy pick for straight line speed enthusiasts of the time. Today this ride will set you back $30,000, so it’s the priciest on our list of affordable muscle cars.
