Top 12 Enduring Muscle Cars with Over 200,000 Miles

Muscle Cars: A Testament to Endurance

Muscle cars have long been celebrated as icons of American automotive culture. Their golden age commenced in the early 1960s and continued through the early 1970s, marked by the infamous “horsepower wars.” During this period, American manufacturers engaged in an unspoken rivalry, each striving to produce the most powerful, rear-wheel-drive machines capable of vaporizing the pavement beneath them. However, this era of unrestrained power came to a halt with the onset of the oil crisis and the introduction of stricter emissions regulations.

Nevertheless, muscle cars experienced a revival in the 1980s and 1990s, thanks to technological advancements such as turbocharging and electronic fuel injection, which enabled them to comply with emissions standards while still delivering exhilarating performance. While reliability may not be the first characteristic that comes to mind when discussing muscle cars, these vehicles can indeed be dependable and long-lasting. To substantiate this claim, we’ve compiled a list of 12 remarkable vehicles from brands like Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford, each boasting odometer readings exceeding 200,000 miles. Arranged from the lowest to the highest mileage, these cars showcase that muscle can indeed travel 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 muscle machine. While it may not have boasted the raw power of some of its formidable competitors, it certainly made a statement with its aggressive styling and solid reliability. One reviewer on CarSurvey affectionately described the Duster as “one of the great ones!” and expressed a desire to “happily buy another,” highlighting its enduring charm 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 has spanned eight generations, though not all of them qualify as muscle cars, particularly the more modern iterations. The second-generation Cougar, however, was equipped with a robust 351-cubic inch V8 that produced an impressive 266 lb-ft of torque. One owner managed to push their Cougar past 210,000 miles and noted, “I remember being quite pleased with the lack of maintenance or repair costs for the first 50,000 miles,” underscoring its lasting reliability.

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 legendary GTO, the Pontiac G8 GT served as the brand’s final homage to the no-holds-barred, mass-produced muscle cars. While modern vehicles like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing continue to carry the performance torch, the G8 was far more accessible, delivering incredible power right from the start. Its 364-cubic inch V8 engine provided a thrilling 361 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque, propelling the car to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. Enthusiasts cherish the G8 as a symbol of Pontiac’s legacy, with many units easily surpassing the 200,000-mile mark.

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 could still embody the spirit of muscle cars well into the ’90s. This model showcased Chevrolet’s ability to produce front-engine muscle cars, featuring 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 acquired for around $17,000, while discussions in the Impala SS forum highlighted the value of high-mileage versions, especially when a 215,000-mile model was listed for $10,000.

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

The question of whether the Corvette qualifies as a true muscle car often sparks spirited debates among automotive enthusiasts. While the current C8 Corvette, with its mid-engine layout, leans more towards supercar territory, earlier generations like the C5 are frequently included in the muscle car discussion. With its 346-cubic-inch V8 engine delivering 350 horsepower, the 2001 Corvette stands as a prime example. One particularly impressive unit we discovered had accumulated over 221,000 miles, illustrating how these cars effectively blend modern drivability with classic American performance.

7. 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T: 245,853 Miles

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 is notable not only for its impressive mileage potential but also for its strong reliability ratings. JD Power awarded this model year an admirable score of 82 out of 100, reflecting its dependable nature. The vehicle is powered by a robust 345-cubic-inch V8 engine, delivering a powerful 372 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. This impressive combination of performance and durability makes it a standout choice among long-distance muscle cars.

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 all the rage throughout the 1990s. The 1993 Firebird embraced this design trend, reinforcing the idea that the legendary Firebird nameplate was far from fading away. With its aggressive appearance and performance to match, the car was equipped with a 350-cubic-inch V8 that produced 280 horsepower, allowing it to reach 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. Owners have praised the Firebird for its reliability, with one reviewer stating, “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 ranks high on lists of dependable American vehicles for good reason. The 2015 model, in particular, distinguished itself with remarkable reliability, earning a score of 83 out of 100 from JD Power, solidifying its status as a trustworthy performer. The SS1 trim features a 375-cubic-inch big-block V8 that produces a thrilling 426 horsepower, accelerating to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Its impressive performance and sturdy build make it a premier choice among muscle cars.

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 may not boast the nearly 500-horsepower figures of the 2024 Mustang GT—the last of the true muscle car breed—it remains one of the most durable pony cars on the market. Many examples on the road today have surpassed 250,000 miles, demonstrating its mechanical resilience. The 280-cubic-inch V8 delivers a robust 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 solidify its place in the muscle car realm.

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 seamlessly blends practicality and performance—it’s part family sedan and part muscle-bound powerhouse. The R/T variant shines in terms of performance, featuring a 345-cubic-inch V8 that generates 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. JD Power acknowledges 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 introduced what many consider the quirkiest-looking Camaro ever produced. Featuring highly stylized headlights, a dramatically sculpted hood, and a sharply tapered rear end, this late-’70s Camaro can still exude a muscular appearance with the right paint job. The particular high-mileage example we found is 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 leisurely 0 to 60 mph time of 13.6 seconds, it has impressively logged an incredible 353,000 miles, earning its place as the second most durable car on our 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 pinnacle of our list of enduring American muscle cars is the 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 H.O. Despite the “high output” label attributed to its 5.0-liter V8, its performance by today’s standards is relatively modest. While 190 horsepower was commendable in its time, it pales in comparison to the nearly 700-horsepower modern Camaros. Nevertheless, the Z28 proved its worth through sheer longevity. One owner reported reaching an astounding 375,000 miles on their example, securing this classic firmly at the top of our list.