2021 Best Selling Muscle Cars In the United States (All Models Ranked)
Muscle cars have long been a staple of American automotive culture, representing power, performance, and a distinct style. In 2021, while the auto industry saw a shift toward SUVs, crossovers, and electric vehicles, the muscle car segment still maintained a dedicated following. The term “muscle car” traditionally refers to a high-performance American car, typically with a V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, and a two-door body style. The main contenders in this segment have remained relatively consistent over the years.
Muscle car sales have seen fluctuations over the years, facing challenges from changing consumer preferences, fuel economy regulations, and the rise of SUVs and trucks. However, they maintained a steady niche market of enthusiasts and buyers seeking performance and style. The introduction of performance-oriented electric models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E signified potential future directions for the segment. While the Mach-E isn’t a traditional muscle car, its naming and performance trims indicate that brands are exploring how to merge the appeal of muscle cars with the benefits of electrification.
The Ford Mustang, Ford’s iconic pony car, has consistently been a top seller in the muscle car segment. The 2021 lineup included a range of models, from the base EcoBoost to the high-performance GT, Mach 1, Shelby GT500, and even the new all-electric Mach-E (though purists might not consider the Mach-E a traditional “muscle car”). Another iconic name in the muscle car world, the Chevy Camaro offered a blend of power and style. The lineup ranged from the V6 and V8-powered SS models to the high-performance ZL1. The Dodge Challenger was unique in the modern muscle car segment due to its larger size and retro-inspired design. With a broad range of trims, from the V6 SXT and GT to the V8-powered R/T, Scat Pack, and the supercharged Hellcat models, the Challenger appealed to a wide audience.
Here Are The Most Popular Muscle Cars in the U.S for 2021
This data table looks at full year Muscle Car sales volumes in the United States by model. We compare U.S market SUV model sales for the full year versus the full year last year.
| Model | Month | Month LY | Change | YTD | YTD LY | YTD Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Camaro | 2,270 | 2,910 | -21.99 | 21,893 | 29,777 | -26.48 |
| Dodge Challenger | 3,391 | 5,631 | -39.78 | 54,315 | 52,955 | 2.57 |
| Ford Mustang | 4,564 | 4,935 | -7.52 | 52,384 | 61,090 | -14.25 |
| ∑ = 10,225 | ∑ = 13,476 | ∑ = 128,592 | ∑ = 143,822 |
2021 New Muscle Car Sales Data by Month in the U.S
This sales data table looks at monthly sales performance for the Muscle Car segment in the United States on a month to month basis for the entire year. It includes all major Muscle Car models sold in the U.S market and you can see that the monthly Muscle Car sales trends clearly. Seeing the individual Muscle Car model sales performance in this way gives you a good sense of the momentum (good or bad).
