The Muscle Car it represents the crux of American car culture: brash, loud, powerful machines made for the endless open roads for which North America is famous. Given the sheer breadth of the muscle car category, it’s easy to identify one that fits every gear’s wants and desires. This variety means that a muscle car is a popular choice in the used car market as the perfect way to get the performance car experience with practicality unmatched by vehicles from other countries.
Like most things in life, the muscle car is not without its problems. For example, in the 1970s, the oil crisis made maximum fuel efficiency the primary goal pursued by most American automakers. Known as the Malaise era, these cars were severely underpowered, slow and, in the long run, potentially unreliable. Other decades also had their share of troubled children. Here are 10 to avoid when shopping for used cars.
10 1979 Dodge Aspen R/T
The Dodge Aspen R/T existed at a time when the identity of the American Muscle Car was in a state of flux, due to the harsh safety and environmental regulations that governed the course of the auto industry in this era. period At launch, the vehicle had a 5.9-liter V8 producing 170 hp, which gave the R/T model (a mostly cosmetic upgrade) a respectable 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds according to a MotorTrend test.
But by 1979, the engine had been further downsized to a 5.2-litre V8, making just 120bhp. The combination of stunted and underpowered V8 engines, build quality that has suffered over time due to the push for lightness and a reputation for having fatal rust problems make this road and track specials, better left to the crazy.
9 1978 Ford Mustang King Cobra
The Ford Mustang is America’s most iconic pony. Launched in 1965, the first generation Ford Mustang shaped the imagination of enthusiasts and consumers alike. The brand has been surprisingly successful for the Blue Oval, and each generation of this car enjoys massive popularity in the used car market today. almost
In the era of unrest, Ford released the 1978 Ford Mustang King Cobra. Based on the Mustang II and taking the underpinnings of the famous Ford Pinto, the King Cobra was a special edition that came with a 5.0-liter V8 with 139 hp and plenty of cosmetic bits like chrome exhaust tips and flared fenders. Owners reported an unreliable suspension setup, with cars badly damaged under moderate to heavy loading. All in all, this King Cobra had no venom and is best avoided today.
8 1968 AMC AMX
AMC wanted to capitalize on the Muscle Car craze that was sweeping America and in 1968 they released the AMX. It had a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 340 hp and introduced numerous innovations, such as tempered glass windshields and a one-piece injection-molded dashboard.
The AMX never found a comfortable place in the market and in 1970, the AMC Javelin replaced it. Today, the AMX has something of a cult following, with well-maintained examples commanding great value on the second-hand market. But it’s not an ideal project car, as they are notorious for having major rust problems, and the low production numbers make finding replacement parts very expensive or simply impossible.
7 1972 Mercury Montego GT
In an era marked by the push to downsize, Mercury seemed to buck the trend when it launched the Montego GT in 1972. Fully loaded with fuel and people, the Montego GT tipped the scales at two tonnes, which which would have been fine if the The standard engine on offer wasn’t a 5.0-litre V8 that only made 140bhp. Even the top-spec 5.7-litre Cobra Jet engine of the time only made 248bhp. The car’s luxurious interiors and features simply couldn’t make up for its lack of performance.
The Montego GT has several quality and reliability issues, but the most pressing problem was the fatal rust problem. Enthusiasts looking for an example in decent condition will have a hard time finding it because the old school manufacturing processes made it very noticeable to rust.
6 1966 Oldsmobile Toronto
The Oldsmobile brand represented the era of the American auto industry and the 1966 Toronado was launched as a premium luxury coupe to compete with the Ford Thunderbird, Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick Riviera. The vehicle was successful early in its life and became a popular choice among buyers of the time.
With the steady march of time, however, the Toronado earned the unpleasant reputation of being a death trap. Based on the first generation of GM’s front-wheel-drive system, its problems began with the fact that the heavy front-mounted engine, along with all the drive components, made it unstable and the drum brakes would overheat they easily and eventually failed. It was subject to major recalls for failed power steering and was even a fire hazard due to a leaking power steering hose. This Olds is best kept in the history books.
5 1980 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo
With the restrictions of the malaise era still fresh, manufacturers looked for other means to get the muscle car’s legs back, while still being as fuel efficient as possible. Pontiac went supercharged for their venerable Trans Am. They took the 5.0-liter V8 and fitted it with a turbo, helping the engine produce 210 hp from the factory.
This just didn’t have enough power and the car suffered because of it. Famously unreliable electrical issues, an engine that guzzled too much oil, and even instances of failed catalytic converters make this desirable-looking muscle car a not-so-good idea for today’s discerning buyer.
4 1977 Plymouth Volare Road Runner
The 1970s saw Dodge and Plymouth with them develop and launch twin cars, the Aspen and the Volare. This meant it shared an engine, platform and issues with the Aspen. It was just one of those cars that couldn’t be faulted for being terrible, but at the same time had nothing special to offer, not even the Road Runner finish, which was nothing more than a cosmetic job.
Vehicle recalls are nothing new, and in the past consumers widely associated the Volaré with safety issues and recalls. Some of the recalls included hood malfunctions, suspension problems, damage to the hydraulic front wheel brake system, and even problems with the carburetor throttle pump seal that could distort. These problems and nothing in the way of performance made the enthusiast a little bored.
3 1974 Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO ranks among the most iconic American muscle cars of all time, and for good reason. Introduced in 1964, the Pontiac GTO had a powerful engine, sporty styling and an affordable price. This vehicle set the stage for the muscle car era. It also meant that any car bearing the GTO title would have to live up to the expectations set by the original.
The 1974 Pontiac GTO was based on the Pontiac Ventura and was their attempt to revive the good times associated with the GTO title. But tough regulations and the ever-increasing price of gas made this GTO more of a compact, muscle car. The 5.0-liter V8 powering the car made around 200 hp and had a rated 0-60 mph time of 7 seconds. This engine, however, was not particularly reliable. Known rust issues, and the fact that it was only in production for a year, make this GTO a bad car.
2 Dodge Charger 2006
In 2006, Dodge revived the Charger name to launch a muscle car that was also a four-door sedan. This vehicle was offered with its wonderful 5.7 liter V8 Hemi engine. In today’s used market, Dodge Chargers are a popular choice for those looking for raw American V8 power. However, people will also tell you to avoid the 2006 model year Charger.
The 2006 model has the most general complaints about serious problems, making it the worst model year for the Dodge Charger. Many owners have reportedly experienced complete engine failure well below the 100,000 mile mark due to valve seat failure. An engine replacement would cost you $5500 on average. Faulty electrical systems, transmission and power steering also plague this model year.
1 Chevrolet Camaro 2010
The Camaro is an American Muscle Car icon and with six generations of the car out of the house, it had been a resounding success for Chevrolet and GM. The latest 2023 model is a much improved version of the modernized Camaro that was launched in 2010. The latest model enjoys a reputation for being fast, powerful and reliable, a quality that the 2010 model year lacked.
There are several issues with the 6th generation Camaro, but the 2010 version takes the cake. Permanent engine failure, airbag malfunctions, and looming power steering problems are just some of the widespread problems plaguing the car. Owners of the 2010 Camaro have filed more than 280 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. The Camaro twa is also subject to three separate recalls. The bottom line: Stay away from the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.
