Rev Up: Best Muscle Cars for Beginners in 2023

Why should first-time buyers consider a lower trim before stepping up to the big dogs in the muscle car world? Drivers need to get the feel of these power cars.

When a car has a lot of power, incredible speed, and more performance features, it takes a skilled driver to harness it without spinning out of control. Try one of these muscle cars before spending close to six figures on a car that doesn’t match your skill level.

2023 Chevrolet Camaro 1LS Coupe

This base-level Camaro is the most affordable muscle car in the entire market. It’s the only car of its kind without 300 horsepower, but that shouldn’t turn you away from it. This powerful machine is fast, decisive, and fun on any road or track.

0-60 MPH 6.0 seconds
Top Speed 148 mph
Engine 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission 6-speed manual/8-speed automatic
Horsepower 275 hp
Torque 295 lb-ft

The 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 1LS Coupe includes performance items to provide experience with some of these features. You’ll get to know what it means to have a limited-slip rear differential, a manual transmission, a sport suspension, and a drive mode selector.

2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback

Ford brings serious fun to your time behind the wheel of this base Mustang. The standard line-lock feature enables drivers to perform epic burnouts where they can show off while smoking tires before rocketing down the line.

0-60 MPH 5.1 seconds
Top Speed 145 mph
Engine 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission 6-speed manual/10-speed automatic
Horsepower 310 hp
Torque 350 lb-ft

If you want a little more power, the Performance version of the EcoBoost Mustang increases power to 330 horsepower. Regardless, the 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback is an affordable, performance-oriented muscle car with 2-piston front brake calipers, a limited-slip differential, and the line-lock feature. This combination makes the Mustang a great muscle car for first-time buyers.

2023 Dodge Challenger SXT

You might want to drive a Hellcat-powered Challenger, but the base SXT is a much more appropriate choice while still a muscle car novice. This affordable muscle car includes the iconic styling that makes the Dodge Challenger one of the most highly recognizable cars in its class.

0-60 MPH 5.3 seconds
Top Speed 143 mph
Engine 3.6-liter V-6
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Horsepower 303 hp
Torque 268 lb-ft

The 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT is a great entry into the muscle car world, but if you’re looking for better traction, the GT trim is what you want to drive. The Challenger GT includes AWD while utilizing the same powertrain as the SXT.

2023 Dodge Charger GT

Three of four modern-day muscle cars come with only two doors, but the Charger is a four-door sedan. This Dodge sedan brings plenty of power, a classic muscle car design, and room for a family of five. The GT is a step above the base SXT model, offering more power and optional AWD.

0-60 MPH 6.4 seconds
Top Speed 141 mph
Engine 3.6-liter V-6
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Horsepower 300 hp
Torque 264 lb-ft

Add AWD to your 2023 Dodge Charger GT and experience the fun of driving this muscle car in foul weather or on a snow-covered road on the way to your favorite ski slopes. The Charger is a fantastic mix of muscle car and sedan, making it a great choice for first-time buyers.

2023 Ford Mustang GT Fastback

The Ford Mustang GT is such a ubiquitous American muscle car that songs have been sung about it, and it is a traditional symbol of Americana. The Coyote V-8 engine delivers impressive power, pushing this muscle car to 60 mph in a hurry.

0-60 MPH 5.8 seconds
Top Speed 168 mph
Engine 5.0-liter V-8
Transmission 6-speed manual/10-speed automatic
Horsepower 450 hp
Torque 410 lb-ft

When you want a muscle car that sounds great, looks amazing, and performs on the track, it’s hard to argue against the 2023 Ford Mustang GT Fastback. This tire-shredding muscle car includes 4-piston front brake calipers, launch control, and selectable power-assisted steering.

2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack

When you want to straddle the line between beginner and experienced muscle cars, the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack is the car you want to drive. This incredible Challenger has the largest Hemi engine used by Dodge, delivering impressive figures from this big naturally aspirated power plant.

0-60 MPH 4.2 seconds
Top Speed 175 mph
Engine 6.4-liter Hemi V-8
Transmission 6-speed manual/8-speed automatic
Horsepower 485 hp
Torque 475 lb-ft

When strength, speed, and a loud car are what you want, the Challenger R/T Scat Pack should be at the top of your list. The sprint time is quick, the top speed is respectable, and the massive engine will make onlookers admire what you’ve got under the hood.