Which Muscle Car Would You Want In Your Garage?

#1 8 TIRE-SMOKING MUSCLE CARS FROM THE US OF A

Few vehicles have the enduring appeal of Detroit-bred muscle cars. American muscle cars can be the litmus test of family brand loyalty. There are Camaro people and Mustang people, and the only thing they will agree on is that their cars are better than any other muscle car.

Speedy, stylish, and increasingly luxurious, today's American muscle strikes a balance of innovating while also paying respect to the classic cars that shape their history. Here are some of the best American muscle cars to come out of Detroit this year, ranked in order of horsepower. Purists beware, we're going to expand the traditional definition of the simple, affordable muscle car to include some American sports cars and even an SUV.

#2 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT HELLCAT

The first appearance of the nameplate, the Dodge Silver Challenger, was introduced in 1958, forever changing the landscape of classic muscle cars. Now, several generations later, the 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and its sibling, the Charger SRT Hellcat, are the most powerful American muscle cars on the market.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat produces 707 horsepower, putting it right up there with many exotics and supercars and the price is tens of thousands of dollars less than similarly powered offerings from more exclusive brands.

The power for this rear-wheel drive American muscle car comes from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that makes 650 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Challenger SRT Hellcat can achieve a 0 to 60 mph run in just over three seconds.

The 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat might be too much muscle for some drivers to manage on a daily basis, but that's no reason to completely overlook this modern classic. Several more Challenger trims are available, offering between 305 and 485 horsepower from a selection of V6 and V8 engines.

#3 2016 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06

The Chevrolet Corvette is a classic American sports car that rose to prominence in the 1950s. Originally introduced as a convertible, the first Sting Ray coupe was added to the Corvette lineup ten years later. Chevrolet knew that the Corvette would endure as one of Detroit's all-time favorites.

The modern Stingray coupe serves as the base model in the current Corvette lineup, but the Z06 offers the most muscle. The 2016 Chevy Corvette Z06 makes 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, earning the title of the second most-powerful American muscle car available for 2016.

A supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine sits between the Corvette's fenders and comes matched with the buyer's choice of a seven-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic. The Corvette Z06 has strong acceleration and precise handling. An optional Z07 performance package trims the 0 to 60 acceleration time to just under three seconds. Marking a pleasant departure from previous Corvettes, the Corvette Z06 also offers a comfortable cockpit and a decent amount of cargo space.

#4 2016 DODGE VIPER

Though the Dodge Viper is a relatively new addition to the American sports car stable, rolled out in 1992, it's earned enough notoriety to be counted among modern classics. The Viper can certainly hold its own in terms of power, currently ranking third in the class of 2016.

The Dodge Viper is more of a brute force sports car than a true American muscle car, but it's hard to argue with 645 ponies coming from an 8.4-liter V10 engine. For a car with a price tag that quickly approaches the six-figure mark, critics say the Viper is remarkably unrefined, something that buyers find to be part of its charm. It's uncomfortable to climb into and out of and the seats don't provide much cushioning. There's also not much storage space, and it's hard to see what's going on around the car. Yet, while those factors would be drawbacks to much of the car-buying public, they may actually increase the outlaw appeal of this American sports car.

#5 2016 FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT350

Ford's Mustang has a long legacy dating back to 1964, but critics and consumers seem to agree that, despite the appeal of the classic Mustang cars, this model is the pinnacle of the pony car's performance. The Mustang Shelby GT350 is one of the most powerful American muscle cars of 2016.

With 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque from its 5.2-liter V8 engine, the 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is laser-focused on performance. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and a six-speed manual is the only available transmission.

Compared to other Mustang models, the Shelby GT350 and its track-oriented counterpart, the GT350R, feature upgrades to the brakes and suspension system. If the 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is too much American muscle, there are plenty more models available in the current lineup of this classic nameplate. Ford's added some turbocharged EcoBoost powerplants to the mix, and all but the Shelby models are available in convertible and fastback body styles.

#6 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE SRT

Of the manufacturers who have made the list of this year's best American muscle cars, Jeep might be the biggest stretch. The original Jeep was a 1940s military vehicle, but the brand now makes some of the best-recognized SUVs on the road and is a true American success story.

While ranking an SUV among American muscle cars might raise some eyebrows, the 2016 Grand Cherokee SRT is a standout in its class, driven by the same principles that make both modern and classic muscle cars so compelling. The SRT badge refers to "Street & Racing Technology," the same FCA performance division that makes the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat.

While the Grand Cherokee SRT doesn't have the horsepower of the Hellcat, it does boast 475 ponies and 470 pound-feet of torque from a 6.4-liter V8 engine, putting most other SUVs and some sports cars to shame. The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT might be just the thing for someone who craves an American muscle car but needs a place to strap in the kids' booster seats.

#7 2016 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY

Though the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 might be perceived as an alternative for potential buyers who can't afford a Z06, or just don't want to endure the harshness of a Z06 every day, it still offers great performance at a relatively affordable price.

The Stingray makes American muscle cars a bit more accessible. This version of the Corvette is quite comfortable to drive, yet it's still fun. The Corvette Stingray's 6.2-liter V8 produces 455 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It's matched with a seven-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. An optional performance exhaust package squeezes out 5 more horsepower. Most buyers won't feel the need for any more horsepower than the Stingray provides. As a bonus, fuel economy is decent at least, for an American sports car.

#8 2016 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS

The Chevrolet Camaro is more mainstream than its Chevy-badged sibling, the Corvette. But in top-of-the-line SS trim, the 2016 Camaro can hold its own against most American muscle cars. This Chevy's got classic car heritage going for it too, dating back to 1967.

Chevy redesigned the Camaro for 2016, replacing some of the typical muscle car lack of refinement with a more polished sports car driving experience. As a modern interpretation of an American muscle car, critics largely agree that Chevrolet nailed it.

The Camaro SS is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that makes 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque (similar numbers to the lighter Corvette Stingray). Transmission options for this Chevy are a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic. In addition to the Camaro SS' exuberant power output, crisp handling and natural steering feel enhance the driving experience of this muscle car.

#9 2016 FORD MUSTANG GT

We already mentioned that the popular Ford Mustang comes in plenty of configurations besides the elite Shelby versions, and the Ford Mustang GT is certainly no slouch. The 2016 Ford Mustang GT plays homage to this classic muscle car nameplate with a traditional, straightforward, and reasonably affordable approach to performance.

With a 5.0-liter V8 engine up front, the 2016 Ford Mustang GT produces 435 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Most reviewers appreciate the car's power, noting that the engine sounds are distinctly those of an American muscle car. Buyers of the Mustang GT have the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Although the Mustang GT has the rumble of a classic American muscle car, it's more refined. The 2016 Ford Mustang GT might not be the fastest or most powerful vehicle on our list of American muscle cars, but it offers practicality, without completely sacrificing the muscle car experience.