As the demand for crossovers and SUVs continues to grow, the number of new American cars available has significantly decreased throughout the 2020s. With some manufacturers now focusing solely on SUVs, the majority of American cars are either focused on performance or luxury; sometimes both.
Due to focusing on these two areas, the mainstream American cars left on the market almost all fall into the more expensive side of the industry. With many of these cars now discontinued to make way for either SUVs or all-electric replacements, here’s a closer look at the most expensive mainstream American cars on the market in 2024.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Consumer Reports, and Car And Driver. The models below have been ranked based on their starting MSRP.
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8 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
MSRP: $58,395
Entering its seventh generation in 2024 is the Ford Mustang, a legendary American sports car that has captured the hearts of enthusiasts for decades. With a rich heritage and iconic design, the Mustang has been the best-selling sports car in America for more than ten years, a testament to its enduring appeal and performance. At the top of the all-new range is the Dark Horse, a formidable powerhouse that not only embodies the legacy of the Mustang, but also sets a new standard for raw power and performance on the road.
Under the hood of the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse is a potent 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8, which marks the beginning of a new era for the long-standing Coyote engine. Producing 500 horsepower and 418 pound-feet of torque, the Dark Horse comes as one of the most powerful sports cars on the market. The top-spec trim also comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, being one of the last sports/muscle cars to feature a manual in 2024.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
5.0-Liter Coyote V-8 |
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
Horsepower |
500 HP |
Torque |
418 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
4.1 Seconds |
Top Speed |
166 MPH |
As expected, the Dark Horse costs a fair amount more than the base 2024 Mustang, starting at $58,395. If you want the more luxury-focused version of the model, the 2024 Dark Horse Premium raises the price to $62,930. When fully loaded, the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse will cost $90,475.
Pros
- A great-sounding V-8 engine
- A smooth, responsive manual transmission
- Solid handling capabilities
Cons
- Unintuitive cabin controls
- Not much rear seat space
- Expectedly low fuel economy with the V-8
7 2024 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
MSRP: $61,495
Cadillac is one of the few remaining American manufacturers offering a diverse range of sedans. Among the lineup is the CT4 model, which is the smallest of the two sedans offered by the luxury automaker in 2024. The CT4 is available in both a CT4-V version, which embodies enhanced performance and style, and the top-of-the-line Blackwing model, designed to unlock unparalleled performance in the segment.
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Powered by a 3.6-liter turbocharged V-6, the CT4-V Blackwing manages to produce 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. This puts the smaller Blackwing in the same territory as larger European sports sedans for a fraction of the price, despite being one of the most expensive American cars on sale this year.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
3.6-Liter Turbocharged V-6 |
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
Horsepower |
472 HP |
Torque |
445 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
3.9 Seconds |
Top Speed |
189 MPH |
Regarding the 2024 CT4-V Blackwing’s price, the performance sedan starts at $61,495. Despite being $14,400 more expensive than the base CT4-V, the Blackwing variant offers levels of performance that you won’t find anywhere else in the compact sedan segment for its price.
Pros
- Standout interior comfort up front
- Nimble handling
- Solid braking performance
Cons
- Not many interior storage options
- Limited rear space
- The interior design doesn’t match the performance nature
6 2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
MSRP: $68,300
While the Ford Mustang leans more toward muscle car territory, the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette is a proper sports car through and through, rivaling the very best of what Europe has to offer. The Corvette C8’s sleek and aerodynamic design, combined with its advanced performance features, sets it apart in the American sports car market entirely.
For the gas-powered models, the Stingray is the most affordable and still delivers solid performance, making it a great option for enthusiasts looking for an exhilarating driving experience without spending triple figures. Powered by a 6.2 liter V-8, the Corvette Stingray produces 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque as standard.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
6.2-Liter V-8 |
Transmission |
8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
Horsepower |
490 HP |
Torque |
465 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
2.9 Seconds |
Top Speed |
194 MPH |
Starting at $68,300, the 2024 Corvette Stingray is priced in the same bracket as the likes of the Porsche 718 Cayman. While the Porsche comes with more technology and luxury, it doesn’t manage to come close to the Corvette’s standard power output. To add five horsepower and pound-feet of torque to the 2024 Stingray, you can opt for the Z51 package, bumping the starting price to $76,645.
Pros
- Rapid acceleration with a high top speed
- Responsive, agile handling
- Solid interior finish
Cons
- Limited side and rear visibility
- Tricky to get in and out of
- No option of a manual transmission
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5 2024 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
MSRP: $72,100
Despite being discontinued after 2024, the Chevrolet Camaro remains one of the best modern muscle cars on the market. With the option to choose from seven trims, the Chevrolet Camaro offers a diverse range of driving experiences to cater to different preferences. However, the performance-focused ZL1 stands out as the pinnacle of the lineup, delivering exhilarating speed and power with its 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
6.2-Liter Supercharged V-8 |
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
Horsepower |
650 HP |
Torque |
650 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
3.5 Seconds |
Top Speed |
200 MPH |
The 2024 Camaro starts at $72,100 for the top-spec ZL1. This makes the Camaro considerably more expensive than the Mustang Dark Horse, but that can be expected with the sizable increase in power. With Chevrolet committing to electric vehicles for the future, it’s unlikely that we’ll see another gas-powered replacement for the Camaro any time soon, making the 2024 ZL1 trim a fitting sendoff for one of the most iconic muscle cars of all time.
Pros
- Increased aerodynamics keeps the car sucked to the floor
- More speed and power than direct rivals
- Comes standard with a manual transmission with available automatic
Cons
- Very limited visibility
- Restricted headroom
- Loses out on some safety features you’d expect as standard
4 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock
MSRP: $91,300
Another manufacturer that discontinued their flagship gas-powered muscle cars in 2024 is Dodge. With the all-new electric Charger set to replace the current Charger and Challenger, a gas-powered version will still be released in 2025 featuring a new inline-six engine.
As for the outgoing two-door muscle car, the 2024 Dodge Challenger offers the pinnacle of muscle car prowess, especially with the top-spec SRT Super Stock. Producing a mighty 807 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque, the Super Stock is built for the best straight-line performance possible thanks to its 6.2-liter HEMI V-8.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
6.2-Liter Supercharged HEMI V-8 |
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
807 HP |
Torque |
707 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
3.3 Seconds |
Top Speed |
203 MPH |
Costing just $5 more than the Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak trim, the SRT Super Stock is the most expensive 2023 Dodge Challenger you can buy. While both models look almost identical, the Widebody Jailbreak isn’t as drag-focused, despite producing 797 horsepower itself. The Challenger Super Stock is not only the most powerful two-door muscle car in 2024, it’s also the most expensive.
Pros
- Incredible amounts of power
- More rear seat room than its rivals
- Easy-to-use cabin technology
Cons
- Limited visibility
- A stiff ride for the Super Stock
- Not the highest-quality cabin
3 2024 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
MSRP: $93,495
Alongside the CT4, the mid-size CT5 is the second sedan offered by Cadillac in 2024. As you’d expect with the increase in size, the CT5 comes with more power than its smaller counterpart, which is especially the case with the top-spec CT5-V Blackwing.
Now that the Dodge Charger has been discontinued, the CT5-V Blackwing is the most powerful factory-supercharged car for the 2024 model year and, subsequently, the most expensive. The 2024 CT5-V Blackwing comes with a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8, producing 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
6.2-Liter Supercharged V-8 |
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
Horsepower |
668 HP |
Torque |
659 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
3.4 Seconds |
Top Speed |
200> MPH |
At its base, the 2024 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing starts at $93,495, and can easily cross into triple figures when equipped with the long list of options the luxury automaker offers for the performance sedan. In comparison with the base CT5-V, which costs $51,495, there’s a massive 308 horsepower difference, which manages to justify the more than $40,000 price increase.
Pros
- Class-leading performance specs
- Plenty of comfort in the front seats
- Top-quality cabin finish
Cons
- Not the smoothest transmission
- Engine noise can sometimes be too much
- Rear headroom is limited for taller passengers
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2 2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak
MSRP: $94,365
As mentioned before, the Dodge Charger and Challenger have been discontinued to make way for the all-new electric Charger. Similar to the Challenger, the 2023 Dodge Charger comes in plenty of different trims, and it manages to come out on top in terms of pricing for the top-spec SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak.
Under the hood of the 2023 Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak is the same 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 that you get in the Redeye Jailbreak Challenger. Output also remains the same at 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
6.2-Liter Supercharged HEMI V-8 |
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
797 HP |
Torque |
707 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
3.5 Seconds |
Top Speed |
203 MPH |
Despite featuring the same engine, the top-spec 2023 Dodge Charger justifies its $94,365 price tag through its increased practicality. The closest trim to the Redeye Jailbreak is the standard Widebody Jailbreak, which costs $85,765. While the engine size stays the same, the power output drops to 717 horsepower.
Pros
- A smooth ride despite its power
- Comfortable seating for all passengers
- A sharp, responsive transmission
Cons
- Would benefit from all-wheel-drive
- Limited rear visibility
- A fairly plain interior design style
1 2024 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
MSRP: $112,700
While the base Corvette Stingray offers standout performance for its price, the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 seriously takes the fight to the European heavy hitters with its upgraded powertrain and increased focus on aerodynamics. Producing 670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque from its high-revving, naturally aspirated, 5.5-liter V-8, the latest Corvette Z06 manages to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.6 seconds when equipped with the Z07 performance package.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
5.5-Liter V-8 |
Transmission |
8-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission |
Horsepower |
670 HP |
Torque |
460 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
2.6 Seconds |
Top Speed |
195 MPH |
Starting at $112,700, the 2024 Corvette Z06 is much more expensive than the Stingray but still less expensive than its direct rivals. The Z07 performance package adds another $8,995, but even that doesn’t push it into Porsche 911 Turbo S territory.
Pros
- Power to rival much more expensive supercars
- A modern cabin finish
- Responsive handling thanks to improved aero
Cons
- Limited side and rear visibility
- Tricky to get in and out of
- No option of a manual transmission
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