The Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger have been locking horns for decades, with a few breaks. We expect they will continue to do so as every other low-roof vehicle falls by the wayside as Americans continue to choose SUVs and crossovers over lower, sportier options. Yet still these gladiators still battle.
Sales numbers were released for the first quarter of 2021 and the Ford Mustang took the sports car crown over its rivals, again. The Blue Oval moved 17,274 Mustangs in the first three months. Dodge sold 15,096 Challengers in all forms while Chevy moved only a disappointing 7,089 Camaro units, continuing its downward trend that has gone on for the last seven years.
Unlike luxury cars, sales of muscle cars like the Mustang and Camaro were down 4.4% and 1.3%, respectively. The Dodge Challenger was the bright spot in the group, somehow jumping 24% over the first quarter of last year. The Challenger (and Charger) is a gift that keeps on giving for Dodge, as its already-paid-for underpinnings are nearing 20 years old. The Challenger is also the company's third best-selling product.
As for the Chevrolet Camaro; we honestly don't know. It has the best current platform by a mile with the GM's Alpha design, which also underpinned the Cadillac ATS. It sounds better than the Ford Mustang, and will beat it on the track with a proficient driver at the helm. But that new look, it just doesn't seem to be sticking with the public.
Granted, the current Camaro is not as pretty, or as tough-looking as the last generation. The interiors are fine, nothing to write home about. However, its engine choices are sublime. The Mustang keeps sales going with special editions every few years like the GT350, Bullitt or new Mach-1. The Challenger does the same with its Hellcats, Redeyes, Demons and the like. Maybe Camaro buyers are sick of SS and ZR1? Chevy did just start offering the LT1 trim with the good engine for cheap, which makes these numbers even more surprising.
The moral is this: we love living in a world where Camaros, Challengers and Mustangs compete for supremacy every year. If every other domestic vehicle (besides the Corvette) becomes an SUV, we can live with it. Just give us a few two-doors to play with (and argue about).