Hello,
I'm looking into buying some American muscle and preferably the Mustang. The most important thing to note is that I want an automatic due to the fact that I live in southern California and a 2015 model at the minimum. How do the Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger fair against each other in terms of reliability with their v6s and their v8s and their automatic transmissions? Greatly appreciated thank you!
The 2018+ Mustang GT's are terrible thanks to Ford's plasma-lined cylinder walls. Oil consumption, ticks, bangs, etc. are common place. Ive also heard of some issues with their 10-speeds and have experienced a failure myself at 6k miles. I am a Mustang guy. I've owned over 40 of them easy and I would not buy a new one. The EcoBoost is not a good option either and Ford no longer makes a V6.
The Camaro's days are numbered. GM has had a lot of recalls on them, including at one point for valve spring failures. Definitely research this car before considering purchase.
The Challenger/Charger with the 5.7L V8 at least has a solid power plant. The problem is everything else. FCA has never been a quality nameplate and these days it really shows. Who knows how bad it will get under the new Stellantis nameplate.
I wouldn't buy any of them myself after owning 2 Mustangs, 1 Challenger, 1 Charger, and 2 Camaro SS's. All V8's. But if you twisted my arm to rank them, I'd probably go:
1. FCA
2. GM
3. Ford
Mostly for the solid drivetrain in the Challenger.
This is interesting. Thanks for the details.
You're welcome. Just please note that I am NOT saying FCA is a quality company. Otherwise people will think I've lost my mind. {blackemo}:crazy:
He asked 2015+ so what would be your opinion on the 2015-2017s?
Well, '15 to '17 would be this: automatic ONLY, and avoid the '15 as it had some first year bugs and glitches. Also realize that on all S550 Mustangs, the A/C is a weak point and a $3000 job to repair out of warranty. And they all break, just a matter of when. And I would still not recommend a purchase. The quality isn't there for the ludicrous prices they are charging.
I really appreciate the thorough response. Not what I wanted to hear because it breaks my heart to hear this about Ford. If anything, I would expect more quality from their Mustang. Fiat/Chrysler and GM don't surprise me at all.
What would you say about the v6 manual? Once again, thanks for your time.
Anytime. Unfortunately Ford does not make a V6 anymore. The 15-17 models offered it and the motor was good, but the other issues (A/C, etc.) were still present.
What do you mean you've owned 40 mustangs?
@JustASneakyDude I have a sickness with cars that started when I was a kid and never left. Mustangs have always caught my eye, and I acquired them as I had the means to. If it is a Mustang model, I've driven it. Most I've either owned and sold or still own in my collection. I don't like to talk about it because people get the wrong idea that I'm some rich guy, but I do have my own collection of cars and a place I store them. Not all are Mustangs, but many are. I also have some of my very first custom builds too, made well before I had my shop. But notably missing is my very first build, also my first car, which my Aunt currently owns. Hoping to one day get that one back. 1981 Mustang coupe. At least I still get to see it from time to time around the holidays. {black}:cool:
Oh well it's easy to assume you're rich that's a lot of cars. Which muscle cars was the most enjoyable to drive and which were the least? And why? Also I've heard muscle cars don't handle all that well due to their side and weight, is that true?
The newer ones handle better than the old ones, that's for sure. I like the 2009 GT500 Mustang a lot as it is just the right amount of power to be fun but not too much to where it is uncontrollable. The classic 289 V8 Mustangs are fun too but are much more cruiser than bruiser. Cant say I really have any ones I disliked. All are pretty fun.
I agree with Mod_Man 100%. Whichever you plan to get make sure it’s always under warranty. You might even consider leasing and getting out of your system, but to keep any of these modern muscle/pony cars long term beyond the warranty period is risking it. They will become money pits, especially when you factor in the electronic issues they all can have.
I cannot recommend any of them if you value reliability.
This is how I would rank it between the 6s and 8s. 1. Ford
2. FCA
3. GM
I’ve heard rumors GM is looking to can the camaro because the sales tanked. I could be wrong but I wouldn’t be surprised. Keep in mind the autos in the stangs are garbage, the challengers have a solid ZF made 8 speed.
A ZF could make me change my mind in the Chsllenger.
For good or bad? The ZF 8 speed, in my opinion, is one of the better modern automatics out on the road right now.
I am a little biased. And this comment has no basis on the actual cars side by side, but rather the companies that represent them. My preference would be Mustang > Camaro > Challenger, i.e. Ford > GM > Fiat/Chrysler.
It seems to me Ford puts emphasis on two of their models. The Mustang and the F150. Those two things define Ford in the contemporary era, IMHO. (And I guess you can add the Bronco to the list, we will see.). Heck they are even using the Mustang name for their electric vehicle.
GM is all over the place with so many brands and initiatives.
And Fiat/Chrysler, is well, Fiat/Chrysler. Sure there may be a few standouts, but I am not so sure the Challenger is one of them.
So I think the real question is, Mustang V6 or Mustang V8. Just stay away from Ecoboost, which is 4 cylinder anyway, so we don't have to worry about that.
