Flashy muscle cars are recession’s hot ticket
One of the oddest recession statistics involves lipstick: In a twist of economic psychology, lipstick sales invariably rise in recessions. Now it seems the same may apply to Detroit-based V8 muscle cars.
For the month of October, sales of muscle cars were up almost 50 percent compared with last year, according to data from Automotive News. Sales of all sports cars were up almost 24 percent.
Some of that may be because the Chevrolet Camaro came on the market this spring, so it has added to the total. General Motors, which makes the Camaro, says that it has sold 47,000 Camaros so far in 2009.
Counting all types of cars, overall sales were about the same as last October.
Is it possible that these muscle cars reflect glimmers of economic hope among car buyers? While consumers have bought 25 percent fewer cars overall so far in 2009 compared with 2008, muscle-car sales increased by a similar percentage. And a greater proportion of buyers are choosing sports cars overall. Sales of all sports cars declined barely half as much as overall car sales.
We think that most muscle and sports cars are fun to drive, which might account for why they often rank at the top of our owner satisfaction ratings where CR subscribers are asked if they would buy the same car again. This year the top-scoring model was the Dodge Challenger. (Many of us didn’t find the Challenger particularly engaging to drive, but it can be fun in its own way.)
So like lipstick, consumers facing a recession may just want to buy something affordable that makes them stand out and feel a little better about themselves.
—Eric Evarts
For the month of October, sales of muscle cars were up almost 50 percent compared with last year, according to data from Automotive News. Sales of all sports cars were up almost 24 percent.
Some of that may be because the Chevrolet Camaro came on the market this spring, so it has added to the total. General Motors, which makes the Camaro, says that it has sold 47,000 Camaros so far in 2009.
Counting all types of cars, overall sales were about the same as last October.
Is it possible that these muscle cars reflect glimmers of economic hope among car buyers? While consumers have bought 25 percent fewer cars overall so far in 2009 compared with 2008, muscle-car sales increased by a similar percentage. And a greater proportion of buyers are choosing sports cars overall. Sales of all sports cars declined barely half as much as overall car sales.
We think that most muscle and sports cars are fun to drive, which might account for why they often rank at the top of our owner satisfaction ratings where CR subscribers are asked if they would buy the same car again. This year the top-scoring model was the Dodge Challenger. (Many of us didn’t find the Challenger particularly engaging to drive, but it can be fun in its own way.)
So like lipstick, consumers facing a recession may just want to buy something affordable that makes them stand out and feel a little better about themselves.
—Eric Evarts
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Posted by: Jeff | Nov 13, 2009 1:12:28 PM
Who in their right mind does not find a Dodge Challenger fun to drive?
Posted by: st34 | Nov 13, 2009 5:30:22 PM
Many of us have fond memories of the older pony cars, but yearned for just a little more roominess, and functionality, without actually turning a Camaro
into a Chevelle. For those people, like myself, the new Challenger drivers not only get their cake but get to eat it, without giving up too much in the way of performance. Yes there is always a faster car or better handling car out there for the money, but they too have their own little sacrifices to bear with also. I think the Challenger is more about compromising just a little in the most demanding situations due to it's weight difference while delivering in spades the most well rounded, and best looking car of the three. It still exhibits the feeling and sound experience that make grown adults giddy with the excitement and the feeling that only these kind of cars can create for us. What little it does give up, in the way of performance, handling and horsepower to weight ratio etc...in comparison to the others is not noticeable enough for people like myself to influence their buying decisions. The ride quality, size, roominess, and comfort of this car over the others justifies the 300 to 600 lb differences in weight. Both the RT and SRT-8 Challenger twins more than make up for that difference in performance and lasting user enjoyment by being the sexiest beasts on the road. No one dares to utter emasculating "cute" remarks about them as they are bold, brawny, and beautiful all in one.
Posted by: Joe | Nov 13, 2009 10:19:42 PM
On friday nights I'm going to race at the drag strip. When I am finished playing we are going on a 2 week vacation with all our gear in the car. On the way there we will enjoy all the stares and questions. When we go to dinner we feel good about stepping out of our Challenger. At night I will cruise where the hotrods hang out. What's not to like?
Posted by: J.M. Weiss | Nov 13, 2009 11:44:05 PM
How could you ignore the CHEAP PLASTICS used in the Camaro interior? The dash, console, door panels are terrible, besides it has no trunk, it's very small and not practical at all, and of course it doesn't perform as you described it.
About the Mustanf, it looks nice, but boy is this an uncomftable car, I just rented one for two days and never felt comftable in it, the only thing I did like was the muffler sound.
About the challenger let me tell you, that you DON'T know what you are talking about, how can you say that the car is like a Coupe version of a RAM truck??? You guys were not honest at all, the Challenger beats them in looks and performance, and of course while driving it you know you are driving a TRUE MUSCLE and SPORTS CAR, the car is not a pretender, but wait! Dodge is coming with an ALL NEW POWERPLANT and lot of impovements, just be patient, give Chrysler a brake, you'll see who IS GOING TO RULE, it's going to come a time whn you people will STOP FLAMING AGAINST CHRYSLER.
Posted by: Kirk | Nov 16, 2009 3:45:29 PM
Are the above comments from Dodge employees? It seems so given the fact that every one of the major automotive publications (Motor Trend,Car and Driver,etc.),are saying the exact same thing,The Challenger may look sharp but it handles like a 1975 Cordoba.It came in third place in every one of the comparisons (Mustang,Camaro,Challenger) I have seen. Great if all your driving consists of long,straight stretches of highway.Not to mention Chryslers legendary quality control.
Posted by: Brian | Nov 16, 2009 9:58:45 PM
I will never buy a Chrysler again!!!
My 1975 Chrysler Cordoba, was poor quality and a rust bucket, nothing but problems. As for Fiat can you say "Fix it again Tony".
Posted by: CyCarConsulting | Nov 17, 2009 12:40:07 AM
The spike in current muscle cars should not be an indicator of a promising economy, or car industry. If you look at most of the buyers I would bet they are baby boomers. That means some are retired, with pensions and also some have fat inheritances now coming to fruition. Hardly a segment to bet the farm on.