Mustang Faces Sales Struggles After Challenger Exits Market

The U.S. muscle car market took a hard hit in 2024, marking a year of significant changes and surprising outcomes. The Ford Mustang, an iconic nameplate that has symbolized American performance for 60 years, had its worst sales year ever, with only 44,003 units sold. To add insult to injury, Ford’s other Mustang, the Mustang Mach-E, outpaced it by over 7,000 units.

The Mustang’s poor showing in 2024 was particularly surprising, given its status as the last two-door muscle car standing. Both the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger were officially discontinued at the end of 2023, leaving the Mustang to dominate a shrinking market. Yet, even without direct competition, Mustang sales tumbled by 9.5% compared to the previous year.

Chevrolet sold just 5,860 Camaros in 2024, clearing out the remaining inventory of its storied muscle car. Meanwhile, Dodge sold 27,056 Challengers despite production ceasing in December 2023. The Challenger’s enduring popularity was evident in its final year, surpassing the Mustang’s sales in several key months.

When considering the broader muscle car landscape, Dodge’s Charger—a four-door sedan included under the muscle car banner—added another 34,754 units. This brings Dodge’s combined muscle car sales to over 61,000 units for 2024, far outpacing Ford’s Mustang lineup.

As the curtain falls on the Camaro and Challenger, the muscle car market faces an uncertain future. The Mustang’s struggles, coupled with the rise of electric alternatives like the Mach-E, suggest a shift in priorities among buyers. Adding to this change is the arrival of the all-new, all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona, which began reaching dealerships in recent days.

For enthusiasts, 2024 will be remembered as a pivotal moment—where gas-powered legends bowed out, and the Mustang, despite standing alone, failed to shine in its traditional role as America’s muscle car hero.