5 American Alternatives to Muscle Cars

So you want to drive a badass American car but you want to be… well, different? Meaning the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger are out. We got to thinking the same thing. The good news is you’ve got a few options....

The bad news is, there’s a reason why the muscle-driven, 2-door cars are so popular – they offer a lot of fun and a lot of function for a surprisingly affordable price tag.

But that's all we'll say about those cars.The other models have something to bring to this party of badasses too. Take the Fiat 500 Abarth for example. While the duder looking for a car to expand his ego might not be comfortable in the zippy and cute compact, for the right person it can be the perfect vehicle to badassery. With that in mind, lets take a closer look at what these 2017 cars have to offer.

2017 Fiat 500 Abarth

Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Size is only one of the small things about this sporty compact, it also comes in at the lowest price. And while 160 horses isn't saying much, it'll power that short wheelbase around better than a roller coaster.

2017 Lincoln MKZ

Photo courtesy of Lincoln.

Lincoln's put a lot of effort into appealing to a younger demographic and its paying off in the Lincoln MKZ. Definitely not a grandpa's car, the MKZ is still a mature choice - which means it comes with plenty of luxury amenities and is also available in higher trim packages including a 350hp, twin turbocharged engine and a "Driver's Package" option with sport-tuned suspension and more.

2017 Ford Focus RS

Photo courtesy of Ford.

While the Ford Focus RS is no more affordable than it's sexier sibling the Mustang, it's got the long-awaited trim level the domestic market has been itching for. Coming with functional back seat space (that the Mustang lacks for anyone taller than 5'1"), AWD and a slew of race-ready additions to handle your drive-like-you-stole-it style.

2017 Dodge Charger Daytona

Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

The bigger brother of the classic Challenger, the Dodge Charger has four doors and is just as much fun. The Daytona version costs you extra, but is available for 2017 and comes with a punch of styling and performance - of course, there's the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat too... but who really needs more than 700 horsepower?

2017 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe

Photo courtesy of GM.

If a BMW and a Corvette had a baby... it might be a little like the Cadillac ATS-V. Bringing modern technology and power alongside Cadillac's long-standing mark of American luxury, the Cadillac ATS-V will tap others on their shoulders and whisper "baller" in their ears.

This line-up is a start for what's available in 2017 in the domestic market. If you're looking for something new that's fun to drive and makes a statement, 2017 looks to be a very good year. What other models do you have your eye on?