Dads’ Choice Muscle Cars

For many dads, the Ford Mustang is more than just a car — it’s a symbol of shared experiences and cherished memories. Since Ford is these dads’ favorite car brand, it tracks that this classic ride tops their list. Fathers’ other top car brands* overall are as follows:

Dads think a muscle car’s look and engine power are its most attractive features. Here are the other top car attributes* they like:

Percentage of Fathers Who Agree With the Following:

• I believe muscle cars are disappearing: 69%
• I view working on a car with my child as a bonding experience: 67%
• My child has worked on a car with me: 53%
• I currently own or previously owned a muscle car: 45%
• I have purchased a car or car accessories for my child: 41%
• I feel I have a stronger bond with my child because I owned a muscle car: 32%
• My child has purchased a car or car accessories for me: 22%
• My child currently owns or previously owned a muscle car: 9%
• My child has taken my car for a joyride without telling me: 9%

*Respondents were able to select up to 3 responses.

Sons’ vs. Daughters’ Top Muscle Cars

Children often inherit their fathers’ preferences, so it makes sense that they have the same top three favorite brands as their dads (Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge). Let’s look at the kids’ top car brands* overall and then compare the sons to the daughters.

Sons’ Favorite Muscle Car Brands

1. Ford (60%)
2. Chevrolet (49%)
3. Dodge (46%)
4. Shelby (20%)
5. Cadillac (19%)

Daughters’ Favorite Muscle Car Brands

1. Ford (50%)
2. Chevrolet (45%)
3. Dodge (32%)
4. Cadillac (31%)
5. Shelby (11%)

• Daughters are over 2x more likely than sons to not have a favorite muscle car brand.
• Sons are nearly 2x more likely than daughters to say Shelby is their favorite muscle car brand.
• Daughters are 64% more likely than sons to say Cadillac is their favorite muscle car brand.
• The Ford Mustang was the most popular muscle car model among sons and daughters.

Both sons and daughters think the look of a muscle car and how it feels while driving it are its most attractive features. These are the other top car attributes* they prefer:

• Sons are:

• 127% more likely than daughters to value the engine sound of muscle cars.
• 32% more likely than daughters to value the engine power of muscle cars.
• 19% more likely than daughters to value the performance features of muscle cars.

• Daughters are:

• 50% more likely than sons to value the interior comfort/features of muscle cars.
• 22% more likely than sons to value the price and value of muscle cars.
• 13% more likely than sons to value the design and aesthetics of muscle cars.

Percentage of Sons and Daughters Who Agree With the Following:

• I view working on a car with my father as a bonding experience: 62%
• Sons are 20% more likely to agree than daughters.
• My father has purchased a car or car accessories for me: 60%
• Daughters are 11% more likely than sons to report this.
• I believe muscle cars are disappearing: 60%
• My father currently owns or previously owned a muscle car: 47%
• Growing up, I worked on a car with my father: 45%
• Sons are 36% more likely to do so than daughters.
• I have purchased a car or car accessories for my father: 41%
• I feel I have a stronger bond with my father because he owned a muscle car: 29%
• Sons are 31% more likely to agree than daughters.
• I currently own or previously owned a muscle car: 22%
• Sons are 65% more likely to do so than daughters.
• I have taken my father’s car for a joyride without him knowing: 22%
• Sons are over 2x more likely than daughters to do so.

*Respondents were able to select up to 3 responses.

Shared Experiences and Stronger Bonds

Father’s Day is a great time to think about the special moments that bring dads and their kids closer together. Whether it’s working on a car in the garage or taking a ride in a beloved muscle car, these experiences create strong bonds and lasting memories.

Muscle cars are more than just vehicles; they represent connection, tradition, and shared passion. This Father’s Day, celebrate the unique relationship with your dad by remembering the powerful moments spent together, appreciating the muscle car legacy, and creating new memories that you’ll both cherish for years to come.

Methodology

For this study, we surveyed 349 fathers and 655 sons and daughters between 18 and 40 years old. Among the sons and daughters, 346 reported as sons, 291 reported as daughters, and 18 reported as non-binary.

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