GM’s G-body platform defined an era of muscle cars with rear-wheel drive, bold styling, and serious street presence. Produced between 1978 and 1988, this body-on-frame layout became the foundation for some of the most iconic coupes. Wondering which ones they are? Let’s take a look at the top 10 muscle cars that made the most of GM’s G-body architecture.

Pontiac Bonneville 

Often seen as a luxury, the Bonneville G-body packed V8 power under plush trim. Its 5.0L engine made up to 150 horsepower, enough for highway cruising with muscle flair. While heavier than others, it offered full-size comfort with surprising rear-wheel drive fun.

Buick Century 

This low-key G-body hid strength beneath clean lines. Available V8s topped out at 200 horsepower to give it enough pull for muscle fans without the flash. The Century T-Type added sportier looks and handling, making it an underrated player in the rear-drive lineup.

Chevrolet Malibu 

Downsized but not declawed, Malibu offered V8s up to 170 horsepower in earlier years. It was light, responsive, and popular in street racing circles. Though modest outside, it could be built into a sleeper powerhouse, especially with the G-body’s mod-friendly layout.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo 

The SS trim packed a 5.0L V8 pushing 180 horsepower, mated to a 3-speed automatic. Aero-inspired styling gave it NASCAR looks. It hit 0–60 in around 6.5 seconds, delivering muscle heritage with modern touches—perfect for cruising or track-inspired flair.

Pontiac Grand Am 

Rare and short-lived on the G-body, the Grand Am offered up to 150 horsepower from a 4.9L V8. It had rally-style gauges and tight handling. Though less potent than others, it delivered a sporty style and driving feel that appealed to younger fans.

Pontiac Grand Prix 

The G-body Grand Prix came with engine choices up to a 5.0L V8 and sportier trims like the 2+2 Aerocoupe, designed for NASCAR homologation. It had better aerodynamics, a curved rear window, and enough muscle to match its aggressive street image.

Oldsmobile 442 

This final-gen 442 used a 5.0L V8 with 170 horsepower and hit 0–60 in 8 seconds. The car featured a four-speed auto, along with stiff suspension and bold stripes. Not the beast it once was, but still one of the G-body’s fiercest entries!

Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 

Equipped with a 5.0L V8 and a lightning-rod shifter, this Hurst/Olds special produced 180 horsepower. Its dual exhaust and sporty suspension made it more than just a daily driver. With bold stripes and a glass T-top, this car stood out at every light.

Buick Grand National

Built on the Regal chassis, the Grand National’s turbocharged 3.8L V6 stunned rivals with 245 horsepower and a 0–60 time near 6 seconds. The car outpaced many V8s of its time. The all-black styling gave it a menacing look, and its performance rewrote what a V6 muscle car could be.

Chevrolet El Camino 

Half car, half truck—The El Camino SS paired G-body guts with a 5.0L V8 and optional sporty trims. With rear-wheel drive and a useful bed, it blended performance with practicality, making it a true dual-purpose street machine.