The classic American coupe, a symbol of automotive style and personal freedom, might seem like it’s fading into history, but the 2 door coupe is far from extinct. Let’s delve into what defines a coupe and explore some of the best American 2 Door Coupes that were available in 2017, showcasing a blend of luxury, muscle, and cutting-edge performance.
Defining a coupe isn’t as straightforward as it once was. Traditionally, a coupe was strictly a 2-door vehicle featuring two rows of seats and a distinct trunk. Convertibles with two doors and two rows were simply convertibles, while roadsters had only one row. However, automotive designs evolved, and manufacturers started blurring these lines. Terms like “Sport Activity Coupe” for crossovers added to the confusion. For our purposes, when we talk about 2 door coupes, we’re referring to vehicles with two doors and a trunk, accommodating either one or two rows of seats.
Similarly, the term “American” in the automotive world has become increasingly complex due to globalization. For this list, we’ll consider a vehicle “American” if it’s assembled in North America.
With these definitions clarified, let’s explore some standout American 2 door coupes from the 2017 model year, highlighting their unique attributes and contributions to the coupe legacy.
2017 Cadillac ATS Coupe: Taking on the German Giants
The Cadillac ATS Coupe emerged as a strong contender in the luxury 2 door coupe segment. First introduced as a sedan in 2013, the coupe variant arrived in 2015, carving its own identity. Cadillac emphasized the ATS Coupe’s distinctiveness, stating it shared no sheet metal with its sedan sibling beyond the obvious difference of two fewer doors. The ATS Coupe was designed with serious aspirations, directly targeting the established German sport coupes such as the BMW 3 Series, Audi A5, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Assembled in Lansing, Michigan, the 2017 Cadillac ATS Coupe proudly carries its American-made badge. In a constantly evolving Cadillac lineup, the ATS Coupe stood out as a compelling option for those seeking a sophisticated and sporty 2 door coupe experience.
2017 Cadillac ATS Coupe front angle ・ Photo by General Motors
2017 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe: Unleashing Track-Ready Performance in a 2 Door Coupe
Stepping up the performance ladder, the 2017 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe was not just a trim level, but a significantly enhanced machine deserving its own spotlight. Its performance credentials were confirmed at a Motor Press Guild track day event at Willow Springs International Raceway, where seasoned drivers lauded the ATS-V as exceptionally balanced. Comparisons to benchmarks like the BMW M3, Audi S5, and Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 underscored its high caliber.
The heart of the ATS-V Coupe is a potent 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, generating 464 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain enables the 2 door coupe to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds. Beyond the engine, the ATS-V, also built in Lansing, Michigan, received substantial upgrades to its suspension and braking systems, elevating it far beyond the standard ATS Coupe in terms of performance and driving dynamics.
2017 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe front angle ・ Photo by General Motors
2017 Chevrolet Camaro: Continuing the Muscle Car Legacy in a 2 Door Coupe Form
The Chevrolet Camaro, an iconic nameplate in American automotive history, holds a special place as GM’s response to the Ford Mustang, igniting the pony car craze in the late 1960s. After a hiatus, the Camaro roared back onto the scene, and the 2017 model represented the sixth generation of this legendary muscle 2 door coupe. Carrying the torch of the “Muscle Car Wars,” the 2017 Camaro offered a range of powerful engine choices: a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder, a robust 3.6-liter V6, and a commanding 6.2-liter V8 pushing out up to 455 horsepower.
True to its American sports coupe roots, the Camaro featured a classic 2-door configuration, a compact second row, and a traditional enclosed trunk. Proudly assembled in Lansing, Michigan, the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro remained a symbol of American muscle and performance in a stylish 2 door coupe package.
2017 Chevrolet Camaro front angle ・ Photo by General Motors
2017 Chevrolet Corvette: America’s Sports Car Icon in a 2 Door Coupe
Since its debut in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette has been synonymous with the American sports 2 door coupe. Through seven generations, the Corvette has continually evolved, with the C7 generation, launched in 2014, representing a pinnacle of performance and refinement. While every generation has its devotees, the C5 and subsequent models have undeniably bridged the gap to the supercar realm, offering exceptional performance value.
The 2017 C7 Corvette stood as the most accomplished Corvette yet, with models like the Stingray, Grand Sport, and Z06 delivering breathtaking performance, culminating in 650 horsepower and 0-60 mph times as low as 2.95 seconds. In its classic 2-door, two-seat coupe configuration with a trunk, the Corvette, assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky, cemented its status as America’s premier sports 2 door coupe.
2017 Chevrolet Corvette front angle ・ Photo by General Motors
2016 Dodge Challenger: Bold and Retro Muscle in a 2 Door Coupe
Dodge re-entered the Muscle Car arena with a bold statement, reviving the Charger sedan in 2006 and the Challenger 2 door coupe in 2008. With the Challenger, Dodge fully embraced a “go big or go home” philosophy, resulting in a strikingly aggressive and almost cartoonishly muscular design. The Challenger’s “Retrofuturist” aesthetic, characterized by its two doors, small rear seat, and trunk, was offered with a vast array of powertrains. These ranged from a capable 305-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 to the monstrous 707-horsepower supercharged 6.4-liter HEMI V8 – truly bringing overwhelming force to the muscle car segment. The 2016 Dodge Challenger, built in Brampton, Ontario, maintained a strong American connection while delivering unapologetic power and style in a 2 door coupe.
2016 Dodge Challenger front angle ・ Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
2017 Dodge SRT Viper: A 2 Door Coupe Racing Legend’s Farewell
The 2017 model year marked the 25th and final year of production for the Dodge SRT Viper, a true icon in the world of American performance cars. This fifth-generation 2 door coupe, with its signature long hood, two seats, and compact trunk, had carved a reputation as a formidable racer. Viper ACR (American Club Racer) versions were available, offering track-ready performance straight from the factory.
The Dodge SRT Viper served as a halo vehicle for Dodge and SRT, designed to command attention and showcase raw American performance. Built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, the Viper embodied American automotive passion in its purest form as a high-performance 2 door coupe, leaving a lasting legacy as production ceased.
2017 Dodge SRT Viper front angle ・ Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
2017 Ford Mustang: The Original Pony Car Evolves as a 2 Door Coupe
The Ford Mustang, the originator of the pony car class in 1964 ½ (or 1965 depending on the source), has remained in continuous production through six generations, becoming an enduring symbol of American automotive culture. The fifth generation Mustang (2005-2014) ignited the Retrofuturist design trend, blending classic Mustang styling cues with modern engineering. The 2015 model year brought significant advancements in performance and handling, notably replacing the solid rear axle with a fully independent suspension.
The 2017 Ford Mustang continued this evolution, offering the classic 2 door coupe formula – two doors, a small second row, and a trunk – in a sleeker and more dynamic design. Manufactured at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan, the Mustang remained a quintessential American 2 door coupe, blending heritage with contemporary performance.
2017 Ford Mustang front angle ・ Photo by Ford
2017 Ford GT: An American Supercar Reborn as a Limited Edition 2 Door Coupe
The Ford GT, a name steeped in racing history, represents Ford’s legendary response to Ferrari in the 1960s, culminating in victories at Le Mans. After a previous generation in 2005 and 2006, the Ford GT returned as a 2017 model, a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive 2 door coupe. While stretching the traditional coupe definition slightly with its mid-engine layout and front trunk, the GT undeniably embodied the spirit of a high-performance 2-door.
Production of the 2017 Ford GT, assembled at Multimatic’s factory in Markham, Ontario, was limited to just 250 units per year through 2020. With its exclusivity and supercar performance, the Ford GT stood as a remarkable and highly sought-after American 2 door coupe.
2017 Ford GT front angle ・ Photo by Ford
2017 Honda Accord Coupe: A Practical and Sporty 2 Door Coupe from an American Base
While Honda is a Japanese automaker, the 2017 Honda Accord Coupe firmly qualifies as an American 2 door coupe, being manufactured at Honda’s plant in Marysville, Ohio, alongside the Accord Sedan and Acura models. The Accord Coupe offered a blend of practicality and style, featuring two doors, two rows of comfortable seating, and a generously sized trunk.
Available in multiple trim levels and engine choices, including a V6 with a rare 6-speed manual transmission in the EX-L V6 model, the Accord Coupe appealed to both everyday drivers and driving enthusiasts. Perhaps the most pragmatic 2 door coupe on this list, the 2017 Honda Accord Coupe showcased that sporty styling and coupe appeal could coexist with everyday usability and comfort.
2017 Honda Accord Coupe front angle ・ Photo by Honda
Shelby Daytona Coupe: A 2 Door Coupe from the Past, Reborn for Today
The Shelby Daytona Coupe isn’t a new design, but rather a “continuation car,” reviving the iconic and highly successful 1965 design from Carroll Shelby’s legendary company. Offered by Shelby International, this 2-door, two-seat coupe with a trunk is a breathtaking time capsule, available in fiberglass or aluminum-body versions.
Buyers could opt for a fully authentic recreation of the original Daytona Coupe, or choose a version incorporating modern upgrades like power steering, power brakes, and fuel injection. With authorized dealers across the US, the Shelby Daytona Coupe provided an unparalleled opportunity to experience a piece of American racing history and own a truly special American 2 door coupe.
Shelby Daytona Coupe front angle ・ Photo by Shelby International
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the 2 Door Coupe
Despite evolving automotive trends, the 2 door coupe continues to hold a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts. The 2017 model year showcased a diverse range of American 2 door coupes, from luxurious and sophisticated models to powerful muscle cars and high-performance sports cars. Whether you prioritize style, performance, or a blend of both, the 2 door coupe segment in 2017 offered compelling options for those seeking a more personal and engaging driving experience. From iconic nameplates to reborn legends, these 2 door coupes prove that this classic automotive form is far from becoming an endangered species.
