Best Sports Cars Under $30,000 for 2023
The market for affordable performance is dwindling, but there are still a small number of fun cars you can buy for under $30,000.
By 
With prices for new cars always on the rise, it's becoming more and more difficult to find fun vehicles on a budget. Thankfully, there are still a handful of sports cars on the market in 2023 priced under $30,000. These are our favorites.
2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Price: $29,215
The Mazda MX-5 Miata isn't just the best car you can buy for under $30,000. It's one of the best cars you can buy at any price. A combination of light-weighting, a simple drivetrain, a rear-drive architecture, and a convertible top combine to deliver driving joy at levels seldom seen in cars triple the price.
2023 Toyota GR86
Price: $29,495
If the Miata isn't enough of a car for you, there's also the Toyota GR86. With the same front-engine, rear-drive layout and standard manual transmission, it's nearly as fun to drive, but adds a real roof, a real trunk, and two extra seats.
2023 Subaru BRZ
Price: $29,615
The Subaru BRZ is essentially the same car as the GR86, save for a few small cosmetic and suspension changes. We prefer how the Toyota drives, but it's tough to notice the minute differences unless you drive both cars back to back. Whichever car you go for, you're in for a good time.
2023 Chevrolet Camaro
Price: $27,795
The Chevy Camaro is going away after the 2024 model year, but for now, it remains the cheapest American pony car on sale, with the 275-hp four-cylinder coming in just under $30,000. While you might not be getting a V-8, you are getting a coupe with slick looks and a wonderful chassis.
2023 Honda Civic Si
Price: $29,895
The Honda Civic is our favorite affordable four-door on sale right now. Whether you go for the affordable Si or the hardcore Type R, you're getting a lovely interior that punches above its segment, a bulletproof turbocharged drivetrain, and one of the best shifters in the game.
Brian Silvestro is Hearst Autos' Lead Deputy Editor for rankings content. He spent over seven years as a staff writer for Road & Track Magazine, and still contributes regularly with car reviews, industry interviews, and more.
He also has a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing.
Best Large Luxury SUVs for 2023
Coolest Cars of the Past 50 Years
Most Popular Cars in Every State
Cheapest Electric SUVs for 2023
