Cheap Sports Cars That Are Surprisingly Affordable in 2023

Price: $29,115

There's a reason everyone on the internet says the Miata is always the answer. Because in most cases, it very much is. For decades the Miata has been the go-to affordable sports car for those who enjoy the act of driving.

The lack of weight and inherent chassis balance combine to deliver one of the best driving experiences on the market, regardless of price. Mix in the delightful four-cylinder and stunning six-speed transmission and you have what many on staff believe to be the perfect modern performance car.

Here's our full Miata buyer's guide

Price: $29,495

In a world where dedicated performance platforms are becoming few and far between, Toyota's GR86 is a bright ray of hope. Its simple, lightweight body and rear-drive setup make it a joy to toss around corners on and off the circuit.

For 2022 the 86 received a major update, with a new fascia, a revamped interior, and most importantly, more displacement from its boxer-four, which now puts out 228 hp—plenty for a car that weighs under 3000 pounds.

Read our comparison test versus the Miata

Price: $29,615

If you're thinking about buying a GR86, you should also consider the Subaru BRZ. Aside from a few suspension changes, they're essentially the same car underneath.

The 86 is set up to oversteer a bit more from the factory, but as far as driving experience goes they're very close—you can't go wrong with either. Thankfully pricing is almost identical.

Here's our first drive review

Price: $32,515

Believe it or not, the Ford Mustang is the only car left in Ford's lineup that isn't a truck, SUV, or crossover. It's also one of the last affordable sports cars on the market.

You won't be able to get a V-8-powered Mustang for under $40,000, but the EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder model starts at well below that. For that you get a six-speed manual and a limited-slip differential out back. Pretty good value, all things considered.

Here's everything you need to know about the new Mustang

Price: $27,795

The current Chevy Camaro might be a bit long in the tooth, but it's still some of the most fun you can have for under 30 grand. Chevy has a knack for developing incredibly balanced chassis, and its pony car is no exception.

Like the Mustang, there's no way you're getting into a V-8 Camaro for cheap. But $27,795 gets you into a turbo-four Camaro will all the same looks and fun balance.

The V-8-powered SS is a great buy for under $40,000

Price: $31,625

Need a fun car that can do it all? Look no further than the Subaru WRX. The all-wheel-drive sports sedan has been the go-to for enthusiasts on a budget for decades, and nothing's changed for this newest model.

While it might not be as lightweight or communicative as its BRZ sibling, there's still plenty of fun to be had behind the wheel of the WRX, especially once you consider its base price.

Read our track review right here

Price: $34,015

With the Veloster N on its way to the grave, the four-door Elantra N sedan is the only car left to carry the flag for Hyundai's N division. But that's ok, because the Elantra N is fantastic.

Looks and weird clutch action aside, the Elantra N is one of the best four-door driving experiences on the market right now. Wonderful steering and a chassis built to rotate means endless fun on track or in the twisties.

Here's why the Elantra N is a performance bargain

Price: $31,625

While the eighth-generation Volkswagen GTI isn't a massive leap over the old car, it's still a great choice for those looking for fun on a budget. It's also one of the only hot hatches left for sale in America right now.

If you can get over the terrible infotainment system layout, you won't be disappointed by the GTI's dynamics and sophisticated suspension.

Read our full review here

Price: $29,595

There's no way to go wrong with a Civic Si. It's the king of affordable, reliable, fun transportation for those who need a practical car for every day.

A punchy turbocharged motor paired to a slick-shifting manual transmission is the only powertrain available, and we wouldn't recommend it any other way.

Here's our first drive review

Price: $32,495

The new Integra might not be the overly simple, lightweight pocket-rocket we remember from the previous generation car, but it's still a great time. It uses the same engine and six-speed from the Civic Si in a more mature, better-equipped body.

The Integra represents a pretty good value, too. Because it's essentially a Honda underneath, you know it'll last for hundreds of thousands of miles without issue.

Read our road test right here

Price: $32,680

If you'd rather have your GTI sedan-flavored, good news, you can in the form of a Jetta GLI. It gets a 228-hp turbocharged inline-four paired to either a manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Thanks to a stiffer setup and an independent suspension out back, it's effectively a GTI sedan—perfect for those who prefer the look over a hatch. It's slightly more expensive than the GTI, however.

Here are all the details on the new GLI