Cheap and Fast: Top 10 Affordable Sports Cars from US

While the US automobile market is slowly but surely plunging into the abyss of crossover madness, sports car enthusiasts in our country are rubbing their hands - Americans are gradually getting rid of these cars, which means you can find a good option for a very reasonable price!

Car snobs once called them "poor man's sports car." But that's in the past. Now any vehicle that can be classified as a sports one — even if it’s a big stretch to call it that — is obscenely expensive when new. Of course, there is a way out - buy a used sports car.

Experts from Cargurus and Columbus selected 10 fast and affordable cars. Let's see what we got!

1. Volkswagen Jetta GLI

• Engine: 2.0 L, 228 hp
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive: front
• Top speed: 206 km/h

The Volkswagen Jetta was designed to be a family sedan, but there are exceptions to every rule. In our case, the exception is the Jetta GLI with a 2-liter turbo engine producing 228 hp. This spirited engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, as well as a sport tuned suspension, allowing you to get a healthy dose of pleasure from the dynamic driving.

Of course, the base GLI isn't quite as plush on the inside as its Golf GTI counterpart, but that's easily remedied: There are special editions like the Autobahn, which add a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel, a panoramic sunroof and ventilated sports front seats. The fact that the Jetta GLI sedan's interior is more spacious than the GTI hatchback is another pro to consider.

The Jetta GLI is steady on the road as long as you got good tires on. The acceleration is smooth, taking you from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6 seconds. However, the GLI is not so much about speed, but more about excellent handling.

2. Subaru WRX

• Engine: 2.0 L, 268 hp
• Transmission: Manual / CVT
• Drive: full
• Top speed: 240 km/h

The Subaru WRX came in five trim levels: WRX (base), Premium, Limited, STI and STI Limited. The prestigious editions can still cost about $30K on the used car market. But, in our opinion, it’s worth going for the basic version — you won’t lose anything in terms of power and speed. And as to comfort — this is not why the WRX has a strong fan base.

All in all, you simply cannot find a more powerful 5-seater sedan with all-wheel drive and at a very reasonable price.

Even the base 2-liter WRX engine (268 hp) is more powerful than what most of its class competitors are equipped with. This engine guarantees fast acceleration and has enough power for anything.

The model was updated in 2022 where the base edition got even angrier with a 2.4-liter turbo engine. Although it added just a few horsepower (271 hp), its appetite grew to 12.4 L /100 km versus 11.4 L for its predecessor.

The base WRXs comes with Subaru's superior all-wheel drive system and a 6-speed manual transmission. CVT is only optional which thankfully doesn't take away from the fun of driving the WRX.

In short, the WRX is the best all-wheel drive fan car left on the market after the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was discontinued.

3. Volkswagen Golf GTI

• Engine: 2.0 L, 241 hp
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive: front
• Top speed: 250 km/h

The VW Golf GTI is still the king of the hill when it comes to spirited five-door hatchbacks. This car's four-cylinder turbo engine produces 241 hp, and the 6-speed manual transmission is surprisingly smooth.

The GTI rides and handles great. A slight push on the gas pedal rocks the engine to life. Perhaps the engine and transmission of this car are among the most harmonious couples among its classmates with a price tag of below $30K.

The equipment does not disappoint either. The basic S trim level already has an advanced infotainment system with a touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a voice control system and navigation.

Volkswagen also offers important safety options, including forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Although, not all of them come in the basic package.

And most importantly — the five-door GTI is not only fast, but it so practical that it is suitable not only as a hot hatch, but also as a family car.

 

4. Mazda Miata

• Engine: 1.5 L, 106 hp
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
• Drive: front
• Top speed: 220 km/h

The Mazda Miata, formerly known as the Mazda MX-5, is perhaps the most stylish affordable sports car out there. Looking at this two-seater roadster with an electric folding fabric roof, it’s hard to believe that a new one in its basic configuration cost less than $30K.

The base Miata is powered by a 181-hp 2.0-liter engine and comes with rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission, making driving it a true adventure.

The touchscreen infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, Bluetooth and the now-uncommon CD player and is available on all trim levels.

The Miata's size is both a pro and a con. The car is a bit cramped even for two. But with 181 hp under the hood the little car can do wonders — it will take you to 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds.

The car has fantastic handling comparable to the much more expensive Jaguar F-Type or Porsche Boxster. The Miata is not only fun to drive, but it also delivers some of the best fuel efficiency in the sports car class — up to 9 L/100 km in the city and up to 7 L/100 km on the highway with the manual transmission.

   

5. Honda Civic Type R

• Engine: 2.0 L, 306 hp
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive: front
• Top speed: 225 km/h

The Honda Civic Type R is a cool sports car, that's a given. It set numerous records on the most famous tracks in the world and has been on the list of the fastest front-wheel drive cars ever created for several years.

A Civic with the Type R badge goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. This is thanks to the 2-liter turbocharged engine producing 306 hp.

Well, and the designers made that the interior of the Type R looks like … the interior of a regular Civic! It is quite comfortable, so traveling from point A to point B will be comfortable for passengers.

If you're planning to hit the road with three friends and have a little fun along the way, the Type R is just what you need.
 

6. Genesis G70

• Engine: 2.0 L, 255 hp
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
• Drive: front
• Top speed: 240 km/h

Despite the fact that Genesis is a sub-brand of Hyundai, the car owners do not have any reservations about it. Sub-brands have successfully spun off from leading Japanese car brands, and they are in no way less valued than their “parents”.

The base G70 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 252 hp and works either in tandem with an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. And the car has rear-wheel drive rather than front one. A 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 365 hp is also available but the price of the car where it is, goes over $40K.

The G70's interior is a perfect example of style and quality. This makes the car seem undervalued, however, this is only a pro for the buyer.

The car also comes well quipped — Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. a set of driver assistance systems. The latter includes active lane keeping system, autonomous emergency braking, etc.

 

7. Kia Stinger GT

• Engine: 2.0 L, 252 hp
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
• Drive: front
• Top speed: 240 km/h

The Kia Stinger is a direct relative of the Genesis G70 and has similar equipment. Even their engines are almost the same — a base 2.0L turbo engine with 255 hp and an optional 3.3L V6.

The Stinger's interior is very pleasing to looks at. The car can easily accommodate five passengers, however, tall people will not be very comfortable in the rear seats of the fastback — the sloping roof reduces the overhead space.

On the road, the large Stinger feels like a nimble subcompact, thanks to the properly tuned suspension and steering. The 8-speed automatic transmission isn't as refined as that of its European competitors, but it does the job of making the car fun to drive.

In terms of behavior, the Stinger is more like a grand touring car than a sports one, although it has more power.

 

8. Hyundai Veloster N

• Engine: 2.0 L, 275 hp
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
• Drive: front
• Top speed: 250 km/h

The Veloster N is a very hot three-door hatchback, and that fact is reflected in its price tag.

While the base Veloster is considered one of the least expensive new cars in the United States, costing around $19,000, the N edition starts at $32,000.

Instead of 147 horse power in the base, the N squeezes out as much as 275 hp from a 2-liter turbocharged engine!

Until the 2022 model year, the engine was coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission, but from mid-2021, the Veloster N got an 8-speed automatic transmission with dual clutch, gear shift paddles on the steering wheel and a remote start system. Previously, this package was available as an option and cost $2,100, but now it comes standard.

As you know, if a fast car is inexpensive, it means that the manufacturers saved on something. At Hyundai, that something is clearly the car’s interior, which has an overabundance of hard plastic. Due to the dark finish of the car's interior and the cramped space inside, you can't help but feel like you're stuck in a narrow cave.

However, who pays attention to the little things in a hot hatch? Press the pedal to the metal and in 5.1 seconds the car will be head-to-head with competitors that are priced tens of thousands of dollars more!

9. Dodge Challenger R/T

• Engine: 5.7 L, 375 hp
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
• Drive: rear / full
• Top speed: 260 km/h

The Dodge Challenger R/T is one of the largest cars in this Top 10, and the most archaic in terms of design. But none of those who bought this monster thought of complaining about outdared stuff.

The 75-horsepower V8 engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission copes well with the Challenger's weight — the car is behaves slightly worse than a GT on the road.

The R/T is perhaps the best version of the Challenger, although it can also come with a larger engine — for example, a 717-horsepower turbo V8 in SRT trim.

Either way, if you're looking for a classic muscle car priced under $40K, the Challenger should be at the top of your list.

It's curious how the interior of this car is full of details from the 1970s, but at the same time it is usually equipped with the latest technology for comfort and entertainment.

For example, Dodge's Uconnect infotainment system supports CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity features that are not available in newer cars. In addition, all modern driver assistance systems are optionally installed in the Challenger. Just keep in mind that each of them adds a bit more to the car’s price tag.

 
10. Ford Mustang GT

• Engine: 5.0 L, 460 hp
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
• Drive: front
• Top speed: 250 km/h

The Ford Mustang is one of the favorites in the sports car class thanks to its balanced handling, powerful engine, practical interior, and good safety and reliability scores. The EcoBoost and GT trim levels are available in coupe and convertible body styles, while higher trim levels are available as coupe only.

In the US, you can buy a brand new Ford Mustang GT with a 460-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 for less than $40,000 (the 300-horsepower V6 that previously powered GT versions was discontinued in 2018).

A car with a basic 2.3 liter 310 hp engine will cost about $10K less. But it will still be the same true Mustang with a roaring engine thanks to a sports exhaust system, a manual transmission (however, a 10-speed automatic transmission is optionally available) and incredibly responsive controls. The only downside to the GT is that it's only a car for two.

Standard features on the GT include a touchscreen infotainment system with Ford's Sync 3 software. It's not as fancy or bright as Dodge's Uconnect system, but it's easier to use. And that's exactly what you want for aggressive driving in the Mustang.

Like its competitors, Ford offers several safety systems on the Mustang GT, but all are optional. So be sure to research which ones are included in the driver assistance package before purchasing it.