It seems like new cars, especially performance cars, just get more and more expensive every year. Just look at the Nissan Z, Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche Boxster, and, heck, even the Dodge Charger in its top-performing trims. The desire to drive something with a bit more zest can certainly cost a pretty penny.
Luckily, there’s still a good mix of enthusiast-geared cheap cars on the market that prove that corner-carving thrills are for everyone. In these ranks, around 300 horsepower is attainable, as is an honest-to-goodness manual transmission, limited-slip differential, sport-tuned suspension, and every other smile-inducing feature.
This lot may not reach utimate-top-speed, supercar-level performance, but their spirited engines and sporty handling elevate the driving experience and transform an everyday commuter car into something truly special. These are the best cars for enthusiasts who want versatility.
The Best Cheap Fast Cars of 2025
- BMW 230i
- Volkswagen Jetta GLI
- Hyundai Elantra N
- Subaru WRX
- Volkswagen Golf GTI
- Mazda Miata
- Honda Civic Si
- Ford Mustang
- Subaru BRZ
BMW 230i
Kicking off our list is the humble BMW 230i, the German brand’s entry-level rear-wheel drive (RWD) sports coupe that debuted for the 2022 model year. Putting down 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque via a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the diminutive 2 Series will rip to 60 mph in the mid-five-second range. It’s a little portly at just over 3,500 pounds, but with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard (sadly, no manual option), it gets off the line with ample gusto, and its excellent chassis tuning makes it a lot of fun to toss around.
One doesn’t have to sacrifice more of their hard-earned money at the pump, either, as the 2 Series’ EPA-rated fuel economy is at 26 mpg city, 35 mpg city, and 30 combined.
The 230i starts at just under $40,000, so it’s definitely on the pricier end of our guide. However, with that you get a well-appointed interior with BMW’s intuitive iDrive infotainment system, comfortable leather seating, chic ambient lighting, and other high-tier features that help justify the price. For those in search of a more finely tuned enthusiast vehicle, there are a host of M Performance options to tack on from the factory, such as sportier suspension, motorsports-inspired exterior features, a sportier exhaust system, and a very grippy limited-slip differential. For dual track day and daily duty, one could do far worse.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The everyday base Volkswagen Jetta four-door is a mainstream family-hauling sedan, but its enthusiast-focused GLI trim brings driving excitement with a lively turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power hits the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The GLI isn’t quite as plush inside as its Golf GTI counterpart, but the higher Autobahn trim adds a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, a panoramic sunroof and sporty leather ventilated front seats. The Jetta GLI sports sedan is roomier than the GTI hatchback, however, offering plentiful legroom in the back seat.
Infotainment features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Autobahn trim gets a Beats Audio stereo while both trims feature wireless device charging. On the road, the Jetta GLI handles quite well thanks to its upgraded suspension and stickier tires. Acceleration may sound a bit mild at around six seconds from zero to 60 mph, but it’s a lot of fun getting there, and the GLI’s handling makes it such a fun sport compact to play around with.
Hyundai Elantra N
Debuting for the 2022 model year, the Hyundai Elantra N picks up where the old Veloster N left off, only it arguably improves on the formula. Not only that, but an update for the 2024 model year brought on a better-looking front grille and headlights, revised suspension tuning, and some other minor chassis upgrades. Stock, its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four produces 276 hp—with a 10-hp boost in “N Grin Mode”—which is sent through either a six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission. Though Hyundai didn’t exactly possess its “Corner Rascal” title before its N models came along, it does now, and the Elantra N can channel its power to the ground exceptionally well with lots of grip and a supple, communicative suspension.
There’s enough power here to blow the doors off competitors like the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Jetta GLI, though, it really belongs in a more rarified class, up against the Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla.
Great news for enthusiasts at all corners of the automotive industry: The Elantra N is a massive value and quite practical. It’s over $5,000 cheaper than the Honda Civic Type R, and half the price of an Audi RS3. It also carries over all of the daily-ready attributes of the regular Elantra, such as its spacious front and backseat room and great trunk room. Unlike the GR Corolla, it doesn’t offer all-wheel drive (AWD) and its handling isn’t quite as precise as the Civic Type R’s, but among track-ready machines, the Elantra N is a supreme bargain.
Subaru WRX
In its higher trim levels, the Subaru WRX can now edge into the mid-$40,000 range, but all of the same fun can be had for less than $33,000. The Japanese brand’s rally-ready bruiser features a strong turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Subaru’s excellent all-wheel-drive system is standard equipment, and either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission gets those lively power figures to the pavement. The CVT is an added cost option and does nothing to improve the WRX’s fun factor, so it’s best to row your gears with the good ol’ fashion six-speed manual. Combined with excellent chassis dynamics, a comfortable-yet-sporty driving position, and great exhaust note, the latest ‘Rex makes its predecessors proud as an all-wheel drive beast.
Not only that, but the WRX’s interior is now a much more high-end experience, too. It now feels like a genuinely modern car inside design-wise, with great standard tech to match. All trims feature a huge 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen and run Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, Subaru’s EyeSight safety system is standard on all trims, even when equipped with the manual transmission.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The original hot hatchback is still king of the hill for five-door performance. The Volkswagen GTI's turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 241 hp through a buttery smooth manual transmission and an excellent front-wheel-drive system. The engine and drivetrain are among the most responsive in any car, let alone one whose price tag lands below $32,000 on the low end. Even the base S trim gets a responsive touchscreen infotainment system. There’s also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on board, along with standard voice controls and navigation.
The GTI is a winner on the road thanks to its nimble, lively handling and responsive steering. A stab of the hot hatch’s throttle delivers an immediate reaction from the engine, and when paired with the six-speed manual gearbox the package is an enthusiast’s dream. Volkswagen equips every GTI with several advanced safety features including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
No matter what, the answer is, usually, always Miata—also known as the MX-5. It’s hard to go wrong with Mazda's two-seater roadster, and it’s even harder to beat the value for the base car, whose price tag comes in under $30,000. This makes it a true performance bargain. Its heart is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. It's RWD, making it a dream to drive hard, and it comes standard with a manual gearbox for the ultimate in driving engagement. Also standard is a new 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Alexa.
Part of the Miata magic is due to its size, which, even for just two people, is small. The rest of the equation is in its personality and handling. 181 horses isn’t exactly muscle car territory, but the Miata’s compact size and light weight means it doesn’t need much to be a blast to drive. The base car is capable of running from 0-60 mph in under six seconds, but the Miata’s main showpiece isn’t straight-line speed—its handling, responsiveness, and agility are what make enthusiasts fall in love with it. Additionally, Mazda refreshed it for the 2024 model year—now deemed the ND3-generation—with improved steering and a grippier rear differential for a more precision driving experience.
Honda Civic Si
While the Honda Civic Type R has climbed to nearly $45,000, putting it past this guide’s pricing threshold, the good news is that the Civic Si also exists and is much less expensive—it’s one of the cheapest performance cars in America. This plucky sport compact features a turbo 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission. There’s also a limited-slip front differential on board, which helps get power to the ground and improves handling. Honda’s manual transmissions are among the smoothest and easiest to use, and the Si benefits from short throws and a standard rev-matching feature.
Perhaps the best part of owning a high-performance Civic is the fact that it’s still a Civic, and brings all the useful, clever interior storage spaces that the standard car does. Standard tech includes a 9-inch touchscreen, 12-speaker Bose audio system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM radio, and more.
Ford Mustang
It’s a little hard to believe, but you can still buy a brand-new, American-made Ford Mustang GT coupe with a big 5.0-liter V8 for under $44,000. The GT’s V8 engine makes 486 horsepower and sounds tremendous with the standard sport exhaust system—it’s also among the fastest cars on this list. The latest ‘Stang’s a great muscular sports car, even in its most basic forms, as the engine works perfectly with a manual transmission to deliver an engaging and brutally quick driving experience. The car’s steering is light but loads up nicely in sportier driving modes, and there’s room inside for at least two people to ride comfortably in a relatively nice cabin.
Standard features include a large 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Ford’s intuitive and extremely easy-to-use Sync software. Standard safety features include frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, lane-keep assist, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams.
Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ and its chassis-mate, the Toyota GR86, come with a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine and a six-speed manual transmission, but buyers can opt for a six-speed automatic transmission. The BRZ is also Subaru’s only non-AWD vehicle—perfect for anyone after honest-to-goodness sports car sensibility in their everyday ride. Straight-line speed isn’t exactly the BRZ’s forte, but makes up for it with excellent handling and responsive steering.
An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. HD radio, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, a digital gauge cluster, and dual-zone climate control are also on board. Though small, the interior offers comfortable seating for front-seat passengers and an ergonomic driving position. The back seat is minuscule and is best reserved for use as a package shelf. On the upside, these two smile-inducing sports cars have a trunk that’s big enough to haul a week’s worth of groceries for a whole family.
