It’s rare to find a car that’s fast, affordable, and well-reviewed, but we’ve compiled a list of rare machines that tick all three boxes. Whether you want a sleek example of Japanese engineering or a high-powered pony car, here are the best cheap sports cars under $30,000.
Note: Prices may vary by location and are subject to change.
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2023 Subaru BRZ Premium
Starting MSRP: $28,595
Horsepower: 228
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds
Fuel Efficiency: 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city
Automatic or manual
If you like to drive — and you should if you’re buying a sports car — then you’ll relish a ride in Subaru’s BRZ. Car and Driver called the 2023 model an “absolute hoot to drive,” a sentiment that you’ll find echoed on enthusiast forums. While the two-plus-two seating configuration seems like a tight fit in this compact, light car, reviewers also say that the interior is surprisingly spacious, with plenty of storage compartments. If there’s a downside, it’s that the cockpit isn’t entirely insulated from road noise.
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2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport
Starting MSRP: $27,650
Horsepower: 181
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds
Fuel Efficiency: 34 mpg highway, 26 mpg city
Manual only
Race through winding canyons with the wind in your hair in this masterfully designed soft-top convertible, which boasts some of the best handling in its class. Sharp corners, twists, and turns are this machine’s forte, in part thanks to Mazda’s new Kinematic Posture Control technology, which applies break force to aid cornering and reduce body roll. Although cargo space is sparse compared to the BRZ and others in its class, the Miata is less about practicality and more about enjoying its “eager and playful” handling. Just be prepared to drive stick (the top trim offers an automatic transmission).
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2022 Ford Mustang Ecoboost
Starting MSRP: $27,470
Horsepower: 310
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds
Fuel Efficiency: 32 mpg highway, 22 mpg city
Manual or automatic
Even Ford Mustang’s base trim, which comes with a smaller four cylinder engine, will give you a taste of the car’s pure, unbridled power. That said, this car is a bit of a one trick pony, especially if you stick with the base trims that have “laughably small infotainment displays” and cheap components, according to Motor Trend. But if power and striking looks are enough, then you can’t go wrong with the Ford Mustang.
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2023 Toyota GR86 Base
Starting MSRP: $27,900
Horsepower: 228
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds
Fuel Efficiency: 27 mpg highway, 20 mpg city
Manual or automatic
As the Subaru BRZ’s “mechanical twin” — they share the same engines, transmissions, interiors, and more — picking between the two Japanese sports cars really comes down to the badge. Like the BRZ, the GR86 is a joy to drive, with excellent handling that also translates well to daily city driving. Again, the main issue is the road noise that can overpower the car’s underwhelming sound system.
2023 Honda Civic Si
Starting MSRP: $28,100
Horsepower: 200
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds
Fuel Efficiency: 37 mpg highway, 27 mpg city
Manual only
The Honda Civic Si packs a sporty 200-horsepower engine and manual transmission in the body of one of the world’s most practical economy cars. It’s a perfect marriage of practicality, efficiency, and fun, given the car’s spacious interior, respectable fuel efficiency, and more powerful engine. Its main downfall is that its engine is “50 horses short of greatness,” according to Car and Driver. But for folks looking for a compromise between boring daily driver and performance car, the Civic Si is a logical choice.
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