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10 Cheap Fun Cars

Miles Branman
by Miles Branman
August 16, 2016
5 min. Reading Time
2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI on road ・  Photo by Volkswagen

2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI on road ・ Photo by Volkswagen

Fun behind the wheel of a car shouldn’t be reserved for those with large bank accounts. Fortunately, the pleasure of driving isn’t tied to power figures, or carbon fiber, or advanced suspension systems. Simple, lightweight cars with peppy engines and good platforms can be just as fun as elite supercars.

In fact, the argument can be made that less potent vehicles can be more fun to drive because their limits are more achievable and lower speeds mean lower risks from driver error. Finding an affordable, fun car may sound like a challenge, but in fact, there are many new vehicles on the market that retail for $25K or less and exhibit all the characteristics of a thrilling driver’s car.

Here’s our list of the 10 best cheap fun cars.

Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86

When assembling a list of 10 cheap fun cars, it’s best to start with rear-wheel drive platforms. The Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 inherits the Japanese sports car spirit but distils the power to just 205 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. A perfect introduction for budding car enthusiasts, the co-developed model prioritizes driver engagement and precision.

Superb balance, sharp steering, and a low center of gravity characterize the BRZ/86. Some may consider its engine underpowered, but accessible performance is not to be undervalued. Analog drivers will prefer the 6-speed manual transmission, but the BRZ/86 also is available with a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox. Prices for the 2017 Subaru BRZ start at $25,495 and are $95 cheaper for the 86.

 Photo by Subaru

Photo by Subaru

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Perhaps the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86’s main rival, Mazda’s MX-5 Miata has basically owned the roadster category for the last 26 years. Down 50 horses to the BRZ, the Miata excels as performance vehicle thanks to its scant 2,300-lb curb weight. With its latest redesign, the MX-5 Miata is also a handsome shape at any price point, so buyers will be pleased to learn prices start at just $25,000.

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport uses a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter inline-4 engine making 155 hp. The sole powertrain is linked to a sweet-shifting 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic. The Miata offers accessible thrills to satisfy the masses, and best of all: its top stows in less than 3 seconds!

 Photo by Mazda

Photo by Mazda

Honda Civic

Shifting things to the front-wheel drive orientation, Honda’s 10th generation Civic has re-instilled the “fun” in its compact bestseller. The 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe aren’t just attractive, their available 174-hp turbocharged engine and a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual provide ample driver enjoyment. Though it wouldn’t have made the list last year, the new Civic belongs in this group of 10 cheap fun cars.

While the new Civic is certainly fun to drive, its range of convenience features mean passengers can have a good time even when they’re along for the ride. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic braking assist… the list goes on. To top it all off, whichever motor you choose returns some of the best fuel economy figures in the class. While the coupe costs a bit more, the Civic sedan can be had for just $18,640.

 Photo by Honda

Photo by Honda

Mazda Mazda3

The Honda Civic’s enthusiast car foe is none other than the Mazda3, and for good reason. While the Civic outsells the Mazda3 every year, buyers of the latter car often fall in love due to its excellent handling and smooth powertrain. A lightweight frame, handsome bodywork, and an engaging transmission give the Mazda3 an edge with shoppers looking for a break from the norm.  

The Mazda3’s driving dynamics can be attributed to Mazda’s SKYACTIV design philosophy, which does away with unnecessary weight in the name of performance. The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder produces 155 hp, but a 2.5-liter unit with an improved 184 hp is also available for an extra sum. Mazda’s best 4-door compact yet starts at $17,845.

 Photo by Mazda

Photo by Mazda

Chevrolet Cruze

Rounding out the trio of leading compact sedans, the Chevrolet Cruze finds its way on out list of 10 cheap fun cars with a new 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and sub-$20K price point. Chevrolet’s second generation Cruze touts class-leading connectivity and upscale styling to attract tech-savvy buyers, and like the Civic, its range of convenience features are fun for every occupant.

The 2016 Cruze has lost 250 lbs in its transition from the first generation while borrowing design traits from the new Chevy Malibu. The automaker’s new Ecotec 4-cylinder is also standard on every trim, delivering 155 hp and returning 40 MPG on the highway. The Cruze is an excellent option for those who need a practical, affordable car that’s still engaging to drive.

 Photo by General Motors

Photo by General Motors

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

How about some hot hatchbacks? The first on our list of 10 cheap cars is Hyundai’s Veloster Turbo. When the Veloster Turbo arrived in 2011, it was positioned as a rival to Volkswagen’s Golf GTI and while its performance doesn’t quite match up, its significantly lower starting price draws a crowd.

Powering the Korean-made hot hatch is a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making 201 hp, connected to a dual-clutch gearbox to power the front wheels. Part of the Veloster’s charm comes from its wild styling and 3-door design. Prices start at $22,600 for the manual-equipped model.

 Photo by Hyundai

Photo by Hyundai

MINI Cooper Hardtop

MINI vehicles are known for their quirky styling and fun driving behavior, and the latest Cooper Hardtop keeps the traditional alive. Now available in 2- and 4-door variants, the Cooper Hardtop, especially in "S" designation, is one of the most exciting ways for you and your friends to hop around town.

Whichever body style you choose, the Cooper Hardtop is agile, peppy, and well engineered. A new 3-cylinder turbocharged powertrain serves up 134 hp and is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. If that’s not enough grunt, the Cooper S makes 189 hp and hits a top speed of 146 mph. Pricing for the MINI Cooper Hardtop starts at $21,500.

 Photo by MINI

Photo by MINI

Ford Fiesta ST

The new kid on the hot hatch block is Ford’s Fiesta ST. A toned down version of the Focus ST, the Fiesta finds its way on our list of 10 cheap fun cars thanks to its punchy 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that makes 197 hp and 202 lb-ft of torque. Ford has masterfully controlled torque steer from the Fiesta ST’s front-wheel drive powertrain so you have nothing to fear when wringing the subcompact hot rod’s neck.

Complementing the Fiesta ST’s excellent powertrain is a crisp 6-speed manual transmission, form-fitting Recaro sport seats, and a nimble suspension setup. Rivaling sport models costing quite a bit more than the ST’s $21,460 price tag and have a tough time keeping up on a twisty road.

 Photo by Ford

Photo by Ford

Volkswagen Golf GTI

While we’d love to recommend the monstrously fast Volkswagen Golf R as one of these 10 cheap fun cars, its $35,650 price tag eliminates the “cheap” aspect. Fortunately, the slightly less potent Golf GTI is just as fun to drive and costs a much more reasonable $24,995. Better still, the VW Golf GTI has a rich heritage as one of the first-ever hot hatchbacks.

The seventh generation Golf GTI on sale today uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder to deliver 210 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. You can pay a bit extra for 10 more hp and a limited slip differential, but even the standard GTI is plenty fun. Paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual clutch transmission, the GTI is exciting for drivers young and old.

 Photo by Volkswagen

Photo by Volkswagen

Subaru WRX

Last, but certainly not least on our roundup of 10 cheap fun cars is the all-wheel drive Subaru WRX. Though it’s the most expensive car on this list at $26,595, it’s also the quickest to 60 mph (5.0 seconds) and arguably the highest performing on a racetrack or curvy road. The Subaru WRX is exclusively available as a 4-door sedan, but previous versions were available as 5-door hatchbacks.

Powering the 2017 Subaru WRX is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque sent to all four wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. Compared to the standard Impreza, the WRX has bigger brakes, a stiffer suspension, wider fenders, and sport bucket seats. The Subaru WRX is your ticket to driving excitement without breaking the bank.

 Photo by Subaru

Photo by Subaru


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