Getting started

The sporty and sports car category ranges from models that have merely sporty styling or pretensions to performance-focused coupes, sedans, hatchbacks, and roadsters that can accelerate briskly, tackle corners with agility and sure-footed competence, and entertain the driver. Often, there are compromises for such all-around performance character, such as hard, noisy ride and limited passenger or cargo space. While there are many models that tout a “sport package,” this guide focuses on cars we consider full-fledged members of the sports and sporty car club.

Key things to consider

With a wide range of body styles, performance, and price, it can be tough to choose a sporty car. Because many sports cars are not driven every day or very far, fuel economy is not a primary factor for many shoppers, though there are models that provide relatively good mileage. For an everyday car, you’ll probably want to consider a sedan or coupe; a sedan for its four doors, a coupe for sportier styling and performance-oriented model selection. But for an uncompromised sports car, the type many owners reserve for sunny Saturdays, a small roadster, such as a Mazda Miata, Honda S2000, or Porsche Boxster, epitomizes the genre.

For any sporty car you consider, it’s important to check the view out. Coupe designs tend to severely restrict the view to the rear, and other styling considerations could compromise the view to the sides or even straight ahead. If you plan to drive briskly on twisty roads, the ability to see other traffic or obstacles clearly is important.

What you’ll spend

Prices start around $20,000 for cars such as the Mini Cooper and Scion tC, and they reach to $90,000 or more for cars such as the Dodge Viper SRT10 and Porsche 911. But many if not most of the sports and sporty cars we recommend are priced in the $30s.

See also:

GPS Navigation Systems

Car batteries

Car seats

Special Section:
Guide to Driving Green