Cheap Sports Cars for 2023 | Affordable sports cars

Characteristics of The Best Budget Sports Cars

Most people would assume that if something is cheap, it can’t be very good. But when it comes to the more affordable sports cars, that’s not necessarily true. Here’s what you can expect:

A fun, exciting, and engaging drive
Good outputs and a responsive chassis
A reasonable starting price that doesn’t require too many extras added on
Some options come with iconic status and a long pedigree

What to Consider When Buying Affordable Sports Cars

There’s actually quite a lot of variety when you’re shopping for the cheapest sports cars, with buyers in the US getting to choose from convertibles or coupes to sporty sedans. But before you bite the bullet, here’s everything you should know:

Pros

Lots of different models to choose from
Smaller in size on average, so maneuverability is excellent
Most use smaller displacement turbocharged powertrains, which are lighter on fuel
Focus on driver satisfaction means they drive well
Lower initial cost, but you can customize with available options
Many boast manual transmission options

Cons

Budget sporty cars aren’t the most powerful performance cars available
Sports cars sometimes sacrifice cargo space, passenger comfort, and high-end features

FAQs

What are some of the best cheap sports cars you can buy in the United States?

Depending on what your criteria are, there is ample choice in the segment. Those who want a sedan that can give a few thrills will love the Hyundai Elantra N at under $35k, while those who want a coupe will have a blast with the sub-$30k Toyota GR86 or its Subaru BRZ cousin. And for hot hatch lovers, the fantastic Toyota GR Corolla has a starting price of just $35k.

Are there any budget convertible sports cars?

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has become an icon for a reason. This slight-sized drop-top is revered for its delightful drive and sharp handling and is equally as fun just cruising with the roof down. You can pick one up for around $30k as new.

Are sporty, affordable cars reliable?

The cars in this category have been around for ages in some form or other, and the brands responsible for such icons as the MX-5, Golf GTI, and GR86 have spent years refining these products. They are known for their dependability, and these automakers back up their products with good warranties, too.

What kind of gas mileage can you expect from the best affordable sports cars?

This will differ depending on what car you’re looking at. The best budget sports car won’t kill you at the pumps, although some sacrifice needs to be made. The pint-sized Mazda MX-5 earns EPA ratings of 26/34/29 mpg with a manual transmission, while the Toyota GR86 gets just 20/27/22 mpg. A heavier Ford Mustang with the base EcoBoost engine manages 21/29/24 mpg.

Best Cheap Sports Cars of 2023