In the thrilling pursuit of high-performance vehicles without breaking the bank, the 2024 lineup of affordable sports cars promises exhilarating experiences and innovative design. Our latest review dives deep into this exciting segment, showcasing models that blend speed, agility, and style, all while keeping budget in mind. From the iconic Mazda MX-5 Miata, renowned for its pure driving pleasure, to the tech-savvy and powerful entries like the Nissan Z NISMO and Maserati Granturismo Folgore, this year’s offerings ensure that driving enthusiasts need not compromise on thrill, no matter their price limit. Discover which models made the top list and how they stack up in terms of performance, comfort, and cutting-edge features !
#1 Mazda MX-5 Miata – $29,215
The Mazda MX-5 Miata, often just called the Miata, really lives up to its reputation as the ultimate budget-friendly fun ride. With a starting price of $29,215, it packs a lot of joy into a small package. It sports a zippy 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pushing out 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. You can choose between a quick six-speed manual gearbox that’s a blast to shift, or an automatic if that’s more your speed. Plus, you’ve got options with the top—go classic with a soft top or modern with the hardtop RF.
Despite its compact size, the Miata has a huge personality. It’s incredibly fun to drive, especially on winding back roads or at the track, thanks to its light weight and responsive chassis. The engine isn’t a powerhouse, but it loves to rev, and it meshes perfectly with the manual transmission, making every drive feel like an adventure. Whether you pick the soft top or the hardtop RF, the Miata is best enjoyed with the top down, soaking in the fresh air.
Now, it’s not the most practical daily driver—it’s got a pretty tight cabin and minimal storage space. But if you’re okay with making some compromises for the sake of fun, the Miata is hard to beat. It’s a favorite among car lovers and often pops up on editor’s choice lists, proving that sometimes, the best things really do come in small packages.
#2 2024 Toyota GR86 – $30 395
The Toyota GR86 really shines as a beacon for driving enthusiasts in a market dominated by crossovers and SUVs. It’s a gem in the increasingly rare category of affordable rear-wheel-drive coupes, aside from its sibling, the Subaru BRZ. With a robust 228-hp flat-four engine under the hood, the GR86 is ideally experienced with its standard six-speed manual transmission, though an automatic is available for those who prefer it.
Don’t be fooled by the presence of rear seats—they’re best used to extend storage space once you’ve maxed out the trunk. The GR86’s exceptional handling and precise steering make every drive exhilarating, whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on a highway. These characteristics have not only made it a blast to drive but have also secured its place on the 2024 10Best Cars and Editors’ Choice lists. Plus, it’s all offered at a very reasonable price, making it a standout choice for anyone looking to inject some fun into their daily drive.
#3 Volkswagen Jetta GLI – $29,310
The Volkswagen Jetta GLI emerges as a compelling contender in the 2024 lineup of best affordable sports cars 2024. Priced starting at just $29,310, the GLI provides an enticing blend of performance and value, making it one of the standout choices for enthusiasts on a budget. Under the hood, it boasts a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering a robust 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This power is managed through a choice of transmissions: a purist-pleasing six-speed manual or a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, both enhancing its front-wheel drive configuration.
In today’s automotive market, finding a spirited front-wheel-drive sedan like the Jetta GLI is rare, especially one that offers such a rich combination of features and driving dynamics. It serves as the performance-oriented version of the standard Jetta, yet it stands out with enough distinctiveness to secure a place on our 2024 Editors’ Choice list. Despite facing newer competitors such as the Honda Civic Si and Hyundai Elantra N, the Jetta GLI remains a favorite by continuing to offer an engaging driving experience.
While it may not boast the power of its hatchback sibling, the 244-hp Golf GTI, the GLI still delivers plenty of excitement. It comes fully equipped with creature comforts like heated and ventilated front seats and upscale leather upholstery, all wrapped up in a package that achieved an impressive 36 mpg in our 75-mph highway fuel economy test. As one of the best affordable sports cars of 2024, the Jetta GLI proves that age is just a number, blending mature styling with youthful performance to create a driving experience that’s both thrilling and accessible.
#4 2024 Subaru BRZ – $31 315
The Subaru BRZ truly embodies the spirit of a sports car—light on its feet, sharp in the corners, and surprisingly easy on the wallet. As the mechanical twin of the Toyota GR86, the BRZ focuses intensely on delivering a pure, engaging driving experience. It’s a philosophy that’s earned it spots on multiple 10Best lists and the title of a 2024 Editors’ Choice.
Powering the BRZ is Subaru’s 2.4-liter flat-four engine, which churns out 228 horsepower—enough to give it a lively kick without overwhelming new drivers. This engine pairs beautifully with a standard six-speed manual transmission that enhances the connection between car and driver, making every shift and corner feel like an extension of the driver’s own reflexes.
Despite its focus on performance, the BRZ doesn’t skimp on practicality. Inside, you’ll find clever storage solutions and rear jump seats that are perfect for extra gear or occasional passengers, alongside a trunk spacious enough for weekly errands. While it’s not decked out in luxury, the BRZ’s interior includes modern tech features that make everyday driving a pleasure rather than a chore. All these elements combine to make the BRZ not just a weekend escape machine, but a capable companion for daily adventures.
#5 Honda Civic Si – $30,195
The Honda Civic Si is a standout among fast affordable sports cars 2024, catering to enthusiasts who desire speed without splurging. Priced just over $30,000, the Civic Si offers a spirited blend of performance and practicality, making it a prime choice for those looking to enjoy a dynamic driving experience on a budget. Powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it generates 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. While these numbers may not top the charts, they’re more than enough to deliver a thrilling ride.
Key among these is the limited-slip differential which enhances traction and handling, making the Civic Si feel more agile and responsive on twisty roads. It also sports a six-speed manual transmission that appeals to driving enthusiasts who crave a hands-on connection with their vehicle. The inclusion of customizable drive modes and 18-inch wheels add to its sporty demeanor, allowing drivers to tailor their driving experience to their liking.
Honda doesn’t cut corners on comfort either, outfitting the Civic Si with a range of amenities including a premium Bose sound system. This blend of performance, price, and perks makes the Civic Si a top choice for those who want their practical daily driver to offer a bit more excitement.
#6 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata – $30 170
The Mazda MX-5 Miata exemplifies the ideal of good affordable sports cars, combining low cost with high enjoyment. This diminutive roadster may appear small, but it delivers outsized thrills, perfect for the driving enthusiast on a budget. Thanks to its light curb weight and finely tuned chassis, the Miata offers an exhilarating driving experience that’s hard to match, especially when navigating twisty back roads or spirited track sessions.
Powering the Miata is a 181-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. While not the most potent in the sports car category, this engine is enthusiastic and responsive, especially when connected to the Miata’s standard six-speed manual transmission. The joy of driving this car is not just in its acceleration but in the lively feedback and control it provides.
Mazda provides two top options for the Miata: a traditional soft top and the retractable hardtop RF model, enhancing its appeal with versatility. Driving with the top down, regardless of the model, amplifies the Miata’s fun, making it a quintessential sports car experience.
However, the Miata’s practicality as a daily driver might require some compromise due to its snug cabin, small trunk, and limited interior storage. Despite these drawbacks, which we experienced firsthand during a long-term test, the Miata remains an endearing choice among Top Affordable Sports Cars 2024. It consistently earns a spot on Editors’ Choice lists, praised for its blend of affordability, performance, and sheer driving pleasure.
#7 Subaru BRZ – $31,315
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 stand as prime examples of how two cars can share a core while expressing distinct personalities. These sibling sports coupes ride on the same platform and are powered by the same robust 2.4-liter Boxer engine, which delivers 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite these similarities, there are a few details that distinguish the Subaru BRZ, particularly in terms of technology and interior options.
The BRZ steps up with the Subaru StarLink infotainment system, which offers a sleek, user-friendly interface and connectivity features that appeal to tech-savvy drivers. Furthermore, Subaru enhances the safety of the BRZ by including its EyeSight driver assistance technology as standard, even on models equipped with a manual transmission. This suite of advanced safety features is a significant value add, especially for a sports car in this price range.
For those who crave an even sharper edge to their ride, the Subaru BRZ tS presents an appealing upgrade. This variant, priced starting at $36,465, leans more into performance with a track-focused STI suspension, Brembo brakes for superior stopping power, and a luxe leather-and-suede interior that elevates the driving experience. While it does come at a higher cost, the BRZ tS is tailored for enthusiasts looking for a sports car that’s both thrilling on the road and capable on the track.
#8 Ford Mustang EcoBoost – $32,515
The Ford Mustang remains an emblematic figure in the muscle car realm, and the 2024 model continues to uphold this legendary status with a starting price of $32,515. The base model, known as the Mustang EcoBoost Fastback, is equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. This powerhouse generates an impressive 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, which notably surpasses the output offered by competitors like Mazda and Toyota in their sports car lineups.
This particular Mustang model comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission that enhances its performance by ensuring smooth and quick gear shifts, optimizing both acceleration and efficiency. Combined with the classic rear-wheel drive setup, the Mustang EcoBoost Fastback delivers a dynamic and engaging driving experience that muscle car enthusiasts have come to expect from the iconic Ford Mustang lineage.
