Cheap Sports Cars In The USA: Best Affordable Options

Hey guys! Are you dreaming of owning a cool sports car but worried about breaking the bank? You're not alone! The good news is that you can totally find awesome, affordable sports cars right here in the USA. We're diving into some of the best options that offer a thrilling driving experience without emptying your wallet. Get ready to explore some seriously fun rides!

Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Timeless Roadster

When you think about affordable sports cars, the Mazda MX-5 Miata almost always tops the list, and for good reason! This little roadster has been capturing hearts for over three decades with its perfect blend of agility, style, and reliability. Let's dive into why the Miata is such a fantastic choice for anyone looking to get into the sports car game without spending a fortune.

First off, the Miata's handling is legendary. It's incredibly lightweight, which makes it super responsive and fun to drive on twisty roads. You'll feel connected to the road in a way that many modern cars just can't replicate. The steering is precise, and the suspension is tuned to provide a sporty yet comfortable ride. Whether you're carving through mountain passes or just cruising around town, the Miata offers an engaging experience that will put a smile on your face.

Under the hood, the Miata typically features a peppy four-cylinder engine that delivers more than enough power for its size. While it might not be the fastest car in a straight line, it's quick enough to be exciting, and the joy of rowing through the gears with its smooth manual transmission is something special. Plus, because it's not overly powerful, you can really wring it out and enjoy the full range of its performance without constantly worrying about losing control.

Another huge advantage of the Miata is its reliability. Mazdas, in general, have a reputation for being well-built and dependable, and the Miata is no exception. With proper maintenance, these cars can last for many years and rack up serious mileage. This is a major consideration when you're looking at affordable sports cars, as you don't want to end up spending all your money on repairs.

Of course, we can't forget about the Miata's iconic styling. With its sleek lines, low-slung profile, and available soft-top or hard-top configurations, the Miata looks like a proper sports car. It's a head-turner that gets plenty of attention, and it's a car that you'll be proud to own. Whether you prefer the classic look of the early models or the more modern design of the current generation, there's a Miata out there to suit your taste.

Finally, the Miata is incredibly customizable. There's a massive aftermarket of parts and accessories available, so you can easily personalize your car to make it your own. Whether you want to upgrade the suspension, add performance parts, or just change the wheels, the possibilities are endless. This makes the Miata a great platform for enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering and modifying their cars.

Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86: The Drifter's Delight

For those of you who crave a bit more power and a slightly different driving experience, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 (now GR86) are fantastic choices. These twins were developed jointly by Subaru and Toyota, and they offer a unique blend of performance, affordability, and tuner-friendly design. Let's see why these cars are so popular among driving enthusiasts.

One of the key highlights of the BRZ/86 is its focus on handling. Like the Miata, these cars are lightweight and well-balanced, which makes them incredibly fun to drive on twisty roads. The steering is precise, and the suspension is tuned to provide a sporty and engaging experience. However, the BRZ/86 has a slightly different feel than the Miata. It's a bit more planted and stable, which makes it easier to control at the limit. This makes it a great choice for drivers who enjoy drifting or other forms of motorsport.

Under the hood, the BRZ/86 features a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that delivers a decent amount of power. While it might not be the most powerful engine in its class, it's responsive and rev-happy, which makes it a joy to use. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual is the preferred choice for most enthusiasts, as it provides a more engaging and direct connection to the car. However, the automatic is also a decent option, especially if you spend a lot of time driving in traffic.

Another great thing about the BRZ/86 is its tuner-friendly design. These cars were designed with modification in mind, and there's a huge aftermarket of parts and accessories available. Whether you want to upgrade the engine, suspension, brakes, or just the styling, the possibilities are endless. This makes the BRZ/86 a great platform for enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering and customizing their cars.

The BRZ/86 also offers a practical side. It has a surprisingly spacious interior for a sports car, and the rear seats can even accommodate adults for short trips. The trunk is also a decent size, which makes it easy to carry luggage or groceries. This makes the BRZ/86 a great choice for drivers who want a sports car that can also be used as a daily driver.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The BRZ/86 can be a bit rough around the edges. The interior is not the most luxurious, and the ride can be a bit harsh on rough roads. Also, the engine can feel a bit underpowered at times, especially when climbing hills or passing other cars. Despite these drawbacks, the BRZ/86 is still a great value for the money. It offers a unique blend of performance, affordability, and tuner-friendly design that is hard to find in other sports cars.

Nissan 370Z: The Classic Muscle

If you're looking for a sports car with a bit more muscle and a classic feel, the Nissan 370Z is definitely worth considering. This rear-wheel-drive coupe has been around for over a decade, and it's still a popular choice among enthusiasts who appreciate its powerful engine, sharp handling, and timeless design. Let's take a closer look at what makes the 370Z such a compelling option.

The heart of the 370Z is its 3.7-liter V6 engine, which produces over 330 horsepower. This engine delivers strong acceleration and a thrilling exhaust note that will put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. The manual is the preferred choice for most enthusiasts, as it provides a more engaging and direct connection to the car. However, the automatic is also a decent option, especially if you spend a lot of time driving in traffic.

The 370Z's handling is also quite impressive. It has a stiff chassis, a well-tuned suspension, and a responsive steering system that make it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The car feels planted and stable, and it's easy to control even when you're pushing it to its limits. The 370Z also has strong brakes, which give you the confidence to stop quickly and safely.

In terms of styling, the 370Z is a classic. It has a long hood, a short deck, and a sleek roofline that give it a sporty and aggressive look. The car is available in both coupe and convertible versions, so you can choose the one that best suits your style. The 370Z has aged well over the years, and it still looks great today.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The 370Z is not the most fuel-efficient sports car on the market, and its interior is starting to feel a bit dated. Also, the car can be a bit rough around the edges, especially on rough roads. Despite these drawbacks, the 370Z is still a great value for the money. It offers a unique blend of power, handling, and style that is hard to find in other sports cars.

Chevrolet Camaro/Ford Mustang: American Muscle on a Budget

No list of affordable sports cars would be complete without mentioning the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. These iconic American muscle cars offer a ton of performance for the money, and they're a great choice for drivers who want a powerful and stylish sports car without breaking the bank. Let's see why these cars are so popular.

Both the Camaro and Mustang are available with a variety of engines, ranging from fuel-efficient four-cylinders to powerful V8s. The V8s are the most popular choice among enthusiasts, as they deliver incredible acceleration and a throaty exhaust note that is hard to resist. The engines are paired with either a six-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic transmission. The manual is the preferred choice for most enthusiasts, as it provides a more engaging and direct connection to the car. However, the automatic is also a decent option, especially if you spend a lot of time driving in traffic.

The Camaro and Mustang also offer impressive handling. They have a stiff chassis, a well-tuned suspension, and a responsive steering system that make them a joy to drive on twisty roads. The cars feel planted and stable, and they're easy to control even when you're pushing them to their limits. The Camaro and Mustang also have strong brakes, which give you the confidence to stop quickly and safely.

In terms of styling, the Camaro and Mustang are both modern interpretations of classic designs. They have a long hood, a short deck, and a sleek roofline that give them a sporty and aggressive look. The cars are available in both coupe and convertible versions, so you can choose the one that best suits your style. The Camaro and Mustang are both head-turners, and they're sure to get you noticed wherever you go.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The Camaro and Mustang can be a bit bulky and heavy, which can make them feel less agile than some other sports cars. Also, the interiors can be a bit cramped, especially in the rear seats. Despite these drawbacks, the Camaro and Mustang are still a great value for the money. They offer a unique blend of power, handling, and style that is hard to find in other sports cars.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, guys! Some fantastic and affordable sports car options available in the USA. Whether you're into the nimble handling of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the tuner-friendly design of the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86, the raw power of the Nissan 370Z, or the iconic muscle of the Chevrolet Camaro/Ford Mustang, there's a sports car out there for you that won't break the bank. Happy driving!