Car Rankings: Affordable Sports Cars
Ranking of sports cars, including coupes and roadsters, generally priced under $35,000. Mazda MX-5 Miata, Pontiac Solstice, Ford Mustang and more. Rankings based on an in-depth analysis by U.S. News editors of all published auto ratings, reviews and test drives.
- MSRP: $20,585 - $27,860
- Invoice: $19,022 - $25,723
- MPG: 22 City / 27 Hwy
#1
2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata ranks in the top half of its class because of its tight, balanced handling and zippy acceleration. What's more, reviewers see its soft top and ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.0 |
| Performance: | 8.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 6.5 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $19,490 - $27,260
- Invoice: $18,111 - $25,104
- MPG: 17 City / 26 Hwy
#2
2008 Ford Mustang
The Mustang ranks in the top half of its class because of its powerful engine, iconic exterior and interior design, and stellar performance in crash tests. The ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.9 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $28,120 - $38,290
- Invoice: $26,350 - $35,462
- MPG: 18 City / 25 Hwy
#3
2008 Nissan 350z
The 350Z ranks in the top half of its class because of its superb delivery of neck-snapping acceleration, responsive handling and head-turning design. Altogether, the 2008 350Z ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 9.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.2 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 8.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $35,630 - $41,330
- Invoice: $33,002 - $38,273
- MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
#3
2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster
The 350Z Roadster ranks in the top half of its class for its sporty, yet practical, handling, comfortable bucket seats and long list of features. Still, its ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 8.9 |
| Exterior: | 6.9 |
| Interior: | 6.5 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $34,300 - $37,300
- Invoice: $31,055 - $33,766
- MPG: 18 City / 25 Hwy
#5
2008 Honda S2000
The S2000's ranking is based upon its racecar-like performance, unique body style, and impressive safety record. Altogether, the Honda S2000 proves to be a top choice for ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.6 |
| Performance: | 9.1 |
| Exterior: | 6.6 |
| Interior: | 6.0 |
| Safety: | 8.9 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $26,435 - $31,770
- Invoice: $24,458 - $29,380
- MPG: 16 City / 23 Hwy
#6
2008 Mazda RX-8
The RX-8's ranking is based on its powerful and lightweight rotary engine, as well as its smooth handling, stylish cabin, and comfortable two-passenger rear seat. Despite its ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.4 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 8.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $22,165 - $27,845
- Invoice: $20,946 - $26,314
- MPG: 19 City / 25 Hwy
#7
2008 Pontiac Solstice
The 2008 Pontiac Solstice is a pure roadster with a compelling and unique exterior design, as well as highly rated handling dynamics.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.9 |
| Interior: | 5.8 |
| Safety: | 8.1 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $17,025 - $22,525
- Invoice: $16,338 - $21,085
- MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
#8
2008 Hyundai Tiburon
The Tiburon ranks in the bottom half of its class because it delivers a sporty ride wrapped in an attractive package, but it can't match the performance ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.3 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 6.5 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $25,525 - $29,785
- Invoice: $23,866 - $27,849
- MPG: 19 City / 25 Hwy
#8
2008 Saturn Sky
The SKY ranks near the bottom of its class because it has an eye-catching exterior similar to top-class cars, but can't match leading sports cars in performance ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.3 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | 8.7 |
| Interior: | 6.5 |
| Safety: | 8.1 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $19,999 - $29,599
- Invoice: $18,912 - $27,991
- MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
#10
2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
The Eclipse ranks low within its class because it has the style of top-tier cars, but it can't match them in performance.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.2 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.5 |
| Interior: | 6.9 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
