Car Rankings: Affordable Sports Cars
Ranking of sports cars, including coupes and roadsters, generally priced under $35,000. Mazda MX-5 Miata, Pontiac Solstice, Nissan 350z and more. Rankings based on an in-depth analysis by U.S. News editors of all published auto ratings, reviews and test drives.
- MSRP: $22,810 - $29,350
- Invoice: $21,084 - $27,109
- Avg. Paid: $22,135 - $28,283
- MPG: 22 (Est) City / 28 (Est) Hwy
#1
2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a reviewer favorite for its combination of thrilling handling, impressive build quality and long-term value.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 8.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 6.3 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $34,995 - $37,995
- Invoice: $31,698 - $34,409
- Avg. Paid: $32,934 - $35,658
- MPG: 18 City / 25 Hwy
#2
2009 Honda S2000
The S2000 ranks near the top of its class for its visceral power and track-oriented handling. It's eye-catching too. Overall, it proves to be a solid choice ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 9.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.2 |
| Interior: | 6.7 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $22,000 - $31,000
- Invoice: $20,930 - $29,080
- Avg. Paid: $22,202 - $30,984
- MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
#3
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a great value, offering rear-wheel drive sports car abilities for significantly less than the competition. Still, it lags behind rivals in ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $36,970 - $41,820
- Invoice: $34,241 - $38,726
- Avg. Paid: $36,331 - $40,847
- MPG: 18 (Est) City / 25 (Est) Hwy
#4
2010 Nissan 370Z
The 370Z is a fast-paced sports coupe that offers a lot of power, prowess, style, and quality for an affordable price.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 8.7 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $26,495 - $32,660
- Invoice: $24,527 - $30,212
- Avg. Paid: $25,423 - $31,101
- MPG: 16 (2009) City / 22 (2009) Hwy
#5
2010 Mazda RX-8
The 2010 Mazda RX-8 garners a lot of praise for its superb handling dynamics and roomy backseat, but loses points for having insufficient power and a fuel-thirsty, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.6 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $24,275 - $30,375
- Invoice: $23,183 - $29,008
- Avg. Paid: $23,234 - $28,892
- MPG: 19 City / 25 Hwy
#6
2009 Pontiac Solstice
The 2009 Pontiac Solstice is eye-catching and fun to drive. Altogether, it makes a solid choice for anyone shopping for a sporty roadster.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 9.1 |
| Interior: | 6.7 |
| Safety: | 8.1 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $27,595 - $33,110
- Invoice: $26,215 - $30,958
- Avg. Paid: $25,414 - $29,417
- MPG: 19 City / 25 Hwy
#7
2009 Saturn Sky
The SKY is admired for its sleek and sexy design, but falters when it comes to performance and everyday practicality.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 8.8 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 8.1 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $20,699 - $32,599
- Invoice: $19,574 - $30,854
- Avg. Paid: $20,145 - $32,642
- MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
#8
2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse
The 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse is tamer than it looks -- perfect for anyone who would rather look the part of a driving enthusiast than have to deal ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.1 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | 8.7 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |