The Cheapest Fast Cars
Here’s the list of the cheapest fast cars, showcasing vehicles that have powerful performance at a low cost.
Subaru of America, Inc.|
Performance to Fit Your Budget
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We update our rankings as new data becomes available, so the scores you see in this slideshow may not match those elsewhere on our site.For the most up-to-date information, check out our full reviews.
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Nissan North America, Inc.|
2024 Nissan Z
$42,970 | 400 hp | Performance Score: 8.5/10
The 2024 Nissan Z impresses with its dynamic performance that combines exhilarating acceleration and athletic cornering abilities with composed daily drivability.Despite its tight cargo space, the Z is a well-rounded sports car that’s engaging to drive and loaded with practical features.
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The Z offers a blend of power, technology and comfort, making it a compelling option despite its interior and fuel efficiency not quite matching that of some of its rivals.It provides just 6.9 cubic feet of trunk space.
The 2024 Nissan Z features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine delivering 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.Power is routed through either a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission.
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The Z comes equipped with a fully digital instrument panel, as well as an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It also includes advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert
– Engine: Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6
– Horsepower: 400
– Top Speed: 155 mph
– 0-60 mph Time: 5 seconds
More on the 2024 Nissan Z
General Motors|
2024 Chevrolet Camaro LT1
$38,800 | 455 hp | Performance Score: 8.9/10
The Chevrolet Camaro is about to ride into the sunset (again), and that’s a shame because it’s an affordable way to get the keys to V8 power, specifically via the LT1.
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The LT1 trim is slotted below the SS trim, but it still features GM’s 6.2-liter V8 engine, which puts out 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque.The 10-speed automatic is quicker in a straight line, but the six-speed manual provides the most fun.
More than just straight-line power, the Camaro LT1 also handles well thanks to a performance suspension upgrade and Brembo front brakes.
Otherwise, the LT1 has the kit of the base Camaro, which includes power-adjustable front seats, cloth upholstery and a 7-inch touch screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.It also has driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and a head-up display.
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– Engine: 6.2-liter V8
– Horsepower: 455
– Top Speed: 165 mph
– 0-60 mph Time: 4.3 seconds
More on the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.|
2024 Toyota GR Corolla
$36,500 | 300 hp | Performance Score: 8.5/10
Just when you think the future is looking bleak for small, (relatively) affordable performance machines, an automaker steps up with a taut hatchback with an impressive motor.
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The Toyota GR Corolla is a blast to drive, thanks in no small part to its turbocharged three-cylinder engine that puts out 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.
It has a six-speed manual gearbox and an advanced all-wheel-drive system that allows for impressive acceleration and cornering.A Performance Package is available for $1,180, and it adds front and rear limited-slip differentials, as well as special badging and red brake calipers.
True to hot hatch tradition, the GR Corolla has two rows of comfortable seating, though overall cargo space falls behind that of other hatchbacks.But with high-performance brakes, a track-tuned suspension and the menacing note of a triple-outlet exhaust, you won’t have time to notice anything but what a joy it is to drive this little monster.
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– Engine: Turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder
– Horsepower: 300
– Top Speed: 143 mph
– 0-60 mph Time: 5 seconds
More on the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.|
2024 Mini Clubman S
$34,050 | 189 hp | Performance Score: 7.9/10
The Mini Clubman S will remind you of the Mini Cooper hardtop, but it has added versatility.This four-door hatchback provides a surprising amount of cargo and passenger space, outfitted in a handsome, upscale interior with modern technology.
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The Clubman S comes equipped with a 189-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Power is routed to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.The Clubman S is like a full-size go-kart, carving up corners with ease.The Clubman ends production with the 2024 model, so if you’re interested, you’ll need to act sooner rather than later if you want one.
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– Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
– Horsepower: 189
– Top Speed: 142 mph
– 0-60 mph Time: 6.9 seconds
More on the 2024 MINI Cooper Clubman
Hyundai Motor America|
2024 Hyundai Elantra N
$33,700 | 276 hp | Performance Score: 8.9/10
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra N shines as a sport-compact car with its fun performance and nimble handling.It’s praised for its robust engine, agile driving dynamics and impressive features list, despite criticisms of its plain interior and firm ride.
For the 2024 model year, the Elantra N gets a refreshed exterior and maintains its position as a price-conscious performance car that blends excitement and practicality.
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The Elantra N’s turbocharged inline-four makes 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, routed to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.The N comes with features such as high-performance brakes, a rear chassis brace, a limited-slip front differential and launch control.It allows you to adjust performance using different drive modes.
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– Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
– Horsepower: 276
– Top Speed: 143 mph
– 0-60 mph Time: ~5 seconds
More on the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N
Tony Markovich | U.S.News & World Report
2024 Subaru WRX
$32,735 | 271 hp | Performance Score: 7.3/10
The 2024 Subaru WRX continues its legacy as a rally-inspired sports car (regardless of how many doors it has) with advanced technology and performance.
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It features a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine delivering 271 horsepower, routing power to standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, through a six-speed manual transmission.
The WRX offers a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which is an unlikely choice for a performance vehicle.Even with its simulated “gears,” it’s not as rewarding as the manual.
The WRX also boasts a track-tuned suspension for sharp cornering, and its ride quality is easily the most refined of any WRX to date.The cabin is function-first and won’t be confused with a luxury car any time soon.Impressively, Subaru has made many of the EyeSight driver-assistance features standard even in the manual model, which is no easy feat given how these safety features affect the throttle and brakes.For the 2024 model year, the WRX also gains the upgraded 11.6-inch touch screen infotainment system as standard equipment.
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– Engine: Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder
– Horsepower: 271
– Top Speed: 155 mph
– 0-60 mph Time: 5 seconds
More on the 2024 Subaru WRX
Volkswagen of America, Inc.|
2024 Volkswagen GTI
$31,965 | 241 hp | Performance Score: 9.4/10
The Volkswagen GTI is one of the cornerstones of the “hot hatch” segment.It combines dynamic handling, strong braking and a powerful turbocharged engine with manual and dual-clutch automatic powertrain choices.
The upgraded Autobahn trim ($40,505) adds an adaptive suspension, head-up display and tri-zone automatic climate control.For such a driver-focused car, the lack of physical infotainment controls is disappointing.
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The GTI melds impressive performance and practicality thanks to its comfortable, spacious seating and generous cargo space.
Its interior quality, once a standout feature in older generations, now hangs closer to the back of the pack.The GTI also boasts good fuel economy for its class, comes loaded with safety features and provides solid value in the sport compact car category.
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– Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
– Horsepower: 241
– Top Speed: 155 mph
– 0-60 mph Time: 6 seconds
More on the 2024 Volkswagen GTI
Ford Motor Company|
2024 Ford Mustang
$31,920 | 315 hp | Performance Score: 8.0/10
Yes, there is a V8-powered GT model in the redesigned Ford Mustang’s lineup, but the EcoBoost really embraces the notion of affordable performance.The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.Not bad for four cylinders! Power is routed to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic.Unfortunately, no manual is offered in this trim.
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You can upgrade the Mustang EcoBoost with the High Performance Package ($3,475), which adds upgraded Brembo brakes, summer performance tires and a TORSEN limited-slip differential.The automatic transmission gains a manual mode, operated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.The Mustang also features a high-tech cabin with a fully digital instrument panel and a 13.2-inch touch-screen infotainment system.It has a logical layout and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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– Engine: Turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder
– Horsepower: 315
– Top Speed: 145 mph
– 0-60 mph Time: 4.5 seconds
More on the 2024 Ford Mustang
Zach Doell | U.S.
News & World Report
2024 Subaru BRZ
$30,195 | 228 hp | Performance Score: 8.7/10
The 2024 Subaru BRZ sets a benchmark for affordable sports cars with its blend of performance, style and technology.Under the hood sits a 2.4-liter “boxer” four-cylinder engine delivering 228 horsepower.You also get your choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic transmission.
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This Subaru’s classic sports car design features a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, ensuring exceptional handling and balance.It even features a TORSEN limited-slip rear differential.
Inside, the BRZ caters to driving purists with features like quick-ratio steering, sport seats with substantial bolstering and a digital instrument cluster that includes a G-force meter and modes for Sport and Track.The base Premium trim includes dual-zone automatic climate control and an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It also comes standard with front and rear collision warning, adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection.
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– Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder
– Horsepower: 228
– Top Speed: 140 mph
– 0-60 mph Time: 6 seconds
More on the 2024 Subaru BRZ
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.|
2025 Honda Civic Si
$29,950 | 200 hp | Performance Score: 8.0/10
The Honda Civic Si stands out as a compact sports car designed for enthusiasts seeking engaging performance combined with practicality.Like the rest of the Civic lineup, the Si trim receives interior and exterior styling updates for the 2025 model year.
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The Civic Si is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower.This sprightly engine, combined with a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, delivers brisk acceleration and responsive handling.
The Civic Si features a spacious, refined cabin that’s loaded with standard equipment.The 9-inch touch-screen infotainment system is easy to use and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless device charging.
The red interior details help ensure that the Civic Si is as visually impressive as its handling.
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– Engine: Turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder
– Horsepower: 200
– Top Speed: 155 mph
– 0-60 mph Time: 6.6 seconds
More on the 2025 Honda Civic
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.|
2024 Toyota GR86
$29,300 | 228 hp | Performance Score: 8.7/10
If you are looking for fun on a budget, few vehicles deliver quite like the 2024 Toyota GR86.It has a traditional front-engine, rear-drive sports car layout, and though it has seating for up to four people, the rear seats are barely usable for adults and are better used as storage space.The cabin has a straightforward and functional layout that is driver-focused and limits driver distraction.
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The Toyota GR86 comes with a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine.
It makes 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.The quick and athletic GR86 has outstanding handling dynamics without the need for complicated and expensive advanced suspension systems.The GR86 brings all this together in a fantastic daily-drivable performance car.
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– Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder
– Horsepower: 228
– Top Speed: ~137 mph
– 0-60 mph Time: 6.1 seconds
More on the 2024 Toyota GR86
BMW of North America, LLC|
2024 Mini Cooper S
$29,100 | 189 hp | Performance Score: 7.6/10
To many, the Mini Cooper is the original hot hatch, even though it’s evolved and grown through the years.
Known for its agile handling and spirited engine choices, the Mini Cooper features an upscale cabin and an intuitive infotainment system.
It’s baked into a funky circular bezel and includes standard Apple CarPlay.
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For 2024, the Mini Cooper welcomes back the beloved manual transmission as standard for both four-door and convertible models, catering to enthusiasts who value an engaging driving experience.
The Mini Cooper S is the best blend of speed and financial sensibility.It features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque.You can get it with the manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and it’s available with a dynamic damper system ($500) that further enhances driving engagement.
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– Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
– Horsepower: 189
– Top Speed: 145 mph
– 0-60 mph Time: 6.2 seconds
More on the 2024 MINI Cooper
MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS|
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
$28,985 | 181 hp | Performance Score: 8.8/10
There are plenty of cars on the market with straight-line speed, but the Mazda Miata proves that the real fun comes in cornering prowess.Vehicles like the Miata and Subaru BRZ show that less powerful cars that handle well are a more affordable entry point to fun driving.
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The Miata comes with a 181-horsepower four-cylinder engine, which is more than enough to get the lightweight (less than 2,400 pounds) sports car up to speed.
For the 2024 model year, the Miata gains some styling updates, and it upgrades the standard infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touch screen.The Club and Grand Touring trims also gain an upgraded limited-slip differential.
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– Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder
– Horsepower: 181
– Top Speed: 140 mph
– 0-60 mph Time: 6 seconds
More on the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Volkswagen of America, Inc.|
2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
$28,085 | 228 hp | Performance Score: 6.7/10
The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a spacious and comfortable small sedan with a sporty side.Under the hood, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.Power is routed to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed DSG automated manual.
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For the 2024 model year, VW introduces the 40th Anniversary Edition trim edit.
It features 18-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential, an adaptive suspension, variable-ratio steering and unique badging.The upgraded Autobahn trim adds leather upholstery, an upgraded stereo and a panoramic moonroof.
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– Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
– Horsepower: 228
– Top Speed: 126 mph
– 0-60 mph Time: 6.1 seconds
More on the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta
Subaru of America, Inc.|
FAQs
What is the fastest car for under $30,000?
The cars on our list with starting prices under $30K are the Toyota GR86, [Mazda MX-5 Miata](https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/mazda/mx-5-miata/2024), the [Mini Cooper S,](https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/mini/cooper/2024) [Honda Civic Si ](https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/honda/civic/2025)and [VW Jetta GLI](https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/volkswagen/jetta/2024).
The MX-5 Miata has the quickest zero-to-60-mph time in that group.
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What car has the most horsepower for under $40,000?
The [Camaro LT1](https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/chevrolet/camaro/2024) is a performance enthusiast’s dream, boasting a 455-horsepower V8 and starting at $38,800.
What car under $35,000 has the highest top speed?
The Honda Civic Si, [Subaru WRX](https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/subaru/wrx/2024) and Volkswagen GTI have top speeds of 155 miles per hour.
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Are there any V8-engine cars under $40K?
Once again, we have to give it to the incredible muscle-car value that is the Camaro LT1 and its 6.2-liter V8 engine.
U.S.News & World Report|
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U.S.News and World Report|
Cheapest Fast Cars
– 2024 Nissan Z: $42,970
– 2024 Chevrolet Camaro LT1: $38,800
– 2024 Toyota GR Corolla: $36,500
– 2024 Mini Clubman S: $34,050
– 2024 Hyundai Elantra N: $33,700
– 2024 Subaru WRX: $32,735
– 2024 Volkswagen GTI: $31,965
– 2024 Ford Mustang: $31,920
– 2024 Subaru BRZ: $30,195
– 2025 Honda Civic Si: $29,950
– 2024 Toyota GR86: $29,300
– 2024 Mini Cooper S: $29,100
– 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata: $28,985
– 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: $28,085
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