Top 12 Cheap Fast Cars

Fast Cars You Can Afford

Which cars offer the best performance for the money? That’s the question we set out to answer with this Cheap Fast Cars ranking. Whether it is straight-line performance or nimble handling in the bends, the following 12 cars offer a lot for a little. These are listed from least-expensive to most. How We Ranked These Cars

1. 2022 Chevrolet Camaro

2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS / Credit: Chevrolet

• Price: $25,000
• Horsepower: 275-650
• What We Like: One of the least expensive sports cars; great handling and strong engine lineup
• What We Don’t: Small interior with poor visibility

Like its arch-rival, the Ford Mustang, the Camaro is one of just a handful of modern cars with a muscle-car heritage. The Camaro’s accessible pricing also makes it a standout; it’s one of the least expensive sports cars you can buy. It delivers an exciting drive, whether you choose the standard 275-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the V6, or the robust V8s. The Camaro dials up the intensity with its impressive handling and athleticism.

The Camaro’s cabin is comfortable, but its interior quality is not as good as its competitors’. Front-row passengers get supportive seats and plenty of elbow room, but the rear seats are best left for children.

The Camaro comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used Camaro?

The Camaro is in its sixth generation, which was introduced with the 2016 model. Chevy gave it a slight styling update in 2019, but any older sixth-generation model (2016-2021) will be broadly similar to the 2022 Camaro.

2. 2022 Ford Mustang

2022 Ford Mustang / Credit: Ford

• Price: $27,205
• Horsepower: 310-760
• What We Like: Great performance bargain
• What We Don’t: Interior build quality and overall driving experience are not as refined as in other sports cars

With its vast lineup of potent powertrains, there’s likely a version of the iconic Mustang that’ll suit your lifestyle. Its base trim pairs a 310-horsepower turbocharged engine with a 6-speed manual transmission; a 10-speed automatic is available.

The Mustang has plenty of space for passengers up front, but adults will feel cramped in the back. If technology is high on your list, opt for a trim with the SYNC3 infotainment system and an 8-inch touchscreen. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Shopping for a Used Mustang?

The Mustang is in its sixth generation, which debuted for 2015. Any older sixth-generation model (2015-2021) will be broadly similar to the 2022 Mustang above. Earlier models have blockier styling and less-refined handling and interiors. The Mustang dates back to the 1960s, but those models are now expensive classic cars.

3. 2022 Toyota GR86

2022 Toyota GR86 / Credit: Toyota

• Price: $27,700
• Horsepower: 228
• What We Like: Inexpensive; simple controls; light and agile
• What We Don’t: Less horsepower than most sports cars

The spry Toyota 86 isn’t the most powerful car in its class, but it’s plenty of fun to drive. It draws 228 horsepower from a flat-4 engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 86 stands out for its agility and responsive steering. Despite its budget price, the cabin has a mix of quality materials and rigid plastics. Its front seats are supportive and comfortable for shorter rides. Like others in its class, seating in the back is tight. All trims come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used GR86?

The GR86 is all new for this year, but Toyota has sold similar sports cars by various names since 2013. It was previously known as the Toyota 86 (without the “GR”) (2017-2020) and the Scion FR-S (2013-2016). The 86 skipped the 2021 model year to prepare for its 2022 redesign.

4. 2022 Subaru BRZ

2022 Subaru BRZ / Credit: Subaru

• Price: $27,995
• Horsepower: 228
• What We Like: Inexpensive; simple controls; light and agile
• What We Don’t: Less horsepower than most sports cars

The Subaru BRZ is essentially the same as the Toyota GR86; they’re built side-by-side. The choice between the two comes down to brand preference. The GR86 only gets a slight edge because of its lower price.

Like the GR86, the Subaru BRZ stands out for its agility and responsive steering. It isn’t the most powerful car in its class, but it’s plenty of fun to drive. Its flat-4 engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and puts down 228 horsepower.

The cabin has solid build quality and simple controls, leaving the driver’s attention on the road ahead. Its front seats are supportive and comfortable for shorter rides. Like others in its class, seating in the back is tight. All trims come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used BRZ?

The BRZ is all new for 2022. Subaru debuted the model in 2013 and it has been largely unchanged until now. It skipped the 2021 model year to prepare for its 2022 redesign.

5. 2022 Subaru WRX

2022 Subaru WRX / Credit: Subaru

• Price: $29,605
• Horsepower: 271
• What We Like: Fast and agile; starts under $30K; still has a manual transmission
• What We Don’t: Loud exhaust (and not in a fun way); stiff ride; buyers only get top safety features with automatic transmission; automatic is a CVT

The 2022 Subaru WRX is a compact sports sedan with a roomy cabin that seats five people. It’s aimed at drivers who want a sporty, rally-inspired small car with muscular engines, a track-tuned suspension, and standard AWD. Its performance and bolder looks are more aggressive than a typical compact sedan, including the Subaru Impreza upon which it’s based. Fully redesigned for 2022, it retains a signature feature in its big hood scoop.

The WRX offers taut handling and all-weather capability — plus a sporty interior and features — in a still-practical compact sedan. It has potent standard power, at 271 horsepower, and a new GT version as the top trim level.

Shopping for a Used WRX?

The 2022 WRX is all new. It’s seen incremental improvements over the years, but any WRX from 2015-2021 and any Impreza WRX from 2012-2014 will have a similar design and similar features. In previous model years, a higher-performance WRX STI was also available, but one has not yet been specified for 2022.

6. 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI / Credit: Volkswagen

• Price: $29,880
• Horsepower: 241
• What We Like: Best mix of fun and practicality; decent mpg; available with a manual transmission
• What We Don’t: Not much

With a standard 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Golf GTI isn’t the most powerful hot hatchback on sale, but it’s a well-rounded option. The peppy engine has excellent throttle response and offers enjoyable acceleration. We’re fans of the smooth manual transmission, but the optional dual-clutch automatic provides sharp shifts and doesn’t sap any fun.

Around corners, the GTI offers nimble handling. Some hot hatchbacks require drivers to compromise comfort for performance, but that isn’t the case with the GTI. In addition to being enjoyable to drive, the GTI is smooth, refined, and comfortable, with a ride that won’t beat you up. Despite its compact size, the GTI offers 34.5 cubic feet of total cargo space.

Shopping for a Used GTI?

Volkswagen redesigned the Golf GTI for 2022, so there will not be many models on the used market that look like the one pictured above. However, VW has sold a GTI since 1974, so there are plenty of used options. The previous generation was introduced in 2015. A redesigned infotainment system with smartphone compatibility joined the lineup in 2016, as did more optional ADAS features. The 2-door model was discontinued in 2017, leaving only the 4-door hatchback. Volkswagen refreshed the GTI’s exterior and interior design for the 2018 model year. More standard safety features were added in 2020.

7. 2022 Dodge Challenger

2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock / Credit: Dodge

• Price: $30,825
• Body Style: 5-seat coupe
• Horsepower: 303-807
• What We Like: Iconic styling; large interior and trunk; comfortable to cruise in; massive available V8 engines
• What We Don’t: Heavy; not very agile

The Challenger is a beefy sports car with an impressive lineup of robust engine options, starting with the base model’s 303-horsepower V6 and climbing right up to the 807-horsepower supercharged Hellcat models. The Challenger emphasizes power, so it’s heavier and less agile than others in its class.

The interior is well-built and spacious, but its cabin looks less opulent than its rivals do. It seats five people comfortably. All trims get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Uconnect 4 infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used Challenger?

The Challenger is currently in its third generation, which debuted back in 2008. Any older third-generation model (2008-2021) will have styling similar to the 2022’s. Dodge has added a number of engine and feature upgrades over the years. The Challenger name dates back to the classic muscle car era, but those models are now expensive collector’s items.

8. 2022 Kia K5 GT

2022 Kia K5 / Credit: Kia

• Price: $31,190
• Horsepower: 290
• What We Like: Fun to drive; great crash-test scores
• What We Don’t: So-so rear-seat space

The Kia K5’s 180-horsepower turbo-4 is decent, but the GT models get a 290-horsepower version of the engine that is a lot more fun. It’s the Sonata’s corporate cousin, and when it debuted in 2021, it replaced the Kia Optima. It’s well-priced despite its premium and sporty look. It’s also enjoyable to drive, thanks to its composed handling and smooth ride.

All versions feature a roomy trunk, but rear-seat space isn’t on par with rivals. The K5 earns strong crash-test ratings and includes several standard ADAS features. Other standard niceties include a user-friendly 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Shopping for a Used K5?

The K5 debuted as a 2021 model to replace the outgoing Kia Optima. It arrives for 2022 as a carryover. Save money by considering a used 2021 K5.

9. 2022 Hyundai Veloster N

2022 Hyundai Veloster N / Credit: Hyundai

• Price: $32,500
• Horsepower: 275
• What We Like: Unique 3-door design; fun to drive; available with a manual transmission
• What We Don’t: Less space than other hatchbacks; styling isn’t for everyone

Hyundai recently entered the hot hatchback scene with the Veloster N. The Veloster N takes the Veloster and turns the dial up to 11. The hot hatchback features a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 275 horsepower and sounds like fireworks on the Fourth of July. Around corners, the Veloster N is sharper than most hot hatchbacks, but the vehicle’s adaptive suspension is so firm that it creates a choppy ride. Putting the suspension into its softest setting fixes the problem, but then the hatchback has a noticeable amount of body roll because of its relatively high weight of 3,106 pounds.

On the more practical side of things, the Veloster N’s strange 3-door design results in a cramped set of rear seats and a small cargo capacity of 44.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

Shopping for a Used Veloster N?

The Hyundai Veloster N was introduced in 2019. Originally, the hot hatchback was only offered with a manual transmission, while an optional Performance Package drastically increased the hatchback’s performance. For the 2021 model year, Hyundai introduced an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and made the previously optional Performance Package standard. If you’re shopping for a used Veloster N, try to find one with the Performance Package.

10. 2022 Toyota Camry TRD

Toyota Camry TRD / Credit: Toyota

• Price: $32,910
• Horsepower: 301
• What We Like: Strong engine; excellent crash-test ratings; Toyota’s excellent reliability
• What We Don’t: Not much

The TRD (stands for Toyota Racing Development) is the sportiest trim in the Camry lineup. It’s also a performance bargain, offering a potent 301-horsepower V6 engine for thousands less than other Camry trims. It has bold styling flourishes such as a large rear spoiler and black wheels. Those may be a turnoff for some, but it’s still a Camry at its core, with the user-friendliness and quality that entails.

The Camry delivers a great blend of what car shoppers want in a midsize sedan. It has a good track record for reliability, excellent crash test ratings, roomy seats, and user-friendly tech.

Shopping for a Used Camry?

The Camry TRD debuted in 2020. Most models from 2020 to 2022 will be similar.

11. 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe

2022 BMW 2 Series / Credit: BMW

• Price: $36,350
• Horsepower: 255-382
• What We Like: Good standard engine; best performance bargain from BMW
• What We Don’t: More expensive than rivals on this list

The 2 Series is offered in two body styles: a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan that is called, confusingly, the Gran Coupe. BMW redesigned the coupe for 2022 and eliminated the convertible option. The Gran Coupe is more affordable and spacious, but the coupe is more upscale and fun to drive. Coupe models seat four people with very little room in the second row. BMW is known for making sporty cars, so it shouldn’t be surprising that the 230i Coupe has one of the highest horsepower ratings of any entry-level luxury car. Its standard turbo-4 engine produces 255 horsepower.

The base 2 Series has a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a healthy array of ADAS features.

Shopping for a Used 2 Series?

The BMW 2 Series Coupe dates back to 2014, and all-wheel drive (AWD) was added as an option in 2015. The convertible also debuted in 2015. Used models will be different than the all-new 2022 2 Series shown above, but they are equally fun to drive.

12. 2022 Chevrolet Corvette

2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray / Credit: Chevrolet

• Price: $60,900
• Horsepower: 490-495
• What We Like: Astonishing performance; great price; mid-engine design; beautiful interior
• What We Don’t: Huge appetite for gas; small trunk

No, $60,900 definitely isn’t cheap. So what is the Corvette doing on this list? Well, for our 11th pick, we’re going for relative affordability.

The Corvette offers supercar performance at regular-car prices. The iconic Corvette has sported a dramatic midengine configuration since 2020, which puts it in the company of exotic sports cars costing hundreds of thousands of dollars more. With its potent 490-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine, acceleration is otherworldly. The mid-engine layout and performance-tuned chassis mean the Corvette feels exhilarating around the track yet stays balanced on everyday drives.

The Corvette has a striking interior design accented with leather and other premium materials. The seats are well-bolstered and supportive. All trims come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used Corvette?

The Corvette is in its eighth generation, which was introduced with the 2020 model. Any eighth-generation model (2020-2021) will be broadly similar to the 2022 Corvette in design and feature content. Older Corvettes are front-engine, but otherwise retain the classic recipe of V8, 2 seats, and rear-wheel drive (RWD). Corvettes date back to the 1950s, but older models in good condition will command classic car prices.

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How We Ranked These Cheap Fast Cars

At Carfax, data and value drive our vehicle rankings. In order to choose the best cars for this list, we looked at inexpensive vehicles offering top quality and performance for the money. They are in order of price, from lowest to highest. Our rankings are based on the latest 2022 models, but since many of these vehicles have remained unchanged from earlier years, our insights apply to used models as well.

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