Runner-Up Affordable Coupes

Coupes from Scion, Ford are least inexpensive

Though the Honda Accord and Civic Coupes are the easy first-choice affordable coupes in most reviews, some competitors have an advantage or two that set them apart and make them compelling alternatives.

Toyota's Scion brand, including the Scion tC coupe (*Est. $15,970 to $17,800) is aimed at the youth market, but anyone looking for an affordable compact coupe will find a lot to like in the tC. The lowest-priced model is the tC Spec (*Est. $15,970 to $17,800), which has air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows, a CD stereo and more, but is intended to be customized with Scion's lengthy selection of dealer-installed accessories. The tC Base (*Est. $15,970 to $17,800) adds a dual-panel moon roof, 17-inch wheels and cruise control. The single engine choice is a 161-hp 4-cylinder manual or automatic. Performance and handling are good, but not as sporty as some reviewers would like. Regardless, they say the Scion tC is attractively styled and a worthy alternative to the Honda Civic Coupe (*Est. $15,480 to $18,230). Of the Scion tC, Consumer Guide says it "combines sporty performance, surprising space, and lots of standard features – all at bargain prices." In addition, the tC earns recommendations from KBB.com, Cars.com and Edmunds.com.

KBB.com recommends the Ford Focus Coupe (*Est. $14,695 to $16,695), which underwent a significant update for 2008. Other reviewers are not as enthusiastic. They point out that while the styling is new, the mechanicals haven't changed much. Last year's versatile hatchbacks have been dropped for the new notchback coupe, which is not a welcome change for many critics. Although the new Focus gets credit for its smooth ride and improved interior, critics say the Honda Civic coupe and Scion tC are better choices.

The Pontiac G5 (*Est. $16,335 to $20,240) and Chevrolet Cobalt coupe (*Est. $15,070 to $22,995) are virtual twins, sharing the same chassis and powertrain choices, although the G5 is only offered as a coupe while the Cobalt also comes in sedan version and high-performance SS trim. KBB.com gives its "Recommended" rating to the G5, but not the Cobalt. It does not explain why, noting only that the G5 has a "sportier nature" and appeals to youthful buyers. Most reviews are lukewarm about both the G5 and the Cobalt.

Now 11 years old, the Volkswagen New Beetle (*Est. $18,125 to $ 21,175) gets little respect from auto reviewers. While the car received an upgrade in 2006, introducing a 150-hp, 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine that critics say was a welcome improvement, it is still an older design that's been largely eclipsed by more modern cars. Edmunds.com editors write, "Compared to newer rivals in a very competitive compact segment, the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle claims no major advantage aside from its bubbly personality." Edmunds.com suggests looking at cars like the Honda Civic or even Volkswagen's own Rabbit hatchback (*Est. $16,250 to $17,325) for "superior utility, amenities and drivability at a similar or lower cost."

The front-wheel-drive Hyundai Tiburon (*Est. $17,700 to $23,200) is in its final model year, to be replaced by rear-drive 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe. The current Tiburon's greatest assets are its affordable price, strong warranty and attractive styling, many reviewers say. But they also say it is showing its age and does not compete well in terms of power, handling or refinement. Car and Driver says, "The Tiburon just feels old."

Sportier Mid-Priced Coupes

Among sportier coupes, the Ford Mustang (*Est. $20,445 to $28,215) is versatile and fun to drive, with a 210-hp V6. A more powerful V8 version is the 300-hp Mustang GT. Reviewers seem to respect the Mustang, but they don't generally rave about it. Reliability is average, and Consumer Guide gives the Mustang a "Recommended" rating rather than its "Best Buy" honor.

Reviewers also note the Mustang's small back seat and unrefined ride – due in part to the car's solid rear axle, just like the original Mustang in 1965, but for classic American style and lots of power at a reasonable price, the iconic Mustang is not a bad choice. One black mark on the current Mustang's record: Ford has recalled 435,000 Mustangs from the 2005-2008 model years so dealers can check and modify the airbag module software.

For its first model year, only 6,400 Dodge Challenger (*Est. $37,320) coupes were produced, each of them a top-of-the-line SRT8 model with a 425-hp 6.1L Hemi V8, saddled with a hefty gas-guzzler tax. The 2009 Dodge Challenger (*Est. $21,995 to $39,995) model line-up expands with a V6 and a 5.7L HEMI V8 available as well. With retro styling reminiscent of the original 1970 Dodge Challenger, this new model is getting loads of positive media attention. Forbes.com names the Challenger as one of its "Hottest Coupes of 2008."

Frequently compared with the top-rated Honda Accord Coupe is the Nissan Altima Coupe (*Est. $21,645 to $26,545), also a newly-introduced design for 2008. Like the Honda, the Nissan is based on the front-drive Altima sedan, although slightly smaller and with a sportier suspension. The Altima loses to the Accord Coupe in three comparison tests, including one conducted by Motor Trend, although Editor Ron Kiino comments, "I'd like a firmer suspension, too, but the compromise is good in this car – plenty of sport with just the right amount of luxury."

The third-place finisher in the three-car Motor Trend comparison test is the Mitsubishi Eclipse (*Est. $20,674 to $30,274). This review and others say the Eclipse can't match its competitors in performance, comfort or refinement. Compared to the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima, Motor Trend says, "Given its numerous contradictions – smallest dimensions/heaviest weight, largest engine/least power, best tires/worst handling – the Eclipse comes in a distant third."

The Toyota Camry Solara (*Est. $20,180 to $27,155) is available as a convertible or a coupe. Although the design is aging, the Solara still receives some excellent reviews in terms of reliability and build quality. Critics also give the front-drive Solara praise for its smooth ride and reasonably-sized rear seat. However, they say that the Solara coupe has a hard time competing with the superior new coupes from Honda and Nissan. Edmunds.com explains: "Not only are they as roomy and practical as the Solara, they're entertaining to drive and stylish to boot."