Bargain Sports Cars

Entry-level sports cars -- below $40,000

Clearly, when you're talking about sports cars, "bargain" is a relative term. Sporty cars pretty much start at $30,000 and head upwards fast. In this price range, you'll find not only the traditional closed-top sports cars covered in this report, but also excellent sports convertibles such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata (see our report on convertibles) and up-to-date pony cars like the Chevy Camaro (see our report on coupes).

The light, fast and pretty 2009 Nissan 370Z (*Est. $29,930 to $39,130) is the best sports-car value, according to reviews, and we've made it our Best Reviewed pick. But if you're willing to spend extra for something more refined, experts say the 2010 Audi TT/TTS (*Est. $37,800 to $48,900) is a fine choice for those who prefer style over speed.

The Audi TT offers a few things the Nissan doesn't: available all-wheel drive, a backseat (albeit a child-size one) and a standard leather interior that critics say is truly beautiful. It's styled like a low-slung sport coupe, but the tail opens like a hatchback to reveal a surprising amount of cargo space. The base 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers extremely good gas mileage for a sports car -- 26 mpg in combined driving -- or you can opt for a more powerful 3.2-liter, V-6 engine. Testers say both versions are fun to drive, although neither will win many stoplight races. The TT also comes as a two-seat convertible and in a souped-up Audi TTS trim.

The Audi TTS offers its own kind of practicality; it's almost as fuel-efficient as a Honda Accord coupe (24 mpg combined) and all-wheel drive comes standard. It's beautiful and fast, too, reviews say, although it lags competitors in some tests. The TTS offers surprisingly good cargo room but only a microscopic backseat in the coupe; the convertible is a two-seater.

Moving up the price ladder, critics say nothing can touch the 2009 Porsche Cayman's (*Est. $50,300 to $60,200) perfect balance, agility and driving feel -- not in this price class or any other; that's why it's our Best Reviewed pick. Experts like its roadster counterpart, the 2009 Porsche Boxster (*Est. $46,600 to $56,700), just as well; it's covered in our report on convertibles.

However, if you prefer a roaring muscle car that can obliterate the Cayman at a stop light, experts suggest the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 (*Est. $43,125 to $47,950). Its supercharged V-8 engine pumps out an enormous 540 horsepower -- more than any other car under $100,000, TheTruthAboutCars.com points out.

Compared with last year's GT500, experts say the 2010 model is much easier to drive. The solid rear axle is still present, hopping around in tests. The heavy four-seat Shelby GT500 can't dart around corners as athletically as a Porsche, critics say. But great steering, a nice interior and charming old-school styling earn the Shelby accolades at Motor Trend, Road & Track and Edmunds.com -- and testers appreciate its ability to sprint the quarter-mile even faster than Ford's 12.4-second estimate. The Shelby GT500 is also sold as a convertible.

Reviews often laud the base model 2010 Chevrolet Corvette (*Est. $48,930 to $74,285) as another great horsepower-laden value. It handles capably in tests and provides plenty of muscle, with 430 horsepower -- although that's 110 less horsepower than the cheaper Shelby GT500, and the Corvette lags a couple of tenths of a second behind the Shelby Mustang in Edmunds.com's zero-to-60 tests.

The Corvette's big trunk and user-friendly demeanor make it a decent daily driver, but reviews deduct points for its interior materials and iffy reliability. The Corvette comes in both two-seat coupe and convertible body styles, although reviewers say handling suffers quite a bit if you go topless, unlike with the Porsche.

If you're looking for a near-supercar to drive everyday, you might consider the BMW M3 coupe and convertible (*Est. $57,850 to $66,500). Car and Driver says the 2009 BMW M3 coupe may be the "best car in the world." It beats half a dozen pricier competitors -- including the base Porsche 911 and Nissan GT-R -- in head-to-head comparisons there, although it can't quite hang with exotics like the $216,000 Lamborghini Gallardo in a test at Road & Track. Still, critics say close is quite good enough for a BMW that costs a fraction of the price of most supercars. The M3's relatively big backseat, all-day comfort and loads of convenient features make it a better daily driver than many sports cars, experts conclude. It's also available as a hard-top BMW M3 convertible. The sedan version is covered in our report on sports sedans.

Finally, if you want the closest possible thing to a street-legal racecar, experts say the 2009 Lotus Elise roadster (*Est. $43,995 to $54,990) and 2009 Lotus Exige coupe (*Est. $65,690 to $74,995) are it -- but none of our sources recommend them as top picks. Why? Because although "street-legal racecar" might sound good on the surface, critics say it translates into zero room for driver error and a truly uncomfortable cockpit. These super-lightweight cars are uniquely exhilarating, but if you plan to use your sports car for any kind of everyday driving, experts advise against the Lotus.