Sports Cars

Best sports cars

For this update, we've selected three very different sports cars at three widespread price points as the very best of the current crop, based on the research we found in reviews. There are also a bunch of worthwhile "honorable mention" candidates that deserve at least a once-over to see if they fit your style or budget. Those are grouped below in broad categories based on price.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata (*est. $20,635 to $28,060) continues to earn reviewers' praise. Car and Driver again names the MX-5 as one of its top 10 cars, noting that the Mazda's throttle response, braking feel and manual transmission all make for "an immensely satisfying drive and proves that a car doesn't need pavement-wrinkling horsepower to deliver driving enjoyment." Editors note that the standard manual top "is the easiest to use in the industry," and the optional power folding hardtop "is a model of compactness and light weight." The least-expensive hardtop convertible in the &United States, the MX-5 also offers a vinyl or cloth top for less money. Cars.com names the Mazda MX-5 a "Best Bet" and "Best Deal for Sun Lovers," and Forbes also recommends the MX-5, noting that what the Mazda doesn't offer in power, it more than makes up for in terms of fun driving and responsiveness.

Only one engine is available, a 166-hp, 2.0-liter I-4 (inline 4 cylinders). The horsepower drops to 158 when the car is equipped with the automatic transmission; the fun factor, however, drops far more. The estimated fuel efficiency of the Mazda MX-5 is 20-22 mpg/city and 27-28 mpg/hwy (premium fuel, unfortunately). Standard safety features of the MX-5 include 4-wheel antilock brakes and dual front and side airbags. Stability control is offered only on the higher trim levels.

This Mazda convertible does so much right that reviewers have a hard time finding much wrong, except perhaps for a lack of raw power when compared to other sports cars. Forbes' review also comments that the "ride and interior noise can be fatiguing on longer trips." But in the end, the Mazda MX-5's combination of style, performance and affordability has reduced even the most critical and jaded members of the automotive press to cheerleaders, with some saying it gives sports cars costing considerably more a serious run for their money.

Stepping up in price and power, we come to the Chevrolet Corvette (*est. $46,100 to $83,345) . The 2008 Corvette has received kudos from a host of respected reviewers, including recommendations or awards from Car and Driver, Forbes, Automobile Magazine, Consumer Guide, Kiplinger and IntelliChoice. What makes the Corvette a perennial favorite? An astounding mix, looks, performance and relative affordability add up to what most critics say is a winning package.

For 2008, the Corvette gets a number of minor refinements and a significant boost of 30 horsepower, thanks to a larger engine in the base model. The new 6.2-liter V8 now makes 430 hp and 424 lb.-ft. of torque. The even more powerful Z06 returns unchanged with 505 hp, and wins numerous comparison tests, including a Car and Driver head-to-head contest against the 600-hp Dodge Viper SRT10. The Viper is actually faster, but the Corvette Z06 wins on refinement and general drivability.

Intellichoice places the Corvette on its "Best Overall Value" and "Highest Retained Value" lists. Many other reviewers comment that despite the lofty price, few cars can match the Corvette in terms of performance, even at much higher prices. Consumer Guide says, "The Best Buy Corvette is fast fun. Any model is a reasonably practical daily driver that costs thousands less than rival sports cars with similar performance." Road & Track calls the Corvette "one of the world's most underrated sports cars." One last point of practicality: the Corvette's open cargo space under the rear hatch is a generous 22-cubic feet.

When it comes to premium sports cars, there's a new player that has absolutely captivated the motoring press: the Audi R8 (*est. $109,000 to $118,000) . The all-new supercar is a mid-engine two-seater with a 4.2-liter, 420-hp V8 putting power to the ground via Quattro all-wheel drive. While we are excluding exotic sports cars like Ferrari and Lamborghini from this report, the Audi doesn't seem so unobtainable. After all, every sizable city has an Audi dealer, selling a variety of coupes, sedans and wagons. However, R8 production will be limited and the price is north of $100,000, so we'll call the aluminum-bodied R8 a "near-exotic" that is a direct competitor to the Porsche 911.

Any new sports car gathers its share of attention, but the Audi R8 has nailed more prestigious awards than any other for 2008, including Car of the Year honors from Automobile, Robb Report, Playboy and several independent auto-journalist groups. The R8 scores on top/best/recommended lists from Forbes, Motor Week, Edmunds Inside Line and others.

The Audi R8 goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, according to a Car and Driver test, and reaches a top speed of 187 mph. Several magazines conducted head-to-head comparison tests against various competitors, including the Dodge Viper, Porsche 911 Turbo, Aston Martin Vantage and Corvette Z06, and the R8 came out tops in reviews by Popular Mechanics, Car and Driver and Motor Trend. For a car that performs so competently flat out at a race track, the Audi R8 is remarkably easy and comfortable to drive on everyday streets, reviewers say. Popular Mechanics editor Ben Stewart comments, "The R8 is so easy to drive, you could confidently toss your grandmother the keys and know she'd be okay. In fact, she'd probably have a lot of fun." Steward adds that the interior is quiet and "posh" with sedan-like qualities.

The R8 is screamingly fast, but it's not the fastest supercar, some of which can reach 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. However, it is one of the best handling sports cars, and it can hustle around a track faster than some higher horsepower competitors. It's hard to find criticism of the new Audi R8, other than a quick comment about difficult rearward visibility and limited cargo space (the forward luggage compartment is a mere 3.5-cubic feet). Some writers hint that if anything, the car's effortless driving dynamics make it feel just a little sterile compared to an Italian exotic car. But overall, the Audi R8 sets a new standard for high-performance, user-friendly sports cars.

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

If the Mazda MX-5 doesn't suit you, there are a few other entry-level sports cars that might be more your style. For example, some critics say that the Pontiac Solstice soft-top convertible (*est. $22,165 to $31,750) deserves some consideration. The Saturn Sky (*est. $25,525 to $31,180) is essentially an "upgraded" version of the Solstice, with better available options.

In addition to price, both cars are regularly complimented for sleek styling and great performance, especially in the step-up GXP or Red Line trims, which include a 2.0-liter, inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that offers 260 horsepower. Knocks we've seen include a convertible top that's difficult to operate, a nearly unusable trunk and a dearth of cockpit storage. Car and Driver puts both the Solstice and Sky on a list of "closet gas hogs," noting that the base 2.4-liter engine should do much better than 19-24 mpg. The turbocharged 2.0-liter motor is a better choice with a 50 percent jump in power and higher highway mileage. Antilock brakes are standard in the GXP and Sky, but offered in an option package for the base Solstice. Side airbags are not available. Both cars share similar kudos and criticisms, but in the end they provide driving fun and head-turning styling at a hard-to-resist price. Kelley Blue Book and Forbes include both cars on their "Recommended" lists.

For a bigger budget, the new-for-2008 Audi TT coupe and roadster (*est. $34,800 to $45,900) is a close second place to the popular Mazda MX-5. Several respected automotive sites award the TT their best or "recommended" awards, including Kiplinger's, Kelley Blue Book, Business Week and CNet.com. Compared to the previous generation Audi TT, the new model is much improved, sportier and more fun to drive. Of the two engines (a 200-hp turbo 4-cylinder with front-wheel drive vs. a 250-hp V6 with all-wheel drive), many reviewers seem to prefer the smaller, turbo motor for response, fuel economy and overall performance. The heavier V6 is only marginally faster, but noticeably thirstier. However, if all-wheel drive is important to you, the V6 is the only choice. The convertible is a two-seater, and the hatchback coupe has tiny rear seats suitable only for parcels or small children. Rear seats fold for more cargo room.

We've seen several votes for the three-door hatchback version of the Volkswagen GTI (*est. $22,800 to $24,375) . For example Car and Driver includes it in the 10 Best List for 2008 and Automobile Magazine names it a 2008 All-Star, after crowning it Car of the Year in 2007. Automobile's Sam Smith praises the GTI's practicality, comfort and fuel economy, but also its sporty side: "The latest version of VW's iconic hot bunny may offer only 200 horses under the hood, but a fantastically usable, abusable, and forgiving chassis makes the best of each and every one of them."

Unlike most sports cars, there is a passable rear seat, but the car retains its sports car cred by making them hard to get into and out of. A five-door hatchback is also available, if actually using the back seat on a regular basis is important to you. A new variant for 2008 is the Volkswagen R32 (*est. $32,990) , basically a two-door GTI with a 250-hp 3.2-liter V6 engine. It captures a few top pick awards by itself, but its higher price fails to impress several car reviewers who note that the GTI offers similar performance for thousands of dollars less.

The Ford Mustang (*est. $19,650 to $32,245) is a versatile and popular car that serves as fun-to-drive basic transportation in the 210-hp V6 model, or as a powerful and sporty muscle car as a 300-hp V8-powered 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. Reviews generally prefer the V8 over the V6 engine as the fuel economy improvement with the smaller power plant is negligible.

Reviewers note the Mustang's small back seat and unrefined ride -- due in part to the car's solid, live rear axle, just like the original Mustang in 1965. But for classic American style and lots of horsepower for a reasonable price, the iconic Mustang is not a bad choice. Front-seat side airbags are a new standard feature for 2008. One black mark on the Mustang's record: Ford has recalled 435,000 Mustangs for the 2005-08 model years so dealers can check and modify the airbag module software.

For those Mustang enthusiasts with more money and craving more performance, Ford offers several special editions. First, the Mustang Bullitt (*est. $30,730) , inspired by Steve McQueen's dark green 1968 Mustang GT fastback in the film of the same name. The new Bullitt is cool and powerful -- boasting 315 hp. Most are painted the same "Highland Green" as McQueen's original, but a few are offered in black. Edmunds.com tested the Mustang Bullitt head to head against the new Dodge Challenger STR8 – another retro-styled muscle car -- and the Bullitt came in second to the Challenger's higher power and more sophisticated suspension.

Moving up on the price and performance scale is the limited-production Ford Shelby GT500 (*est. $42,330 to $47,155) coupe or convertible equipped with a 500-hp supercharged V8. Interestingly, while the &Shelby is most definitely a part of the Mustang family, Ford has removed the Mustang brand name from the vehicle. Truly an enthusiast's car, we've read reports of some paying over sticker to own one. Professional reviewers are a little more restrained, however.

Finally, Ford plans to introduce an even more powerful version called the Shelby GT500KR (*est. $79,995 including gas-guzzler tax), with production limited to 1,000 cars in 2008. Car and Driver calls it "the most ridiculously overpriced Mustang ever," but admits it will likely be a collector's item. The GT500KR (King of the Road) features 40 more horsepower than the GT500, a host of carbon fiber add-ons and additional refinements to the suspension and exhaust. It's the most powerful production Mustang ever built.

The Nissan 350Z (*est. $28,120 to $41,500) also receives a little recognition from critics, but not all of it is good. The car is available both as a coupe and as a roadster. A 2007 model year coupe, essentially identical to the 2008 version, finished third in a four-car face-off conducted by Car and Driver. The magazine's editors loved the value and the performance, especially on a test track, but they found numerous flaws. While the seats are comfortable, the rest of the interior is not, and the testers say it looks cheap. Engine noise is also very high, and the ride can be too harsh for many. The 350Z's roadster makes Kelley Blue Book's list of recommended convertibles, however flaws are noted and the roadster's higher price makes it less of a buy than the coupe.

The Mazda RX-8 (*est. $26,435 to $32,070) is the only rotary engine sports car sold in the &United States. In many ways, the vehicle is a study in sports car contradictions. Though classified as a coupe, it's a four-door coupe with two small "suicide doors" that swing out to allow access to a very cramped rear seat. The rotary engine is one of the smallest (in terms of engine displacement) sold in the U.S., yet it is capable of churning out up to 232 horsepower, and it can do so without the shake, rattle and roll that's the trademark of high-performance conventional piston engines. Because of that, the Mazda RX-8 is said to provide a much more comfortable driving experience than most sports cars -- comfortable enough to be a good choice as an everyday car.

However, reviews point out several drawbacks. For one thing, if you are driving it every day, it's a good idea to budget lots of extra cash for gas as fuel economy is said to be inexcusably bad given its very small, albeit powerful, engine. As Car and Driver colorfully puts it, the RX-8 "guzzles gas like a private jet." But even more troubling, RX-8s have been anything but trouble-free and we've seen numerous reports of engine-related recalls of earlier models. That said, the car retains many fans among enthusiasts. The car is unchanged over the last couple of model years, but a major facelift is expected in 2009 (see The Buzz, below, for more).

While we still see a few positive reviews for the Honda S2000 (*est. $34,300 to $37,300) , this car is more than a little long in the tooth and has been eclipsed by other choices in this price range. That's not to say it's a bad sports car -- it's got all the power and handling any enthusiast could want -- it's just that most critics feel that there are better choices and better values available.

The Chrysler Crossfire (*est. $34,735 to $39,130) is another sports car that's past its prime, and 2008 will be the car's last model year, according to the manufacturer. Introduced in 2004 as a rolling example of the cooperation between Chrysler and former parent company Daimler, the Crossfire is based on the previous generation Mercedes SLK platform with American styling. The subcompact two-seater Crossfire is available as a coupe or roadster, each powered by a 215-hp Mercedes V6. Dealers may offer heavy discounts to sell the last of the Crossfires.

A more interesting and newsworthy Chrysler sports car is the Dodge Challenger (*est. $37,320) , which went into production in April 2008. For the first model year, only 6,400 cars will be built, each of them a top-of-the-line SRT8 model with a 425-hp Hemi V8 engine, saddled with a $2,163 gas-guzzler tax. The model line-up will expand for 2009, with a V6 and a smaller V8 available.

With retro styling, reminiscent of the original 1970 Challenger muscle car, this new model is getting loads of positive media attention. As mentioned previously, Edmunds tested an early Challenger against the Ford Mustang Bullitt edition, and the higher performance and additional refinement gave the Challenger the win. Motor Trend makes a similar conclusion in a close-finish comparison test against the Ford Shelby GT500, calling the Challenger "a better-sorted automobile" and a "remarkable value" with a base price more than $4,000 lower than the &Shelby.

Mid-priced sports cars -- $40,000 to $70,000

While we've given the overall nod to the Chevrolet Corvette in this price category, you can't go too far wrong if you opt for the Porsche Cayman or Boxster instead. These vehicles are identical except for body style -- the Cayman (*est. $49,400 to $59,100) is a coupe, while the Boxster (*est. $45,800 to $59,900) is a roadster. But regardless of the body style, both models have received more than their fair share of positive reviews.

Car and Driver is among the reviewers to laud the Cayman and Boxster, placing them as an entry in their list of the 10 best cars for 2008. Automobile magazine names them as "All-Stars." These are mid-engine cars, with their powerful flat six motors located between the cockpit and the rear axle for greater balance and agility. You can also count Edmunds.com as a fan. They note that the Boxster "carves up canyons like nothing else on the road," and they add that the fit and finish are "solid." The site adds that it stands up to exotic cars that sell for twice the price.

If you could care less for comfort or practicality, Lotus might have your next car waiting for you in the decidedly spartan Elise roadster (*est. $46,270 to $54,500) . This car, which uses a 189-hp, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder &Toyota engine, is built to do one thing and one thing only -- drive fast and true. A supercharged 218-hp engine is available for an extra $8,230 in the new-for-2008 Elise SC.

Named one of Automobile magazine's 2008 All-Stars, the Elise is "a bravura engineering performance that reprises the truest Lotus virtues, namely light weight (1,984 pounds) and fealty to handling excellence." The magazine also admits: "Yes, the Elise is loud and cramped and difficult to get into. It buzzes and vibrates and crashes over bumps… It's still great." Edmunds.com says "with its loud interior and punishing suspension, the Elise never lets you forget you're in a single-minded sporting convertible." There's also a coupe counterpart called the Exige (*est. $61,000 to $67,995) , which delivers even more of a race car sensibility thanks to an more rigid structure and supercharged 218-hp engine in the S model, or a new 240-hp model logically called the S240.

The BMW Z4 (*est. $36,400 to $42,400) and higher performance Z4 M roadster and coupe (*est. $50,100 to $52,100) draw some nice notices as well. With its "Best Buy" rating, Consumer Guide notes that these are true sports cars, but says they're still reasonably practical for every day use for those that can afford it. Trunk space is actually marginally spacious, though cabin storage is at a premium. Joe Wiesenfelder at Cars.com notes that the cars have greatly benefited from an increase in power from their initial introduction in 2003, "balancing out the dynamics as well as providing more of an acceleration rush." The styling is largely unchanged, and while originally widely disparaged, it has begun to earn its share of fans.

Another sporty convertible is the Mercedes SLK-Class (*est. $44,150 to $63,200) , which puts a greater emphasis on luxury than most small roadsters. Three engines are offered: a 228-hp, 3.0-liter V6 in the SLK280, a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6 in the SLK350 and a beastly 355-hp, 5.4-liter V8 in the SLK55 AMG (*est. $63,200) . The SLK's fine road manners, high level of equipment and power retractable hardtop make it a very pleasant convertible. A unique option called Airscarf channels warm air to the headrest area for more comfortable top-down motoring. In 2009, Mercedes will introduce a slightly restyled SLK with new steering, some new features and more power from the 3.5-liter engine.

Premium sports cars

While the expensive and exclusive Audi R8 wins the admiration of most reviewers for 2008, the classic Porsche 911 (*est. $73,500 to $191,700) is a performance flagship and an excellent choice for a pure sports car. Forbes.com accurately notes, "The latest generation of the venerable Porsche 911 Carrera coupe keeps its timeless good looks and engaging performance in a wide variety of models for well-heeled enthusiasts."

The combination of trim levels, body styles and horizontally opposed six-cylinder Boxer engine choices is dizzying. The line-up starts with the 325-hp 911 Carrera, available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive as a coupe, convertible or glass-roofed Targa. A higher performance S version adds a bigger engine with 355 hp. The GT3 is a step up to 415 hp, in a racetrack-ready coupe. The mighty 911 Turbo boosts engine output to 480 hp and rockets to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, according to Edmunds.com. Finally, the most expensive 911 is the extremely limited-production GT2, a 530-hp race-ready machine that seems to be barely street legal.

The GT3 is more at home at the racetrack, and its top performance has earned the accolades of several journalists. Edmunds.com's Inside Line editors name it one of their Most Wanted: "It's as if everything that Porsche has ever known about fast cars has been stuffed into this 911."

But the GT3 is not the best 911 for everyday driving. Road & Track does a head-to-head comparison of the Porsche 911 Carrera S vs. GT3 RS in an article called "Evil Twins." Writer Patrick Hong concludes: "The Carrera is perfect for the road. The RS is perfect for the track.… If you are like most of us, where our day job calls for driving mostly on public roads, go for the Carrera S."

Even the base Porsche 911 Carrera is an impressively swift sports car with outstanding handling. Zero to 60 mph has been clocked at under five seconds. Popular Mechanics editor Ben Stewart praises the car's performance -- "We honestly never missed the 30 extra horses from the S model" -- combined with respectable fuel economy (18 mpg city/26 mpg highway). Criticism is limited to the complexity of the entertainment system and the fact that tiny rear seats are only suitable for light cargo.

The flamboyant Dodge Viper SRT10 (*est. $84,880 to $85,630) is more of a race car than a sports car, but it remains a uniquely American supercar. For 2008, the brutish machine gets a boost in power up to an incredible 600 hp for 2008, along with a mild restyling and a handful of other revisions.

The new Viper may beat most rivals on horsepower, and its acceleration is lightning fast, but it fails to beat many competitors in everyday civility. Automobile magazine summarizes: "The updated-for-2008 Dodge Viper still isn't at home on the street -- it bucks and hunts over road imperfections, constantly fills your ears with driveline and suspension noise, and has one of the most ergonomically challenged interiors of any car on sale today." Despite all this, the magazine has great respect for the Viper's racetrack abilities.

Car and Driver pits the Viper against its arch enemy, the Corvette Z06, in a head-to-head test, and the Viper came in second. The Dodge out-powers the Z06 by 95 horses and accelerates faster, roaring from a standstill to 60 mph in only 3.5 seconds, but the Corvette is much more refined at a lower price, while offering almost as much performance. Conversely, an Edmunds.com comparison between Viper and ‘Vette gives the nod to the Dodge, concluding, "If you want a daily driver, buy the Vette. If you want the ultimate thrill, buy the Viper."

A performance car that consistently ranks very highly among automotive journalists is the BMW M3 (*est. $53,800 to $64,950) . Popular Mechanics awards the M3 its 2008 Automotive Excellence Award for Performance, commenting, "This is one of the few performance cars that can triumph at weekend track days and still carry four friends in perfect comfort and luxury to an evening movie." While based on the athletic 3-Series chassis, the M3 is so heavily modified, it seems to have an identity all its own.

The 2008 M3 is all new, after taking the 2007 model year off for a complete redesign. For the first time, the M3 is powered by a V8 engine, rated at a potent 414 hp. The M3 comes as a coupe or sedan, and will be joined later by a convertible.

Perhaps more of a grand touring car than a sports car, the upscale Mercedes SL-Class (*est. $95,300 to $187,200) is still an acclaimed sporting roadster. Spanning a wide price range, the four models include the 382-hp SL550 and move up to the V12-powered SL600 and two super-performance AMG versions: the supercharged V8 SL55 and twin-turbo V12 SL65, with a whopping 605 hp. All have a power retractable hardtop and only two seats. Forbes writer Jim Gorzelany calls the SL "one of the sleekest-looking and best performing luxury roadsters this side of a Ferrari." The SL-Class only gets better for 2009, with fresh styling, more available features and revised steering.

The Jaguar XK (*est. $74,835 to $80,835) and the supercharged XKR (*est. $86,035 to $92,035) score well with a number of reviewers. Of course, performance is first rate, but the cars rank highest when it comes to style and luxury. Car and Driver's staff drove an XK convertible for more than 40,000 miles in a long-term test, and results are mixed. While "everyone loved the Jag's combination of a supple ride and agile handling," they report on a number of electrical gremlins and other problems. CNet.com, which reviews cars with an eye on the technology they incorporate, gives the 2007 XK coupe an Editors' Choice award (save for some minor cosmetics, the car is essentially unchanged for 2008). The editors drooled over some of the high-tech wizardry that's packed in the car -- even though some of it failed to work in their test vehicle -- as well as its luxurious interior appointments and "impeccable road manners on the twistiest of roads."

For model year 2004, General Motors utilized the fine chassis of the Chevrolet Corvette to create the Cadillac XLR (*est. $80,650 to $100,660) , even building the two cars in the same factory. The current XLR retractable hardtop continues virtually unchanged from the original, and sales are lackluster. The base engine is Cadillac's 320-hp Northstar V8. Edmunds.com sums up the luxury roadster by reporting, "driving the XLR is more indicative of those past Cadillacs than it is of the Corvette it's based on… Those expecting a Vette in evening wear will be disappointed." However, a potent 443-hp supercharged V8 engine increases the performance for a premium price in the XLR-V. Regardless, critics agree that the overall performance and refinement of the XLR and XLR-V doesn't compare favorably to their competition.

Important Features: Sports Cars

Experts recommend considering the following when choosing a sports car:

• A sports car probably shouldn't be your only car. Commuting in a sports car is not a good idea; the ride will not be as comfortable as other vehicles, and maintenance costs can be substantially higher, including tires, brakes and repairs. In addition, hauling passengers and cargo -- even small amounts of groceries -- can be a challenge. If you want a sports car to serve as an everyday ride, investigate some of the sports sedans in our separate ConsumerSearch report.

• Forget about fuel economy. Some are obviously better than others, but big engines drink a lot of gas and it's going to be a while before we see a hybrid sports car.

• Safety often takes a back seat in sports cars. Perhaps it's due to the fact that sports cars are not meant for families or that performance cars are usually crafted more with power in mind, but the safety features are often comparatively lacking in sports cars compared to other vehicles.

• To aid in cornering ability, sports cars are often equipped with a firm, low-riding suspension. This is acceptable, but the suspension should not be so firm as to provide a harsh ride. Most models also utilize high-performance tires and braking systems, which enable crisper handling and superior stopping power.

• Manual gearboxes are preferable to regular automatics. They give you more control over the transmission, which generally improves the vehicle's acceleration and makes it more fun to drive. Manual transmissions are cheaper, usually saving you at least $1,000 over an automatic.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Edmunds.com
13	Audi R8 (*est. $109,000 to $118,000)	details
9	Chevrolet Corvette (*est. $46,100 to $83,345)	details
6	Porsche Boxster (*est. $45,800 to $59,900)	details
5	Mazda MX-5 Miata (*est. $20,635 to $28,060)	details
5	Audi TT (*est. $34,800 to $45,900)	details
4	Porsche 911 (*est. $73,500 to $191,700)	details
3	Porsche Cayman (*est. $49,400 to $59,100)	details
3	Lotus Elise (*est. $46,270 to $54,500)/Exige (*est. $61,000 to $67,995)	details
3	Volkswagen GTI (*est. $22,800 to $24,375)	details
2	Volkswagen R32 (*est. $32,990)	details
2	Dodge Challenger SRT8 (*est. $37,320)	details
2	Dodge Viper SRT10 (*est. $84,880 to $85,630)	details
2	Mercedes SLK-Class (*est. $44,150 to $63,200)	details
2	Jaguar XK (*est. $74,835 to $80,835) / XKR (*est. $86,035 to $92,035)	details
2	Mazda RX-8 (*est. $26,435 to $32,070)	details
2	BMW M3 (*est. $53,800 to $64,950)	details
2	BMW Z4 (*est. $36,400 to $42,400) /Z4 M (*est. $50,100 to $52,100)	details
2	Pontiac Solstice (*est. $22,165 to $31,750)	details
2	Saturn Sky (*est. $25,525 to $31,180)	details
1 each	Ford Mustang , Nissan 350Z , BMW 1-Series, Mercedes SL-Class

Three sports cars in three different price categories get our nod as the best choices. The Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Audi R8 are clear choices in the entry level and premium categories. Things are much closer among mid-priced sports cars. We give the nod to the Chevrolet Corvette, but critics say you won't go too far wrong if you opt for either the Porsche Boxster or its Cayman model -- similar cars except for body style (coupe vs. roadster).

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