USED CARS - 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. $20,585 to $26,520) , has received more positive reviews than any other vehicle in this update. Car and Driver refers to the MX-5 as "remarkable" and applauds the fact that the vehicle is the least-expensive hardtop convertible in the United States. Forbes also compliments the Mazda 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 slightly to 163 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 23 to 25 mpg/city and 30 mpg/hwy. The safety features of the MX-5 include 4-wheel antilock brakes and dual airbags.

So, what is it that makes the MX-5 a champion? In the end, this Mazda 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. 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. $44,250 to $69,175) . The 2007 Corvette has received kudos from a host of respected reviewers, including Car and Driver, Forbes, Automobile Magazine, Consumer Guide, Kiplinger and IntelliChoice. In an astounding mix, looks, performance and relative affordability add up to what most critics say is a winning package.

There are two engine options for the Corvette -- 400-hp, 6.0-L V-8 or 505-hp, 7.0-L V-8. The approximate fuel efficiency for the Corvette is 16 to 17 mpg/city and 25 to 27 mpg/hwy. In terms of safety features, the Corvette comes standard with all-disc antilock brakes, and side-impact airbags are available with the sport seat option. Updates for 2007 are minimal, limited to the sound system and a bigger glove box.

What makes the Corvette a class leader is its performance. The closest cars in terms of performance are coming in at nearly double the price of the Chevrolet, leading experts like Forbes and IntelliChoice to call it one of the best sports car values available. AskMen.com voted the Corvette number one in their article on the top seven American sports cars ever, saying that "Few sports cars from any country offer this degree of thrust, handling and, at last, build quality for the price." And, if you needed another reason to consider the Corvette, it has a 22 cubic foot trunk that's astonishing for this class of car.

When it comes to premium sports cars, the Porsche 911 (*est. $74,200 to $122,900) , remains a classic, and the one to beat in most reviewers' eyes. Edmunds.com, MotorWeek, Forbes and others have named it one of the best choices for 2007. Edmunds gushes over the car, saying that while other sports cars have been able to outperform the 911 in one area or another, "nothing has yet to match Porsche's overall blend of performance, practicality and that endearing connection between car and driver."

The Porsche 911 is available in an almost mind-numbing combination of body styles -- including coupes and convertibles -- and five horizontally opposed 6-cylinder Boxer engines, ranging from 325 hp in the base Carerra to a 480 hp, twin turbocharged monster in the 911 turbo. But regardless of what engine or body you chose, you can be guaranteed of one thing -- a blindingly fast car. Even the base Carerra has been clocked at under 5 seconds from zero to 60, and it has a top speed of nearly 180 mph.

The Porsche's attributes don't stop at raw power, however, as reviewers all say that the 911 is a sweet-handling machine. In fact, Motor Trend named a Porsche 911 GT3 as the best handling car in America following an exhaustive head-to-head competition. The magazine notes that some of the car's astonishing handling prowess can be attributed to the GT3's stock tires, which they say are the closest thing to a racing tire you can find that's still street legal. But the gap between the Porsche and a bevy of other great performers is so great that Motor Trend doubts that changing tires would allow any to close it.

Last, and probably not least, the 911 is a pretty good everyday car, according to reviews. MotorWeek calls the 911 Turbo it tested "an exceptionally refined road car," and though it's hardly an economy car, it is easier on gas than many less thrilling options. The interior is also luxurious and -- dare we say -- even comfortable for a sports car.

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. $21,515 to $26,515) deserves some consideration. In addition to price, the Solstice is regularly complimented for its sleek styling and great performance, especially in the step-up GXP trim line, which includes 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. Antilock brakes are standard in the GXP but not available in the base model, and neither offers side airbags. The Saturn Sky (*est. $24,725 to $28,435) is new for the 2007 model year and is essentially an "upgraded" version of the Solstice, with better available options. 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.

We've seen a couple of votes for the three-door hatchback version of the Volkswagen GTI (*est. $22,220 to $27,665) . For example Automobile Magazine names it Car of the Year. Jamie Kitman describes the GTI in very un-sports-car-like terms, such as '"practical" and "fuel efficient," but he also says it's fast and "immensely fun to drive." Also, unlike 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.

The Nissan 350Z (*est. $27,900 to $40,250) also gets a little recognition from critics, but not all of it is good. The car is available both as a coupe and as a roadster. The coupe 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. 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 Subaru Impreza WRX STi (*est. $17,995 to $27,495) is another possibility at this price point. Cars.com is among those applauding the performance capabilities of the WRX STi. However, the stiffness of the ride is said to take away from the experience, as does the severe lack of comfort in the seats. This is a good vehicle, but it doesn't seem to be a class leader for the current year.

While we still see a few recommendations for the Honda S2000 (*est. $34,250) , that 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.

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 $58,900) is a coupe, while the Boxster (*est. $45,600 to $55,500) 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 2007. 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." Even though reviewers note that the Cayman is identical to the Boxster (aside from the roof), Edmunds.com argues that it stands up to exotic cars that sell for twice the price.

The Ford Mustang has a distinguished pedigree, but most enthusiasts and critics don't have a whole lot of love for the current incarnation, with one notable exception -- the Shelby GT500 (*est. $41,000 - $45,000) . Interestingly, while this most definitely is part of the Mustang family, Ford has removed the Mustang brand from the vehicle.

Enthusiasts are absolutely wowed by the Shelby GT500, and we've read reports of some paying over sticker -- way over sticker, in fact -- to jump the waiting list and get their hands on one early. Professional reviewers are a little more restrained, however. Motor Week does pick the Shelby GT500 as the best performance car of the year. However, they admit that nostalgia might have played a role in that ranking, despite great muscle-car attributes that include a 500-horsepower supercharged V8, a high level of sophistication and even some "everyday creature coddling." Car and Driver, however, is much more critical. The Shelby GT500 finished last in a four-car comparison test (which was won by the Mazda MX-5). Complaints were numerous, including a front suspension that was so bad that one Car and Driver tester likened the car to a "20-year-old pickup truck." The interior is called "cheap-feeling." Handling was also judged to be sub par, to say the least. Perhaps most disappointing, the testers said the car isn't much faster than the much more inexpensive Mustang GT.

If you could not care less for comfort or practicality, Lotus might have your next car waiting for you in the decidedly spartan Elise roadster (*est. $43,990 to $47,590). This car, which uses a 190-hp, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder Toyota engine, is built to do one thing and one thing only -- drive fast and true. Joe Lorio at Automobile Magazine sums up most critics' view of the Elise when he writes: "Yes, the Elise is loud and cramped and difficult to get into. It buzzes and vibrates and crashes over bumps. And there's not even a single cup holder. It's still great." In naming it one of its "Most Wanted Vehicles," 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 S (*est. $56,900), which delivers even more of a race car sensibility thanks to a supercharged 220 hp engine.

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. 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.

Premium sports cars

The Jaguar XK (*est. $74,835 to $80,835) and the supercharged XKR (*est. $85,835 to $91,835) 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. In naming the Jaguar one of its "Dream Machines" for 2007, MotorWeek notes that the XKR blends sports car prowess with "an uncompromising attention to finesse and detail that is a hallmark of the brand's posh sedans." CNet.com, which reviews cars with an eye on the technology they incorporate, gives the XK coupe an Editors' Choice award. 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."

Beyond the Porsche 911 and Jaguar XK and XKR, you get into the realm of the truly exotic cars -- vehicles that are in limited supply and cost more than a fair-sized house does in some parts of the country. Examples include the Ferrari F430 (*est. $185,545 to $209,222) , Aston Martin DB9 (*est. $218,600 to $236,600), Aston Martin Vantage (*est. $218,600 to $236,900) and the Lamborghini Murciélago (*est. $290,000 to $350,000) .

Important Features: Sports cars

The following is what the experts say to consider 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 the wear and tear will greatly reduce the life of the sports car. 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 petrol, 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 or other variation.

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
8	Mazda MX-5 Miata (*est. $20,585 to $26,520)	details
6	Chevrolet Corvette (*est. $44,250 to $69,175)	details
5	Porsche 911 (*est. $74,200 to $122,900)	details
5	Porsche Cayman (*est. $49,400 to $58,900)	details
4	Porsche Boxster (*est. $45,600 to $55,500)	details
4	Jaguar XK (*est. $74,835 to $80,835) / XKR (*est. $85,835 to $91,835)	details / details
2	Mazda RX-8 (*est. $26,435 to $31,070)	details
2	Lotus Elise (*est. $43,990 to $47,590)	details
2	Ford Shelby GT500 (*est. $41,000 - $45,000)	details
2	Volkswagen GTI (*est. $22,220 to $27,665)	details
2	BMW Z4 (*est. $36,400 to $42,400) /Z4 M (*est. $50,100 to $52,100)	details / details
2	Nissan 350Z (*est. $27,900 to $40,250)	details
2	Pontiac Solstice (*est. $21,515 to $26,515) / Saturn Sky (*est. $24,725 to $28,435)	details / details
1 each	Acura RSX , Audi TT Roadster, Audi S4 , Aston Martin V8 Vantage, BMW 335i Convertible, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Ferrari F430 , Ford Mustang , Honda S2000 , Subaru Impreza

Three sports cars in three different price categories get our nod as the best choices. The Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Porsche 911 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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