Sports cars are an iconic part of the automotive industry. They are the stars of the professional circuit and play a big role in much of our pop culture like cinema or music videos. Therefore, it is no surprise that many shoppers want a piece of the action. After all, performance cars are all about being the fastest and sexiest things on wheels. Luckily, there are plenty of options in the USA, and while many are expensive, there are some affordable models, too. From all-American classics to the latest new sports car models, there is something for just about everyone. And, to help you find the one that fits you perfectly, we have ranked the best sports cars of 2024 according to our unique BuzzScore.
Best Cheap Sports Cars
Available Trims
2023 Honda Civic Si Sedan
9.3/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $28,800
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Civic Si Sedan
- Engine
- 1.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
- Horsepower
- 200 hp
- Fuel Economy
- 27/37 MPG
Available Trims
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI
9.3/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $30,530
- Make
- Volkswagen
- Model
- Golf GTI
- Engine
- 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
- Horsepower
- 241 hp
- Fuel Economy
- 23/32 MPG
Available Trims
2023 Toyota GR86
9.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $28,400
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- GR86
- Engine
- 2.4L Flat 4 Gas
- Horsepower
- 228 hp
- Fuel Economy
- 20/27 MPG
Best Luxury Sports Cars
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2023 Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo
9.5/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $136,000
- Make
- Porsche
- Model
- Taycan Sport Turismo
- Engine
- Electric
- Horsepower
- 509 hp
- Fuel Economy
- 80/80 MPG
Available Trims
2024 Porsche Taycan
9.4/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $90,900
- Make
- Porsche
- Model
- Taycan
- Engine
- Electric
- Horsepower
- 321 hp
- Fuel Economy
- 79/88 MPG
Available Trims
2023 Porsche Taycan Turbo
9.4/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $153,300
- Make
- Porsche
- Model
- Taycan Turbo
- Engine
- Electric
- Horsepower
- 616 hp
- Fuel Economy
- 81/80 MPG
Best Sports Convertibles
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2023 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet
9.1/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $195,700
- Make
- Porsche
- Model
- 911 Turbo Cabriolet
- Engine
- 3.8L Twin-Turbo Flat 6 Gas
- Horsepower
- 572 hp
- Fuel Economy
- 15/20 MPG
Available Trims
2023 Audi R8 Spyder
8.9/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $171,000
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- R8 Spyder
- Engine
- 5.2L V10 Gas
- Horsepower
- 562 hp
- Fuel Economy
- 14/23 MPG
Available Trims
2023 Porsche 718 Boxster
8.8/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $65,500
- Make
- Porsche
- Model
- 718 Boxster
- Engine
- 2.0L Turbo Flat 4 Gas
- Horsepower
- 300 hp
- Fuel Economy
- 20/25 MPG
Best Hybrid Sports Cars
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2023 Lexus LC Hybrid
9.3/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $100,450
- Make
- Lexus
- Model
- LC Hybrid
- Engine
- 3.5L V6 Hybrid
- Horsepower
- 354 hp
- Fuel Economy
- 26/33 MPG
Available Trims
2023 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid Sport Turismo
9.1/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $113,000
- Make
- Porsche
- Model
- Panamera E-Hybrid Sport Turismo
- Engine
- 2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 Plug-in Hybrid
- Horsepower
- 455 hp
- Fuel Economy
- TBC
Available Trims
2023 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid
8.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
- Base MSRP
- $109,000
- Make
- Porsche
- Model
- Panamera E-Hybrid
- Engine
- 2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 Plug-in Hybrid
- Horsepower
- 455 hp
- Fuel Economy
- TBC
Characteristics of Fast Sports Cars
The top-rated sports cars are more than just fast. In fact, there are a variety of different classifications within the segment, each with its own defining characteristics. However, there is a common thread that runs through them all. These are the qualities that are essential in even the most basic of sports cars on our list:
- Performance: Of course, speed comes first, but you need good handling, too, and the overall driving experience should be enjoyable. You aren’t going fast just for the sake of it or to get from point A to point B in record time; you are doing it to have a good time, and how your car reacts to your inputs should reflect this.
- Appeal: While some sports cars let the driving do the talking, others make a louder statement with their looks. Sensuous curves and bright colors are common, ensuring that all eyes are riveted to your car as you go whizzing by. They say to feel good, you should try to look good, and these beauties will definitely deliver on both fronts.
- Practicality: This is more a quality that stands out for its nonexistence. The majority of sports cars are two-seaters and those that try to squeeze in a rear bench usually do so to the detriment of the poor passengers that have to use them. And even those that can support more than two people can almost never handle their luggage. The trunks here are about as big as the armrest cubby.
- Price: Yes, it is an undeniable fact that these vehicles cost more than your average sedan. There are some comparatively affordable options, but even these will cost you a lot once you start clocking the miles and the fuel bill comes a’knocking. Even smaller models with a turbocharged engine have only mediocre mpg.
What to Consider Before Buying a New Sports Car
There are plenty of sports car brands in the US, each offering its own unique flavor to the popular segment. However, none is perfect, as much as they may claim otherwise. And genuine sports car models might not even be for you when an athletic executive or SUV would better suit your needs. But if you have your heart set on one, here are the pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- A multitude of choices to suit every taste
- Powerful motors and stimulating dynamics
- Many are manufactured in the USA and are relatively cheap
- Aggressive and stylish
- Customization potential
Cons
- Some have lofty price tags
- Many score low on mpg
- Practicality comes second
FAQs
What are the top-rated sports cars?
You can’t mention the segment without thinking of the Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8. Despite their breathtaking performance, these are also comfortable enough to drive daily and give plenty of security thanks to AWD and advanced driver aids.
Which muscle cars are worth your money?
The Mustang Shelby GT500 is a marvel of engineering that combines straight-line performance with astonishing track prowess, but if such incredible power is too much for you, the Bullitt and even the stock Mustang GT are also outstanding alternatives that slot quite high in our rankings.
Which are the most practical supercars?
With quick sedans becoming more and more popular, most brands have invested heavily in the future. One of our favorite small four-doors is the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, but if you can afford the apex, a hybrid like the Porsche Taycan Turbo is tough to beat in any metric.
