Sports cars don’t have to cost supercar money to put a grin on your face. For decades, affordable performance cars have kept enthusiasts hooked on driving by offering accessible thrills, character, and a connection between driver and machine that even luxury cars can’t always match. In both Canada and the U.S., budget-friendly sports cars are still alive and well, proving that even in the age of SUVs and EVs, drivers crave fun and excitement. These twenty models, both new and used, show that cheap sports cars remain an essential part of the automotive landscape.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata is the poster child for cheap sports cars. With a light body, rear-wheel drive, and a manual gearbox, it delivers joy in its purest form. It’s not about horsepower but balance, feedback, and feel. In Canada, its convertible top makes summer evening drives unforgettable, while its reliability means ownership costs stay low. It’s proof that simplicity often equals perfection.
Toyota GR86
The GR86 is a modern-day classic sports car. Its naturally aspirated four-cylinder begs to be revved, and the lightweight chassis dances through corners. It’s affordable enough for young drivers yet rewarding enough for seasoned enthusiasts. Canadians especially love how its modest size and balanced handling make it fun on tight mountain roads as much as at local autocross events.
Subaru BRZ
The BRZ is the twin to the GR86, with the same playful dynamics but Subaru tuning flair. It sits low, grips hard, and feels alive at any speed. Drivers love its communicative steering and predictable rear-wheel drive nature. For Canadians, it’s often chosen by enthusiasts who want something affordable to use as both a commuter and a weekend track toy.
Honda Civic Si
Hot compacts have always been a gateway into performance, and the Civic Si has been leading the way for decades. Its turbocharged four-cylinder and slick manual transmission make it engaging while still being efficient. It’s one of the best “daily driver” sports cars — cheap to own, fun to drive, and just as happy in stop-and-go traffic as it is on a spirited backroad blast.
Volkswagen GTI
The GTI is the hot hatch that defined the genre. Practical, refined, and fun, it offers a turbo engine that delivers just the right amount of punch. Canadians love it because it’s equally useful in winter, and its hatchback design makes it more versatile than traditional coupes. For decades, the GTI has proven you don’t need two seats or rear-wheel drive to enjoy sports car thrills.
Ford Mustang EcoBoost
The Mustang EcoBoost proves you don’t need a V8 to enjoy a pony car. Its turbocharged four-cylinder provides strong acceleration and lighter weight compared to the GT, making it a better handler. Buyers appreciate its styling, heritage, and accessibility. For Canadians who want the Mustang look without the gas bill, the EcoBoost is an attractive compromise.
Chevrolet Camaro Turbo
The Camaro’s base turbo model offers affordable access to the muscle coupe scene. It delivers solid performance with a distinct style that turns heads. While it doesn’t match the V8 in sheer sound or power, its chassis is sharp enough to satisfy drivers who want a cheap way into rear-wheel drive performance.
Hyundai Veloster N
The Veloster N has become one of the most exciting affordable performance cars on the market. Its punchy turbocharged engine, wild exhaust note, and agile handling make it addictive to drive. It’s quirky, with its unique three-door design, but that just adds to its charm. In Canada, enthusiasts love how it mixes everyday usability with weekend fun.
Mini Cooper S
The Mini Cooper S brings a playful, go-kart-like feel to affordable sports cars. Its compact size and sharp steering make city driving fun, while its turbo engine keeps things lively. Canadians enjoy its blend of cheeky styling and fun factor, though it’s also practical enough for daily use. The Mini has always been proof that big fun can come in small packages.
Fiat 124 Spider
Sharing its bones with the Mazda MX-5, the Fiat 124 Spider adds Italian style and a turbocharged twist. It’s a rare sight on Canadian roads, which only makes it more appealing to enthusiasts who want something different. Its combination of lightweight handling and unique styling keeps it desirable as an affordable roadster.
Dodge Challenger V6
While the V8 models get the spotlight, the V6 Challenger remains a surprisingly fun cheap option. Its classic muscle car look and roomy cabin make it a great everyday driver that still delivers rear-wheel drive character. For Canadians who want muscle car vibes on a budget, the V6 Challenger is the answer.
Nissan Z (Base Model)
The newest Nissan Z brings retro-inspired styling and a twin-turbo V6 at a price point that undercuts most European sports cars. Even in its base trim, it delivers exciting performance and modern amenities. Canadian buyers see it as a spiritual successor to the 350Z and 370Z, both beloved affordable performance cars in their own right.
Kia Forte GT
Kia has surprised enthusiasts with the Forte GT, which offers turbocharged fun at a bargain price. With sharp handling and a sporty look, it’s quietly become a go-to for buyers who want a fun car without breaking the bank. For Canadians, the long warranty coverage is an extra bonus.
Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It looks like a sedan but performs like a hot hatch, with big horsepower and sharp steering. Owners love the way it balances daily-driver usability with track-ready performance. In Canada, its value proposition is unbeatable, especially for younger enthusiasts.
Toyota Corolla GR
The GR Corolla shocked the market when Toyota took its humble hatchback and turned it into a turbocharged, all-wheel drive performance car. Affordable compared to its rivals, it offers rally-inspired handling and genuine performance cred. Canadians love it for being both fun and practical in snowy conditions.
Mazda3 Turbo
The Mazda3 Turbo hatchback delivers a strong turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and refined styling, making it a stealthy sports car. It’s more understated than the Civic Si or Elantra N, but it brings sophistication with its speed. For Canadian drivers who want something classy yet fun, the Mazda3 Turbo fits perfectly.
Nissan Sentra NISMO (Used)
While Nissan no longer sells it new, the Sentra NISMO remains a fun, cheap option on the used market. It’s quirky, rare, and affordable, making it an underrated choice for enthusiasts who want something unique. Canadians appreciate its reliability and low running costs.
Scion FR-S (Used)
Before Toyota rebranded it as the GR86, the Scion FR-S introduced countless drivers to affordable rear-wheel drive fun. It remains a used bargain, offering the same lightweight thrills and tuner potential at a lower cost. Many Canadians still hunt for clean examples, knowing it’s a modern classic in disguise.
Honda Prelude (Classic Bargain)
Though out of production for years, the Honda Prelude is still beloved by enthusiasts who grew up in the ’90s and early 2000s. With stylish looks, sharp handling, and Honda’s bulletproof engineering, it remains a great cheap sports car on the used market. For Canadians, it’s a nostalgic favorite.
Mitsubishi Eclipse (Older Models)
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is another budget-friendly classic that still appeals to younger enthusiasts. Early models, especially the turbocharged versions, became legends in tuner culture. Even later versions, while less sporty, still deliver style and affordable fun. Canadians often see them as project cars with big potential.
Why Cheap Sports Cars Still Matter
Cheap sports cars may not dominate sales charts, but they dominate the hearts of drivers who value fun over utility. They remind us that driving isn’t just about commuting — it’s about connection, personality, and passion. From the timeless Miata to quirky icons like the Veloster N, these cars prove that drivers in Canada and the U.S. still crave machines that make them smile every time they turn the key.
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