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Budget-Friendly Speedsters: Top 5 Performance Cars under $35,000, According to Edmunds

Sticking to a budget can constrain your choices when it comes to purchasing high-performance vehicles.

Budget-Friendly Speedsters: Top 5 Performance Cars under $35,000, According to Edmunds

Revved up and ready to go! Here's your exciting guide to the best bang-for-your-buck performance vehicles that won't break your bank in 2025.

Don't let the high-performance sports car prices making you sweat. Even the much-loved Chevrolet Corvette starts at a hefty $70K. But hey, you don't have to empty your wallet to find a car that's both a thrill to drive and budget-friendly.

Edmunds, the go-to source for auto experts, has compiled their top five performance vehicles under $35,000. Sure, you won't find any V8 engines or electric powerhouses at this price point, but these babies have their own unique advantages. Let's cruise through the lineup and find your next speedster!

Dodge Hornet GT - The Mighty Minivan with an Italian Heart

Replace your minivan with a Dodge Hornet GT – an SUV that shares its Italian heritage with the Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV! With a turbocharged four-cylinder engine cranking out 268 horsepower, it'll take you from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.5 seconds. Plus, it comes equipped with standard all-wheel drive, ensuring all-season driving, and offering more cargo space than the typical performance car.

2025 Hornet starting price: $31,590

Ford Mustang EcoBoost - The (Modified) American Dream

Dreaming of a Ford Mustang GT with its rumbly V8, but it's beyond the $35,000 budget limit? Worry not! The Ford Mustang EcoBoost is here to save the day with its turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood. Producing 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, this muscle car can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a fleeting 5.6 seconds. The newest Mustang gives you the classic American driving experience while wrapping you in comfort, style, and the latest technology features.

2025 Mustang coupe starting price: $33,515

Mazda MX-5 Miata - The Tiny Yet Agile Racer

The Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster might as well be the cool-headed retiree's best friend on winding canyon roads. With a four-cylinder engine delivering 181 horsepower, this agile vehicle can dust competitors at autocrosses and even hit the 0 to 60 mph mark in 6.4 seconds at the Edmunds test track. But the Miata isn't just about speed; it's all about playfulness, with quick steering, nimble handling, and an easy-to-lower top that turns every drive into an adventure.

2025 MX-5 Miata starting price: $30,715

Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 - The Japanese Carrera GT

These twins, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, are the Asian counterparts to the Italian-designed Dodge Hornet GT. Sharing a four-cylinder engine rated at 228 horsepower, they both deliver engaging driving experiences while allowing you to master the art of car control with their low center of gravity and classic rear-wheel-drive balance. Each can sprint to 60 mph in roughly 6 seconds when equipped with the manual transmission.

2025 Toyota GR86 starting price: $31,135; 2025 Subaru BRZ starting price: $32,380

Volkswagen GTI - The German Powerhouse for All Seasons

Get your hands on the Volkswagen GTI, the epitome of the budget performance hatchback. It boasts a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and offers a comfortable, practical, and spacious cabin, along with a generous cargo area for its size. The GTI delivers a 5.9-second 0-60 mph sprint and traces its roots back to 1983 – the original hot hatch that continues to impress.

Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price: $33,640

Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride! Spending less than $35,000 in 2025 can still net you a fun ride to drive. Keep in mind that you'll probably prefer the Hornet or GTI if you prioritize space and practicality. If you're after feel and connection to the road, the Miata, BRZ, and GR86 are your best bet, and the Mustang is hard to beat for its timeless pony car charm.

This story was contributed by Edmunds' very own Josh Jacquot – a true performance vehicle enthusiast!

In 2025, you don't have to splurge on a high-priced sports car to experience an enjoyable, thrilling drive. The Dodge Hornet GT, with its Italian heritage, offers a mighty performance starting at just $31,590. For those who dream of an American muscle car, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost, priced at $33,515, offers a budget-friendly alternative to the V8-powered GT model.

The agile Mazda MX-5 Miata, with its four-cylinder engine and 0 to 60 mph speed of 6.4 seconds, is a cool-headed retiree's dream car on winding canyon roads. If you're looking for a more Asia-inspired drive, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 share a four-cylinder engine and offer engaging driving experiences starting at $31,135 and $32,380, respectively.

Lastly, the Volkswagen GTI, the epitome of the budget performance hatchback, provides a comfortable, practical, and spacious cabin for just $33,640. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride, as spending less than $35,000 in 2025 can still net you a fun ride to drive. Whether it's space, practicality, feel, or connection to the road that you prioritize, there's a budget-friendly performance vehicle out there for everyone. This exciting guide to the best bang-for-your-buck performance vehicles was contributed by Edmunds' very own Josh Jacquet, a true performance vehicle enthusiast.

Budget constraints narrow your selection of high-performance vehicles.
Moderate funds restrict your accessible high-performance vehicle selections.

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