U.S. News has released a list of 10 performance cars that are fairly affordable for their speed and capability. It is worth mentioning that not all of the cars on this list are fast in the traditional sense. In other words, a 0-60 test may not be the most accurate measure of a vehicle’s overall speed and performance. Some of these cars show their strengths in the corners as opposed to the drag strip. Let’s take a look at the 5 top-rated cars on the list.

2022 Chevrolet Camaro LT1

The Chevrolet Camaro is one of the fastest cars for the money. The model runs on General Motors’ Alpha platform. The same platform that underpins the CT5 and CT4 and was first introduced to much acclaim in the Cadillac ATS back in 2013. This means that any Camaro rides on a great chassis and has the potential to be a spectacular performer. The trim picked by U.S. News for inclusion on this list is the LT1. 

The LT1 starts at only $35,395, reports Car and Driver. The LT1 is the cheapest way to get the massive 455 hp 6.2L V8. U.S. News reports that the LT1 trim not only includes the V8, but also options the interior the same as a 3LT as well as upgrades brakes and suspension. Despite being rated at 8.7/10 and coming in at number 5 on this list, the Camaro 1LT is undoubtedly one of the best performance bargains of the decade.

2022 Toyota GR Supra

The GR Supra on this list comes in at a fairly reasonable $44,635, reports Car and Driver. The cheapest Supra does come with a few concessions. Namely, the presence of a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder in place of the now iconic B58 straight 6. 

However disappointing this may be to purists, don’t discount the B48. Based on the same engine architecture, the little 4-cylinder makes 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque allowing the 4-cylinder Supra to rip its way to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. 

U.S. News reports the Toyota Supra as being much more performance-focused than its BMW Z4 counterpart. 

2022 Mazda MX-5

Unsurprisingly, U.S. News rated the Miata as the third best on the list with an 8.9/10. Miatas are a special thing in the modern world of powerful but heavy cars. Is a Miata fast? Not exactly, but the ND2 manages 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, reports Car and Driver. 0-60 has never been the best gauge of a car’s capability, but given the Miata’s reputation for being quite slow—5.7 seconds is impressively quick.

Straight line speed notwithstanding, Mazda Miatas have gained a loyal following with their ability to maintain speed through corners. This has always been accomplished by way of the MX-5’s greatest asset: lightness. 

The 2022 MX-5 comes in at 2,314 lbs according to AutoBlog, making it one of the lightest vehicles on the road. This, coupled with a standard 6-speed manual, communicative steering, and a $28,715 price tag make the Miata one of the fastest cars for the money today. 

2022 Ford Mustang Ecoboost High Performance

The S550 Mustang is acknowledged as an impressive performer on the street and track. Many enthusiasts even love the 310 hp 2.3L Ecoboost engine. It’s possible to option the 2022 Ford Mustang with the $6,150 High Performance package that includes the High Performance engine. The package includes goodies like a 3.55 limited slip diff, better cooling, 4 piston calipers and bigger rotors, bigger rear sway bar, active exhaust, suspension upgrades and a whole host of interior and cosmetic upgrades. 

This also includes the upgraded 2.3L Ecoboost which basically nets you 20 more hp giving you 330 hp and 350 lb-ft making for a sub 5 second 0-60, reports Automobile Catalog. Not bad for $35,015. 

2022 Chevrolet Corvette

Mid engine, naturally aspirated 495 hp V8, DCT, 2.8 second 0-60 and a $62,295 price tag? Yep, not much of a surprise that the 2022 Corvette tops the list and gets a 9.4/10 from U.S. News. Don’t hold your breath waiting to get one for MSRP. But given how much car owners would be getting—perhaps it may be worth a little “market adjustment.” 

Though a base Cayman or Boxster starts at roughly the same price as the ‘Vette, the 2.0L base motor is nearly 200 hp and 4 cylinders down from the classic American nameplate. Supercar performance for sports car money, Chevrolet has it covered.

A golden age for enthusiasts

Yes, many cars no longer offer a manual transmission and it seems like just about every car on the road has a 2.0L turbo. However, the sheer amount of enthusiast vehicles out there—at all price points—should give our community something to smile about.