Most people assume they can’t own a sports car because of the massive sticker price. It’s true many luxury sports cars are expensive, but some reasonably priced coupes can fit nicely into most budgets. If you’re car shopping, don’t ignore these five sporty 2020 sports cars you can purchase for less than $30,000. 

Mazda MX-5 Miata

It’s shocking we don’t see more Mazda MX-5 Miata sports cars zipping along the highway. Not only is this convertible cute as a button, but it’s also sporty. And with a starting price of just $26,580, it’s easy on the wallet. Shoppers might discount the Miata without giving it a chance because it looks more like a toy than a car. However, if you take a few minutes to get to know the Miata, you’ll learn it’s actually a surprisingly safe vehicle.

Mazda is proud of this car. The automaker also wants the Miata to be a safe vehicle. The 2020 model is equipped with all sorts of modern safety features, including forward collision warning, brake assist, lane departure alert, and blind-spot monitoring. 

“We especially enjoy the light, tactile steering; it responds immediately and keeps the driver informed of what the front tires are doing,” Car and Driver said in a review of the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata. “This is a fun car, plain and simple.”

Consumer Reports gave the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata a 5 out of 5 rating for customer satisfaction. It’s also the number one vehicle in Consumer Reports‘ sports car category. CR gave it an overall score of 87 out of 100.

Toyota 86

When you’re looking for a sports car that fits your daily-driver budget, consider the 2020 Toyota 86. This coupe will continue to surprise you. The 86 might not be the fastest in the lineup of affordable sports cars, but superb and zippy handling on corners and curves makes up for any lack of acceleration.

“This lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, and it’s also pleasantly easy and forgiving to drive,” Autotrader wrote in its review of this handy little sports car. “It’s a great choice for driving pros and novices alike.”

The 2020 Toyota 86 ranges in price from $27,940 to $32,765. Features that come standard include auto LED headlights, summer driving tires, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker surround sound system, and a one-piece folding back seat. Consumer Reports ranked the 86 fourth in the sports car category. The vehicle earned an overall score of 77.

Ford Mustang

You can’t go wrong with a classic, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with a 2020 Ford Mustang. Many drivers are shocked when they learn the pony car’s starting price is far lower than they had imagined. You can purchase a new 2020 Mustang for as little as $27,155.

Fuel efficiency, speed, and power depend on the trim option you select, but one thing that doesn’t change is the Mustang’s affordability. This car is fast and smooth while you’re zooming on the open highway. It also hugs corners and curves the way only a sports car can. You’ll never be bored when you’re behind the wheel of a 2020 Mustang.

“This new model is designed to be a fun and efficient sports car for driving around town while delivering GT-like performance and cornering capability, and in my opinion, it’s a success,” Jeffery Ross reported when he reviewed the vehicle for AutoNation Drive.

Consumers Reports gave the 2020 Mustang a 5-out-of-5 rating for customer satisfaction. The vehicle earned an overall score of 87 out of 100.

Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevy Camaro is another classic American sports car known for its friendly sticker price. Like the Ford Mustang, the Camaro comes in multiple trims and engine options. Each affects the vehicle’s handling and MSRP. The good news is that no matter which trim level you select, you’ll own an iconic car that’s fun to drive.

“It’s taut on the track yet relaxed on regular roads. Paired with the 1LE, the coupes transcend their class — competing with cars costing much, much more,” Car and Driver reported.”The Camaro’s solid structure engenders precise handling and a quality feel. Its well-balanced ride is firm enough to be agile on curvy roads yet still compliant on rough surfaces. “

The 2020 Camaro starts at $25,995. Consumer Reports gave it a score of 63. No data indicates customer satisfaction with the Camaro.

The Fiat 124 Spider

There’s something about driving a Fiat 124 Spider that makes you feel like James Bond. This fun, snazzy car has a surprisingly affordable price tag. Feeling like an international spy is just one of the reasons you should test-drive this budget-friendly sports car. It’s also surprisingly comfortable. Though there isn’t much cargo room, the suspension is so nice you’ll enjoy spending the entire day exploring coastal towns and backroads.

According to an Autotrader, the Fiat 124 Spider has more “attitude” than the Mazda Miata. 

It also scored a 76 out of 100 in a Consumers Reports road test. 

It doesn’t matter which of these five budget-friendly sports cars you choose. You’ll be proud to call it your own.