Best New Driver's Car Under $30k MSRP
For the sake of argument (God forbid), the best driver's car is the car that's the most fun to drive. We're talking handling, steering feel, engine thrust, engine sound, braking ability and most G-force compatible cupholders. Just kidding. I think. Other criteria: our list is limited to brand new cars that sell for under $30k, including/after discounts. And BOY are there discounts out there. Why a true enthusiast would want to buy a new car is beyond me, living as we do in a world of pre-owned BMW M5s, Honda S2000s, VW R32s, Porsche Boxsters, Mustang GTs and suchlike. But hey... uh... anyway...
Why it's best:
The MX-5 is widely perceived as a "chick car." In other words, Mazda's drop top is about as macho as macrame (where's my acute accent when I need it?). Yes, the MX-5's a cute car. But it's also one of the world's best handling automobiles, bar none. So what's a nu... read full review
Why it's a best pick:
The Volkswagen GTI holsters the world's best gearbox: a paddle shifting thingie called a DSG. Tap one of the steering wheel-mounted paddles and the GTI either upshifts like you cracked that whip (give the car the slip) or downshifts like you're a Piloti-wearing trackmeister....
read full review
Why it's a best pick:
The MINI's interior design is unforgivable: busy, ugly, cheap, uncomfortable and pretentious. That's some accomplishment. But the only thing more absurd than the MINI's aesthetics assault and ergonomic affront is the way it goes around corners. If you're brave or stupid enou...
read full review