9 SPORTS CARS UNDER $35K THAT MAKE THE MIDDLE CLASS FEEL RICH

As innovative and resilient as the automotive industry is, it’s difficult to think of a more confusing time in its evolution. For sports car lovers, in particular, there are plenty of electric options and high-priced luxury models available, but the sector as a whole is on the decline.

The expected annual growth rate in the sports car market is -1.32% over the next four years, according to Statista. Additionally, low-cost, high-performance sports vehicles are discontinued every year to make way for the ever-growing demand for SUVs, which comprised 57.3% of total passenger vehicle sales in 2023, and is poised to exceed 65% of total passenger vehicle sales by 2030, per Forbes.

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True sports cars — two-door coupes that can hit crazy top speeds — will be hard to find in showrooms in 2025 if you adhere to the strictest of definitions. Middle-class drivers who want to project an air of affluence will have plenty of sports car options that fit the bill for under $35,000, but they’ll have to reevaluate their interpretation of a sports car to include four-door coupes, GT (Grand Tourer) cars and punchy hatches and sedans.

Here are nine sports cars for under $35,000 that will still get your driving heart racing.

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1. Mazda MX-5 Miata

• 2025 Base MSRP: $30,515

It’s hard to think of a more beloved sports car than the Miata. And while the capacity for brute power has always been its Achilles heel, the Miata’s charm and driveability are second to none.

The lightest sports car on the market also features the smallest cargo and passenger space, but no one buys a Miata for its roominess or usefulness.

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2. Ford Mustang EcoBoost

• 2025 Base MSRP: $33,515

That’s more like it. While the GT Premium and Dark Horse trims will cost you more than $51,000 and $64,000, respectively, the turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost’s base price is a reasonable $33,515.

The Mustang is perennially America’s best-selling sports car, and there’s plenty to like about the base model.  

3. Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86

• 2025 Base MSRP: $32,265 and $31,135 respectively

It’s tough to talk about one without mentioning the other. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 are platform-twins and share more similarities than differences.

However, while you’re getting the same size and weight (the BRZ is slightly heavier), fuel economy and capacity, engine configuration, power and torque, Edmunds gives the slight edge to the BRZ, as do consumer review ratings on the site.

4. Honda Civic Si

• 2025 Base MSRP: $31,045

A pedestrian 200-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and traction-friendly limited-slip differential on the Si, which also features sport-tuned suspension that helps improve responsiveness when cornering and reduces body roll. With its honeycomb grill and stylish curves, the 2025 Si has a sports car spirit in spades.

5. Hyundai Elantra N

• 2025 Base MSRP: $35,445

Middle-class drivers are looking for the same main things in a sports car that rich folk do: Impressive power and dramatic handling. You’ll get both with this Elantra, although you’ll pay a bit more than $35,000.

The turbocharged N is available with a manual transmission, which should appeal to enthusiasts, regardless of their income bracket.

6. Mini Cooper

• 2025 Base MSRP: $33,195

More a sporty car than a sports car, Mini’s lineup leader has been redesigned for 2025. Gone is the three-cylinder engine base, which has been upgraded to a more persuasive 161-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

There are more practical options out there, but the Mini stands alone as an iconic, fun, fuel-efficient subcompact.   

7. Subaru WRX

• 2025 Base MSRP: $36,920

Another base price slightly above $35,000. Despite complaining about its fuel efficiency, Edmunds feels “The [Subaru] WRX is at its best when leaping from turn to turn on a curvy road.

“Its strong mid-range power, all-wheel-drive traction, composed suspension, and responsive steering make for an excellent, enthusiastic driving experience.”

8. Volkswagen Golf GTI

• 2025 Base MSRP: Around $33,000

This hot hatch is gaining a tech boost in 2025, but like the Mini Cooper, it’s losing its manual transmission option (the only choice “will be the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic,” per Car and Driver).

Again, hatchbacks are rarely considered sports cars, but the spacious GTI “offers a genuinely powerful turbocharged engine and solid handling,” according to MotorTrend.  

Pictures are for representational purposes only.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 9 Sports Cars Under $35K That Make the Middle Class Feel Rich

2025-01-16T14:13:33Z