These Regular Cars Had Something Sporty About Them
Regular cars are often considered uninspiring and unexciting, but every so often, a standout model excites us and feels sporty while being (graciously) priced like a regular car. Let's explore some of the greatest "regular" cars that gave us that sporty feeling.
2013 BMW Z4
In 2013, BMW's Z4 was a hot commodity. Otherwise known as the E89, this fourth-generation Z4 had a retractable roof, leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Producing 181 hp, the Z4 could hit 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.
2010 Mazda Miata MX-5
The Mazda Miata was a hugely popular car in the early and mid-2000s. It was sporty-looking, with a rear spoiler and a slender appearance, and available as a convertible. The 2010 MX-5 was the third-generation model that made Car and Driver's 10 Best list for seven years between 2006 and 2013. Powered by a 2.0L inline-four engine that produced 178 hp and an extraordinary 198 mph top speed, the MX-5 is one of the sportiest regular cars of the 2010s.
2010 Audi TTS
Audi has been creating sporty German cars since 1909, making them one of the oldest car companies in the world. But this 2010 TTS stole the show back when it was unveiled. The sporty 2.0L featured a lower suspension, larger air intakes, and high-performance tires as standard. Roaring to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, the TTS had a top speed of 155 mph, plus all the Audi opulence you'd expect.
2016 Scion FR-S
If you've only ever seen Scion in the US and Canada, that's because the Toyota marque is available exclusively to North American customers. Thankfully, we're the only ones that can get our hands on the FR-S, a high-performance sedan with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 200 hp. The handling of the car has long been praised by automotive experts. It's got great fuel-efficiency and is "bags of fun", according to Edmunds.com.
steve lyon from los angeles, ca, usa, Wikimedia Commons
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG
Mercedes is another classic German brand with a reputation for opulence and finesse. Back in 2005, the company unveiled the SLK 55 AMG, the performance version of the SLK 55. Powered by a 5.4L V8 engine that could produce 355 hp, the SLK 55 rockets to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds. It's a fun and classy ride that will only cost you about $10,000 today.
Alexandre Prevot from Nancy, France, Wikimedia Commons
2009 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is one of America's most iconic pony cars, available since 1965 and built over many generations and looks. But the 2009 Ford Mustang stands out as the last iteration of the fifth-generation Mustang, before it received a facelift in 2010. Even the base model (powered by a 4.0L V6 rather than a V8) could reach 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. The '09 Mustang also came with a glass roof for those who didn't want a convertible.
Fordfan7689, Wikimedia Commons
2001 Chevrolet Corvette C5
Back in the early 2000s, Chevrolet was making waves with their fifth- and sixth-generation Corvettes—including this one, a 2001 Corvette C5 powered by an all-new LS1 engine that produced 345 hp and an extortionate top speed of 190 mph. This generation of Vette laid the groundwork for the super popular Corvette Z06.
don't try me 111, Wikimedia Commons
2011 Chevrolet Camaro
Of course, the 2011 Camaro might not hold a candle to Camaros of the past for you muscle car enthusiasts, but it's a respectable motor that deserves a place on our list. No longer was the Camaro an out-of-reach muscle car; it had become an everyday driver. Borrowing much of its looks, it seems, from the aforementioned Mustang, the 2011 Camaro galloped its 312 horsepower to 60 mph in six seconds.
Ryanandlenny, Wikimedia Commons
2015 Dodge Challenger
Another classic American muscle car that enthusiasts might scoff at, at least any of the models past 1979, as they "are not a real muscle car". Fair enough, but the 2015 Dodge Challenger is a sporty car. It underwent a huge facelift for that model year, with a new grille, headlights, and a high-performance Apache V8 engine that produced 485 hp. Its "SRT-Hellcat" trim gave a top speed of 199 mph.
2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Back in Japan and 10 years on from the aforementioned Miata, we got a new MX-5, then in its fourth generation. Visually identical to the previous model, the real upgrades were to the engine, where horsepower now reached 181 at the top end. The 2020 MX-5 Miata also received a "fastback roof" and was unveiled as the 100th anniversary of the Mazda car company.
Negawa Ohashi, Wikimedia Commons
2010 Nissan 370Z
Another Japanese beauty from the early 2010s was the Nissan 370Z, made famous by the 2009 movie Fast & Furious, where it was driven by Paul Walker's character, Brian O'Connor. The 2010 370Z was powered by a 3.7L V6 engine that produces 350 hp and rockets you from 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds. Combined with the swooping lines of the 370Z, and you'll feel like you're driving a sports car that has the performance to boot.
2017 FIAT 124 Spider
In 2017, Italian car manufacturer FIAT (owned by Ferrari) unveiled the 124 Spider. Despite being an Italian company, the 124 Spider was actually produced by Mazda in Hiroshima alongside the Mazda Miata and borrowed much of its styling from that car. Featuring a 1.4L four-cylinder turbocharged engine, with styling cues from Pininfarina and the 1966 Fiat 124 Spider, it produced 160 hp and had a top speed of 136 mph.
2004 Pontiac GTO
In 2004, Pontiac tried to resurrect the GTO nameplate, much to the chagrin of muscle car enthusiasts, for the same reason as the others mentioned above. Nevertheless, the '04 GTO is best known for being a "sleeping giant" of a car, powered by an enormous 5.7L LS1 V8 engine, producing 350 hp and an impressive top speed of 159 mph. If you want fast and cheap from the early 2000s, the GTO might fit the bill.
MercurySable99, Wikimedia Commons
2013 Subaru BRZ
Subaru has long been making sporty cars for regular people, ever since the days of the WRX. This legacy carried over to the 2013 Subaru BRZ, a "delight to push to its limits," according to Car and Driver. With a red line of 5,000 rpm and a top speed of 143 mph, the BRZ features a lightweight aluminum design with a hexagonal grille. The thing has the look (and performance) of a sports car, but also be an everyday driver.
order_242 from Chile, Wikimedia Commons
2005 Chevrolet Crossfire SRT
In 2005, Chevrolet unveiled a new sedan, the Crossfire, with an SRT trim reminiscent of the Challenger SRT from Dodge. Its performance doesn't quite match that of the Dodge, but the Crossfire SRT is certainly a powerful beast, packed with a 3.2L Mercedes-Benz V6 engine that produced 215 hp, while the sleek styling and curves of the Crossfire exude both luxury and performance simultaneously.
2005 Toyota Celica
The Toyota Celica is widely considered the MR2 of the 2000s. A spoiler, a hood scoop, a shape that screamed "sporty", all for a relative bargain of $20,000. Powered by a 1.8L inline four-cylinder engine, the Celica produced just 140 hp, but could still produce the goods when called upon. The 2005 year was one of the best, but also saw the decline of sports coupes like the Celica.
2013 BMW 135i
In 2013, BMW decided to sell a special version of its 1 Series in the US and Canada, the 135i. All 300 horses are brought to bear in this nifty little coupe from BMW, with a wheelbase that's four inches shorter than the beloved BMW 3 Series. The 3.0L engine mightn't be as quick or boisterous as the Z4, but the coupe's got functionality in spades thanks to its fold-down seats. An everyday driver that's quick as well as functional? Count me in.
order_242 from Chile, Wikimedia Commons
1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT
Before the Lancer Evo, there was this sporty beast from Mitsubishi: the 3000GT. The front-wheel drive Mitsubishi was powered by a 3.0L V6 engine that gave the car some serious whip, producing 364 hp with a top speed of 155 mph. Quick for the early 1990s, the 3000GT was marketed in North America mainly as the Dodge Stealth, despite being a far cry from the "crouching tiger" of the aforementioned Pontiac GTO.
Steve Glover, Wikimedia Commons
2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
The Toyota MR2 has achieved something of a legendary status in the early 2000s sports car world. In 2000, Toyota was producing the third-generation MR2, providing a shorter wheelbase and a lighter-weight car than its preceding versions. Powered by a 1.8L straight-four, the MR2 Spyder was a dream convertible for anyone searching for a nimble and nifty little car with plenty of power, but most of all, a sporty feel.
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The Hyundai Genesis brand has long been at the crossroads between luxury and practicality, but it was the second-generation Genesis Coupe that saw a significant change from the first, released in 2008. Among the major upgrades to the sporty/luxury coupe was a new engine: a 4.6L V8 that provided 385 hp. While not built to go at breakneck speed, the 2010 Genesis was still an enjoyable drive while lapping up the luxury.
1996 Acura Integra GS-R
Back to the mid-90s we go with the Acura Integra GS-R, a top-of-the-line model trim for the Acura Integra Type R. Producing 197 hp from a tiny 1.8L engine, it featured small headlights, 16-inch wheels, and larger brakes. Additionally, there was a large, fixed rear-wing spoiler, so you knew it was fast. How fast? A respectable 143 mph.
Tonyonehunned, Wikimedia Commons
2011 Mazda RX-8
The 2011 Mazda RX-8 was the final generation of one of Mazda's most popular sports cars. With a rear spoiler, new engine, and catalytic converter, the 2011 RX-8 produced 232 hp from its Renesis II engine and a top speed of 147 mph.
2007 Pontiac Solstice
The 2007 Pontiac Solstice was one of the newest sports cars from Pontiac in many years. It was different, with a long hood, a short trunk, and a Targa top. Equipped with a turbocharged 2.4L inline-four Ecotec engine that produced a respectable 177 hp, the Solstice's sporty looks were matched by its performance: covering 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds and hitting a top speed of 141 mph.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
2010 Audi S6
In 2010, Audi unveiled the newest version of the S6, the high-performance variant of the Audi A6, its executive four-door sedan. It's powered by an incredible 5.2L V10 derived from a Lamborghini, so you know it's going to be jam-packed with power—producing 429 hp and a top speed of 155 mph.
Matti Blume, Wikimedia Commons
1999 Subaru Impreza WRX
The 1999 Subaru Impreza WRX is a legendary car, made famous by the World Rally Championship victories of the 90s and early 2000s. Powered by a 2.0L H4-T engine that generated between 286 hp and 305 hp, this sporty Subie is perfect for the thrill-seekers. It has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.
2025 Honda Civic Type R
Below are some 2025 entrants for the sportiest regular cars of this year, beginning with the Honda Civic Type R. Powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L VTEC engine that delivers 315 hp, it serves its purpose of being ridiculously fun to drive and a great second car for younger drivers who don't mind pushing the boat safely out while driving.
MercurySable99, Wikimedia Commons
2025 Honda Civic Si
Another Honda Civic on our 2025 list is the Civic Si. With a five-door liftback design that provides ample storage space and five seats, the Civic Si is a perfect soccer mom/dad-mobile with a little more oomph than you might expect. It's powered by a turbocharged 1.5L engine that produces 200 hp, but it is a little loud because it doesn't have active dampers like its Civic cousin.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Another German manufacturer that's been making nifty little cars since the days of the Beetle, Volkswagen has introduced the Jetta GLI for 2025. A slightly longer sedan than the small hatchback Jetta, the GLI is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine that's borrowed from the popular run-arounder, the VW Golf GTI.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N was new for 2025: a front-wheel drive, five-seater sedan with 14 cubic feet of storage space in the rear and a mean-looking blue-on-red color scheme in the front. A redesigned front fascia covers a sport-tuned suspension, hiding beneath a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine that produces 286 hp. It's quick, too, rocketing to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.
2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback
It may be 60 years since Ford unveiled their gorgeous classic Mustang, and it may have undergone many generations of redesign since then, but the 2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback is a whole other animal. A sleek, slender design with a new front fascia. A turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost engine that produces 315 hp. Not enough for you? You can find the "Dark Horse" Stang that'll give you 500 horsepower. It's power and muscle in a new package, what's not to like?
2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback – Turbocharged Style & Muscle, FrontSeatReviews
2025 Toyota GR86
Affordability is at the heart of the 2025 GR86 from Toyota. A tiny coupe with a $31,000 MSRP? Are we back in 2019? It's a very small car, but it's attractive and performs admirably on the road, producing 228 hp from a naturally aspirated 2.4L engine. It'll take you from 0 to 60 in 5.4 seconds and has a top speed of 140 mph.
2025 Mini Cooper S Hardtop/Convertible
We would be remiss if we didn't mention the 2025 Mini Cooper. It's not really a "regular" car as it's a tiny convertible, but it doesn't let its size get in the way of delivering big. Its four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0L engine produces 161 hp, but will travel from 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds. It's powerful and modern, and you can't help but feel alive while driving the old British classic.
2025 MINI Cooper S Convertible is Great for Daily Commutes, DPCcars
2025 Acura Integra
We've already discussed one of the OG Acura Integras on our list, but this is the 2025 version: it's practical, fun to drive, if a little loud, and slightly more expensive than the Honda Civic Si. But you do feel like you're part of the car while driving it, and it does offer 180 hp from its 1.5L turbocharged engine. So, that's not nothing. Sporty and practical? Excellent.
2025 Acura Integra Review | This or 2025 Honda Civic Si?, Gold Pony
2025 Mazda 3 Turbo
This sporty sedan reinvigorates the Mazda 3 nameplate with a 2.5L turbocharged engine. It's among the top-of-the-line trim for Mazda 3s, and provides a fun-to-drive, sporty experience without the breakneck speed of a true sports car. The 2.5L engine produces 191 hp with a top speed of 126 mph.
2025 Mazda 3 Review | Is It Really Premium?, EURO CAR GUY
2025 Nissan Z
This 2025 Nissan Z may break the mold a bit, but it's worthy of inclusion on our list for being a sporty beast. With all-manual transmission paired with a 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine offering 400 hp, the Z borrows heavy styling cues from the aforementioned 350Z, just with less of a "bubble-like" appearance. More streamlined, the car's top speed is 155 mph, or 165 if you get the Nismo trim.
Kazyakuruma, Wikimedia Commons
2025 Audi RS 6 Avant Wagon
Got places to be with the kids? Need to get there quickly without the hassle? Then you'll love the 2025 Audi RS 6 Avant Wagon, it's got a turbocharged V8 engine producing 621 hp and handles like a boss. It will rocket to 60 mph in an astonishing 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 190 mph. All that in a family station wagon. Why, you ask? We're not sure. Ask Audi.
2025 Audi RS6 Performance Review, Throttle House
2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive
Last on our list is the 2025 BMW X3 M50 all-wheel drive (xDrive); this sporty SUV rivals the Porsche Cayenne for sportiness. Powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine along with a 48V hybrid system and a turbocharger, this mild-hybrid delivers 393 hp and is a pile of fun to drive, if you're looking for an SUV rather than a sedan.
NEW 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive - Walkaround + Revs in 4k, Frank Automotive
What's Your Favorite "Normal" Sports Car?
Do you have a favorite "normal" sports car from our list? Let us know in the comments below!
2025 Audi RS6 Performance Review, Throttle House
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