Latest news with #MazdaMX-5Miata
Chicago Tribune
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Edmunds: Five great budget performance cars for under $35,000
New car prices continue to rise for the latest high-performance sports cars. Even a new Chevrolet Corvette, long considered a performance bargain compared to the likes of the Porsche 911, has a starting price of almost $70,000. But that doesn't mean driving enthusiasts on a budget can't find a car that's both fulfilling to drive and genuinely capable. The auto experts at Edmunds have come up with their five favorite performance vehicles for under $35,000. True, you won't be able to buy anything with a V8. The same applies to electric power — the best-value electric performers cost more. But the vehicles listed here have other distinct advantages. All of the following prices include destination fees. Dodge Hornet GT There's some irony in the first vehicle in a list of budget-performance cars not being a car at all. But Dodge's Hornet isn't your usual small SUV. First off, it has an Italian heritage. Though you wouldn't know it by its styling, the Hornet shares much of its mechanical design with the Alfa Romeo Tonale small luxury SUV. Second, it's genuinely powerful for a pint-size SUV. The GT version has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 268 horsepower and is good enough to get you from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. Another bonus: It has standard all-wheel drive for all-season driving and more cargo space than the typical performance car. 2025 Hornet starting price: $31,590 Ford Mustang EcoBoost A Ford Mustang GT with its rumbly V8 is well beyond our $35,000 price cap. But the less expensive Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a viable substitute. Having a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood might seem like heresy, but you can't argue with the output of 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. With its 10-speed automatic spinning the rear wheels, the Mustang EcoBoost can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 5.6 seconds. The newest Mustang provides a classic American driving experience while being comfortable, stylish and well equipped with the latest technology features. 2025 Mustang coupe starting price: $33,515 Mazda MX-5 Miata You're as likely to see a Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster in the hands of a cool-headed retiree on lonesome canyon roads as you are spotting one ripping through cones at an autocross. In both cases, the Miata's appeal comes down to the fun-to-drive fundamentals. A four-cylinder engine directs 181 horsepower to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. That's not much, but you don't need much when the car is as light as the Miata. A manual-equipped Miata went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds at the Edmunds test track. Beyond the numbers, the Miata is all about playfulness. Quick steering, nimble handling and an easy-to-lower top combine to make any drive worthwhile. 2025 MX-5 Miata starting price: $30,715 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are mechanically related. Both use a four-cylinder rated at 228 horsepower that sends its power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Edmunds found these cars can sprint to 60 mph in about 6 seconds when equipped with the manual. There's enough power to be entertaining but not enough to get a new driver in too much trouble, making these fantastic beginner's sports cars. And there's a low center of gravity and classic rear-wheel-drive balance to help drivers enjoyably learn about car control. But the Toyabaru twins don't stop being fun once you master them. 2025 Toyota GR86 starting price: $31,135; 2025 Subaru BRZ starting price: $32,380 Volkswagen GTI The Volkswagen GTI is the quintessential budget performance hatchback. It's fun and engaging to drive yet practical and comfortable day to day. Few cars can do as many things as well as the GTI. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 241 horsepower. For 2025, every GTI has a seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Edmunds has found it's good for a 5.9-second 0-60 mph sprint. Besides performance, the GTI has a spacious cabin and a generous cargo area for its size. The original hot hatch that traces its American lineage all the way back to 1983 is a solid performance value. Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price: $33,640 Edmunds says Spending less than $35,000 can get you a fun vehicle to drive in 2025. Each model here has distinct advantages. You'll likely prefer the Hornet or Golf GTI if space and practicality are priorities. The Miata, BRZ and GR86 all provide a great feel and connection to the road; picking one of these comes down to whether you want a convertible top or the extra security of a coupe. The Mustang can't be beat for its classic pony car styling and heritage.
Hamilton Spectator
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Edmunds: Five great budget performance cars for under $35,000
New car prices continue to rise for the latest high-performance sports cars. Even a new Chevrolet Corvette, long considered a performance bargain compared to the likes of the Porsche 911, has a starting price of almost $70,000. But that doesn't mean driving enthusiasts on a budget can't find a car that's both fulfilling to drive and genuinely capable. The auto experts at Edmunds have come up with their five favorite performance vehicles for under $35,000. True, you won't be able to buy anything with a V8. The same applies to electric power — the best-value electric performers cost more. But the vehicles listed here have other distinct advantages. All of the following prices include destination fees. Dodge Hornet GT There's some irony in the first vehicle in a list of budget-performance cars not being a car at all. But Dodge's Hornet isn't your usual small SUV. First off, it has an Italian heritage. Though you wouldn't know it by its styling, the Hornet shares much of its mechanical design with the Alfa Romeo Tonale small luxury SUV. Second, it's genuinely powerful for a pint-size SUV. The GT version has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 268 horsepower and is good enough to get you from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. Another bonus: It has standard all-wheel drive for all-season driving and more cargo space than the typical performance car. 2025 Hornet starting price: $31,590 Ford Mustang EcoBoost A Ford Mustang GT with its rumbly V8 is well beyond our $35,000 price cap. But the less expensive Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a viable substitute. Having a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood might seem like heresy, but you can't argue with the output of 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. With its 10-speed automatic spinning the rear wheels, the Mustang EcoBoost can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 5.6 seconds. The newest Mustang provides a classic American driving experience while being comfortable, stylish and well equipped with the latest technology features. 2025 Mustang coupe starting price: $33,515 Mazda MX-5 Miata You're as likely to see a Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster in the hands of a cool-headed retiree on lonesome canyon roads as you are spotting one ripping through cones at an autocross. In both cases, the Miata's appeal comes down to the fun-to-drive fundamentals. A four-cylinder engine directs 181 horsepower to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. That's not much, but you don't need much when the car is as light as the Miata. A manual-equipped Miata went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds at the Edmunds test track. Beyond the numbers, the Miata is all about playfulness. Quick steering, nimble handling and an easy-to-lower top combine to make any drive worthwhile. 2025 MX-5 Miata starting price: $30,715 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are mechanically related. Both use a four-cylinder rated at 228 horsepower that sends its power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Edmunds found these cars can sprint to 60 mph in about 6 seconds when equipped with the manual. There's enough power to be entertaining but not enough to get a new driver in too much trouble, making these fantastic beginner's sports cars. And there's a low center of gravity and classic rear-wheel-drive balance to help drivers enjoyably learn about car control. But the Toyabaru twins don't stop being fun once you master them. 2025 Toyota GR86 starting price: $31,135; 2025 Subaru BRZ starting price: $32,380 Volkswagen GTI The Volkswagen GTI is the quintessential budget performance hatchback. It's fun and engaging to drive yet practical and comfortable day to day. Few cars can do as many things as well as the GTI. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 241 horsepower. For 2025, every GTI has a seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Edmunds has found it's good for a 5.9-second 0-60 mph sprint. Besides performance, the GTI has a spacious cabin and a generous cargo area for its size. The original hot hatch that traces its American lineage all the way back to 1983 is a solid performance value. Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price: $33,640 Edmunds says Spending less than $35,000 can get you a fun vehicle to drive in 2025. Each model here has distinct advantages. You'll likely prefer the Hornet or Golf GTI if space and practicality are priorities. The Miata, BRZ and GR86 all provide a great feel and connection to the road; picking one of these comes down to whether you want a convertible top or the extra security of a coupe. The Mustang can't be beat for its classic pony car styling and heritage. ____ This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds . Josh Jacquot is a contributor at Edmunds.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Edmunds: Five great budget performance cars for under $35,000
New car prices continue to rise for the latest high-performance sports cars. Even a new Chevrolet Corvette, long considered a performance bargain compared to the likes of the Porsche 911, has a starting price of almost $70,000. But that doesn't mean driving enthusiasts on a budget can't find a car that's both fulfilling to drive and genuinely capable. The auto experts at Edmunds have come up with their five favorite performance vehicles for under $35,000. True, you won't be able to buy anything with a V8. The same applies to electric power — the best-value electric performers cost more. But the vehicles listed here have other distinct advantages. All of the following prices include destination fees. Dodge Hornet GT There's some irony in the first vehicle in a list of budget-performance cars not being a car at all. But Dodge's Hornet isn't your usual small SUV. First off, it has an Italian heritage. Though you wouldn't know it by its styling, the Hornet shares much of its mechanical design with the Alfa Romeo Tonale small luxury SUV. Second, it's genuinely powerful for a pint-size SUV. The GT version has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 268 horsepower and is good enough to get you from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. Another bonus: It has standard all-wheel drive for all-season driving and more cargo space than the typical performance car. 2025 Hornet starting price: $31,590 Ford Mustang EcoBoost A Ford Mustang GT with its rumbly V8 is well beyond our $35,000 price cap. But the less expensive Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a viable substitute. Having a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood might seem like heresy, but you can't argue with the output of 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. With its 10-speed automatic spinning the rear wheels, the Mustang EcoBoost can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 5.6 seconds. The newest Mustang provides a classic American driving experience while being comfortable, stylish and well equipped with the latest technology features. 2025 Mustang coupe starting price: $33,515 Mazda MX-5 Miata You're as likely to see a Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster in the hands of a cool-headed retiree on lonesome canyon roads as you are spotting one ripping through cones at an autocross. In both cases, the Miata's appeal comes down to the fun-to-drive fundamentals. A four-cylinder engine directs 181 horsepower to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. That's not much, but you don't need much when the car is as light as the Miata. A manual-equipped Miata went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds at the Edmunds test track. Beyond the numbers, the Miata is all about playfulness. Quick steering, nimble handling and an easy-to-lower top combine to make any drive worthwhile. 2025 MX-5 Miata starting price: $30,715 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are mechanically related. Both use a four-cylinder rated at 228 horsepower that sends its power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Edmunds found these cars can sprint to 60 mph in about 6 seconds when equipped with the manual. There's enough power to be entertaining but not enough to get a new driver in too much trouble, making these fantastic beginner's sports cars. And there's a low center of gravity and classic rear-wheel-drive balance to help drivers enjoyably learn about car control. But the Toyabaru twins don't stop being fun once you master them. 2025 Toyota GR86 starting price: $31,135; 2025 Subaru BRZ starting price: $32,380 Volkswagen GTI The Volkswagen GTI is the quintessential budget performance hatchback. It's fun and engaging to drive yet practical and comfortable day to day. Few cars can do as many things as well as the GTI. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 241 horsepower. For 2025, every GTI has a seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Edmunds has found it's good for a 5.9-second 0-60 mph sprint. Besides performance, the GTI has a spacious cabin and a generous cargo area for its size. The original hot hatch that traces its American lineage all the way back to 1983 is a solid performance value. Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price: $33,640 Edmunds says Spending less than $35,000 can get you a fun vehicle to drive in 2025. Each model here has distinct advantages. You'll likely prefer the Hornet or Golf GTI if space and practicality are priorities. The Miata, BRZ and GR86 all provide a great feel and connection to the road; picking one of these comes down to whether you want a convertible top or the extra security of a coupe. The Mustang can't be beat for its classic pony car styling and heritage. ____ This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Josh Jacquot is a contributor at Edmunds.
Winnipeg Free Press
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Winnipeg Free Press
Edmunds: Five great budget performance cars for under $35,000
New car prices continue to rise for the latest high-performance sports cars. Even a new Chevrolet Corvette, long considered a performance bargain compared to the likes of the Porsche 911, has a starting price of almost $70,000. But that doesn't mean driving enthusiasts on a budget can't find a car that's both fulfilling to drive and genuinely capable. The auto experts at Edmunds have come up with their five favorite performance vehicles for under $35,000. True, you won't be able to buy anything with a V8. The same applies to electric power — the best-value electric performers cost more. But the vehicles listed here have other distinct advantages. All of the following prices include destination fees. Dodge Hornet GT This photo provided by Dodge shows the 2025 Hornet small SUV. It's a great pick if you want a performance SUV on a limited budget. (Courtesy of Stellantis via AP) There's some irony in the first vehicle in a list of budget-performance cars not being a car at all. But Dodge's Hornet isn't your usual small SUV. First off, it has an Italian heritage. Though you wouldn't know it by its styling, the Hornet shares much of its mechanical design with the Alfa Romeo Tonale small luxury SUV. Second, it's genuinely powerful for a pint-size SUV. The GT version has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 268 horsepower and is good enough to get you from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. Another bonus: It has standard all-wheel drive for all-season driving and more cargo space than the typical performance car. 2025 Hornet starting price: $31,590 Ford Mustang EcoBoost A Ford Mustang GT with its rumbly V8 is well beyond our $35,000 price cap. But the less expensive Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a viable substitute. Having a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood might seem like heresy, but you can't argue with the output of 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. With its 10-speed automatic spinning the rear wheels, the Mustang EcoBoost can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 5.6 seconds. The newest Mustang provides a classic American driving experience while being comfortable, stylish and well equipped with the latest technology features. 2025 Mustang coupe starting price: $33,515 Mazda MX-5 Miata You're as likely to see a Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster in the hands of a cool-headed retiree on lonesome canyon roads as you are spotting one ripping through cones at an autocross. In both cases, the Miata's appeal comes down to the fun-to-drive fundamentals. A four-cylinder engine directs 181 horsepower to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. That's not much, but you don't need much when the car is as light as the Miata. A manual-equipped Miata went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds at the Edmunds test track. Beyond the numbers, the Miata is all about playfulness. Quick steering, nimble handling and an easy-to-lower top combine to make any drive worthwhile. 2025 MX-5 Miata starting price: $30,715 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are mechanically related. Both use a four-cylinder rated at 228 horsepower that sends its power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Edmunds found these cars can sprint to 60 mph in about 6 seconds when equipped with the manual. There's enough power to be entertaining but not enough to get a new driver in too much trouble, making these fantastic beginner's sports cars. And there's a low center of gravity and classic rear-wheel-drive balance to help drivers enjoyably learn about car control. But the Toyabaru twins don't stop being fun once you master them. 2025 Toyota GR86 starting price: $31,135; 2025 Subaru BRZ starting price: $32,380 Volkswagen GTI The Volkswagen GTI is the quintessential budget performance hatchback. It's fun and engaging to drive yet practical and comfortable day to day. Few cars can do as many things as well as the GTI. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 241 horsepower. For 2025, every GTI has a seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Edmunds has found it's good for a 5.9-second 0-60 mph sprint. Besides performance, the GTI has a spacious cabin and a generous cargo area for its size. The original hot hatch that traces its American lineage all the way back to 1983 is a solid performance value. Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Sign up for The Warm-Up Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price: $33,640 Edmunds says Spending less than $35,000 can get you a fun vehicle to drive in 2025. Each model here has distinct advantages. You'll likely prefer the Hornet or Golf GTI if space and practicality are priorities. The Miata, BRZ and GR86 all provide a great feel and connection to the road; picking one of these comes down to whether you want a convertible top or the extra security of a coupe. The Mustang can't be beat for its classic pony car styling and heritage. ____ This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Josh Jacquot is a contributor at Edmunds.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The three smallest cars in the United States for 2025: Which is best?
This is an odd, yet satisfying mix of tiny vehicles. These three distinctly different offerings top the list for the smallest vehicles that are currently on sale in the United States. I had to omit the Mitsubishi Mirage, as it is ending its lineup here with its 2024 model, but the remaining candidates all fit the bill for being unique, cool and fairly affordable. The 154-inch long Mazda Miata, 152-inch Mini Cooper 2-door, and 143-inch long Fiat 500e are a lot of fun to drive, are fairly frugal, and give you a lot of car for the money. It just so happens that all three are very different and carry their own storied pedigree. All of these vehicles are less than 13-feet long, yet they are more utilitarian, or comfortable than you might think. Let's have a look at all three and expose their pros and cons. I firmly believe that small is the next big thing, and size isn't say that the Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the favorite fun cars for automotive journalists is no lie. Despite its tight interior for large people like me, I adore every minute behind the wheel. This little thing is a true driver's car, with a perfect 50/50 balance that makes mundane drives exciting. The base models weigh about 2,500 lbs, so the 181 horsepower, 2.0-liter engine is plenty. I found 0 to 60 times around the mid-five-second range to be consistent, even with the 6-speed manual. You can also get a quick-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission, but gearheads will prefer the manual, which shifts beautifully. The EPA numbers are equally impressive, with 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. Prices start at just under $30,000 and hit about $44,000 for the hardtop convertible RF Club. That version gets you a limited slip rear differential, Brembo brakes, BBS wheels, and a Recaro seating package among other things. While this little throwback to early British and Italian tiny sports cars is contemporary, its own history goes back over 35 years. Sadly, this car isn't for everyone. It's cramped, has limited trunk space, and very little extra space in the cabin. On top of that, the passenger's footwell is terribly tight for most. Still, it's a hoot to drive, and it's a cut above many fancy rides costing two to three-times the Miata's price for 2025, the Mini Cooper 2-door is just 152.6 inches long, yet it is able to haul four average-sized adults around in relative comfort. It is a pure joy to drive, and a very easy vehicle to commute with. The new components make it much more competent on the highway, with an excellent UX system housed within a round touch screen that dominates the dashboard. Two engines are available: the base model Mini Cooper with 161 horsepower, and the Cooper S, which makes 201 horsepower. Either way, that's good power for something that weighs just over 3,000 lbs. The only transmission on offer is a dual-clutch 7-speed, with the manual transmission sadly being gone from every single Mini in the lineup. The 2025 MINI Cooper S 2-door gets 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined. Unfortunately, the regular 2-door has yet to be rated, but it's a safe bet that it's even more efficient than the S. Pricing starts at about $29,000 for the base model two-door, and just over $32,000 for the Cooper S. Even though this car is tiny, it feels refined on most surfaces. It's far more settled than the previous models, which technically date all the way back to the 1960s. This is the best-riding, most comfortable Cooper yet, and the Cooper S is super sporty to drive. Unfortunately, not everyone likes the new infotainment system or the lack of overall choices. Mini has streamlined the overall choices for the 2-door Cooper - which is hit and miss for 2025 Fiat 500e is 143 inches long, making it the smallest new model vehicle for sale in the United States. Despite its diminutive size, the reintroduced 500e is very roomy for the driver and front passenger, making it an ideal commuter for folks who prefer an EV. The Fiat 500e has one of the smallest batteries, at 37 kWh, with a maximum range of 141 miles and not-so-great DC fast charging rates of 85 kW. Its maximum horsepower is just 117 hp, but fortunately, it weighs just under 3,000 lbs. Thus, its off-the-line speed is pretty brisk: It can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 8 seconds. Although its heritage dates all the way back to the late 1950s as a car built for the masses, the modern Fiat 500e is a car built for a different class of people. It's a mix of daily commuter that's got a nifty fashion sense. Pricing starts at $37,595, and Fiat has excellent leasing programs that some of my friends have taken advantage of. You might be surprised how affordable leasing one of these is. The purchase price, range and mediocre back seat comfort are problematic, but this car can be a lot of fun to drive. It oozes character, which few EVs do, and it is a perfect vehicle for the city. The ride is a bit stiff, but handling is good, and it's a snap to park just about me out: small cars can be the jam for your bread. If you're sick of driving that hulking SUV, and you want to be a little more connected to your drive, these three tiny cars might be right for you. As fun as they all are, I'm inclined to look at the Mini Cooper S as a great daily driver here in Los Angeles. On the other hand, if you live in L.A. and have access to a place to power your EV, the Fiat 500e makes a compelling argument for itself. Finally, if you love to drive and have access to mountain passes, road courses, or fun curvy roads, you can't go wrong with an MX-5 Miata. Love reading Autoblog? 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