In our everyday, ride back-and-forth to work, mode of transportation, we may not feel any chills or thrills just for the sake of driving. We may not go the long way home just for the winding road and the wind in our hair. So, what if? What if we could afford a fun little sporty car and sometimes stretch a commute into a spa-like experience, but still take the kids to football practice? I asked Jody Victor to tell us about some sporty cars to fill the bill.
Jody Victor: For me, there is no commute, but every time I drive my red convertible Porsche Turbo, there are chills and thrills galore. Though most of you will not want to drive a Porsche to work or even afford one right now, don't give up - dreams are meant to be fulfilled. In the meantime, check out this list for fun sedans, hatchbacks and other practical vehicles that can handle chores, chauffeur the family and still give you those thrills - some even deliver reasonable fuel economy.
Subaru WRX ($24,995) - Subaru's original WRX was a new kind of performance car - an affordable sedan with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged kick. The new five-door version's Euro-hatchback styling is controversial, but the Subie is still an all-weather delight.
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart ($26,490) - The Ralliart combines 240 horsepower with the Evo's all-wheel-drive system and snappy dual-clutch automatic transmission. Throw in an under-$30,000 price tag and a more livable ride, and the Ralliart becomes easier on your spine and your wallet.
Volkswagen GTI ($23,670) - It's no longer cheap, reaching nearly 30 grand loaded. But few cars at any price are as exhilarating as the GTI, which blends European sophistication with high-end equipment. The GTI shares its zesty 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with several Audi models, along with its optional Direct Shift Gearbox. This groundbreaking paddle-shifted automatic whips through gears faster and smoother than many exotic sports cars.
Dodge Challenger V6 ($21,995) - The 425-horsepower Challenger SRT8 is a retro-styled 170-mph rocket - it also costs more than $40,000 and gets only 13 miles per gallon. For thousands less, the V6 version will deliver the same crowd-pleasing, cop-movie looks, good times on the road and closer to 20 mpg.
Pontiac G8 GT ($27.995) - The basic G8 starts with a trusty 256-horsepower V6. Moving up to the GT gets you a 361-horsepower, Corvette-based V8. The Aussie-built G8 works like an everyday sedan, but its family-guy exterior disguises surprisingly adept high-speed handling.
Mazda Miata ($21,305) - Practicality isn't the Miata's strong point, but you already knew that. What the Mazda roadster delivers are equal doses of sunlight, sweet handling and one of the best manual shifters ever created. Plenty of cars are faster, but not many will thrill you more on a perfect sunny day.
Mazda MAZDASPEED3 ($23,310) - Among the swiftest hatchbacks in the land, the turbo version of the handsome Mazda3 can howl from 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, top 150 mph and still haul the groceries - all for under $25,000.
Honda Civic Si ($22,475) - Coupe or sedan, the Civic Si offers four-cylinder fun, Honda style. Its madly revving, 8000-rpm 4-cylinder engine is so smooth and refined that you know it will last forever. And the four-door version is as roomy and family-friendly as any other Civic sedan.
Ford Mustang Bullitt ($27,020) - The Bullitt, named for the car-chasing '68 Steve McQueen flick, is a smart, cool package. Its 315-horsepower V8, modified shifter and suspension, and an exhaust straight out of a high school parking lot make the limited-edition Bullitt the best Mustang for the buck.
Thanks, Jody! We'll be checking these out soon!