There’s good news if you’ve always yearned for a fast car, but affordability has been a barrier. The automotive industry has seen a shift, and now, speed and affordability can coexist.
Gone are the days when speed came with a hefty price tag. You can now easily find excellent vehicles offering thrilling driving experiences at reasonable prices.
Thus, today we bring you this comprehensive guide comprising of eleven excellent fastest cars under $30000 from top automotive brands like Ford, Subaru, Volkswagen, and more, offering:
- Affordable base buying price;
- Speed;
- Style;
- Elegance, & more.
As you continue reading, we will comprehensively analyze each listed vehicle and help you find your next fast on-road buddy.
1. 2021 Dodge Challenger
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 3.25 Seconds
- Top Speed: 168 mph
- Price: From $22,000
Dodge Challenger is a retro-style muscle car offering a different driving experience in its segment; the 16-valve V8 engine with port fuel injection provides 485 hp. The 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode is standard. Challenger’s interior features a premium interior with ambient lighting. Your safety is ensured due to features like a post-collision safety system, dual front side-mounted airbags, daytime running lights, and more.
2. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4 Seconds
- Top Speed: 198 mph
- Price: From $26,900
Camaro 1LT is one of Chevrolet’s most potent car lineups. This sports car is 188.3″ long, 74.7″ wide, and 52.9″ high, making it comfortable for four passengers. It comes with an enticing engine lineup. However, the sharp handling features are all due to the Rack-Pinion steering system. Its front suspension type is Strut, whereas the rear is Multi-Link. The 4-Wheel Disc brake system offers the desired traction & control in all kinds of weather situations.
3. 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.0 – 5.1 Seconds
- Top Speed: 145 mph
- Price: From $27,770
The vigorous engine options, confident handling, and comfortable interior make the Ford Mustang EcoBoost a pleasant ride. The standard six-speed manual transmission channels 310 hp to the rear wheels and offers good fuel efficiency. The unitized welded steel body with an aluminum hood and front fenders give this lineup a unique identity in fastback coupe and convertible body styles.
4. 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.1 Seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph
- Price: From $29,880
This European automaker sports car features a Unitary construction, blot-on fenders, two solid mounted subframes, and steel stampings. It is powered by a 2.0L inline four-cylinder, 16V, turbocharged/intercooled, TSI engine producing 241 hp to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The electric power assist steering makes handling smooth, and the standard anti-lock braking system and electronic stability control ensure your safety on the road.
5. 2021 Hyundai Veloster
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.1 Seconds
- Top Speed: 144 mph
- Price: From $18,000
This three-door hatchback has a manual transmission, automatic emergency braking, 17″ wheels, cloth upholstery, active lane control, a 7″ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. You can buy this ride for as low as $18,000, making it suitable for a large scale of buyers.
6. 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.7 Seconds
- Top Speed: 140 mph
- Price: From $28,050
When it comes to offering premium qualities at affordable prices, no one is doing it like the Japanese automaker Mazda. For the restricted budget of $30k, the MX-5 Miata is a great choice. It is powered by a DOHC 16-Vavle inline-4 interference engine paired with a standard six-speed manual gearbox strong enough to deliver stirring acceleration. You get to choose between cloth-top convertible and retractable hard-top body styles.
7. 2024 Subaru BRZ
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.8 Seconds
- Top Speed: 140 mph
- Price: From $28,595
Not Subaru Outback or Subaru Crosstrek, the BRZ is the company’s fastest model lineup under $30k. This sports two-door coupe is powered by a direct injection SUBARU BOXER engine offering razor-sharp handling and fun to drive experience. The quick ratio steering heavily bolstered sports seating, and a wide variety of customization options make this South Korean build an unbeatable choice.
8. 2022 Subaru WRX
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.8 Seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph
- Price: From $29,605
The Subaru WRX is a refined and quiet ride. It features a new platform and a slightly more powerful 2.4-liter flat-four engine. Its interior is contemporary and comes with potent all-wheel drive. This entirely redefined ride is athletic, fun to drive, and comfortable. Subaru WRX is one of the best rides for women under a restricted budget.
9. 2024 Toyota GR86
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.1 Seconds
- Top Speed: 135 mph
- Price: From $29,300
One of the most interesting facts about Toyota is that the GR86 is one of the most efficient and affordable sports cars in the American market. This ride delivers a maximum horsepower of 228 to the rear wheels, all thanks to the four-cylinder engine mated with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The GR86 uses an ABS and driveline traction control system, making handling 17″ machine-painted accent aluminum wheels easier.
10. 2024 Honda Civic Si
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.6 Seconds
- Top Speed: 127 mph
- Price: From $29,100
The all-new Honda Civic Si is one of the most affordable cute cars you can buy this year. This thrilling ride is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that powers 200 hp to the front wheels through the solid-feeling six-speed manual transmission. The lively handling, excellent gas mileage, and plenty of standard equipment make spending $29,100 worth it.
11. 2024 MINI Cooper S
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.6 Seconds
- Top Speed: 125 mph
- Price: From $29,100
Mini Copper S is a stylish boxy car offering the best retro styling and modernization amalgamation. This subcompact ride is highly practical but still gives high-end performance, all thanks to its rack-pinion steering system. The agile handling is all thanks to the manual transmission, which is now standard on the 2-liter intercooled premium unleaded four-cylinder engine, eliminating the need for paddle shifters and producing 189 hp.
That’s it. There, you have the fastest cars under 30k that the current calendar year has for car buyers. Accessible price, potent engine options, acceleration of under 7 seconds, and a top speed of over 120 mph make the listed ride the best in their segments.
