Mazda MX-5 Miata
It's sexy and affordable. It corners on a dime, and with an impressive reliability record, it's built to last. While it's not as powerful as some affordable sports cars, numerous automotive experts say the Mazda MX-5 Miata's nimble handling is great no matter what model year you choose. Edmunds notes, "this little roadster proves that the right sports car formula has real staying power," and notes that first generation Miata's made between 1990 and 1997 "are readily available for well under $5 grand." Not only that, but J.D. Power and Associates chose the 2006 Miata as the most reliable compact sports car in its
2009 Vehicle Dependability Survey, and Consumer Reports selected the Miata as its Best Used Sports Car.