These Modern Cars Inspire the Joyful Spirit of Driving
Driving used to be fun back in the day. These days, though, it feels more like a chore. But some modern cars still know how to bring back the joy of driving. Ready to feel excited about driving again? Buckle up, because here are 35 cars that do just that.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda’s Miata is a fun little roadster. It’s light, quick, and super easy to handle on the road. The steering feels sharp, and that manual transmission is an absolute dream. It doesn’t need a ton of power to make you smile.
Toyota GR86
The GR86 is a blast to drive. It’s rear-wheel drive, low to the ground, and has great balance. You can really feel the road under you. It has just enough power to be exciting without being scary. Plus, it comes with a manual option for full control.
Subaru BRZ
The BRZ is one of the more popular Subarus that’s light and playful. The handling is tight, and you feel connected to the road. With the BRZ, it’s not about straight-line speed - it’s all about having fun in the curves.
Volkswagen GTI
Volkswagen’s GTI is a hot hatch that does it all. It’s quick, practical, and super fun to drive. The steering is responsive, and it hugs the road like a champ. It’s also comfortable enough for everyday driving. It’s both fun and functional.
Honda Civic Type R
The Civic Type R brings serious power and sharp handling. It has a strong turbocharged engine and a slick manual gearbox. It really grips hard in corners and makes you feel like a race car driver. Plus, it still looks like a humble little hatchback.
Ford Mustang GT
The Mustang GT roars with V8 power. It’s got muscle, style, and old-school charm that can’t be beat. And its rear-wheel drive setup makes it great for sliding around corners. You feel like a kid again every time you press the gas.
Chevrolet Camaro SS
If it’s power you want, it’s power you’ll get. The Camaro SS packs a punch. The V8 engine sounds amazing and pulls hard. It sticks to the road and handles better than you’d expect. The cockpit feels sporty, and the whole car encourages you to take the long way home.
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
The Dodge Challenger R/T is all about fun, speed, and power. The V8 under the hood gives you serious power, and the retro style turns heads. Sure, it’s not the best in corners, but for straight-line thrills and a rumbling exhaust, it’s a blast.
BMW M2
BMW’s M2 is compact and crazy capable. It handles like a dream and has plenty of power. The steering is sharp, and the balance is just right. It’s one of those cars that makes you want to take a drive to anywhere for no reason at all.
Porsche 718 Cayman
The Cayman is precise, quick, and fun. Its mid-engine layout helps it feel balanced and smooth. The steering talks to you, and the handling is razor-sharp. If you’re looking for a car that makes every drive feel special, get your hands on a Cayman.
Porsche 911 Carrera
Porsche’s 911 Carrera is an absolute legend in the car world, and for good reason. It’s fast, sure, but it’s also fun to be in. The driving experience is rich and responsive. It handles tight roads like a champ and makes you feel like a better driver.
Toyota GR Corolla
The Toyota GR Corolla is like a rally car for the road. Yes, it’s a hatchback, but it’s all-wheel drive, turbocharged, and super quick. You can take corners with ease and come out grinning. It’s proof that small cars can be a total blast.
Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N surprised a lot of people. It’s quick, sharp, and packed with tons of attitude. The exhaust pops and crackles, and the handling feels pretty sporty for a sedan. But don’t be fooled, this isn’t your average sedan, and that’s why it’s fun.
Hyundai Kona N
An SUV that drives like a hot hatch? Yes, please! The Kona N has it all - power, grip, and a bold attitude. It’s fun in the corners, and even more fun on the straights. Who said SUVs can’t be exciting? They clearly haven’t driven the Hyundai Kona N.
Mini Cooper S
The Mini Cooper S has go-kart vibes that make it small, quick, and full of character. It zips through city streets with ease and feels playful on twisty roads. It’s stylish too, so you’ll turn a few heads while having fun.
Audi S3
Audi’s S3 brings all-wheel drive grip and delivers turbocharged fun. It’s quick off the line and handles with confidence. The cabin feels more like a luxury car, and the drive is full of energy. It’s the perfect mix of sporty and classy in one package.
BMW 330i M Sport Package
The BMW 330i is a luxury sedan with a fun side. The M Sport package makes it even better and adds sharper steering and tighter handling. It’s super smooth but still exciting when you push it. It’s the grown-up car that still knows how to have fun.
Genesis G70
The Genesis G70 is sporty and stylish. When you get it in a manual, it becomes even more engaging. The balance in this car is solid, and it loves to be driven hard. It’s a luxury car that doesn’t forget about the joy of driving.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Alfa Romeo’s Giulia Quadrifoglio is an Italian beast that’s both fast and fiery. It comes with a powerful V6 and sharp steering. It dances through corners with absolute ease. It’s also full of personality and passion - just like a true Italian car should be.
Nissan Z
The new Nissan Z brings retro style with modern power. It has a manual option and a twin-turbo V6 that pulls incredibly hard. It’s fun, fast, and feels like a proper sports car. Talk about a throwback with a fresh twist!
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Remember the old split-window Stingray? Well, the new Stingray is even better. It gives you serious performance without breaking the bank. It’s also mid-engine now, so it handles like a dream. The V8 sound is music to your ears.
Mazda3 Turbo
The Mazda3 Turbo is anything but a regular compact car. The turbocharged engine gives it some serious kick. It’s all-wheel drive and feels solid on any road. It’s the kind of car that surprises you with how fun it is.
Fiat 124 Spider
Fiat’s 124 Spider might be based on the Miata, but it has one thing the Miata doesn’t - Italian flair. It’s light, easy to drive, and great for sunny day drives. The turbo engine adds some serious punch. And, let’s not forget the unique styling.
Jaguar F-Type P300 Coupe
The F-Type P300 is still a joy to drive, even with the small engine. It looks stunning and sounds even better. The handling is sharp, and it feels like a true sports car. There is no better way to enjoy the road.
Tesla Model 3 Performance
The Model 3 Performance is electric, but still a thrill. In fact, it’s lightning fast and sticks to the road. It’s also quiet, and the speed is wild. The instant torque makes every drive feel more like a roller coaster rather than a trip to the store.
Lotus Emira
The Lotus Emira is made for driving fans. It’s lightweight, balanced, and feels alive in your hands. The steering is pure, and the design is sharp and easy on the eyes. It’s a true driver’s car in every sense of the word.
Ford Focus ST
Ford’s Focus ST is a blast to drive. It’s quick, nimble, and super engaging. The manual transmission and turbo engine make it even more playful. It’s still sold in other markets, and is a hatchback with a ton of attitude.
Acura Integra Type S
The Acura Integra Type S brings back a beloved name with some modern flair. It’s sharp in the corners, super fast on the straights, and comes with a manual gearbox. It feels way more connected and exciting than many other cars.
BMW Z4
BMW’s Z4 is one of the best convertibles around. It’s smooth and strong thanks to the inline-6 engine that pulls hard and sounds great. Put the top down, and it’s an open-air joy machine that will bring back your love of driving.
Kia Stinger GT
The Kia Stinger GT is surprisingly sporty and fast. The twin-turbo V6 gives it real muscle. It’s also roomy and comfortable, while still eager when you hit the gas. It’s a sleeper car that’s a lot of fun to drive. Oh, and did we mention it’s affordable?
Volkswagen Golf R
The Golf R takes the GTI formula and cranks it up. It’s all-wheel drive, quick, and grips like crazy. Curves and twisty roads are no match, and it handles these like a pro. If it’s tech you want, it’s tech you’ll get in a car that’s wild on the road.
Audi TT RS
Audi’s TT RS is compact, but it packs some real punch. The five-cylinder engine sounds amazing and delivers real speed. It hugs every corner and feels athletic. It’s small, sure, but it’s also stylish and seriously quick.
Honda Accord 2.0T Sport
A practical sedan with a fun side. That’s one way to describe the Honda Accord 2.0T Sport. The turbo engine is punchy, and the ride is incredibly smooth. It used to come with a manual gearbox that made it even more engaging.
Mercedes-Benz AMG A35 Hatch
This hatch is not available everywhere, but where it is, it’s a riot. It’s turbocharged, quick, and handles like a sporty go-kart. The AMG A35 is the car you need if you want an energetic ride that’ll make you love driving again.
Toyota Supra
Toyota’s Supra brings incredible performance and excitement. It looks cool and drives like a dream. The manual option makes it even more fun, improving the handling. It’s a modern sports car with a bit of a nod to the past.
