If a car has performance figures worth bragging about, nine times out of 10, you can tell from miles away. Flared arches, massive hood scoops, cavernous cooling vents and, of course, an overzealous rear wing — all billboards announcing spec-sheet prowess to the world. It's automotive peacocking at its finest.
But, if you’re one of those people who prefer subtlety and chart-topping performance, the “sleeper” is the car for you. The sleeper car doesn’t broadcast that it has enough horsepower to make a supercar blush, nor that it can hunt apexes like a Le Mans winner. No, at first glance it’s unassuming, hiding its performance — until it’s needed. Sleepers are the “quiet ones” you have to look out for.
Below are 10 sleeper cars from the past decade that patiently, quietly yearn for when the light turns green.
Pontiac GTO (2004-2006)
Essentially a two-door Chevy from Down Under with a Corvette engine, the Aughts-era GTO gave no impression that it could compete with cars at twice the price (other than its historic name).
Just because a 3 Series doesn’t wear an M badge doesn’t mean it can’t hang. The 335i sat just below the M3 in the lineup, and was considered the benchmark for the "standard" German sport sedan. Both the E90 and F30 generations pack a wallop.
The WRX STi may get all the attention, but considering the price-to-performance ratio, the standard WRX is the better deal. The third-generation model of this Subaru dialed back the visual madness versus the second- and fourth-gen versions — making it much more restrained and better at flying under the radar.
At first glance, the GTI may look like a sensible family hatchback, but this VW is one of the founding fathers of the hot-hatch segment. And while other cars that fall into the hot-hatch group are usually adorned with big spoilers and flared wheel arches, the GTI’s only obvious performance indicators are the red highlights around the grille.
When Ford revealed the new Taurus in 2010, it was described as going "from a Homer Simpson design to a Superman design." Buyers, sadly, didn't take to it quite as well as Ford might have hoped, but that's no fault of the SHO version, which packed a 365-hp twin-turbo V6 and AWD to make the most of it.
You can still score one of these Hondas new from the factory, but that means missing out on the chance to grab one with a six-speed manual; that was discontinued for the 2021 model year. Whether you go stick shift or 10-speed automatic, however, the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four (a modified version of the Civic Type R's motor) means this car looks like an Uber but flies like a Boeing.
If you want to talk about “under the radar,” look no further than the Buick Regal GS. The Buick badge is the perfect smokescreen for hiding Brembo brakes, a six-speed manual (only with front-wheel-drive; you could get AWD with the auto) and sticky Pirelli P-Zero tires.
Most of Mazda’s cars fly under the radar, but the smaller Japanese car maker produces some of the best bargain performance cars on the market. And when they attach “speed” to the name, all bets are off.
The SS may look like just another Chevy four-door, but under the sedated styling is a delightful performance car powered by an LS3 Corvette engine. Prices have started to rise in recent years as people realize how good it is, but you still will have trouble beating it for this price.
The SRT versions may get all the press, but don't count the R/T versions out; they still pack 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. Better yet, rather than looking so aggressive as to encourage would-be street racers, they look more like cop cars. Expect To Pay: $18,000–$35,000
Don’t let the pint-sized Fiesta ST fool you. Any rally driver worth his weight in flying gravel will tell you the Fiesta ST is a force to be reckoned with, as far as FWD cars are concerned.
Goldwin's Mac Coat is made from Gore-Tex Paclite – which is lightweight, waterproof, breathable, packable and doesn't compromise on a soft handfeel. Get 15 percent off one of your own by signing up for the brand's newsletter.
Staub's enameled cast iron is versatile, distributes heat evenly, and works with any heat source, including induction. This is one of our favorite pieces of cookware.
Anthony Bourdain always said you really only needed one good knife in the kitchen. This one could be it. It is made with a fiberglass handle and a three-layer blade construction that will stand the test of time.
Huckberry and Timex threw it back to the 70s and 80s with this collaboration. Starting with a blank slate, the brands led with the iconic cola colorway, added a military-inspired dial and finished it off with a woven stainless steel bracelet and aluminum timing bezel.
Using half bison fiber and half wool, the Bison Ultralight weighs less than a pound and offers extremely well insulation. It also sports a recycled ripstop shell with a PFC-free DWR coating and compactly folds into its own pocket.
Best Made is back and we're grateful because it means we have access to its thoughtfully made goods that are always high quality. This pocket knife is forged by a fifth-generation Japanese blade maker and will develop a patina over time that is unique to you.
When it comes to keeping temperature, ThermoWorks is elite. The brand is a leader in humidity trackers, pH monitors and meat probes, but its marquee product is the humble Thermapen. If you don't believe us, ask chefs and grillmasters everywhere.
Huckberry teamed up with the squad at GORUCK to make a pared-back version of GORUCK's flagship GR1 backpack that still packs a solid punch. Made with 500D Cordura, it is tough but not overdoing it with super thick fabric. One of its coolest features is the laptop compartment, which sits higher against your back so that it is protected if the bag gets dropped.
Solo Stove took the 360 Airflow Design that made its fire pit so exceptional and turned it into a charcoal grill that is perfect for backyard hangs. This bundle comes with the grill, a grill stand, a cover, a carry case, plus briquettes and starters to get you going.
This is your new go-to for spring. Whether you're headed to the gym, lounging around the house or pairing it with a button-down shirt, this heather crewneck will get the job done. Todd Snyder sure knows how to outfit the American man.
If you want a mask with more protection and versatility than a simple cloth mask, check out this one from Outdoor Research. It has adjustable straps to keep your fit dialed and comes with three replaceable filters that block out 95 percent of particles.
Casio's legendary G-Shock line is not only a utilitarian achievement but is also just super stylish. You can find G-Shocks everywhere, from space to the street. This one is a bit pared back compared to others, which makes it an excellent addition to any fit any time.
With a not-too-short-but-not-too-long 8-inch inseam, these versatile shorts are excellent for going out for a run but won't show too much skin when you head to the gym. Plus, they have four pockets. Who doesn't love pockets?
This desk lamp is packed with features that will make you wonder how you lived without it. Aside from its lighting, it utilizes RavPower's groundbreaking HyperAir technology for ultra-fast wireless charging and has a USB port for any other devices you might have.
Hydro Flask really needs no introduction at this point, so when you can get a 32-ounce wide mouth with its Temp-Shield insulation at 31 percent off, you do it.
Making more coffee from home now? So are we. Ditch the Mr. Coffee and unlock all the flavor your freshly roasted beans have to offer with a french press. It is super simple to use and really does make exceptional coffee.
Stasher bags are one of our favorite alternatives to single-use plastic wrap and bags. They keep your food fresh, contain no BPA and are dishwasher and microwave safe. Plus, you can also use them for marinades or sous vide thanks to their Pinch-Loc seal.
This is our pick for the best big and tall office chair, but that doesn't mean it won't work for those of us that are more vertically challenged. The ergonomics on this chair are excellent, ensuring that you stay comfortable for the long haul.
A midweight insulated jacket is a must-have in every outdoor enthusiast's wardrobe. This one from The North Face is packed with features, including a DWR finish to fend off light rain, post-consumer recycled insulation and is packable for easy stowing (or for use as a travel pillow).
Four-way stretch, seamless construction, and extreme breathability make this our pick for the best premium workout shirt. It is simple, and simply good.
This smart vacuum senses when it is full, locks itself back into its port and empties without any work on your end. It also keeps a record of its ventures into your home, making for more efficient journeys in the future. This combo includes an Echo Dot for only $10, which is a valuable add-on that has many more benefits than just the vacuum connectivity.
If you have trouble waking up, especially in the winter, getting an artificial light to simulate sunrise is a great option. This alarm clock features nature sounds to wake you up, tap snooze and an auto-dimming display.
This is one of The North Face's most iconic silhouettes. Supremely warm, this jacket comes in four retro colorways and has a relaxed cut that is both street-ready and mountain-ready.
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