It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if it costs more, it must be better. Especially with cars. For $250,000, Bentley does make one helluva SUV, but for $25,000, Mazda makes one of the greatest roadsters to ever grace public tarmac. And since a quarter-million dollars is out of the price range for most, we took a look at our favorite cars under $40,000. It’s certainly a smaller price tag, but it’s more realistic, and you’d be surprised how much car you can get for so much less money.
Ford Focus RS
Performance cars tend to take themselves too seriously; the Ford Focus RS shows cars can (and should) have a sense of humor.
Cadillac ATS
Germany needs to check their blind spots: the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe is closing fast, and so is the Cadillac brand.
Mazda Miata RF
The Miata occupies a rare spot of honest, guileless fun; its new roof makes it meaner.
Ford Mustang GT
We’re in a new age of American muscle cars. The Mustang and Camaro may be bitter rivals, but are they really all that different?
Mazda CX-3
So maybe you have to succumb to buying a crossover. With the CX-3, that’s not all bad.
