1. Dodge Challenger
Price: $24,895
Even though the new Challenger isn’t a purpose-built muscle car like the competition from Ford and Chevy (in fact, the platform is a previous-generation Mercedes sedan), it’s still a sweet, powerful, comfortable ride. If you want a muscle car that actually seats four, go with the Challenger. As it turns out, being an old Mercedes sedan masquerading as a muscle car has its benefits after all.
Price: $22,045
If you want a cheap off-roader, look no further than the iconic Jeep Wrangler. People have been climbing mountains in these things for decades. Not only do you get a capable little car, but you get a pass into a pretty cool community of motoring enthusiasts.
3. Volkswagen Golf TDI
Price: $23,995
Want a car that’s easy on gas but doesn’t have a battery that produces way more carbon emissions in production than it will ever save in fuel economy? Try the VW Gold TDI. It’s comfortable, fun to drive, and efficient, and it has a thoroughly modern turbo diesel, not one of the stinky, smelly, dirty powerplants of yesteryear. Plus, you get to make a choice that’s actually good for the environment, not one that’s only marketed as such.
4. Hyundai Elantra
Price: $16,445
Hyundai seems to have gone through puberty in the last couple years. The company went from the awkward adolescent years to sophisticated adult faster than anyone could have expected. While the last Elantra and everything else it shared the showroom with was total rubbish, the new Elantra is a well-made, efficient, stylish, semi-well-equipped automobile.
5. Ford Mustang
Price: $22,310
The new V6 Mustang admirably fulfills the goals of the original 1964.5 Mustang. The first Mustang was designed to be a fun, stylish car for under $2,500. Today, inflation has taken its toll, but it’s still under $25,000. And the Mustang offers an enticing combination of 305 horsepower, surprisingly good handling, 31mpg, and sexy, retro-modern good looks.
