Fun Behind The Wheel, Guaranteed
Driving thrills don’t always come wrapped in supercar curves or high-end badges. You’ll find that some fun cars to drive are hiding in plain sight, disguised as commuter compacts, boxy crossovers, or budget coupes. What they may lack in prestige, they make up for in sheer driving joy. As you read on, you’ll learn about 20 such cars that make everyday drives something genuinely exciting.
1. Ford Fiesta ST
While the economy-car looks may fool you, the Fiesta ST packs turbocharged pep and a tight chassis that begs to be driven. With its quick-shifting manual and go-kart feel, it transforms errands into spirited drives. Small car, big fun, even on a grocery run.
2. Mazda MX-5 Miata
A lightweight body, precise steering, and rear-wheel drive make the Miata a go-to for affordable fun. It’s the poster child for “driving feel,” delivering smiles on backroads without overwhelming power. Every turn feels connected. If you want joy without speed traps, this car is pure magic.
Shadman Samee from Dhaka, Bangladesh on Wikimedia
3. Mini Cooper S (Manual)
It’s spunky and way more engaging than it looks. With a cheeky style, this tiny titan offers sharp reflexes and surprising athleticism. In manual form, it delivers full control and plenty of charm. Nimble steering and a turbocharged engine make city driving feel like a rally stage.
2024 Mini Cooper S (Manual): Is The New Mini Cooper Worth It? by Ben Hardy
4. Honda Civic Si
A cult favorite for a reason, the Civic Si delivers the ideal balance of power, reliability, and driver engagement. Revving the engine and downshifting through the manual box is pure joy. Here’s an everyday commuter with a hidden sports sedan alter ego waiting to come alive.
5. Volkswagen GTI
The GTI invented the hot hatch formula—and it’s still perfecting it. Possessing just the right blend of grip and refinement, this hatchback is a driver’s dream. Add in German build quality and daily practicality, and you’ve got a true icon.
6. Hyundai Veloster N
What looks quirky on the outside hides one of the most thrilling drives under $35,000. It’s a lovable oddball with serious track-day potential. Snappy shifts and corner-carving precision make this hatchback a true standout.
7. Subaru BRZ / Toyota GR86
Built with enthusiasts in mind, these rear-drive twins are all about balance and feedback. The naturally aspirated engine rewards momentum driving, and its low stance grips the road like glue. They aren't the fastest, but few cars are as fun to push.
GR86 vs BRZ vs GT86 - Decisions, Decisions | Everyday Driver by EverydayDriver
8. Fiat 500 Abarth
This pint-sized firecracker mixes turbo power with a snarling exhaust and a cabin that feels like a rally car. It’s loud, brash, and a total riot around town. The Abarth doesn’t just drive—it demands your attention. Perfect for city thrills and tight curves.
9. Mazda3 Hatchback (Manual)
Mazda’s obsession with driving feel shows in the Mazda3. When paired with a manual, it becomes more than a commuter—it’s a refined, agile machine. With precise steering and confident grip, this hatchback is surprisingly satisfying to throw through corners.
10. BMW 2 Series Coupe (230i)
It may be BMW’s entry coupe, but the 2 Series feels like a throwback to the brand’s pure driving roots. Rear-wheel drive, tight proportions, and balanced handling make it a serious joy machine—proof that less weight and good tuning still win.
New 2025 BMW 2 Series 230i Review | The Cooler Alternative to a VW Golf GTi? by Buckle Up
11. Dodge Charger R/T
You don’t always need finesse when you’ve got muscle. The Charger R/T channels old-school V8 power with modern comfort. With its rumbling exhaust and brutal acceleration, it’s more fun than it has any right to be for a full-size sedan.
12. Kia Soul Turbo
It may look like a toaster, but this quirky box-on-wheels surprises with quick acceleration and nimble handling. The Soul Turbo’s playful nature and punchy engine make it fun in ways most crossovers just aren’t. It’s weird—and that’s part of the fun.
13. Nissan Sentra SE-R (2000s)
Back in the day, the SE-R was a true underdog. It took Sentra’s bland looks and added a high-revving engine, firm suspension, and crisp handling. Even though it flew under the radar, it delivered way more fun than expected on twisty roads.
14. Ford Mustang EcoBoost (Manual)
The V8 gets the glory, but the EcoBoost Mustang with a manual still delivers fun in spades. Lighter on the nose and quicker in the curves, it’s a fresh take on American muscle. Turbocharged torque and manual gears bring back that analog thrill.
Ford Mustang EcoBoost *MANUAL* REVIEW on AUTOBAHN by AutoTopNL by AutoTopNL
15. Suzuki Swift Sport
This zippy hatchback is a lightweight, well-balanced joyride. With taut suspension and lively steering, the Swift Sport is an expert with difficult corners. It’s a budget-friendly bundle of energy that feels like it’s always ready for a backroad blast.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima on Wikimedia
16. Toyota Corolla Hatchback (Manual)
Forget what you know about the Corolla name. This hatchback in manual form is nimble, responsive, and eager to play. With flashing sharp lines and a surprisingly sporty ride, it’s one of Toyota’s most underrated offerings in recent years.
The Toyota Corolla Hatchback Manual Is Shockingly Fun by RoadandTrack
17. Honda Fit (Sport Trim)
Small and scrappy, the Honda Fit punches well above its weight. The Sport trim adds sharper styling and firmer suspension, but even more impressive is how it corners like a champ. It’s a secret weapon for anyone who loves compact car fun.
2019 Honda Fit – Sport Trim by Honda
18. Volvo C30 T5
This stylish hatch doesn’t just look good—it drives with spirit. While rare, it’s worth seeking out if you want something unique. With turbocharged torque and a firm chassis, the C30 T5 blends Scandinavian cool with genuine driver appeal.
19. Chevrolet Sonic RS (Manual)
Here’s another proof that even budget cars can deliver real grins. The Sonic RS never got much fanfare, but those who drove it knew better. A punchy turbo engine and manual gearbox made it a delightful ride.
2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS TURBO Summit White Manual 6spd- Walkround and Interior HD1080p by dejayreal
20. Scion tC (Second Gen)
While its styling divided opinions, the second-gen tC had real driving chops. With solid power and a manual transmission, it offered affordable fun. A front-wheel drive coupe with character, it quietly delivered joy without chasing trends.
