At some point in life, I feel like everyone has a favorite sports car and dreams about what it would be like to take that car for a spin, preferably on the Autobahn. When I was little, my dream car was the Ford Mustang. As I got older, I tended more toward European brands like Porsche, Jaguar, and Bugatti, particularly after living in Europe. While I’m not in a practical place to afford one, I still enjoy looking at sports cars and wondering how much fun it would be to have one that isn’t Hot Wheels size. Looking online has made daydreaming even easier––searching “online car sales” or “used sports cars” provides a bountiful array of choices whether you’re looking for a more practical version of a sports car or want to go all in with a tricked-out showstopper. But which ones are the most fun to drive? Below are the five sports cars I think would be an absolute blast to take to the streets and see what they’re made of.
#1 – Porsche 911
Porsche has been making cars since before my grandparents were born, and it shows in the craftsmanship and reliability that Porsche is known for with every model. The 911, however, has the benefit of having been around for about half that time, and with over fifty years of experience, Porsche has fine-tuned the 911 more than most cars, making it one of the most exquisite rides you can dream up. While there are discussions worth having about which styles and trim levels are most sought after, there are plenty of 911s that show up on used car lots at prices many can afford.
The 911 is a gorgeous, zippy sports car with sleek curves, excellent handling, and a distinctly European vibe. You’ve most likely seen the 911 either in film (such as Gone in 60 Seconds), in video and PC games (Need for Speed franchise), or at car shows, turning heads and showing off for admiring fans from around the globe. If the idea of a European sports car or peppy little vehicle strikes your fancy, try finding a Porsche 911 to test drive. I can almost guarantee you’ll be grinning from ear to ear.
#2 – Ford Mustang
As one of the most popular sports cars in America, the Ford Mustang is a classic piece of Americana that remains popular precisely because of its looks and handling. I see at least a few Mustangs almost every day, and the drivers always look happy to be paired with such a wild stallion. Mustangs have been popular since before I was born, and Ford’s dedication to one of America’s favorite sports cars has proven to be a positive choice.
The Mustang is known for its more aggressive styling, its unique accessories, and of course, the Ford name. What some people might not know is that there is a lot of speculation about the hazy history of the origin of the Mustang. In short, it is named after a fighter plane from World War II, as well as reminding one of the Wild West and the horses that symbolized the freedom of the American West. If you’ve ever been drawn to the Mustang, there are quite a few reasonably priced models to be found on used car lots, online or in person, though it is decidedly more straightforward to access the internet instead of having to dress up and drive to your nearest dealership.
#3 – Dodge Challenger
Another American classic, the Dodge Challenger is known as a sports car and a muscle car, drawing fans from all over North America with its steady rumble and bold styling choices. While it has received its share of ups and downs, setbacks, and victories, the Challenger has remained in the public’s eye as one of the most iconic vehicles of the last several decades. The Challenger was retired until 2008, when Dodge decided to bring it back to sell to a new generation. I think part of the draw with the Challenger is its vintage-inspired look (particularly the 2008 model, which hearkened back to the designs of the 1960s and 1970s), and another part is the oomph that comes with putting the pedal to the metal and going through the Challenger’s paces.
A few years ago, Dodge introduced the world to the SRT Hellcat Redeye, the fastest and most powerful muscle car to date. Since some time has gone by, even some of these models are now headed to dealerships with online inventories, so keep your eyes peeled if the Dodge Challenger has captured your attention. The Challenger is a raw force to be reckoned with, so make sure you can handle the heat before taking one of these cars home.
#4 – Chevrolet Corvette
If you’ve ever been part of a conversation about sports cars, the Corvette has most likely made an appearance. Chevrolet’s sports car was inspired by a warship, and as yet another American sports car that was designed after taking notes from war vehicles, the Corvette is also quite aggressive, with a unique design that allows it to stand out without being overly ostentatious. It has a quiet, strong presence with plenty of verve, so much so that it holds the record for most times acting as the Indianapolis 500 pace car.
The Corvette originally appeared as a white vehicle with a red interior, but after the late 1950s, it became available in a wide range of colors, though, of course, the most popular is still that bright cherry red. It is so popular, in fact, that it is responsible for about a third of all sports car sales that occur in the United States. Because of its popularity, you might think it would be difficult to track down a used Corvette, but there are always people looking to upgrade, downsize, or otherwise need quick cash and are looking to sell. You might just get lucky and bring a ‘Vette back home one day.
#5 – Jaguar F-Type
A list of fun-to-drive used sports cars would not be complete without the Jaguar F-Type, a sports car that defines the phrase “the lap of luxury.” Even though it is called a luxury sports car, the purring engine belies the roar that captures everyone’s attention immediately when it starts showing off. It can drive smoothly, quickly, and turn on a dime, meaning this vehicle is one for the pros, or at least those who dream of being a little bit like “Baby” in Baby Driver.
While the F-Type’s engine and other innards are the reason it packs such a punch, there are a lot of people who also appreciate its elegant, luxurious interior, which comes complete with satellite radio, a 26-speaker audio system, leather upholstery, and metal trim. With such a stunning interior, it’s easy to see why the Jaguar is highly sought after. Of course, just because it’s popular doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find one; you may just need to figure out which trim level and model year you’re looking for. Who knows, maybe you’ll test drive a few and fall in love.
The Feeling of Freedom
Sports cars are one of America’s favorite items to buy, drive, or see, and for good reason. We’ve got plenty of space to really test a vehicle’s dependability and speed, and we enjoy that feeling of freedom when hitting the highway, enjoying the ride inside the belly of a beast. While my personal favorite is the Jaguar F-Type, everyone has their own reasons for their choice. What used sports cars do you think would be the most fun to drive?
