Head-Turning Cars Under 25K
There are plenty of coolly logical and entirely rational factors to consider when purchasing a new car. Now forget about those, and keep reading.
We’ve come up with a list of cars that play to a baser automotive instinct than the search for good fuel economy, spacious rear seats, or cupholders that accommodate juice boxes and Big Gulps. These are the cars that turn heads and get thumbs-up everywhere you go.
The best news is you don’t have to risk your credit rating—or the wrath of a significant other—when putting one of these beauties in your driveway. Driving a car that looks like a million bucks doesn’t mean you have to hand over a seven-figure sum to own one.
2011 Chevrolet Camaro
What is it?
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro is the American automaker’s red, white and blue-collar muscle car. Although the Camaro is available with a choice of V-6 or V-8 engines, sticking to our $25,000 price ceiling means you’ll have to opt for a less powerful model.
In the case of the Camaro, though, making do with the base 312-bhp 3.6-liter V-6 is hardly what we’d call a performance sacrifice. It’s plenty quick for daily driving. An entry-level Camaro LS comes with cruise control, power front seats, power windows and air conditioning, all for approximately $23,500. That leaves room in your budget for essentials, like optional racing stripes!
Why is it hot?
Introduced last year as a 2010 model, the Camaro still looks like a wild concept car. From its menacing blacked-out grille to its bulging rear fenders, American muscle cars don’t get any better looking than this.
Just don’t expect to see much of the outside world from behind the wheel. The Camaro’s low greenhouse looks cool, but it has blind spots big enough to hide a bowling alley. At least the steel wheels on the base model will be cheaper to fix if you hit a curb.
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
What is it?
The 2010 Hyundai Genesis is the Korean automaker’s take on the traditional rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. Depending on your budget, the Genesis Coupe can be configured as a fresh-looking economical sports coupe, or track-focused performance machine when equipped with the optional 3.8-liter V-6 engine.
We prefer the best of both worlds: a lower base price and better fuel mileage, along with the style and driving fun found in the sportier models. The Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec rings in at approximately $24,500, and comes with a 210-bhp turbocharged 4-cylinder and 6-speed manual transmission.
Why is it hot?
The heavily sculpted sides of the Genesis Coupe give it the appearance of a bulging bicep. So why not complete the look and opt for the 2.0T R-Spec in Hyundai’s “Tsukuba Red” paint?
Hyundai has a reputation for building economical transportation with a great warranty. The Genesis Coupe now adds styling flair to this otherwise mature mix. Consider your marriage safe if you buy one, so long as you don’t need room in the (cramped) rear seats for kids.
2011 Ford Mustang
2011 Ford Mustang
2011 Ford Mustang
What is it?
The 2011 Mustang proves a good thing can keep getting better. While the basic shape dates back to 2005—not to mention the 1960s’ original that inspired the retro look—the ’Stang still looks great.
For the 2011 model year, the base Mustang comes equipped with a 305-horsepower V-6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission and electronic stability control, all for around $22,100. Add the optional 6-speed automatic and a set of 18-in. alloy wheels, and you’re still within our $25,000 budget cap.
Why is it hot?
A long hood and short rear deck make the Mustang look like it’s in motion even when standing still. There are tons of ways to mix and match colors and trim levels, which is why so many Mustangs have a fantastic custom-built appearance.
There also happens to be a horsepower war going on at the lower end of the muscle car spectrum, with Chevy and Ford pumping up the power in their base V-6 engines. This means you can have the economy of a V-6, with nearly the firepower of a V-8, and with cash left to load up your Mustang with side scoops, chrome billet grille, racing stripes, hood scoop and window louvers.
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