Dreaming of a fast car but not about to spend your life savings? You’re in luck! 2024 offers a range of thrilling cars designed to satisfy your need for speed without wrecking your budget. From zippy hot hatches to muscle car legends, there’s something for everyone who craves performance on a dime.

Eager to find your next ride? Check out these eight fast cars you can snag in 2024 without emptying your wallet.

1. Ford Mustang EcoBoost

The Ford Mustang EcoBoost remains a fan favorite for good reason. It’s proof you can enjoy legendary muscle-car vibes without splurging on a gas-guzzling V8. The 2024 EcoBoost packs a 315-horsepower 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that also churns out a meaty 350 lb-ft of torque.

Its 0-60 mph time of just under 5 seconds is plenty quick for most thrill seekers, and the car’s rear-wheel-drive design ensures an engaging, sporty feel behind the wheel. Plus, Ford equipped the Mustang with a sharp interior and advanced tech like the massive Sync 4 infotainment screen. Starting around $31,000, this car gives you speed, style, and history rolled into one.

2. Mazda MX-5 Miata

If there’s one car that defines affordable driving fun, it’s the Mazda MX-5 Miata. This lightweight roadster doesn’t boast jaw-dropping horsepower numbers, but it doesn’t need to. With a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine delivering 181 horsepower, the Miata feels ultra-responsive thanks to its agile weight of just over 2,300 pounds.

Its 6-speed manual transmission and balanced chassis make for an absolutely joyous experience on winding roads, while a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds flat keeps acceleration lively. Best of all? The Miata starts just below $29,000, letting you enjoy open-top adventures without a second thought about your budget.

3. Hyundai Veloster N

Looking for something a bit different? The Hyundai Veloster N is a quirky hot hatch that delivers serious thrills. Beneath its unique three-door design lies a 2.0L turbocharged engine offering 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque.

Its 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds is helped by an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with launch control, ensuring seamless power delivery. Hyundai’s adjustable suspension and active exhaust system make the Veloster N loads of fun whether you’re hitting the track or cruising around town. Starting at roughly $34,000, it’s well worth the price for the fun and exclusivity it brings.

4. Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is practically synonymous with hot hatch perfection. Whether it’s your first “fast” car or your tenth, it’s impossible not to love the GTI’s combination of practicality and performance.

It’s equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine pumping out 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, which allows it to hit 60 mph in about 5.6 seconds. Handling is sharp, and the interior is just as impressive, with cozy seats and a tech-filled dashboard. Priced starting around $32,000, the GTI proves you don’t need to sacrifice utility for speed.

5. Toyota GR86

The Toyota GR86 delivers pure driving joy at an attainable price. With a 228-horsepower 2.4L flat-4 engine, it’s not the biggest powerhouse around—but that doesn’t matter. The GR86’s light and tidy rear-wheel-drive design allows it to tackle corners with finesse.

Its 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds is respectable for its class, but the real star here is how connected you feel to the car while driving it. With a starting price of just under $30,000, the GR86 is practically tailor-made for car enthusiasts who value handling and feedback over raw speed.

6. Chevrolet Camaro Turbo 1LT

The Chevrolet Camaro Turbo 1LT is living proof that muscle cars can still be budget-friendly. Sporting a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, it delivers 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it plenty fast for the price.

With its 0-60 mph time of about 5.4 seconds, the Camaro Turbo is especially fun paired with its rear-wheel-drive layout and agile suspension. Its aggressive styling ensures you look (and feel) like you’re driving something far more expensive. Starting at just $29,000, this modern muscle car offers an unbeatable bang-for-buck experience.

7. Honda Civic Si

The Honda Civic Si has built a reputation for being a budget-friendly performance car, and the 2024 model reinforces that reputation. Its 200-horsepower 1.5L turbocharged engine gives just the right amount of oomph for an exciting yet practical drive.

Paired with a satisfying 6-speed manual transmission, the Civic Si absolutely shines on twisty roads. It won’t win any drag races with its 7-second 0-60 mph time, but what it lacks in outright speed, it makes up for with balance, usability, and affordability. Priced from around $28,000, the Civic Si continues to be a standout option in the sporty compact field.

8. Dodge Hornet R/T

If you’re looking for something a little different, meet the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T, a plug-in hybrid SUV that’s surprisingly quick. Its combination of a 1.3L turbocharged engine and electric motor yields a potent 288 horsepower and an astonishing 383 lb-ft of torque.

Its hybrid powertrain delivers smooth yet explosive acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds. Plus, it comes with some electric-only capability for shorter drives, making it an option that blends performance with future-facing tech. Starting at roughly $39,000, the Hornet R/T might be one of the more pricey options here, but it offers versatility that few others can match.