Cars That Are Really Fun to Drive

Fun factor: Driving a small, capable, and attractive two-seater with the top down and the wind in your hair is the quintessence of automotive fun, and the Miata delivers that in its purest form.

Pros: On top of its nimble handling, a playful exhaust sound, and classic sports car proportions, the Miata tends to have strong resale value, in case you ever need to trade it for something more practical.

Cons: The tight interior might be cramped for larger drivers. The trunk is very small—well under 5 cubic feet—with only enough room for some groceries, or luggage for a weekend getaway.

Fun factor: The C-Max hybrid is more than just a utilitarian economy car. It offers lively handling, and the electric motor in its hybrid powertrain provides a healthy dose of torque for zippy acceleration.

Pros: Along with its agility, the C-Max has a stable ride, a roomy interior, hatchback utility, and more than 24 cubic feet of cargo space (less in the plug-in hybrid version, which has a larger battery pack). The C-Max got 37 mpg overall in our fuel economy testing, and CR members reported seeing higher figures.

Cons: The testers found that certain controls were annoying to operate; some may find its minivan-esque looks a turnoff.

Fun factor: The sporty handling, sleek styling, and responsive steering of the CX-5 set it apart from more rational, less exciting choices such as the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Its engaging dynamics and SUV utility prove that you can have your cake and eat it too.

Pros: Compared with other SUVs in its price range, the CX-5 has a more comfortable ride, one of the quietest, highest-quality interiors available, and standard automatic emergency braking.

Cons: It has less interior space and worse visibility than its dowdy competitors, and its complicated infotainment controls can take awhile to get used to.

Fun factor: Long known as one of the best sports sedans on the market, the 3 Series has the requisite agile handling, responsive brakes and steering, and snappy acceleration. It’s also downright playful. The 2019 redesign brought more active safety features and better fuel economy.

Pros: The 3 Series blends great performance and handling with dapper styling, a luxurious interior, and a relatively easy-to-use infotainment system.

Cons: Routine maintenance can be more expensive than for nonluxury models, and if the car is out of warranty, repairs can be very expensive.

Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the March 2024 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.