Despite only making a maximum of 158 horsepower in top-spec Si trim, a lightweight body and fantastic handling make any version of the CRX a joy to drive.
Honda
Volkswagen Beetle
Most original Beetles make a horsepower number in the lower-two-digit range. But there's a reason so many people love them despite their lack of pace. They exude character and make any drive an event to remember. This one has working air conditioning, and you can own it today.
Volkswagen
Toyota Corolla XRS
It might not look like much, but the Corolla XRS is actually a hoot. It has a detuned version of the 2ZZ inline-four engine found in the Lotus Elise, capable of revving over 8000 rpm. It might only make 170 horsepower, but you'll be smiling the entire time.
Toyota
Honda S660
The S660, with its 64-hp turbocharged inline-four, isn't sold in America, and that's a shame. We loved driving it, despite its having less than half the horsepower of a base Civic here in the United States.
Honda
Lexus IS300
Though it may look like any other plain Japanese sedan, the IS300 is actually pretty cool underneath. It has a naturally aspirated 2JZ straight-six that, while not hugely powerful, provides a silky-smooth delivery. It sends power to the rear wheels via an optional five-speed manual transmission which is the perfect formula for fun. Here's one listed for $2950 on eBay.
Lexus
BMW 318i
Although the E30-generation M3 gets all the attention, pretty much every E30 in the range is fun to drive. That's especially true with the four-cylinder 318i base model. A lighter nose and less features meant less weight and a more tossable package. This 318is is for sale right now.
BMW
Mazda 6
The naturally aspirated version of the Mazda 6 sedan can be had with a manual transmission. So while it's not the turbocharged six-speed Mazdaspeed 6 you've been wishing for, it's still a good time. This 2016 model is on eBay right now.
Brad Fick - Car and Driver
Honda Beat
The Beat is a kei car that had to make a maximum of 64 horsepower to conform to Japanese regulations at the time. Although it doesn't sound like much, the engine, an inline three-cylinder with individual throttle bodies, could rev all the way past 9000 rpm.
Honda
Honda Accord 1.5T
Thankfully, Honda still offers the Accord with a manual transmission. As with any Honda shifter, it feels great to use and makes the base engine much more fun than you'd expect.
Honda
Honda Civic Hatchback
The base Civic hatchback makes do with a 1.5-liter turbo four pushing out 174 horsepower. That's a lot less than the Type R, but considering the hatch's excellent chassis balance and available manual transmission, we're sure it can make you smile around a corner.
Honda
BMW 230i
No, the 230i doesn't have nearly as much power as its M240i or M2 siblings, but it's actually the best one of the three to drive. The light curb weight and lack of power mean you can go flat out almost everywhere and not burn a ton of fuel while doing it. This one has had just one owner, and it's for sale.
BMW
Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86
Despite enthusiasts' cries for more horsepower, Subaru and Toyota continue to offer the BRZ and 86 exclusively with a 205-hp naturally aspirated boxer four. Despite the car's lack of power, it's still a joy to toss around corners and take to the track. Here's one painted in black on eBay right now.
Subaru
Mitsubishi Mirage
At 1973 pounds, Mitsubishi's Mirage is the lightest car for sale in the U.S.A. It also has just 74 horsepower. It has gotten flack for being so cheap that it cuts corners, but that's to be expected. In the right hands, it can be a ton of fun. This 2015 model is on eBay right now for $8000.
Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is always a great choice. It has a great chassis and just enough power to be fun when you need to be, but it's not overpowering. Just make sure to get the manual. Here's one that you can own today.
Honda
Caterham Seven 160
How we wish we got the Seven 160 in the United States. It has a three-cylinder Suzuki engine with just 80 horsepower, which gets the lightweight Caterham to 60 mph in what seems like a leisurely 6.5 seconds . . . at least for a car that has a variant that can do it in 2.9.
Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf has a fantastic chassis. Pair that with the base engine and the manual transmissionand you have a winner that's frugal, fun, and quick enough. This one's for sale on eBay, and you can own it.
BMW 328d Wagon
The 328d is also available as a sedan, but spring for the wagon. It's all-wheel drive, and it has a mountain of torque and tons of room for all your stuff. It's great for your bad-weather fun time. This one's up for bidding now.
Fiat 500 Twin-Air
The 500 Twin-Air is another car we can't get in America, but the buzzy little two-cylinder engine has been lauded the world over. It just sounds like it'd be a fun little machine.
Fiat
Subaru Impreza
You can get an Impreza with a manual gearbox, meaning you have a flat-four engine (like a Porsche!), all-wheel drive, and gears you select yourself. And it's composed when you start going fast. Here's a sedan version for sale on eBay right now.
Subaru
Chevrolet Spark
Chevy's Spark has just 98 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque. That means you need to wring its neck every time you want to go fast. And it responds. It's a little sweetheart. This example is listed for $10,000.
Chevrolet
Ford Fiesta 1.0-Liter
The little 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost in the Fiesta is a revelation. It feels like a mini straight-six out of a race car. Pair it with the manual gearbox, and you have a car that is a ton of fun at any speed. This one's listed for sale right now.
Ford
Mazda 2
The Mazda 2 is the rare car that you can run to redline in nearly every gear and not be close to breaking a speed limit. The compliant chassis also means it's competent and fun in the corners. No wonder it's a base for Spec B racing. Here's one painted in a bright shade of green that you can own today.
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