Our 5 Favorite Cars Under $40,000

The best can also mean budget-friendly.

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It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if it costs more, it must be better. Especially with cars. For $250,000, Bentley does make one helluva SUV, but for $25,000, Mazda makes one of the greatest roadsters to ever grace public tarmac. And since a quarter-million dollars is out of the price range for most, we took a look at our favorite cars under $40,000. It’s certainly a smaller price tag, but it’s more realistic, and you’d be surprised how much car you can get for so much less money.

Ford Focus RS

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Performance cars tend to take themselves too seriously; the Ford Focus RS shows cars can (and should) have a sense of humor.

Cadillac ATS

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Germany needs to check their blind spots: the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe is closing fast, and so is the Cadillac brand.

Mazda Miata RF

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The Miata occupies a rare spot of honest, guileless fun; its new roof makes it meaner.

Ford Mustang GT

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We’re in a new age of American muscle cars. The Mustang and Camaro may be bitter rivals, but are they really all that different?

Mazda CX-3

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So maybe you have to succumb to buying a crossover. With the CX-3, that’s not all bad.