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Buying Guide

How to Find the Best Sports Car or Convertible

By definition, sports cars entertain with a connected, rewarding driving experience. Head-turning styling, sharp reflexes, prodigious power, and a driving-focused cabin combine to add excitement to even the most mundane driving chores. But there are key differences to consider.

2026 Dodge Charger R/T driving

Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports

Top Sports cars Questions

Who Makes the Best New Cars?

For sports cars, convertibles, cars, trucks, and SUVs, Consumer Reports’ reliability and owner satisfaction scores are based on survey data of over 300,000 vehicles. Our safety scores incorporate crash test results, distracting controls, and safety tech.
  • Subaru, BMW, Porsche, Honda, Toyota, and Lexus logos on background of tinted green overhead view of highway overpasses

    Which Brands Make the Best Cars and SUVs?

    Consumer Reports rated cars from 31 brands on reliability, owner satisfaction, safety, and road-test scores. Here’s how the manufacturers rank, based on their vehicles’ Overall Scores. See the full chart.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers
  • photo illustration of Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS, and BMW 2 Series with graphic horizontal lines and desert landscape in background

    Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

    See the brands ranked by reliability based on extensive and exclusive owner surveys. See the brand reliability ratings.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers
  • Cars with scores

    Safest Car Brands Ranked by Consumer Reports' Safety Verdict

    Our analysis of crash tests, braking, handling, and crash-avoidance technology reveals the brands that make the safest new cars, SUVs, and trucks. See the safest brands.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images

What Are the Best New Cars?

Consumer Reports rates vehicles based on our independent testing and reliability and owner satisfaction survey data for over 300,000 vehicles. These lists include the top-ranked brands and models for new and used cars, including sports cars and convertibles.
  • 2025 Honda Civic Si driving at night

    10 Top Picks of 2026

    These 10 vehicles set the standard for excellence in Consumer Reports’ testing. See the 10 Top Picks.

    Photo: Honda
  • Ford Mustang GT being tested at Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center, driven around orange cones with trees in background

    New Sports Cars & Convertibles Ratings

    Use our interactive chart to sort and filter the ratings to find the sporty car that shines for reliability, road test, acceleration, and other factors. See the ratings chart.

    Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
  • photo illustration of Rivian R1T and Tesla Model Y with graphic horizontal lines and person walking along side of car next to road and trees tinted grey in background

    10 Most Satisfying Cars

    These are models that Consumer Reports members say they'd buy or lease again—and many are sports cars. See the list.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers

Video: Mazda Miata Is Still the Answer

In this podcast episode, we discuss in animated detail how much we love the cheeky Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster.
The panel shares impressions of the 2026 Mazda Miata and take a joyride through Miata history. We explain why the 2026 model remains one of the purest sports cars you can buy, and weigh its sublime manual transmission, lightweight feel, reliability, and real-world compromises. Plus, we answer an audience question about Tesla Full Self-Driving—and whether human-driven Miatas are really at risk of disappearing.

Should I Buy a Sports Car?


The right sports car can turn any drive into a thrilling ride. Many are available only with an automatic transmission, but that doesn’t mean their performance suffers. If you really want a clutch pedal and stick shift, there are still a few good choices.
  • grey 2026 Honda Civic Si 3/4 facing left

    Sports Sedans

    PRICE RANGE $32,000 to $100,000
    pros & cons
    • High-performance versions of regular sedans bring more power, a tauter suspension, improved brakes, and distinct styling inside and out. A major benefit to choosing a sports sedan over a coupe is that the four-door configuration allows transport for four or five passengers and provides cargo space in the trunk. It’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
    • Prices are often higher than more mainstream models. Cost of ownership can be elevated due to lower fuel economy and pricy tires that don't last as long. The ride can be firm, and the seats can be tight.
  • blue 2026 Subaru BRZ 3/4 facing left

    Sports Coupes

    PRICE RANGE $32,000 to $100,000+
    pros & cons
    • Driving enjoyment is the name of the game, so expect to find that each model delivers agile handling, strong and responsive brakes, and a loud, satisfying bark from the exhaust.
    • With short wheelbases and sweeping body lines, sporty coupes often have compromised rear accommodations, if they have any at all. They’re also a challenge for the driver to get into and out of. The best advice is to try before you buy.
  • red 2026 BMW Z4 3/4 facing left

    Convertibles and Roadsters

    PRICE RANGE $32,000 to $100,000+
    pros & cons
    • Convertibles have either a folding cloth or a retractable hardtop, enabling them to transform from a closed car to an open one, adding a new dimension to driving enjoyment. Roadsters are two-seat convertibles. These tend to be even more targeted at driving purists and consequently can be less practical.
    • Convertibles often cost more than coupes. They can allow more noise into the cabin, and the folding tops bring more wear and care concerns. When the top is down, storage is often limited. Models with back seats can be convenient for stowing things, but they are seldom comfortable for passengers.

How Can I Save Money on My Next New Sports Car?

  • Woman smiling driving on a sunny day

    Best New-Car Deals

    Save money on models recommended by Consumer Reports. See the best new-car deals.

    Photo: Getty Images
  • A woman in a car dealership taking a photo of a New car

    Build & Buy Car Buying Service

    Through this service, members can compare in-stock vehicles, see what others paid for the car they want, and get up-front price offers online from local certified dealers. Learn more about Build & Buy.

    Photo: Getty Images
  • An illustration of a balance scale with a car on one side and a large stack of money on the other.

    Trade In: What's Your Car Worth?

    Check your car's value on a trade-in and private sale with this easy tool. See the car value estimator.

    Illustration: Kiersten Essenpreis

What Does It Cost to Own and Insure a Sports Car?

  • Tesla Model 3 going through the wet handling course

    Best Car Tires of the Year

    Consumer Reports' experts spotlight the best car tires in every category, including all-season, ultra-high performance, and winter/snow. See the best car tires.

    Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
  • An auto repair shop with two mechanics working on an orange car.

    Car Brands Ranked by Maintenance and Repair Costs

    The cost of owning a car goes far beyond what you pay to buy it. A key question is whether you can afford the drip, drip, drip of the maintenance and repairs for as long as you own it. See how the brands rank.

    Photo: Getty Images
  • Illustration of an Orange sedan driving through stormy weather with rain, wind, and deer nearby.

    Best Car Insurance Companies

    The top-rated car insurance companies are based on a survey of over 40,000 policyholders about coverage, price, and other vital factors. See the best car insurance companies.

    Illustration: Federico Gastaldi