2011 Mazda RX-8

Most Mazdas are affordable, fun to drive, and look good inside and out. Many of its crossovers, SUVs, and sedans have earned Consumer Reports’ recommendations and above-average reliability ratings. Used Mazdas are usually a good option for an affordable pre-owned car. Mazda’s two- and three-row SUVs, identified by CX in the name, are consistently near the top of our ratings. Some Mazdas are available as plug-in hybrids that are capable of useful amounts of electric-only driving range. Most Mazdas achieve solid, but not exceptional fuel economy. Though sports cars are less popular now than decades before, Mazda still sells the MX-5 Miata, one of the best of the few remaining enthusiast cars.

Introduced for 2004, the RX-8 is a sporty coupe successor to the RX-7 with a Wankel rotary engine. While acceleration is not explosive, it is exceptionally smooth and responsive -- provided you keep the engine at mid-revs, which becomes natural and sounds invigorating. Handling is super agile, with quick, communicative steering. This truly fun-to-drive sports car doesn't beat you up and seats four. The rear-hinged rear doors make back seat access relatively easy. Fuel economy of 18 mpg was disappointing.