- Keep in mind that it is the "cool factor" that sets sports cars apart from the rest of the pack, and my opinion is very much influenced by a car's overall appeal. Whittling down the entire market of sports cars down to the ten best is not easy, but I have tried to keep the ratings as balanced as possible by comparing industry ratings and noting which ones regularly wind up at the top.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata: This car that showed up on every list I looked at, and it's no wonder Car and Driver named it to their overall top ten of 2009 (Reference 1). The Mazda Miata has been around for years and the model's longevity is a testament to its durability and appeal.
Pontiac Solstice: This is another powerhouse that showed up on every list of bargain sports cars I looked at. The 2009 Solstice offers a good overall driving experience but really excels in looks (Reference 3).
Mitsubishi Eclipse: Another affordable, eye-catching option, the Eclipse offers the looks of a souped-up coupe but the smooth ride of a sedan. - Chevrolet Corvette: This car is a perennial favorite, driven by my father first in the 1980s and then again in 2007. It is quick, reliable, affordable, and instantly recognizable. In short, the Corvette is a classic through and through.
Porsche Boxter: The Boxter is another favorite of critics year after year, but the model never seems to show any signs of age. Also, according to U.S. News Rankings & Reviews, the Porsche Boxter has amazing resale value.
Porsche Cayman: Porsche has another luxury sports car winner in the Cayman, which is very similar to the Boxter; again, one of the best selling points is the fantastic resale value of a well maintained Porsche...not to mention how fun they are to drive. - Porsche 911 Carrera: Moving up the scale to super luxury sports cars, Porsche makes yet another entry in this list with the updated 2009 911 Carrera. From what I've gathered from reviews, this is the golden standard by which most other sports cars are measured. It ranked number one in U.S. News' Rankings and Reviews, and got an editors' choice rating from Car and Driver. If that's not enough, it goes 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.
Jaguar XK: Jaguar's newest installment boasts more power and a sleeker design. As U.S. News' Rankings and Reviews notes, the XF is not quite as sporty as other entries in this class, however, it still offers a classic Jaguar experience in a very modern package. - Lamborghini Murcielago: According to the U.S. News Rankings and Reviews, this car was named after a bull that survived 24 stab wounds from a matador. It looks like it was built in the matrix and has a 631 horse-power V-12 engine. If you're not behind the wheel when this is on the road, get out of the way.
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti: Rounding out the top ten is this entry from Ferrari, and surprisingly it is a four-seater. The Scaglietti offers a true luxury sports car experience, from its performance and spacious interior, right down to the luxury price tag of $312,000.
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