Top Picks for Driving Fun

We looked over our lists of lifestyles and smacked our collective head: We didn't have a category for people like us, people who just drive for the fun of it! We tried not to dwell on ultra-expensive exotic cars, but rather on everyday drivers that provide a sense of fun and control. We chose our winners from dozens of contenders. Because many of these cars are not crash-tested, they are not drawn from our list of Best Bets.

Best New Car for Driving Fun 2013 Ford Mustang Starting MSRP $22,995 From a base V-6 that feels two cylinders stronger to a GT V-8 that pulls like hell, the Mustang is still the tire-spinning antidote for life's duller moments, with more practicality than Chevrolet's rival Camaro. The V-8 Mustang Boss 302 reaches even higher performance limits, while the stupid-fast Shelby GT500 boasts drivability refinements so its 650 hp (yes, really) doesn't get away from you so easily. Tweaked and refined over the past eight years, the Mustang's 1960s-throwback styling has served the car well. It complements the car's drift-happy handling and addictive acceleration, giving the Mustang a repeat win for this category.

Best Deal for Driving Fun 2013 Mazda Mazda3 Starting MSRP $17,495 The Mazda3 was last year's Best Deal, and like the Mustang, it gets the award again. Credit its nimble moves and a range of four-cylinder engines you'd actually want to drive. Among them is Mazda's SkyActiv 2.0-liter, whose EPA highway mileage tops out at 40 mpg for certain Mazda3 variations. The handling still shines, with sharp steering and impressive balance for a commuter car. Stick-shift purists will appreciate Mazda's knack for smooth-shifting manual transmissions, plus the fact that you can get one with any trim level — a rarity in a segment where manuals are often flimsy afterthoughts for budget shoppers.

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	Audi A4 (2013) Starting MSRP $33,395 The A4's turbo four-cylinder proves that horsepower — a modest 211, in this case — isn't the whole performance story. The drivetrain's robust torque makes for lag-free passing power, while available rear-biased all-wheel drive lends handling confidence. Research this car      Build this car

	Audi TT RS (2013) Starting MSRP $58,095 The TT RS' sole drivetrain is a 360-hp, turbocharged five-cylinder and a six-speed manual. It weighs just 87 pounds more than the TT S despite having a larger-displacement engine, and it behaves like a lightweight performance car, with blistering acceleration, braking and handling. Research this car      Build this car

	Infiniti G37 (2013) Starting MSRP $38,145 The current G has been around since late 2006, but it's as fun as ever. Engaging steering and excellent balance make it easy to kick the tail out, while the V-6 delivers high-revving thrust. We've been impressed six years running with no reason to stop now. Research this car      Build this car

	Mazda MX-5 Miata (2013) Starting MSRP $24,515 Mazda would have to commit a huge bungle on the Miata for the iconic roadster to fall short of this list. It represents drifting glee, stick-shift Nirvana, steering bliss. Find practicality in your other car; this one's all about driving. Research this car      Build this car

	Mini Cooper S (2013) Starting MSRP $24,000 Between the Coupe, Roadster, Clubman, Countryman and Paceman, Mini variants are multiplying faster than "Call of Duty" installments. We still like the original Cooper S hatchback for its adroit handling and spot-on steering. Given Mini's styling pace, the look should wear well until, oh, 2027. Research this car      Build this car

	Nissan 370Z (2012) Starting MSRP $33,910 Want Nissan's VQ-series 3.7-liter V-6 with a car built around it? The 370Z is your ticket. It's the purest expression of the venerated engine, hitched here to a short-throw manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. The Z's low-slung proportions draw stares, too. Research this car      Build this car

	Porsche 911 (2013) Starting MSRP $83,050 Porsche's piecemeal redesign for the 911 began for 2012, and most versions have completed the changeover now. More power and a new seven-speed manual — yes, you heard that right — distinguish the car, as do unprecedented performance and reasonable daily livability. Research this car      Build this car

	Volkswagen Golf TDI (2013) Starting MSRP $18,790 Who'd have thought an EPA 30/42 mpg city/highway would mean beefy power off the line and planted road-holding? The Golf TDI represents an affordable bridge between fuel efficiency and fun, with respectable cabin quality and a workable backseat to boot. Research this car      Build this car