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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 like fun-to-drive cars! We tried not to dwell on ultra-expensive, exotic type cars, but rather on more everyday drivers that provide a sense of fun and control. We chose our winners from dozens of contenders.

Best New Car for Driving Fun 2009 BMW M3 Starting MSRP $54,500 We vowed not to fill this list with one super-powered trim after another, and we didn't, but BMW's latest M3 clearly wins this sub-category. For the past year, it's won our staff over as the ultimate performance car we all wanted to drive — or at least the one we felt we'd buy if we had the chance. In sedan, coupe and convertible body styles, the M3 is both fast and surprisingly civil. Compared to others in its class, the M3 doesn't punish drivers and passengers in everyday driving, but it will deliver thrills every day.

Best Deal for Driving Fun 2009 Mazda Mazda3 Starting MSRP $14,490 No, we're not talking about the Mazdaspeed3 — which is also quite fun to drive. We're referring to the typical Mazda3 that most buyers opt for. Looking forward to a planned redesign for 2010, the Mazda3 has been the compact car of choice for driving thrills since it debuted for 2004. It handles nimbly and has plenty of pep with either of its four-cylinder engine options.

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Dodge Challenger (2009) Starting MSRP $21,820 Being the center of attention isn't always fun, but there's more to the Challenger: Driving enthusiasts like power and manual transmissions, and for 2009 the Challenger adds a more affordable Hemi V-8 and a nicely executed six-speed manual. A huge car with a stick: It reminds you of the old days — even if you weren't there. Research this car      Build this car

	Honda Fit (2009) Starting MSRP $14,550 As the Fit shows, low-priced cars can be fun to drive, too. With a starting price of $14,550, the Fit offers sporty handling, an eager four-cylinder engine and a standard five-speed manual transmission that's a joy to shift. Thanks to its body style, your friends can join in the fun, too. Research this car      Build this car

Infiniti EX35 (2008) Starting MSRP $31,900 The little-known Infiniti EX35 compact SUV isn't big on backseat legroom, but when it comes to fun it gives up nothing to the likes of the BMW X3 and Acura RDX. What's more, it has more standard engine power and comes in a rear-wheel-drive version that's beautifully balanced and priced thousands cheaper than the AWD-only competition. Research this car      Build this car

Jeep Wrangler (2009) Starting MSRP $20,460 It's no sports car, and it's optimized for off-roading, but there's something unquestionably fun about driving a Wrangler, even on regular old streets. Driving through the mountains or along the beach with the top removed is one of those singular experiences you won't find in any other car. How many of the hundreds of other models can make that claim? Research this car      Build this car

Mazda CX-9 (2009) Starting MSRP $29,820 Schlepping the kids to soccer practice doesn't exactly present an opportunity for fun, but the CX-9 stands out. Its heavy steering isn't for everyone, but in return you'll get precise response with less cornering lean than its peers. Acceleration and braking, too, are unexpectedly good. It won't have you volunteering to be the neighborhood's carpool parent, but in a traditionally sleepy segment, Mazda offers a much-needed difference. Research this car      Build this car

Mazda MX-5 Miata (2008) Starting MSRP $20,635 Sometimes you don't need a lot of horsepower to have fun driving a car, and that's the case with Mazda's MX-5 Miata roadster. It's powered by a small four-cylinder engine, but what makes it so fun to drive is its responsive handling and great dynamics. Many cars today end up limiting the driver's sense of connection with the road, but the Miata enhances it. Research this car      Build this car

Pontiac G8 (2009) Starting MSRP $28,190 Pontiac released its best car in decades at the exact wrong time. While the powerful V-8 GT model is as fuel-efficient as its direct competition, not many people are looking to buy a 361-horsepower sedan these days. Those people would probably change their mind if they took a spin in this roomy, well-balanced driver's sedan. Research this car      Build this car

Porsche Cayman S (2008) Starting MSRP $59,100 Few five-figure cars are as engaging to drive as the Cayman S. Though it lacks the fierce power of competitors like the BMW Z4 M, Porsche's mid-engine wunderkind returns the sort of balance you can't get this side of exotica. Even the brand's flagship 911 can't quite match the Cayman's corner-drifting skills — and the latter's slipstream styling seems to draw more stares. Research this car      Build this car