Fun-to-Drive Cars that Don't Look the Part
Cars don't have to look like a Ferrari to be sporty. There are a few cars that are more fun to drive than their looks or reputation might suggest. None of these are going to command the performance of a super car, but they offer a surprisingly fun driving experience.
2010 Acura TL SH-AWD: Short for Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive, the TL SH-AWD is considerably sportier than the base TL. We were surprised how aggressive Acura went with the SH-AWD model because the regular TL is so cruise-friendly with its soft suspension. The SH-AWD rides much firmer and its all-wheel drive always finds grip in corners.
2010 BMW X6: It's worth noting the BMW X6 is all about high performance. That's most evident with its impracticality as a people-hauler — it's only a four-seater. The base engine is potent, with 300 horsepower, but the optional 400-hp, twin-turbo V8 gives the X6 sports-car-like acceleration.
2010 Ford Focus: The Ford Focus may not have a reputation among shoppers as being sporty but it does reward drivers with an engaging driving experience, especially when paired with a manual transmission. Even the sedan encourages playful driving and has respectable acceleration.
2010 Honda Insight: A fun-to-drive hybrid? Yep, relatively speaking, of course. Hybrids aren't typically sporty but the Insight tries to be, going as far to offer steering-wheel shift paddles. Our editors liked the crisp handling and responsive steering, although its acceleration isn't much to get excited over.
2010 Honda Odyssey: The Mazda5 is kind of a hatchback minivan but the Odyssey is a legit, full-size minivan that can seat eight. Why is it on the list? We like the Honda's engaging driving experience thanks in part to the firmer ride (compared to other minivans) and precise steering.
2009 Infiniti EX35: Based on Infiniti's G Sedan, the EX35 is a luxury compact crossover more along the lines of a wagon than SUV. With a responsive 297-hp V-6, rear-drive-based platform and firm ride, the EX35 drives like a sports sedan in SUV clothes.
2010 Mazda3: Mazda's little four-door hatchback (also available in sedan form) handled an extremely fast racetrack with precision you wouldn't expect in a car that's not built for high performance. The Mazdaspeed3 is the high-performance version, but when we took the regular Mazda3 around Road America in Wisconsin we found a lot of track performance in this street car.
2010 Mazda5: Technically a minivan — it has sliding doors — the Mazda5 is way too much fun to call a true minivan. The six-seater feels more like a large hatchback and has sporting credibility with its standard manual transmission and tight steering response.
2010 Subaru Forester XT: We named the Forester our Best Car for Small Families for 2009. While its merits as a family hauler are obvious, the more expensive XT comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder that spools up quickly and gives impressive acceleration, especially when passing on the highway.
2010 Toyota RAV4 Sport with V-6: The RAV4 only makes this list with its V-6 engine, cranking out an impressive 263 hp in what's basically a compact, lightweight SUV. Acceleration is surprising and the engine never seems to run out of power.
