2014 Best Buys: Sports Coupes for Under $50,000

“Just because we’re affordable, it doesn’t mean we aren’t fun to drive!” This is no doubt the sort of thing you’d hear from the free-spirited cars that dominate this category, including the 2014 Ford Focus ST, 2014 Volkswagen GTI, 2014 Scion FR-S/2014 Subaru BRZ, 2014 Ford Mustang, 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and 2014 Nissan 370Z. There are also the 2014 BMW 1 Series, 2014 Chevrolet Camaro, 2014 Dodge Challenger, 2014 Honda CR-Z, 2014 Infiniti Q60, and 2014 MINI Coupe. Oh, and lest we forget the coupe versions of some sedans, such as the 2014 Honda Accord, 2014 Honda Civic, 2014 Kia Forte Koup, and 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.

The winner of this popular category is the 2014 Ford Focus ST. Its value for money ratio simply can’t be beat. Its suspension isn’t terribly comfortable—and it’s exactly this lack of compromise that we love. It’s a sports car, after all!

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Second place goes to the 2014 Volkswagen GTI, which has already earned a stellar reputation. This car also keeps it simple by offering bare-bones driving pleasure. The six-speed manual transmission is impeccable, as is the DSG automatic.

The third spot on the podium is awarded to the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ duo. Practically go-karts made for the highway, these vehicles scored major points for their ultra-precise steering and solid road holding. Plus, they’re just so adorable!