That left two players that weren't really similar enough to form a cluster. And out on a far edge was Suzuki's new Swift GT, which makes some comfort compromises in order to be truly tiny. Just off center in this subcategory was the racy, slightly raucous Storm GSi that Isuzu builds for sale through Chevy's Geo dealers. But the Colt GT proved refined, too, and had amenities such as power-assisted steering. For years, the Honda Civic Si has been the standard-bearer for low-priced refinement (as has the CRX, which is basically just a flashier, two-seat Civic). As the trip progressed, we continued to be impressed by the remarkable finesse, refinement, and smoothness built into these painstakingly engineered machines. The other major grouping was Mainstream Japanese, where the central players were the Mitsubishi-built Dodge Colt GT and the two Hondas. The Plymouth Sundance RS was a fringe member of this group, delivering similar acceleration but with better composure. But they didn't feel very satisfying in the process, seeming dated at best, crude at worst, depending on how hard they were pushed and how nasty the road conditions. Hustled through Ohio's hills, the Beretta GT, the Cavalier Z24, and the Sunbird GT were able to deliver serious acceleration and grip-thanks to their strong engines and big tires. One was Mainstream Domestic, anchored by the homegrown GM products from Chevrolet and Pontiac. And a grand total of one earned our pick as the finest under-$13,000 sportster you can buy today.Īlmost immediately, the test fleet began to form itself into a couple of clusters, based on road manners and general technological approach.Īlmost immediately, the test fleet began to form itself into a couple of clusters, based on road manners and general technological approach. In the end, there emerged a grand total of four cars that we agreed we could enjoy as primary transportation. We were surprised by some of the cars, impressed by a few, and delighted by a couple. Our fleet embodied a number of design and development philosophies, hinted at a wide range of engineering budgets, and represented four nations of origin. As expected, that drive taught us a lot about the eleven contestants that met our criteria.

Then we took off on a 900-mile highway/city/back-road jaunt. Allowing a maximum price per car of $13,000-including air conditioning and a radio-we brought together every sports-oriented two- and three-door coupe and sedan we could get our hands on. We jumped into the middle of this lively and competitive market to explore the choices available to the enthusiast who needs reasonable transportation but wants an affordable sporty car. By some reckoning, these are the best automotive buys in the world. Some of the most competently engineered and slickly sophisticated automotive products on the market live in the economy segment, where hot hatches and spirited sporty two-doors mate great fun and affordable utility.

Still, that doesn't mean we have to forego stylish design or driving pleasure in the interest of practical transport. But not all of us have the inclination or the wherewithal to shower ourselves with Testarossas or Corvettes or even MR2s. From the June 1990 issue of Car and Driver.Įveryone needs transportation.

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