The Best Cars Under $100,000 in 2024
You don't need to spend six figures to own a truly world-class car. Here are the greatest cars for under $100,000.
Over the last few years, $100,000 has become an increasingly interesting price point. Many great cars have been priced beyond the six-figure mark, but there's still a large variety of cars of all shapes, sizes, and specialties that come in below six figures. These are the ones to buy.
Looking for a set of more affordable sports cars? Check our our list of recommendations right here.
2023 BMW M2
Price: $63,195
As with the last generation, the new M2 is the best car BMW makes right now. It's better to drive than its bigger siblings, less offensive-looking, and nearly as quick. Best of all, you can still get it with a manual transmission.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette
Price: $65,895
The Chevy C8 Corvette is a revelation. A new mid-engine setup means a revolution in looks, acceleration, and handling, resulting in one of the best cars America has ever seen. Even in its cheapest trim, the C8 is a blast to drive.
2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Price: $93,390
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a masterpiece. It came close to winning our Performance Car of the Year event in 2022, bested only by the faultless Porsche 911 GT3. A solid chassis, magnetic suspension, and abundance of grip, the CT5 is more capable in the curves than any 4000-lb car has a right to be. Once you factor in the masterful drivetrain, it's hard not to love.
2024 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0
Price: $96,850
For the money, arguably no car handles as sharply as a Cayman. And from 2022, the GTS gets a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six, dropping the powerful but unexciting turbo-four. Rowing through the gears is an incredible experience that everyone should have at least once.
2023 Toyota Supra
Price: $45,735
The Supra might not be the greatest-driving car on this list, but it's still worthy of praise. Even better, Toyota's finally added a manual transmission option for 2023, meaning you can row your own gears if you want to. But be prepared to drop an extra $10,000 for that extra pedal, because the stick is only available with the bigger straight-six engine, not the inline-four car.
2023 Nissan Z
Price: $42,085
The new Z might just be an extremely refreshed version of the old car, but that doesn't make it any less great. We found it a more enjoyable experience versus the Supra in our comparison test thanks to its more engaging nature at the limit.
2024 BMW M3 and M4
Price: $75,295 / $77,995
BMW's nostril-nosed M twins might not be lookers, but as far as speed goes, they're some of the quickest on this list. Even in base, manual form either can trounce a race track at lightning pace, all while delivering that signature BMW feel.
2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Price: $62,390
No, the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing doesn't have a monstrously torquey V-8 like its brother, the CT5. But it does have pretty much everything else, including a slick manual transmission and perfect chassis tuning. It's cheaper than an M3, an also drives better. What's not to like?
2023 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE
Price: $72,195
The supercharged 650-horsepower Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE is one of the cheaper cars on this list, yet it offers arguably the most performance. With wildly advanced suspension and functional aerodynamics, it's one serious track machine.
2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Price: $81,855
Against all odds, Alfa Romeo made an absolutely phenomenal sports sedan with the Giulia Quadrifoglio. It has an incredible drivetrain package in its 505-hp V-6 and paddle-shift automatic, and some of the sharpest handling abilities of any car at any price. While the jury is still out on build quality and reliability, the Giulia Quadrifoglio counters by offering more engagement than any of its rivals. It even makes a lot of true sports cars feel dull.
2024 Jaguar F-Type
Price: $79,175
Jaguar dropped its four- and six-cylinder powertrain options for the F-Type in 2022, meaning now there's only one choice in engine: The company's rowdy supercharged V-8. The cheapest trim, the P450, makes a healthy 444 hp. Thanks to an eight-speed automatic driving power to the rear wheels, it can sprint to 60 mph in four seconds flat.
2023 Caterham 620R
Price: $72,900 (about $90,000 when built)
Going through importer Superformance, you can now get a fully wired Caterham 620R rolling chassis for $72,900. Keep in mind, however, that since that price is sans engine, you're looking at a total of about $90,000 after purchase and installation of the 310-hp supercharged Ford 2.0-liter. That might sound pricey for a minimalist car, but a sub-3-second 0-60 mph time will ensure you'll be a blip on the horizon ahead of cars costing three to four times more. Who needs creature comforts when you have this kind of power-to-weight ratio?
2024 Lotus Emira
Price: $77,100
As performance cars become heavier and more complicated, the Lotus Emira keeps things refreshingly simple. This is one of the most honest sports cars on sale today. It's got the amazing handling finesse you expect from Lotus, with real grunt from its 400-hp supercharged V-6. If you think the 911 is too big and heavy, the Emira is your car.
2023 Lexus LC500
Price: $95,600
The Lexus LC500 is arguably one of the most beautiful cars on sale right now, at any price. Match that with a lovely naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 and a great chassis setup, and you get a fantastic grand touring experience fit for a halo car.
2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Price: $29,215
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is better suited to a "Best Cars Under $30,000" list, but we decided to include it here too, since it's just that good. The tiny two-seat roadster provides some of the most enjoyment of any new car at any price. Drive one and tell us we're wrong.
Brian Silvestro is Hearst Autos' former lead deputy editor for rankings content. He spent over seven years as a staff writer for Road & Track Magazine where he contributed car reviews, industry interviews, and more. He has a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing.
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