Performance Cars Under $25,000

The term "performance vehicle" usually conjures thoughts of expensive exotic and muscle cars, the likes of which most of us regular car shoppers can only have in our dreams and video games. 

The reality, however, is many automakers offer a wide variety of performance-oriented vehicles and trim levels that can easily get the adrenaline pumping for a very reasonable -- we're talking less than $25,000 -- price. And not only do these cars offer a great driving experience, but many come with great fuel economy, versatility and reliability.

Click through to see some cars that boast big performance for a small price. It's time you fed your inner sports car nut -- without having to break the bank.

MSRP: $22,095
Invoice: $21,268
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg City, 34 mpg Highway

The cute little Fiat 500 developed some serious attitude after getting the Abarth (Fiat's performance line) treatment. With a throaty, deep exhaust sound, mean-looking paint jobs and a more powerful engine, this small hatchback projects performance to all of the senses.

 Research the Fiat 500 Abarth
 Fiat 500 Abarth Photos & Information
 Fiat 500 Abarth Best Deals
 Fiat 500 Abarth Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $21,400
Invoice: $20,598
Fuel Economy: NA

The Ford Fiesta ST is a sporty take on the automaker's successful subcompact. A turbocharged 1.6L I-4 engine produces 200 hp, which, for this lightweight little hatchback, is more than enough to get you moving very quickly. Starting at $21,400, it's a lot of fun for a pretty small price.

 Research the Ford Fiesta ST
 Ford Fiesta ST Photos & Information
 Ford Fiesta ST Best Deals
 Ford Fiesta ST Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $24,115
Invoice: $22,486
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg City, 32 mpg Highway

The great thing about the Ford Focus ST is that it offers performance comparable to hot import juggernauts like the Subaru WRX STI and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution for a much better price. Just $24,115 gets you a great turbocharged 2.0L engine, excellent handling performance and 32 mpg on the freeway. That's a heck of a package.

 Research the Ford Focus ST
 Ford Focus ST Photos & Information
 Ford Focus ST Best Deals
 Ford Focus ST Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $22,715
Invoice: $21,105
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway

The Honda Civic is one of the best small cars on the planet. The Si trim adds a bigger engine with a great six-speed manual transmission. The fact that you can get everything that comes with the Civic -- reliability, resale value, etc. -- combined with some performance makes this a stellar option as a sporty car.

 Research the Honda Civic Si
 Honda Civic Si Photos & Information
 Honda Civic Si Best Deals
 Honda Civic Si Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $22,100
Invoice: $21,038
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg City, 35 mpg Highway

The Hyundai Veloster Turbo is an interesting vehicle, namely because of its strange look and name and the fact that it comes with three doors -- 1 on the driver's side and 2 on the passenger. This is a great car to drive and it comes with tons of standard features starting at just $22,100.

 Research the Hyundai Veloster Turbo
 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Photos & Information
 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Best Deals
 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $23,720 - $29,250
Invoice: $22,424 - $27,648
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway

Small, lightweight, balanced and incredibly agile, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is undoubtedly one of the best-driving cars on the road. A summertime drive along a windy road with the top down in this car is sure to cure any trace of the blues.

 Research the Mazda MX-5 Miata
 Mazda MX-5 Miata Photos & Information
 Mazda MX-5 Miata Best Deals
 Mazda MX-5 Miata Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $24,200
Invoice: $23,143
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway

With a turbocharged 2.3L I-4 engine making 263 horsepower, this hot hatch is fast, furious and way, way fun. The downside to the Mazdaspeed3 is that there is so much power being sent to the front wheels, it's hard to keep it going in a straight line when accelerating.

 Research the Mazdaspeed3
 Mazdaspeed3 Photos & Information
 Mazdaspeed3 Best Deals
 Mazdaspeed3 Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $24,200 - $30,995
Invoice: $23,232 - $29,755
Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway

The VW GTI has been a favorite among driving enthusiasts for a long time now. Although a new one was unveiled this spring, the current generation is still a fantastic vehicle. Its 2.0L turbo engine makes 200 hp and its handling is superb.

 Research the Volkswagen GTI
 Volkswagen GTI Photos & Information
 Volkswagen GTI Best Deals
 Volkswagen GTI Local Dealer Price Quote