Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cyl hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.

Our Best Buys include Ford Mustang Mazda Miata, and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are Acura RSX, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Pontiac GTO.

New or significantly redesigned models include Mitsubishi Eclipse and Pontiac Solstice.

Eager to mine more gold from the hot-selling Mini, BMW is finishing up a full redesign with more body styles. The U.S. rollout reportedly starts in early 2007 with new-generation 2-dr hatchbacks. A first-time 4-dr hatch bows six months later, followed by updated convertibles in spring of '08. A 2-dr wagon appears very likely, as suggested by a recent well-received concept. Wheelbase on 2-drs is stretched by 2-3 inches for more interior space; the 4-dr gets an even longer span. The makeover also adds a bit to width and overall length, the latter to improve trunk space. Even so, Mini's iconic retro styling won't change that much--a classic case of not fixing what isn't broke. Horsepower apparently won't change much either, but the current Brazilian-sourced 4-cyl engine will give way to a clean-sheet 1.6-liter developed by BMW with Peugeot of France. This new "Prince" mill is said to be lighter, more compact and probably more refined than the outgoing 4-cyl "Tritec" unit. More modern, too, with variable valve timing and direct fuel injection. Transmission choices will also change, with a standard 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic for both Cooper and Cooper S models. The CVT is said to be history. Suspension will be unchanged in concept, but most underskin components should be new and probably upgraded. The same goes for the interior, though its general layout and appearance are much the same. More info as we get it, so keep checking back with us.