Toyota Corolla: The new Toyota Corolla hatchback is a surprisingly fun car to drive. It has a light, simple chassis and is available with a manual transmission. Test-drive one today.
Subaru Impreza: The base Impreza is an impressive car. All-wheel drive is standard, and it also has an optional manual transmission. It’s definitely not boring.
Hyundai Elantra GT: Another surprise. It should be a boring commuter hatch, but it’s not. It shouldn’t be fun, but it is. Go for the one with a six-speed manual transmission.
Mini Cooper: The Mini has been getting larger over time. But the three-door version is still extremely joyful to drive. Try it.
Nissan Sentra SE-R: It looks like a normal Sentra with a body kit. And it is. Despite the posing, it is genuinely fun to drive. It’s just not very powerful.
Honda Civic Hatchback: The regular Civic hatch doesn’t have the 300hp of the Type R. But it’s still a blast behind the wheel while being extremely practical. Get it in red.
Honda Accord: This bigger Honda is fantastic. Whether you get the 1.5-liter or the 2.0-liter engine, it’s great to drive. If you want to go full enthusiast on it, get one with the six-speed manual gearbox.
Volkswagen Up!: Okay, this microcar isn’t available in America, but it should be because of how great it is. It’s lightweight chassis, and short wheelbase makes it extremely fun.
Suzuki Jimny: This cool retro off-road capable small Jeep-type vehicle is great to look at and great off-road. But it isn’t available here.
Ford Fiesta: It looks great. It’s a Ford, so it’s great to drive. And it’s so well equipped that you think it’s a more expensive car. Splurge for the Fiesta ST hot hatch. It’s a hoot.
Kia Rio: Kia now makes great looking cars that also offer a good driving experience. This Rio, with a manual transmission, is both those things.
Kia Soul: This edgy family car isn’t for everyone. After all, everyone isn’t cool. Plus it’s practical because it can carry a lot of people and their luggage.
Honda Insight: The original Insight was one of the first hybrid cars sold in America. It achieved 60mpg easily and came with a manual transmission.