The Best Cars Under $100,000 in 2022
You don't need to spend six figures to own a truly world-class car. Here are the greatest cars for under $100,000.
The 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.
The 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.
We’re huge fans of the Shelby GT500. We’re not going to try to hide that. In fact, we named it our Performance Car of the Year when new. Its 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 makes 760 horsepower, it sounds absolutely evil, and it feels light on its feet. And for less than $90,000, the value it offers for your money is absolutely incredible.
For the money, arguably no car handles as sharply as a Cayman. And for 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.
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.
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.
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.
No, the CT4-V Blackwing doesn’t have a monsterously 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?
The supercharged 650-horsepower 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.
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.
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.
Going through 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?
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.
The LC500 is arguably one of the most beautiful cars on sale right now. 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.
