High-Performance Sports Cars

Speed and power define this realm. Comfort features and styling take a backseat (if available) to moving fast. Prices are generally from $25,000 to $50,000 for cars such as the Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper, BMW M5 and Porsche Cayman S.

Exotic Sports Cars

Outlandish sticker prices, exclusivity and head-turning styling define the land of Ferrari, Lotus, Lamborghini and Panoz. Prices, if you must ask, generally are six figures.

Sport Two-Doors

Hardtops or convertibles with up to five seats; sporty styling distinguishes these from family cars, but outstanding performance is not mandatory. Includes the Ford Mustang, Volvo C70, Volkswagen GTI and Pontiac Solstice. Prices range from $20,000 to $40,000, with higher-end models costing many thousands more.