When we last presented an installment of the quickest cars from $25,000 to $30,000, the group admittedly had a tighter range of 0-to-60-mph times. They were also bunched closer to the $30K mark. Most of those cars have received price bumps in the intervening time, however, that remove them from the running. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Pontiac Solstice GXP/Saturn Sky Redline, and Chevrolet Impala SS, among others, have climbed above the $30K mark and are ineligible for this year’s list. Keep in mind, too, that a car’s base price always includes the unavoidable destination fee, so brand-new models like the Nissan 370Z aren’t included because they actually cost more than the advertised base price.
But losing all those cheap-speed superstars from the list doesn’t mean this group is any slower; in fact, the quickest time for 2009 blows the doors off the reigning champ by a whopping 0.4 second. We were skeptical that the new titleholder, the 4.7-second 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX, was a ringer, but that time was verified after testing another example.
The rules are the same as before: quickest to 60 mph wins, eligible vehicles must boast a base price (including destination charges) between $25,001 and $30,000, and must be available in showrooms throughout the bulk of calendar-year 2009. Only production cars allowed—no aftermarket tuners or parts, although that remains an option for owners should they crave even more power or speed. If two cars post identical 0-to-60 dashes, the car with the quicker quarter-mile sprint gets the nod. If they're still tied, then the winner is the car that first reaches 100 mph, then 110 mph, and so forth.
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Base Price: $29,645
0-to-60-mph time: 6.1 sec
Quarter-mile time: 14.8 sec @ 96 mph
Highs: Eager engine, excellent 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Lows: Generic styling and handling best described as floaty.
The Verdict: We’re as surprised as you are.
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Base Price: $28,144
0-to-60-mph time: 6.1 sec
Quarter-mile time: 14.8 sec @ 97 mphHighs: Meaty V-6, roomy interior, stiff structure.
Lows: Touches of cheapness abound, no folding rear seat, needs to lose a few pounds.
The Verdict: Under the bland exterior lies a good athlete.
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Base Price: $29,630
0-to-60-mph time: 6.0 sec
Quarter-mile time: 14.7 sec @ 96 mph
Highs: A fine engine, smooth-shifting automatic transmission.
Lows: Embarrassing styling, substandard skidpad numbers.
The Verdict: A base Pontiac G8 GT drives better and costs about the same.
Keep Reading: The Quickest Cars of 2009: $25,000 to $30,000 - Feature
