That is always a tough question to answer since there are excellent cars out there to fit any budget, need, size, capacity, family, etc. So, let’s do this.
Under $50,000 (for families or people who need extra space and don’t want a CUV): I’d have to award it to the Prius Prime. A Prius that actually looks good, combined with decent EV range, and hybrid mileage the rest of the time. Just please work with an ethical dealer since I understand markups are still the scourge of buying one of these.
Under $50,000 (for those who want/need a CUV): Mazda CX-50 hybrid. Looks great, high quality and attractive interior, excellent mileage and space, decent driving. And you’ll get change back from your $50,000.
Under $50,000 (sports car for those who want some fun): There are some good options out there, but the winner is always the MX-5. Doesn’t matter if it’s the Club or Grand Touring, soft or hard top, get one. It must have the stick shift. Still the perfect example of a fun, reliable, light, somewhat practical sports car.
But if price is no limit, space (who cares), so on and so forth and you just want something awesome, showstopping, and fun, it’s the Corvette Z06. I might be in the minority who loves the styling, but until the ZR1 becomes available, the Z06 is the pinnacle of American sports cars and engineering, and will stop traffic wherever it goes. If I had the means, there’d be one in my parking spot right now.
