10 Small Cars That Are Fun to Drive

According to the J.D. Power 2013 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study,^SM the following 10 small car models are rated as the most fun-to-drive vehicles on the market, based on their overall Driving Dynamics score in the study. The annual APEAL Study measures owner satisfaction with a vehicle's design, controls, and driving dynamics. The following list contains non-premium brands only, listed in reverse order starting with the 10th most fun-to-drive model.

10. Scion FR-S

The Scion FR-S is a rear-drive sports car built as a joint project between Subaru and Toyota. Boasting a low center of gravity, 200-horsepower boxer-style 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual gearbox, and a starting price just over $25,000, the Scion FR-S represents affordable fun engineered by two companies with track records for creating dependable vehicles.

8. Volkswagen Beetle (in a tie with the Mazda MX-5 Miata)

Offered as a coupe or a convertible, with a choice between two turbocharged gasoline 4-cylinder engines and a turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine, and paired with either a manual, an automatic, or an automated manual transmission, the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle offers nothing if not choice. An independent rear suspension is standard this year, and prices start at just under $21,000.

8. Mazda MX-5 Miata (in a tie with the Volkswagen Beetle)

The iconic Mazda Miata is a rear-drive, 2-seat roadster offered with a soft convertible top or a power-retractable hardtop. Sport, Club, and Touring trim levels are available, each equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 158-167 horsepower, depending on whether or not the standard manual or optional automatic transmission is fitted to the car. New colors are offered for 2014, and prices begin at $24,515.

7. Mini Cooper

Another iconic model, the Mini Cooper is available in Clubman, Convertible, and Hardtop body styles, with a choice between three engines and myriad color, trim, and cabin material selections. Custom-order a Mini Cooper and you can tailor one in such fashion as to make it exclusively reflective of your personal tastes. The fun starts at less than $20,500.

6. Subaru BRZ