Two seater luxury cars

In today’s Thursday Throwdown, we’re looking at two-seat sports cars and convertibles. We’re keeping them affordable, with prices starting under $30, 000 and leaving luxury brands out of the mix. These low-cost two-seaters will provide the fun of small sports car without requiring the investment of your life savings.

Our top picks are chosen for their price, efficiency and on-the-road fun. These 2014 models are beginning to appear as used car and dealer demonstration vehicles now, so be sure to check our Used Car Listings to find one for yourself.

2014 Top Two-Seater Picks

Lowest Entry Price: Honda CR-Z
Best Fuel Economy: Honda CR-Z
Most Refined Overall: Nissan 370Z
Most Fun To Drive: Mazda MX-5 Miata, MINI Cooper Roadster

2014 Honda CR-Z

The Honda CR-Z is the odd man out in our lineup of two-seaters, being the only hybrid on the list and perhaps the only car in existence billed as an “affordable sports hybrid.” It is very much the only two-seat hybrid available without moving into ultra-expensive super car territory. With all of that said, the CR-Z offers sharp handling and great dynamics.

Calling the CR-Z a “sports car” is a bit of a stretch, but it does blur the line between a hybrid compact and a two-seat sports coupe. A fun little car, the Honda CR-Z does have rivals that offer more practicality than two seats would allow, but none lay claim to its fun factor as a hybrid.

2014 Honda CR-Z
Base price new: $19, 995
EPA mpg (city/highway): 31/38
Crash test ratings: IIHS – G/N/G/G/G, NHTSA – 4/4/3/5

2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata

One of the most popular cars on the road today, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is the world’s best-selling roadster and enjoys legions of fans globally. Although it was not crash tested for 2014, it has gotten good ratings in previous years, so we expect that to continue.