5 Best Student Sleeper Cars for Under $5,000

What in the world is a sleeper? The unassuming soccer kid-getter may blow the doors off your V8 midlife crisis-on-wheels. It’s also the type of automobile I asked my readers to locate last week, and based on their responses, I’ve chosen the five greatest vehicles that can burn tires without burning a hole in your wallet. Prepare yourselves.

1. Honda Civic Si

The Honda Civic Si the track focused version of the Honda Civic compact car. The Si’s second generation is a European hatchback powered by Honda’s latest i-VTEC engine. The inside has a rally-style gear shifter. The 2004 modifications are highlighted by a modest facelift and an FP package. In Canada, it is known as Civic SiR.

On the road, the chassis feels safe and controlled, with rear-shock rebound valving taut enough to make you wonder how nice the ride will be on frost-heaved Midwestern roads. The hardware is similar to that of other Civics and Acura’s new RSX, with struts up front and links in the back, and the calibrations are essentially identical to those of the Euro Type-R Civic, according to chassis specialist Yuichiro Yanagasawa. It’s no surprise that it feels like a European vehicle.

2. Ford Mustang V6

The V6 Mustang offers performance-minded buyers a sweet combo of power and classic style on a budget. However, given today’s gas prices, the Mustang’s voracious thirst diminishes its allure.

For 2007, the 210-hp Mustang V6 and 300-hp Mustang GT are joined by the new 500-hp supercharged Shelby GT500, which has its own design, tune, and equipment.

The Mustang V6 versions, available in fastback coupe or convertible body styles, are attractive, elegant cruisers. The GT sure knows how to make your heart race – its throaty growl, fierce grip on bends and thrilling sprint speeds just amp up the fun factor. Cranking up the fun, the Shelby GT500 showcases a near-Corvette level of performance. The Shelby GT500’s nimble handling makes it a blast for tearing up gymkhana events, zooming around racetracks, or just going full throttle on winding backroads.

3. Acura Integra

Price, performance, and refinement aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive, but Acura’s Integra coupes and sedans skillfully combine all three. Any Integra is a rewarding option since it is stylish, comfortable, and enjoyable to drive. That’s why the Acura Integra, our third choice, is a great choice if you want a car with a little more luxury and a lot more performance. This JDM legend has a good reputation for being reliable and has a comfortable ride.

The GS-R is our favorite: sport coupes don’t get much better than this. In the GS-R, you’re not just a passenger but the main act of an exhilarating saga, where it syncs with your every instinct and stirs up excitement through intoxicating sounds and raw physical thrills. When you press the accelerator, the twin-cam engine growls with authority and revs like there’s no tomorrow. The suspension hugs the road like a boa constrictor, helping you carve up those wicked curves.

4. Volkswagen GTI

We’ve always been lovers of VW’s original sporty hatchback, and that hasn’t changed with the 2008 Volkswagen GTI. In fact, in our European hatchback comparison from last October, it beat out the MINI Cooper S and the Volvo C30. It not only outperformed its competition on the track, but it also handled better, had more interior room, and was the most affordable.

The classic 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder that has been a VW stalwart for years is housed under the hood. That is not a criticism; this is an excellent engine. For maximum efficiency, the 2008 model includes FSI direct injection and drive-by-wire throttle. All that extra power translates to 0-to-60 times of 6.1 seconds and quarter-mile times of 14.7 seconds at 94.2 mph in our test car.

5. Audi A4 RS4

The Audi RS4 is a high-performance variant of the tiny Audi A4 that sacrifices agility for all-wheel drive capability. It has V-8 power and roar, but it also has a comfortable and practical cabin for daily use—at least for front-seat occupants.The RS4 isn’t cheap, either, as it costs a lot of money. It sounds terrific and accelerates quickly, but you’re always conscious of how heavy it is; steering is very numb for this class. Imagine running books to class with this sexy sleeper car.

To be sure, Audi’s A4/S4 lineup includes more than just sedans. New convertibles join the current four-door variants and wagons for 2007. The ultra-high performance (and pricey) 420-hp RS4 is also new.

With 21 versions, the A4 line is complicated. The key is to prioritize body shape, engine capacity, front- or all-wheel drive, and gearbox type.