Fastest Cars Under $25,000

0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds

The unassuming 2008 Hyundai Sonata SE can get up and go. With its 3.3-liter V6 engine, it can do 0 to 60 mph in a quick 6.9 seconds. The car produces 234 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque. The manual SE model starts at around $19,570.

0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds

Starting at $24,300, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI can do 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine capable of producing 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Plus, a best-in-class interior means you can zip around in comfort and style.

0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds

The 2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V may have four doors, but that doesn't mean it's your typical sedan. With a 6.8-second 0 to 60 time, it features a 2.5-liter engine capable of producing 200 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. This sporty four-door has an MSRP of $20,260, making it the cheapest car on our list.

0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds

The 2008 Honda Civic Si Coupe has an MSRP of $21,110 and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds -- 1 second faster than the standard Civic coupe. The Si features a 197-horsepower 2.0-liter engine. With a sporty exhaust note, a rear spoiler and 17-inch wheels, this car sounds fast, looks fast, and moves fast.

0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds

"Fast Volvo" is no longer an oxymoron. According to reports, the 2008 Volvo C30 can achieve 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, drastically shortening the time needed for Ikea runs. Pricing for the Volvo C30 begins around $22,950, and all models feature the same T5 turbocharged inline engine with five cylinders.

0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds

For close to $21,200 the 2008 Mini Cooper S offers stylish looks, great handling, and plenty of power with a 0 to 60 time of 6.2 seconds. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine which produces an impressive 172 horsepower, making the Mini the little car that can ... blow you away.

0-60 mph in 6 seconds

The 2008 Volkswagen GTI Coupe can get from 0 to 60 mph in just 6 seconds. For as little as $22,800, the GTI features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine capable of producing 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. If you can live with its spotty reliability record, youÔøΩve found yourself a winner.

0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds

Those who say a wagon can't be fast haven't met the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4. It can do 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, and its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine is just 15 horses shy of running with a 2008 Ford Mustang GT. That's right: the Caliber SRT4 has 285 horsepower at its disposal. Even better, it starts at $22,435.

0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds

Underneath the 2008 Subaru WRX's unconventional skin is a hot rod that can go from 0 to 60 in just under 5.8 seconds. Proving that it's what's inside that counts, the WRX features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that creates 224 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque. However, with its $24,350 price tag, the WRX barely makes it into the under $25,000 category.

0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds

The 2008 MazdaSpeed3 is a bad boy hatchback that can do 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, making it the quickest on our list. Not bad for a car that costs close to $22,340 and comes with a sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, and sporty exterior styling. Under the hood is a 2.3-liter engine that makes 263 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Zoom zoom, indeed.

Research New Cars by Category:
- Sedans- Wagons- SUVs- Trucks- Coupes- Minivans
Get the Best Deals:
- Best Deals of the Month- Best Lease Deals of the Month
Fastest Cars Under $25,000
By Jonathan P. Lamas, U.S. News Rankings & Reviews