Ten best drivers cars that wont break your bank account.

One doesnt always need the likes of a Lamborghini or Ferrari to enjoy driving when young. Not all are born as heirs to the Hilton family with a spoilt reputation of tipping waiters lavishly. So what should we buy to satiate our adrenaline? Here are the best ten driver cars to play video game on that open stretch of road behind your house. No reviews will do justice to their cult image. What's more exciting is that these fun to drive cars under $25000 US wont break your bank account and many will also fit the criteria of fun to drive family cars.

1. Ford Mustang/ Dodge Challenger/ Chevrolet Camaro: No human is as American as these three muscle cars.  Their blood so American and so pure it would bring peace to Iraq and Afghanistan they were to rul US as joint President. Big coupes with so much power they can stop earths movement if driven in opposite direction, these cars cannot be beat in straight line acceleration. Who want to drive them in turns? (don't even try even if the sales person says so.) Starting at 22K for a v6 engine their price range goes upto 35K for a v8 configuration. But for the cash strapped a 25K worth v6 for any of the three will keep you happy for the years to come. Yes, they are as reliable as Japanese and you dont need tuner parts for power.

2. Mitsubishi Lancer/ Subaru Impreza: While we humans have lost the talent to produce twins and triplets, all is not lost in the world of cars. Mitsubishi Lancer and Subaru Impreza are the closest brothers from another mother. While Evo versions and WRX STI versions might be expensive these rally bred cars in city guise are still pretty fun to drive unlike Civics and Corollas. Just like the v6 versions for Muscle cars these Tuner cars come in the WRX and Ralliart guise.

3. Volkswagen Golf/Polo: People's car, lots of power, small size and affordable price. Voila!!! you have the polo/Golf brothers. The smaller Polo is certainly cheaper and provides lesser thrills compared to the Golf but the fun to drive factor is not amiss in either of the two. German Engineering, reliability and the buttersmooth slushboxes (gearbox) make these pair delightful to drive. Got a bit more to spend? try the Passat. Did I tell you some versions of these cars have a turbocharger and supercharger installed on a small capacity engine? Yes it won the engine of the year award back then.

4. Mazda Mx-5: What do you call a no compromise on adrenaline car?  Miata. The Mx-5 from Mazda is something the world has always needed. A lightweight engine in a lightweight but rigid chassis with open top experience at a mouthwatering price. So small you can slot it anywhere. I want one please? Oh! make that two as they will fit in my parking garage. Thank you!

5. Ford Fiesta : Ford didnt file for Bankruptcy like its American counterparts. One of the reasons is supposed to be the New Ford Fiesta from Europe which sold like hot cakes and solidified Ford's image for fun to drive cars. Our Fiesta in India doesnt do bad either beating the likes of Accord's and Laura's to every nook and corner. One of the best value for money hatches from Ford rightly makes it to sixth place.

6.  Vauxhall Corsa: GM went into bankruptcy. GM went crazy and put Opel/Vauxhall for sale. Magna was intelligent and put up a big to buy it. GM management changed and smart people saved the brand. GM today is on its way to profits again. Opel/Vauxhall has a big hand in why GM Europe survives and for a good reason. It's cars like the Corsa and Astra. Bang on!

7. Renault Megane: Nothing is as Quirky as the French when it comes to the love of styling and fashion. But Renault has been able to translate their fashion trends into one hellish little driving beast. The Megane over the years has won many car of the year awards and WRC championships. It certainly wont win any beaty contests but you cant resist French kissing this one over the tarmac.

8. Peugeot 207: Another French maker makes another car worth French kissing. This one also oozez style and power like Monica Belluci. Yes, this one is as fierce as the lion logo on its grille.  This one is truly about motion and emotion. Might come to India soon. Mitsubishi has just given Peugeot 207 a chance in India by pricing the EVO at 40,00,000+ INR.

9. Mini Cooper: Mercedez-Benz Failed with their Smart car venture but BMW was luckier to have the Mini in their hands. Some of the best marketing initiatives later this car has what it takes to beat supercars at their own game. We dont say this, try one yourself. The clubman needs to go and we need twincharger here VW style. BMW are you listening?

10. Honda Civic: It will be a sin to not have one V-tec car in the top ten list here. Known for their Engineering Honda is Japans answer to German BMW's.  Type R and Type-S are not sports cars at heart but still provide enough grunt and control to satisfy most boyracers out there. While Lancer and Impreza are city cars built on rally bred chassis, Civic here is a sports car based on a city car. Not bad I must say.