The Best Performance Cars of 2016 Under $30,000

(Credit: Ford)

8. Ford Focus ST

You cannot have a list of cheap performance rigs that lacks the Focus ST. This compact hatchback easily comes in under our number at $23,550 for the base model, giving buyers enough wiggle room to move into even the range-topping ST3 trim and still come in just shy of $30k.

But cheapness isn’t the only qualifier, as this beast is also quite potent thanks to its 252-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. Sure, it has been a little overshadowed by the upcoming Focus RS, but it is still capable of delivering plenty of smiles on a budget thanks to its mid-six-second 0-to-60 time.