9 Fun Cars That Will Make You Grin From Ear to Ear
If you’re ready to bust out of that practical but boring ride, our writers share their top picks for fun cars that will leave you grinning.
Life’s Short. Enjoy Your Ride. Drive a Fun Car.
For some people, cars are strictly utilitarian. They want the most practical, affordable vehicle to get them from Point A to Point B without any fanfare. And, judging by all the parking lots out there, these cars should come in muted tones of gray, black, or white. Yep, I’ve been there too. I’ve driven my fair share of perfectly fine (but ultimately boring) cars, all for the sake of making an economically sound choice. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that approach — especially if you’ve got a tight budget.
But for a moment, let’s put all that responsible adult practicality aside and indulge in a little dreaming. If you’ve never had the privilege of sitting behind the wheel of something that slaps a big, fat smile on your face, it’s time to open your eyes to the world you’ve been missing. I polled A Girl’s Guide to Cars writers to see which vehicles topped their lists of fun cars that make them grin — and here were some of the standouts.
Related: 7 Sexy Sports Cars to Fulfill Your Need for Speed
Kia EV6 GT
With a plethora of electric vehicles flooding the market in the last several years, the Kia EV6 GT has managed to race ahead of the electric pack in several ways. Multiple AGGtC writers cited this car as a grin-inducing favorite — which comes as no surprise given that it won the 2023 World Performance Car title.
So, what makes this performance-oriented, electrified ride so popular? Well, for one thing, AGGtC writer Liv Leigh says it’ll make those everyday, mundane tasks much more enjoyable.
“The firm suspension and nimble handling make even a drive to the store fun and playful,” Liv wrote in her review of the EV6 GT. “And you almost feel obliged to give it the ride it asks for. When you do, you’ll be rewarded with a spirited drive likely to make you smile the whole way through.”
Of course, if the MSRP of $61,400 is a little too rich for your blood, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a slightly more attainable — yet still satisfying — alternative.
Related: All the Fun Thrills in the Kia EV6 GT
Lucid Air
While we’re on the topic of electric vehicles, here’s one to put on your “Wildest Dream Car” list: the Lucid Air. Winner of the MotorTrend Car of the Year in 2022, this thing boasts of being the “longest range, fastest charging luxury electric car in the world.” Also, the range-topping Lucid Air Sapphire’s ability to go from zero to 60 mph in 1.89 seconds and its insane 1,234 horsepower is nothing to sneeze at.
Brian Roskelly, AGGtC’s Director of Video, says it’s the “most impressive car I’ve ever been in.” Scotty Reiss, our fearless AGGtC leader and founder, adds that it’s the type of car that will wow your passengers, too.
“When I test drove the Lucid Air, I pulled onto the highway on-ramp and let the cars in front of us get way out ahead,” Scotty said. “Then, I floored it. I could see out of the corner of my eye as my husband was pushed back in his seat, and a wide grin spread across his face. He was thrilled, and more than a little impressed.”
But you’ll have to save your pennies for this one because the four trims range from $82,400 all the way up to $249,000.
Related: 24 Hours with the Lucid Air Filled Our Day with Fun
Dodge Challenger Black Ghost
You may have heard the news that the Dodge Challenger is ending — but rest assured, it’s going out with a bang. Part of Dodge’s “Last Call” series, the Challenger Black Ghost is an appearance package available on the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody that pays homage to its 1970s ancestor. And it doesn’t just look cool — it also adds 10 horsepower, bringing the total horsepower up to 807. No wonder Teia Collier says this one scratches “that thrill-seeking itch.”
If you want to get one of these bad boys, you’ll have some heavy competition, as Dodge is limiting the production to 300. And the sticker price hovers just over $100k. But if you ever get the chance to drive one, don’t pass up the opportunity!
Related: The Last of the Great American Muscle Cars: Dodge Challenger Shakedown Edition
Genesis GV70
A car doesn’t have to be insanely fast or powerful to make you smile. Sometimes, it’s all about the vibe you get when you’re inside it. For example, what mom out there wouldn’t want to feel like she’s at the spa or a luxury hotel while she’s waiting in the carpool line? That’s how you’ll feel behind the wheel of the Genesis GV70, which has left a favorable impression on several of our writers. The appearance alone will steal your heart.
“As much as I love how fantastic the Genesis GV70 looks on the outside, the inside is so dazzling,” Sara Lacey wrote in an article identifying her top five favorite features of the GV70. “Red Nappa leather interior smacked me in the face when I opened the door. Equally fun was when I sat down and looked around; I noticed all these other fabulous trim pieces and details. Carbon fiber, aluminum, and a suede headliner kept the impact high every time I returned to the vehicle.”
Aside from the beauty and comfort of the SUV, there’s also an electric version that packs a few thrills of its own thanks to the “boost” button.
“This instantly delivers 54 more horsepower for up to 10 seconds of instant thrust,” Scotty Reiss writes in her review of the electrified GV70.
“This is the source of oodles and oodles of fun, even when you’re already going pretty fast (use with caution),” she adds.
And here’s even more good news: With a starting price of $46,095 for the 2024 model, the Genesis GV70 is surprisingly affordable, too.
Related: The Genesis GV70; Its a Fast, Fun, Electric World
Lexus LC 500
You can’t have a list of “cars that make you grin” without mentioning at least one convertible, right? Well, according to Holli Fourniquet, the Lexus LC 500 is a more than worthy inclusion since it’s one of her favorite cars she’s ever reviewed.
“That car made me smile! And I’m still trying to convince my husband it’s a family car!” Holli said.
One thing that makes this beauty unique — especially for a convertible — is that it won’t give you a bad hair day or a headache from the noise.
“This car is beautiful from every angle, and removing the roof does not come with the typical downsides of noise and shakiness generally associated with a topless ride,” Holli wrote in her review of the LC 500. “Inside the LC 500 Convertible is quiet no matter your speed, top up or down, and with the top down and side windows rolled up, you do not have to worry about the wind making an absolute rat’s nest out of your hair.”
The Lexus LC 500 doesn’t come cheap, with a starting price of $106,550, but Holli says you definitely get what you pay for!
Related: Be Fast. Be Fun. The Lexus LC 500
Audi SQ5
Erica Mueller has plenty of experience reviewing and writing about cars — so when she says that something was “hands down one of my favorite drives to date,” you know it’s got to be good. And that’s exactly how she described the Audi SQ5.
“The Audi SQ5 was full of good surprises,” Erica said. “From the quilted red leather interior to the heated and cooled cup holder, I felt wrapped in luxury. But this isn’t just a fancy car; it’s a performance vehicle, and the drive experience was unexpected and invigorating.”
And this may be the best part. Erica adds, “I was absolutely sure this car would come with an ultra-luxury price tag and was surprised again when I found it started at just $56k.”
That’s definitely worth smiling about!
Related: She’s a Winner! The Audi SQ5
A Manual Ford Bronco
Intimidating as they may seem to a novice, virtually anyone who’s ever driven a manual transmission vehicle will tell you they’re the most fun cars to drive. Kim S. recently learned her way around a stick shift in a two-door 2022 Ford Bronco Sasquatch, and she’s Team Manual now, too. Among the benefits of driving a manual, Kim cites better fuel economy, “exhilarating acceleration” and reduced costs as attractive reasons to try it. But that’s not the best part.
“Perhaps, though, the most compelling reason to choose a manual transmission is for the sheer fun and driving experience it provides,” Kim wrote for AGGTC. “It’s like dancing with the road, a unique connection between you, the car, and the road that ignites a passion for driving like nothing else.”
A Ford Bronco isn’t your only choice in this category, but according to Kim, it’s a pretty satisfying option.
Related: 10 Affordable and Fun Manual Transmission Cars That Will Fire Up Your Stick Shift Dreams
Cadillac ATS-V
Echoing Kim’s sentiments, Scotty Reiss also chimed in about her love of manual transmissions.
“Almost any car with a stick shift makes me grin,” she said. “I love the feeling of being part of the machine, and of a perspective that puts the road in focus right in front of me, versus it being a thing I’m driving on.”
Specifically, one of her favorites has been the Cadillac ATS-V, a 6-cylinder that delivers 464 horsepower — and has a manual transmission.
“The first time I drove this car I knew it could be my forever car,” Scotty said. “Behind the wheel, this car feels like an exoskeleton of pure power, but it also has four doors and a sizable trunk for people and stuff. On the highway, or on the track, its power is fast and even, but its size keeps it all in check; you never feel like the power may get away from you. It all feels very much in control.”
This holds true in day-to-day driving, too, she says.
“Even just driving the regular routine to the grocery store, in traffic, the ATS-V feels good,” Scotty adds.
Tragically, Cadillac discontinued the ATS-V a few years ago, but they replaced it with the CT4 Blackwing (which is also available in a manual). Scotty says the CT4 Blackwing is one of the hottest cars on the road today, but people still love the old ATS-V.
“I thought about buying an ATS-V used (new it was more than $75K) but still, four years after it was discontinued, prices are holding at about $40-$50K.”
Related: Cadillac CT4: Luxurious Fun
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392
And now for my personal favorite: the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. From the moment this beast roared into my driveway, I was smitten. On the practicality and affordability scale of 1 to 10, I give it a 2. In the good looks and pure, unadulterated joy category, I give it a 9. Our tester came in Jeep’s gorgeous Earl Gray paint, contrasting beautifully with the red and black leather-trimmed interior. And it took approximately 4.3 seconds on the road before I was nervously laughing and guffawing like a teenager whose crush had just smiled at them in the hallway.
The one-touch power top was definitely a favorite feature as it instantly allowed us to catch the evening summer breeze in our hair without any fussing or fiddling. (I may have re-enacted that “Closer to Fine” scene from the “Barbie” movie once or twice out of sheer joy.)
We put those massive 35-inch tires to the test on the rugged hills above our home and wow — color me impressed. We’d traversed the same road six months ago in our Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, and I noticed a marked difference in comfort while riding in the 392. It ate up big boulders and potholes for breakfast and gently cradled my family of four all the way up the winding, rocky road. If we’d had an infant in the car, I feel confident it would have rocked them to sleep.
I really don’t have a need for a rugged off-road vehicle with a burly V8 engine and a $100k price tag. But, in the words of my father-in-law, “It’s the kind of car that doesn’t make a lot of sense — but it puts a big, stupid smile on your face.” Definitely keeping this one on my midlife crisis list!
Related: The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is the Epitome of Fun
The gorgeous Magma Red seats offer fun and comfort in the Audi SQ5. Photo: Erica Mueller
Find More Fun Cars to Drive!
What makes drivers grin varies from person to person, so if the cars on this list don’t do the trick for you, something out there will! Here at AGGtC, we review hundreds of cars suited to every lifestyle and budget with the hopes of helping women get behind the wheel of something they’ll love. Go take a look at what we’ve been driving lately!
So, what car makes you smile the most? Let us know on social media, and be sure to tag us! @agirlsguide2cars.
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Categorized:Car Buying Car Culture