2011 Nissan 370Z | $40,898

This is our most expensive pick and also the least practical, thanks to the lack of a rear seat. Think of it as a mid-life crisis car that augments your other, more family-friendly vehicle.

The 370Z is definitely a head turner, with a true sports car look and feel, right down to the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Baruth calls it a "revelation" compared with its predecessor, the 350Z. "It's comfortable, it rides okay, and it goes as fast as you could possibly want to go."

Rolczewski calls it "perky and playful," but notes that it doesn't have the pedigree or power of our other muscle cars. Its coolest technological feature is the SynchroRev Match system, which helps sloppy shifters to smoothly drop down a gear with the manual transmission. A seven-speed automatic is also offered.