8 Cars That Are Perfect Gifts for Dads

Maybe the stars have aligned for you this Father’s Day: That college scholarship came through for your twins, the boss finally recognized your value with a fat bonus, a long-forgotten relative left you a nice inheritance, or you’ve just saved your pennies until the time was right. No matter how you came into the money, this is the perfect time to spoil yourself with a new car as a Father's Day gift.

Why not? You’ve likely made sacrifices over the years—your shrinking free time to your expanding waistline—and now you yearn to resurrect the excitement of youth with a Father's Day gift. While we haven’t yet perfected time travel, Consumer Reports' car experts can recommend eight cars and SUVs that can help peel away the years, at least figuratively speaking, and provide a little something extra.

Each vehicle here boasts a bold personality, with engaging dynamics, sharp looks, and pampering feature content. We pulled appealing models from across the spectrum, with a particular eye toward creature comforts, performance, and escapism. That said, most (but not all) are family-friendly choices that don't require tapping into a college fund or 401(k) plan.

To make this list, each car had to rank highly in our Owner Satisfaction survey and be a Recommended model, meaning it performed well in our road tests, have average or better reliability, and, if tested, perform well in insurance industry and/or government crash tests. Click through the model names to get more detailed information, including the complete road test. Prices are the base price range for the model line, before options and fees.

Practical and Fun: Volkswagen GTI

Owner Satisfaction score: 85 percent
$24,995-$32,730

No mere road rocket for dad and his ego, the GTI is both fun and versatile. A 210-hp turbo four-cylinder, slick-shifting six-speed transmissions, a taut ride, lively handling and a heart-warming sound means you’ll be in for miles of grins. But these two- and four-door hatchbacks can also haul the family and all their gear. The high-quality interior features comfortable seats and an intuitive infotainment system. A wide variety of available safety gear and impressive fuel economy round out the package on this great Father's Day gift.

Affordable Sports Car: Mazda Miata

Owner Satisfaction score: 83 percent
$24,915-$31,270

Looking to ditch the worries and enjoy the wind in your (thinning) hair with a close friend? The Miata has your name written all over it. Mazda went retro with the current Miata, which is lighter and shorter than the original versions. While 155 horsepower doesn’t sound like much, this small roadster quickly scoots along while returning miserly fuel economy. Quick, precise steering delivers sublime handling on twisty roads, the six-speed manual is a joy, and it’s a breeze to lower and raise the manual convertible top. You’ll love it as long as there’s no long commute in the itinerary.

Luxury Sports Car: BMW 2 Series

Owner Satisfaction score: 87 percent
$32,850-$51,700

No matter which 2 Series ends up gracing your driveway, you’re in for a treat every time you take your Father's Day gift for a drive. Sure, you can bust the bank with the 365-hp M2. But there’s plenty of fun to be had with either the base 228i or the M235i, which we tested. Both the six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions are slick and smooth. The turbo engines respond instantly to every prod of the throttle, and the razor-sharp handling and sporty feel is a reminder of how BMW used to make its cars. Coupe and convertible body styles are offered, and all-wheel drive is available.

High-Performance Sports Car: Porsche 911

Owner Satisfaction score: 91 percent
$89,400-$200,400

If your midlife crisis coincides with a Powerball-winning lottery ticket, then there are few cars to choose over the 911. Under the modernized, iconic shape is a car that delivers performance and exhilaration. The 911 is quick and super-agile, with sublime handling, and an invigorating exhaust sound. The seven-speed manual transmission is slick, and there’s no drop-off in enjoyment if you opt for the seven-speed automatic. Thanks to a supple ride and decent sound-deadening, long trips aren’t too taxing. The long options list lets you customize the car to your liking, though your accountant (or spouse) may not be too happy.

Wagon/Hatchback: Subaru Outback

Owner Satisfaction score: 86 percent
$24,995-$33,395

If your fun streak runs less towards speed machines and more towards trail hikes, mountain-bike shredding, or white-water excitement, the Subaru Outback is a Father's Day gift that's right up your valley. Outdoor-adventure-ready thanks to its additional ground clearance, this roomy, refined ride is satisfying, reliable—and devoid of flash. The four- and six-cylinder engines return good fuel economy, the roomy cabin can carry five adults and their gear, and Subaru’s optional EyeSight safety suite and standard all-wheel drive will help you get to and from your destination securely.

Affordable SUV: Mazda CX-5

Owner Satisfaction score: 74 percent
$21,795-$29,870

Just because you need the room of an SUV doesn’t mean you have to drive something dowdy. Mazda imbued its sporty DNA into the CX-5. The result is spry and fun-to-drive small SUV with a roomy and comfortable SUV. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder is both powerful and fuel efficient, meaning you don’t feel bad when dipping into the throttle. Cabin and cargo space are plentiful, and visibility is good. Crash-test results are commendable, and a wide variety of safety gear is available. The tradeoff may be an overly firm ride and somewhat elevated noise levels.

Mid-Range SUV: Dodge Durango

Owner Satisfaction score: 81 percent
$30,495-$44,495

For some of us, a relaxing vacation means taking the family on a road trip, along with toys for kids and big boys. If that’s the case, consider the Durango. Both the 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8 are good for towing, with ratings that are 1,000 to 2,000 pounds more than the competition, and the eight-speed automatic has helped to improve fuel economy. The roomy cabin can fit five passengers and their gear, or up to seven if there isn’t much cargo. Handling is responsive for a big SUV and the ride is composed and comfortable, which gives the Durango a sophisticated, substantial feel. The upscale interior features the optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system, one of the best in the industry.

Luxury SUV: Porsche Cayenne

Owner Satisfaction score: 85 percent
$58,300-$157,300

Want that Porsche 911, but can’t figure out how to fold the kids into the rear seats? The Cayenne is one of the sportiest, most responsive SUVs available. Whether it’s the base six-cylinder or the top-trim turbo V8, it packs a serious punch, and the eight-speed automatic delivers timely, smooth shifts. Supremely supportive seats, a luxurious interior, a supple—if somewhat stiff—ride, and decent cargo room mean you can bring your family in comfort along with all their gear.

More from Consumer Reports:
5 least reliable cars from Consumer Reports' survey
Best Used Cars for $25,000 and Less
Which Car Brands make the Best Vehicles

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.