For some, driving a flashy, opulent, and incredibly expensive monument to rubber-burning fury is a lifelong dream. Dreams of Nissan GT-Rs and Porsche Camera 911s dance through your head at night, but when it comes down to plunking down money for a new car, you might have significant barriers to overcome. Significant others, college education funding for your children, or practicality are often auto enthusiast dream crushers. Oh, and the lack of monetary funds might serve as a formidable barrier as well. Fear not! With the world's new-found fascination with frugality (thank you, Mr. Recession), road driving euphoria can still be had at a practical price.

Here are my top five choices for budget performance vehicles.