Two's Company: Our Favorite Two-Seaters Source: No Source February 11, 2011

There are times when we just don't need more than one other person around. It's the same with cars; sometimes one more seat is one too many. Two seats let you bring along a significant other, and hopefully there is enough luggage space for at least a weekend away. Heading someplace warm that will let you pack light is probably also a plus.

Hopefully that significant other puts a smile on your face and so can these little two-seat numbers, which can transport the two of you.

• 1

  2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata

  • Media:
  • Video Tour
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  • 360 Spins
  • Colors

  • Information:
  • Overview
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  • Safety
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  $21,850

  22 City / 28 Hwy

  More than a cute toy, the MX-5 Miata is a great back roads and track day plaything. It is sporty, but affordable and racy, and also fun at less-than-license-threatening speeds. There's even an available folding hardtop if the weather turns bad. It is the best-selling sports car ever for good reason.

  

• 2

  2011 Porsche Cayman

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  • 360 Spins
  • Colors

  • Information:
  • Overview
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  $55,775

  19 City / 27 Hwy

  Sometimes you want a little cache to go with your small car fun, and Porsche delivers that with its zippy mid-engine coupe. Of course the original Boxster roadster version is still available for top-down excitement. We like the hard top Cayman coupe's lines and stronger body shell better than the convertible, but take your pick.

  

• 3

  2011 Ferrari 458 Italia

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  • 360 Spins
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  $225,325

  12 City / 18 Hwy

  No other company has the sports car heritage that Ferrari possesses, and each new model that comes out carries a visceral connection to the legends that have come before. It is as if there is a stop on the production line in Maranello where, just after they install the ability to produce soul-inspiring engine sounds, they marinate the cars in history so the heritage of a half-century of Formula One and sports car racing oozes from the new model's pores.

  

• 4

  2011 Chevrolet Corvette

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  • 360 Spins
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  $44,625

  16 City / 26 Hwy

  Time was when the Corvette was described as an "American" sports car, warning us that it wasn't a real one, just our local facsimile. That hasn't been the case in a while and today's C6 Corvette is world class in every respect except maybe reputation. Time for that reputation to catch up with the reality that the Corvette is exceptional.

  

• 5

  2011 Audi R8 Spyder

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  • Video Tour
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  • 360 Spins
  • Colors

  • Information:
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  $127,700

  11 City / 20 Hwy

  When Volkswagen bought Lamborghini, the corporate parts bin got a lot of interesting new pieces in it. One result is the stunningly fabulous R8 Spyder, which looks great, drives great and attracts phone-wielding paparazzi like a reality starlet.

  

• 6

  2010 Dodge Viper

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  • 360 Spins
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  • Information:
  • Overview
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  $91,005

  13 City / 22 Hwy

  Coming back from brief bankruptcy-induced hiatus later this year is the answer to car nuts' pub debate question, "Why can't they build something really exciting anymore?" The Viper is raw-edged, for good and ill, making it perfect for its fans and avoidable for its detractors.

  

• 7

  2011 Aston Martin Vantage

  • Media:
  • Video Tour
  • Photos
  • 360 Spins
  • Colors

  • Information:
  • Overview
  • Reviews
  • Safety
  • Warranties

  $118,650

  12 City / 19 Hwy

  Sophisticated drivers ask themselves, WWJBD? ? What Would James Bond Drive? The evidence is clear that he prefers Aston Martins, and with good cause. And we prefer two-seat Astons, because they forgo the charade of the faux back seat in the larger models. Just remember to pick up the tux from the cleaners.

  

Any of these two-seaters should thrill you and your one passenger. Enjoy them while you can, but be careful because a common outcome of such cozy excitement is to outgrow the car's two seats, putting you in the market for a sedan or maybe even a minivan!

Dan Carney is a veteran auto industry observer who has written for MSNBC.com, Motor Trend, AutoWeek, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Popular Mechanics, Popular Science, Better Homes and Gardens and other publications. He has authored two books, "Dodge Viper" and "Honda S2000" and is a juror for the North American Car of the Year award. Carney covers the industry from the increasingly strategic location of Washington, D.C.