5 Great Little Pocket Rockets

Pocket rockets are the muscle cars of this millennium - today's hot rods, two-liter boxes with sportscar power and handling. They may not offer the grunt that the V8 muscle cars did 40 years ago, but they do offer economy along with the aforementioned handling and cornering, plus great braking and acceleration.

This class of cars simply makes more sense for our times. Young drivers can see that, and so what if that wisdom is born of financial necessity? Pocket Rockets are the achievable dream cars of today's young enthusiasts. But they're not just for kids anymore. They're too good for that. Finding high performance, fun and economy all in one package is something drivers of any age can appreciate.

Here are five of the best as we drove them at the recent Motor Press Guild annual Track Days at the U.S. Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.