Maybe it’s the punishing weather that we’ve been experiencing in recent years, or the change in ideology to people who want to stay forever comfortably ensconced in their little shells. Either way, convertibles haven’t been flying off the showroom floor, and even on leisurely drives up the coast on warm days it’s rare to see anyone cruising with the top down. The old rag tops, roadsters, and even the T-Tops driven by guys in mesh shirts are rare on the road, and we can only assume it’s because people don’t know what to buy. We fixed this with the 13 best convertibles to be found.
What Makes a Good Convertible
As with any car, reliability is the first hallmark. A fun car that breaks down every few miles is a drain on time, energy, and finances. None of which are good. After being easy to maintain, we wanted comfortable to drive, since activating wind-in-your-hair mode means being happy going the distance. Finally, fun to drive, loaded with accessories, and sheer sexiness came into play as icing on this topless cake.
Fiat 124 Spider
Fiat has mastered the art of being a brilliant clone. Here, the Spider is meant to be a Miata with the same build, but open up the hood and you find a whole different story. The Spider uses a tiny 1.4-liter engine that’s turbocharged for an interesting, jumpy ride that really wants to swerve, and certainly likes hopping up when you downshift for power. Bearing some 60’s styling, this is equal but different from the Miata in every way. MSRP: $24,995
Ford Mustang
As is always the case with Mustangs, there’s the really nice 8 cylinder power plant, or you can save a ton of money and get one of the lesser ponies with either a 6 cylinder or 4 banger. Then there’s all kinds of trim choices and colors to help make it look like your own and set it apart from all the others on the road. Lots of bang for your buck, and fun that fits almost all budgets. MSRP: $25,585
Jeep Wrangler
Most convertibles fall into the sports car, roadster, or general coupe category. The Jeep is none of those things, but with its incredible off-road capability, highly modifiable body, and the ability to drive over a river, it’s the true adventurers convertible of note. MSRP: $28,695
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Perhaps the most purely fun convertible on the list, the Miata uses a modest 155 horsepower, 2.0-liter engine that has a scant quad of cylinders to push it along. Smart use of aluminum reduces the weight so that when you’re whipping through turns the MX-5 will never feel like it’s dragging or unresponsive. A lot of play for a little dough, plus a legendary name. MSRP: $31,900
BMW 4-Series
Lots of choices here, with a coupe or sedan body style, 4 to 6 cylinders, depending on what you dig, a 6 or 8 speed tranny depending on if you want manual or automatic, rear wheel or all-wheel drive. and a sexy 6.5-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay is standard. It’s a Beamer through and through, so comfort and quickness are moot points. MSRP: $43,300
Porsche 718 Boxster
If you can’t live without the signature whine of the flat six that comes with the Porsche 911, then go that route. We opted for the 718 because it costs about half as much, but certainly isn’t half the car. In the 718 you get a 2.0-liter displacement with 121 horses, vs. 3.0-liter and 182 horses on the 911. It’s a 4 cylinder 6 speed in stead of a 6 and 7, but it’s also lighter, giving it a little more pep on winding pathways. MSRP: $55,300
Mercedes-AMG C43 / C63
Mercedes has the luxury market fairly well cornered when it comes to convertibles, with all of the choices being excellent. When faced with a choice, we tend to opt for the less expensive option, which is why we felt the C-Class, with its twin-turbo V-6, 362 horsepower base, and 9 speed automatic was the way to go. That’s just the C43. When you get up to the C63, you get a V-8 with 469 horses to carry you home. MSRP: $57,200
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
If you haven’t given the Camaro a check lately, it might be time to brush up. Coming in with 4 to 8 cylinders for every kind of driver, a unique and gorgeous body that really catches the eye, and more refined steering than we’ve ever felt from the Camaro line, our only complaint is that it’s pure hell on straightaways, but doesn’t corner as well as we’d like. MSRP: $61,140
Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
You’ll love being behind the wheel of the Spider’s turbo 4 that loves to hug the curves. What you’ll hate is the tiny seats, the low clearance, and the utter lack of storage space. We can’t recommend you buy this, unless you’re exceptionally diminutive and can pack like a bird, but we do strongly suggest a test drive. MSRP: $65,900
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
It’s a Corvette. It’s a good Corvette. If we have to explain why you should get a Corvette, then maybe it’s time to check the dosage on your medication. 6.2-liter V-8.
Lamborghini Huracán Spyder
An entry-level supercar for the nouveau riche, you’ll be given a beastly 5.2-liter V-10 that only comes in automatic, because you don’t want to try to shift this strange beast. At 602 horsepower, you’ll want to push the limit, which is fine; just fill out your last will and testament first. MSRP: $203,295
Ferrari 488 GTB
661 horsepower can be pushed out of the 488GTB should you ever need to redline it. Even if you prefer more mundane driving, hearing the voice on that big 3.9-liter V-8 sitting right behind you rev up like the end of days will give you a thrill. It goes 0-60 in 3 flat and Ferrari has added in adaptive suspension to keep the car comfortable without making the handling turn to mush. MSRP: $320,132
Rolls-Royce Dawn
In essence, the Dawn is a Wraith coupe hidden beneath some sheetmetal whorls and swoops. Though that sounds like a denouncement, in fact the familiar plush interior, roomy build, and classical feel are all welcome luxuries the likes of which Rolls buyers have come to expect. Then there’s the tale of the 6.6-liter V-10 with twin-turbos to make it fleet of tire as well. MSRP: $400,000
