What You Should Know Before Buying a Convertible
Top Recommended Convertibles
Our editors' top picks for 2009
Convertible Buying Guide
Our editors' analysis of 2009 Convertibles
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Size/Market Segment: Convertibles range in size from two-seat roadsters to larger four-seat luxury models. Most convertibles on the market are luxury-brand vehicles, although there are still several affordable drop tops available.
Price: The cheapest convertible runs about $20,000 while the most expensive luxury models can run well over $100,000. The most populated segment resides in the $35,000-$80,000 price range.
Engine/Fuel Economy: Most midsize models use four- and six-cylinder engines, while more expensive luxury-branded convertibles generally use powerful V6 or V8 engines. Four- and six-cylinder models can get good mileage in the mid-to-upper-20-mpg range, but most eight-cylinder drop tops turn in less than 20 mpg.
Safety: Newer convertibles generally offer some kind of fixed or pop-up roll bar to protect passengers in the event of a rollover accident. Side airbags that deploy from the seats are a staple among premium-brand drop tops and are almost always optional on less expensive models. A few luxury-brand manufacturers offer head-protecting airbags that deploy from the doorframes. Unfortunately, most convertibles have small rear windows, thus creating large blind spots.
Luxury Features/Convenience: A couple of the more inexpensive convertibles are sparsely appointed, but most drop tops provide a long list of standard amenities. Upper-level luxury models often feature the latest in electronic gadgetry and amenities.
Passenger Capacity/Interior Space: "Roadster" generally identifies a convertible as a two-seater only, while others have small rear seats to seat a total of four. A few models offer legitimate room for four adults but the majority have only enough room for small children in back.
Cargo Space: Most convertibles have limited trunk space when the top is folded down. With the top in place, however, some models offer as much cargo capacity as their coupe counterparts. Luggage space is typically more restricted in models with retractable hard tops.
Top Operation – Manual vs. Automatic: Less expensive models generally use less complicated top mechanisms that require you to unlatch and/or snap a buckle or two to get them open and closed. Most offer a power-folding top as an option. Luxury models, however, feature fully automatic tops that raise and lower at the touch of a button. Power-operated retractable hardtops have become increasingly popular on both luxury- and non-luxury nameplates. Although they add weight and complexity, hardtops invariably provide a quieter, coupelike cabin environment when raised, along with greater durability during the winter months.
Top-Down Driving: Many convertibles now provide rear windscreens that are placed behind the front seats that help keep turbulence down to a minimum while driving with the top down. Almost all convertibles offer heated seats at least as an option, while Mercedes also offers an "Airscarf" system that channels heated air to the neck and shoulders via special vents in the head restraints.
Operating Costs: Convertibles generally don't cost any more to operate than their coupe or sedan siblings. In the past, owners often had to replace soft tops, but with the advent of glass rear windows and more durable top construction methods, today's convertible tops last much longer.
