Edmunds' experts test convertible car contenders on both our test track and a 115-mile real-world test loop of city streets, freeways and winding canyons. In between, we take them home and live with them as our daily drivers, typically for two full weeks. The data we gather results in our convertible car ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover performance, comfort, interior, technology, utility and value. How we rank
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Convertibles
These affordable drop-tops come in quite a few flavors, from small, sporty two-seaters to SUVs with seating for five and off-road chops. There's a match for every lifestyle and budget, just as long as you want the wind in your hair.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF takes one of the most engaging convertibles on the road and adds a folding hardtop for… more security, more insulation from outside noise and temperature, and a distinctive coupelike look.
MSRP
$35,750 - $38,950
Edmunds Rating
8.0 out of 10
Combined MPG
29 - 30
The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF takes one of the most engaging convertibles on the road and adds a folding hardtop for more security, more insulation from outside noise and temperature, and a distinctive coupelike look.
If you love to drive and you're looking for a car that makes you feel connected to the road, start your search… with the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Lively and engaging, the Miata is a joy to drive at any speed. You'll also like its fuss-free soft top and relatively affordable price.
MSRP
$28,050 - $33,550
Edmunds Rating
7.9 out of 10
Combined MPG
29 - 30
If you love to drive and you're looking for a car that makes you feel connected to the road, start your search with the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Lively and engaging, the Miata is a joy to drive at any speed. You'll also like its fuss-free soft top and relatively affordable price.
The Mustang convertible is an impressive effort from Ford. Base Mustangs are accessible to a wide range of… drivers, and V8 models deliver pulse-quickening performance while maintaining enough civility for daily use.
MSRP
$33,270 - $48,865
Edmunds Rating
7.6 out of 10
Combined MPG
23
The Mustang convertible is an impressive effort from Ford. Base Mustangs are accessible to a wide range of drivers, and V8 models deliver pulse-quickening performance while maintaining enough civility for daily use.
Lively handling and seemingly endless personalization options make the Mini Convertible one of today's most… exciting small cars. But this Mini is also pricey compared to its rivals, and its athletic character comes with a bumpy ride.
MSRP
$32,400 - $40,650
Edmunds Rating
7.2 out of 10
Combined MPG
27 - 32
Lively handling and seemingly endless personalization options make the Mini Convertible one of today's most exciting small cars. But this Mini is also pricey compared to its rivals, and its athletic character comes with a bumpy ride.
Luxury convertibles
Luxury convertibles let you enjoy the open air in comfort while offering seating for up to five people and usable trunks. Expect lots of creature comforts and advanced technology features.
Look past the controversially styled grille and you'll find that the 4 Series convertible is actually pretty… pleasant and engaging to drive. The 430i has plenty of thrust to scoot around, and the six-cylinder of the M440i is truly special.
MSRP
$55,500 - $68,250
Edmunds Rating
7.9 out of 10
Combined MPG
25 - 28
Look past the controversially styled grille and you'll find that the 4 Series convertible is actually pretty pleasant and engaging to drive. The 430i has plenty of thrust to scoot around, and the six-cylinder of the M440i is truly special.
The C-Class convertible is one of the top models in its class, featuring lots of optional extras, high-class… interior details and sleek styling sure to catch almost anyone's eye.
MSRP
$57,250 - $90,000
Edmunds Rating
7.5 out of 10
Combined MPG
19 - 24
The C-Class convertible is one of the top models in its class, featuring lots of optional extras, high-class interior details and sleek styling sure to catch almost anyone's eye.
Luxury sport convertibles
Go fast, get sun: Luxury sport convertibles are sports cars with seating meant for two and little room for luggage. These cars are about speed and handling, and their pedigree comes at a price.
The Porsche 911 is the product of relentless evolution. Its rear engine placement is unique in the motoring… world, and with the top down you get even more of that sweet flat-six soundtrack.
MSRP
$118,900 - $228,900
Edmunds Rating
8.4 out of 10
Combined MPG
17 - 20
The Porsche 911 is the product of relentless evolution. Its rear engine placement is unique in the motoring world, and with the top down you get even more of that sweet flat-six soundtrack.
The latest SL is better to drive than ever thanks to a powerful V8 engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a… well-tuned suspension. The interior is comfortable and well appointed, though storage is limited, even by convertible standards.
MSRP
$137,400 - $178,100
Edmunds Rating
8.1 out of 10
Combined MPG
16
The latest SL is better to drive than ever thanks to a powerful V8 engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a well-tuned suspension. The interior is comfortable and well appointed, though storage is limited, even by convertible standards.
There are plenty of fast, luxurious convertibles out there, and the BMW 8 Series is elevated even among this… illustrious competition. In its base form, the 8 Series is a fleet-footed and amiable cruiser that has no problem tackling a set of switchbacks. More powerful versions dial up the performance aspect even further.
MSRP
$97,100 - $112,100
Edmunds Rating
7.9 out of 10
Combined MPG
19 - 24
There are plenty of fast, luxurious convertibles out there, and the BMW 8 Series is elevated even among this illustrious competition. In its base form, the 8 Series is a fleet-footed and amiable cruiser that has no problem tackling a set of switchbacks. More powerful versions dial up the performance aspect even further.
The LC 500 Convertible takes everything we loved about the LC Coupe and adds unlimited headroom without much… sacrifice. It's not the quickest or most powerful car in its class, but a silky smooth V8 and competent handling make it one of the most entertaining.
MSRP
$102,500
Edmunds Rating
7.8 out of 10
Combined MPG
18
The LC 500 Convertible takes everything we loved about the LC Coupe and adds unlimited headroom without much sacrifice. It's not the quickest or most powerful car in its class, but a silky smooth V8 and competent handling make it one of the most entertaining.
The BMW Z4 is a top competitor in a limited field. Anyone interested in some smile-inducing top-down motoring… should definitely take one for a warm-weather test drive.
MSRP
$52,800 - $65,300
Edmunds Rating
7.5 out of 10
Combined MPG
26 - 28
The BMW Z4 is a top competitor in a limited field. Anyone interested in some smile-inducing top-down motoring should definitely take one for a warm-weather test drive.
Loud, raucous and not particularly practical, the Jaguar F-Type roadster remains a captivating indulgence. Its… gorgeous shape and proportions are among the best on the road and help compensate for its shortcomings in cabin space and overall comfort.
MSRP
$76,700 - $111,200
Edmunds Rating
7.2 out of 10
Combined MPG
18 - 19
Loud, raucous and not particularly practical, the Jaguar F-Type roadster remains a captivating indulgence. Its gorgeous shape and proportions are among the best on the road and help compensate for its shortcomings in cabin space and overall comfort.
Exotic sport convertibles
These otherworldly convertibles are on the cutting edge of performance, putting handling and acceleration first and foremost. Exceptional attention to detail also sets them apart from the crowd.
Both mind-bending speed and transcontinental comfort are hallmarks of the BMW M8 convertible. Especially in… its 617-horsepower Competition trim, the M8's breadth of abilities never ceases to impress.
MSRP
$143,700
Edmunds Rating
8.1 out of 10
Combined MPG
17
Both mind-bending speed and transcontinental comfort are hallmarks of the BMW M8 convertible. Especially in its 617-horsepower Competition trim, the M8's breadth of abilities never ceases to impress.
Boasting motorsports-derived construction and a gloriously high-revving, naturally aspirated V10 that's… mounted behind the cabin, the Audi R8 ticks every box on the exotic car desirability checklist. It's also surprisingly easy and comfortable to drive.
MSRP
$160,900 - $213,500
Edmunds Rating
7.3 out of 10
Combined MPG
15 - 17
Boasting motorsports-derived construction and a gloriously high-revving, naturally aspirated V10 that's mounted behind the cabin, the Audi R8 ticks every box on the exotic car desirability checklist. It's also surprisingly easy and comfortable to drive.