Convertibles: Reviews

Updated December 2008

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Best sporty convertible

*Est. $43,500 to $64,950 Compare Prices

With excellent handling, a luxurious interior and a wide range of options, the BMW 328i and 335i convertibles have a superb ride quality and responsive engines, according to reviews. The convertibles in the BMW 3 Series… feature a powered hardtop for four-season use and better security. Prices are generally higher than most competitors, but performance and driving satisfaction also beat the rivals. Auto writers say drive response is great -- these cars are responsive and fun to drive. Safety features and long-term reliability are excellent, and even gas mileage is above average.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Car and Driver: This review gives an excellent description of the BMW 335i convertible, with plenty of practical behind-the-wheel impressions. ...

ConsumerReports.org: Editors of Consumer Reports base their review of the BMW 3 Series on a mix of convertible, sedan and coupe test vehicles. ...

Car and Driver: In a comprehensive convertible comparison test, writer Tony Swan looks at five near-luxury European drop-tops. All are 2007 ...

ConsumerGuide.com: ConsumerGuide.com gives the BMW 3 Series a top rating for its "resolute focus on balanced performance." Editors put a 328i ...

Kelley Blue Book: The BMW 3 Series model line earns a spot on Kelley Blue Book's "Recommended" list as editors praise the line's expected resale ...

Edmunds.com: Although this test-drive review focuses on BMW's 2007 335i, there are few changes for the 2008 model. Senior lead editor Ed ...

Motor Trend: Frank Markus compares the 2007 BMW 335i and the previous-generation BMW drop-top, noting an increase in rear shoulder room and ...

Automobile Magazine: Automobile magazine editors test-drive the 335i Convertible and provide a good general description with critical comments. Though ...

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Four-season family convertible

Volvo C70

*Est. $39,240 Compare Prices

Unlike the BMW 3 Series, the Volvo C70 isn't a sporty car, but it has a comfortable cabin, smooth ride and excellent safety features with top crash-test results. The lightweight steel retractable hardtop folds neatly into… the trunk, which limits cargo space, though reviews still say you'll be able to fit a couple of golf bags. A 227-hp turbo 5-cylinder provides adequate power and respectable fuel economy.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: Editors of Consumer Reports review the 2008 Volvo C70 and offer data on historical and predicted reliability based on owner ...

Car and Driver: Car and Driver looks at five near-luxury European convertibles. All are 2007 models, but most have few significant changes for ...

Motor Trend: This comparison test is a comprehensive look at the 2007 V-6-powered VW Eos and the five-cylinder Volvo C70 (the 2008 C70 gets ...

Road & Track: Road & Track compares the Volvo C70 and VW Eos and reports that although the Volvo C70 is slower than the VW Eos and has a much ...

TheCarConnection.com: The Car Connection says, "With the turbo whine, light touch to the controls and tight steering, the C70 doesn't feel at all like ...

Cars.com: Cars.com includes the Volvo C70 on its Best Bet list, saying, "The C70 makes no compromises in terms of comfort, foul-weather ...

ForbesAutos.com: ForbesAutos.com lists 10 practical convertibles, including the Volvo C70. Gorzelany notes that the C70 convertible is based on ...

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: The Volvo C70 is designated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as a Top Safety Pick award based on "good" ratings in ...

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Budget hardtop convertible

Volkswagen Eos

*Est. $28,990 to $38,100 Compare Prices

For shoppers seeking a European hardtop convertible, the best deal available is the Volkswagen Eos, reviews say. They explain that the four-seat, two-door VW Eos is more of a cruiser, with a sedan-like ride, a… high-quality interior and commendable fit and finish. There's a rear seat, but reviews say it's pretty cramped. The Eos offers many of the same standard safety features found in more expensive convertibles, including stability control, side airbags and a pop-up rollover bar. As with many hardtop convertibles, the retracted roof takes up most of the available trunk space (and reviews say the trunk is small even with the top up).

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Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: Editors of Consumer Reports review the 2008 VW Eos. Data on historical and predicted reliability compiled from owner surveys is ...

ConsumerGuide.com: ConsumerGuide.com test-drives three variations of the VW Eos and reports an average 21 mpg in mostly city driving with the turbo ...

Car and Driver: Car and Driver looks at five near-luxury European drop-tops. All are 2007 models, but most have few significant changes for 2008. ...

Motor Trend: This comparison test looks at the 2007 V-6-powered VW Eos and the five-cylinder Volvo C70. The win goes to the Volvo due to the ...

Edmunds.com: Editors put the VW Eos on their list of "top recommended convertibles under $35,000" for 2008 and point out that there are ...

Road & Track: Road & Track provides excellent commentary on the 2007 VW Eos and Volvo C70 convertibles. The four-cylinder VW Eos is the faster ...

TheCarConnection.com: According to TheCarConnection.com, "handling is one of the Eos's best features; it's relaxed enough so that you enjoy the ...

Kelley Blue Book: The Volkswagen Eos earns a spot on Kelley Blue Book's "Recommended" list, and editors say the Eos is helping to "usher in a new ...

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Bargain compact convertible

MINI Cooper Convertible

*Est. $21,950 to $25,400 Compare Prices

For a fun-to-drive four-seat convertible that's both hip and reasonably priced, reviewers say the MINI Cooper is hard to beat. Its power fabric roof opens halfway like a sunroof, or drops fully in a quick 15 seconds. The… two 4-cylinder engine choices both offer good performance and real-world fuel economy in the 26-35 mpg range. The BMW-engineered MINI Cooper convertible gets praise for its terrific handling. Reviewers are not so happy when cruising on the highway, however, as the MINI's short wheelbase and stiff suspension can make for an uncomfortable ride.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Edmunds.com: Editors place the Mini Cooper on their list of "top recommended convertibles under $25,000," saying it is fun to drive, ...

ConsumerReports.org: Editors of Consumer Reports test various body styles of the Mini Cooper, including the Cooper S convertible. Data on historical ...

Kelley Blue Book: Kelley Blue Book recommends the Mini Cooper convertible and says consumers shouldn't both looking for a deal on this extremely ...

TheCarConnection.com: TheCarConnection.com notes that the Mini Cooper convertible's interior space is almost the same as the hardtop; the convertible ...

ForbesAutos.com: The Mini Cooper hatchback is named the top vehicle for resale value, based on three-year residual value data from an automotive ...

PopularMechanics.com: Popular Mechanics lists 10 fun affordable convertibles, including the Mini Cooper, which editors say "might just be the hippest ...

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