Budget convertibles

Ford Mustang improvements complete the package

The 2011 Ford Mustang Convertible (Base MSRP: $27,145 to $37,845) has been around for nearly 50 years, which is a testament to its popularity and status as an American automotive icon. But longevity doesn't guarantee top performance, and only the most recent improvements for 2011 bring the Mustang from a good choice to the best budget four-seat convertible available. For 2011, Ford addressed the soft-top Mustang's biggest shortcoming in what was previously a nearly complete package -- its base V6 engine, which experts in the past criticized as a "boat anchor" with archaic design and anemic power. The Mustang represents a great value due to its seating for four, pleasant interior, unique exterior, good safety ratings and a fun-to-drive nature.

Since the advent of the muscle car, the V6 base engine has always been shunned as inferior and unworthy. Now entry-level Ford Mustang models are treated to an all new aluminum 3.7-liter V6 that produces 305 horsepower, achieves 31 mpg (with the automatic transmission) on the highway as rated by the Environmental Protection Agency and is lighter than the outgoing base engine. Reviewers at TheTruthAboutCars.com explain that "after forty-plus years of being a consolation prize, the six-cylinder Mustang has finally found its voice," and Autoblog.com calls the engine "a peach" in testing a 2011 V6 Mustang Coupe. A new-for-2011 5-liter V8 in the Ford Mustang GT convertible brings 415 horsepower and improved fuel economy for those looking for snarling V8 power and speed.

The new engines complement a long list of the 2011 Ford Mustang convertible's virtues. Despite its antiquated solid rear-axle suspension technology, which reviewers often approach with skepticism, praise for the Mustang's on-road manners is nearly unanimous. An Edmunds.com reviewer starts off with "wow," and goes on to praise the "tied-down and controlled" ride and the new electric power steering unit that "feels natural and responsive." Furthermore, Ford addressed details like stiffening the chassis as well as reducing road noise. Comfortable seats and technology like Ford's Sync infotainment system ensure that the interior is a pleasant place for occupants, though back seat passengers will find accommodations to be rather tight. With the top up or down, the Mustang's trunk offers 9.6-cubic-feet of trunk capacity.

The 2011 Ford Mustang could still benefit from a few minor improvements. Edmunds.com complains about the lack of a telescoping steering-wheel adjustment, though reviewers seem to find a comfortable driving position with minimal trouble. Some find styling details to be a bit over the top, though that is a subjective matter, and some wish there was less plastic in the interior despite its sufficient quality.

The 2011 Ford Mustang's safety equipment includes front and side airbags, traction control and stability control. The Mustang also receives the highest rating of "Good" for front, side and rear impacts from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Overall, the 2011 Ford Mustang convertible and coupe have garnered much praise and have been received with delight from the critics. This quintessentially American convertible trumps similarly priced convertibles for being an economical, practical and well-engineered sporty ride.

A wholly different alternative to the Ford Mustang is the 2011 Mini Cooper Convertible (Base MSRP: $24,850 to $34,300) which starts at a lower base price and offers pint-size convertible fun. Experts love the sprightly handling and good fuel economy that result from its diminutive size. Unfortunately, a choppy and harsh ride still detracts from the overall experience, and the back seats aren't particularly hospitable for the average passenger. The 2011 Ford Mustang is a bit more expensive, but it ranks as the better all-around performer.

Mazda MX-5 Miata: Best two-seater under $40,000

After the departure of the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky and Honda S2000, the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (Base MSRP: $23,110 to $28,550) is one of the last budget-friendly sporty roadsters standing. Fortunately, the MX-5 Miata is the best of the bunch. Other than the much maligned micro-mini 2010 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet, the Mazda remains the only two-seat roadster under the $30,000 mark.

For 20 years, the Mazda Miata has been winning the hearts of both owners and critics (not to mention weekend auto-cross racers). Experts say the MX-5 Miata offers just about everything you'd want in a convertible -- a peppy engine, super-responsive handling, 50/50 weight balance, a crisp-shifting manual transmission, the charming looks of a classic British roadster, choice of an easy-to-operate soft top or retractable hard top, good fuel economy and high levels of build quality and reliability. As a bonus, reviewers like Kelley Blue Book note that it's "easy to live with," which is a compliment for a small roadster.

The few demerits the Mazda MX-5 Miata receives are problems that are largely endemic to all roadster convertibles: cramped space and high noise. The MX-5 Miata is small, offering limited amounts of headroom, storage space and trunk volume. Also, one major consumer organization finds cabin noise levels to be high, which may be tiring on long drives. One additional drawback is the availability of electronic stability control only on the highest-end model. We found no crash tests for this tiny convertible at government or independent testing agencies.

However, reviewers usually forget about all complaints once they slip behind the wheel. The Mazda MX-5 Miata offers an unrivaled package for those seeking fun, agility and affordability, explaining why Edmunds.com isn't the only one to echo the sentiment that it's "one of the best roadsters to ever hit the pavement."

Those craving more power and an unapologetically sporting nature should consider the 2011 Nissan 370Z (Base MSRP: $37,520 to $41,100). The convertible incarnation of Nissan's sports coupe has copious amounts of power from its 3.7-liter V6, but high levels of coarseness, noise and vibration are prevalent in the driving experience, according to experts. Critics favorably compare the 370Z convertible to more expensive cars like the BMW Z4 and the Audi TT, though most concede the Nissan roadster is in need of more polish. In a recent Motor Trend magazine comparison, reviewers summarize the Nissan by saying that the 370Z "pleases the pocketbook and power hungry."