Convertible shopping? Here's how to judge

Convertibles start in the low-$20,000s and spiral up past $200,000 for super-luxury models, though critics say the most expensive drop-tops are not necessarily the best. Experts offer these tips for choosing a convertible:

  • Convertibles are not designed for rear-seat comfort. While many of the convertibles in this report are designed to seat four, none are designed to seat adults comfortably in the rear seats for extended traveling.
  • Check visibility. Rear visibility in convertibles (with the top up) is something that's in general need of improvement. While technology has allowed plastic rear windows to be replaced with glass, the windows themselves are often very small and the roof pillars extra thick. This is an aspect of the convertible that should be checked during a test drive.
  • The top may affect trunk space. Take a good look at the vehicle with the top down, as well as with the top up. While the trunk may seem large enough when the top is up, it may be far too small for your needs when the top has been stowed. Different convertible tops work in different ways. If you golf, for example, you might want to bring your clubs to the dealer to see if they fit before you make your decision.
  • Test drive on highways. When test driving a convertible, make sure that you drive somewhere where you can get up to speed in order to evaluate the amount of road noise you'll experience with the top up and down. Most convertibles are not known for being quiet, and it's nice to see where your prospective vehicle stands. Some offer rear wind blocks to reduce cabin turbulence with the roof stowed, although they usually make the rear seat unusable.
  • Think about safety. Buying a convertible does not mean having to buy an unsafe vehicle. Today, many convertibles offer pop-up roll bars to protect occupants, as well as side airbags and a number of other safety features. In addition to checking safety features built into the car, check to see how it performs in federal and independent crash tests.
  • Retractable hard tops make the car both a coupe and convertible. An increasing number of convertibles utilize power-folding metal roofs for better security and a quieter ride when the top is up. The main drawback is that they generally consume more trunk space when down, and they add weight.
  • Convertibles are susceptible to theft. If you live or work in an area with a high crime rate, you may want to think twice about buying a car with a fabric roof. While soft tops offer more traditional convertible styling, they are also easier targets for thieves. Hard tops offer more security.

Anticipated Models from Chevrolet and Fiat

Just as multiple models met their demise in 2009, new ones approach on the horizon. The 2012 model year holds two promising convertibles: the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro convertible and the 2012 Fiat 500 convertible.

The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible hits showrooms in February 2011 and has been anxiously awaited by muscle car fans since the return of the Camaro coupe in 2010. The soft-top convertible will run head-to-head against the Ford Mustang. Expect the same powertrains as the Camaro coupe and the similar attention grabbing looks.

Fiat will return to the U.S. market with the arrival of the Fiat 500 subcompact sold at Chrysler dealerships after parent company Fiat Group SPA took a controlling stake in Chrysler. The 500 has been popular in Europe for its retro styling and playful driving dynamics, much like the Mini Cooper. The convertible version, the 500C, is expected to arrive in 2011 as a 2012 model.

Nissan has unveiled perhaps the most unlikely new convertible, the 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, which goes on sale in early 2011.

While most critics treat the Chrysler Sebring convertible with utter disdain, Chrysler has introduced the Sebring sedan's replacement, the Chrysler 200. Essentially a very heavily overhauled Sebring, the 200 has new exterior styling, a totally new and massively upgraded interior, and an all-new V6 engine. The Chrysler 200 Convertible is set to debut in the spring at the 2011 New York Auto Show.

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