USED CARS - Convertibles

Mazda MX-5 Miata: Winner of a close race

With four top marks, it seems that the reviews are in agreement that the Mazda MX-5 Miata (*est. $20,435 to $26,700) is an excellent convertible for a low price. What the reviews cannot agree upon, however, is what to call the car. While many sites point out that the "Miata" has been dropped from the official name and that it is now simply called the Mazda MX-5, many other sites still refer to the vehicle as the "Miata." We've used both terms here for clarity's sake, but Mazda now just calls this convertible the MX-5.

The 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is available in five trim levels and has two options in the way of engines. The first is a 166-hp, 2.0-liter I-4 and the second is a 170-hp, 2-liter I-4. With the MX-5 Miata, the engine option does not change the mileage estimates, with the averaged mileage being about 24 mpg/city and 30 mpg/hwy. In the safety department, the MX-5 Miata is equipped with ABS and side airbags. In the Grand Touring edition there is also the option of stability control and HID headlights. The base models of the MX-5 Miata offer a black vinyl top, while the Grand Touring edition offers a black or parchment cloth top. A hard top is optional.

Critics seem to love the Mazda MX-5 Miata , and the sentiment is summed up quite nicely by the staff of Autobytel: "Equipped with a seamlessly smooth engine, a short-shifting manual transmission, razor sharp steering, instantaneous brakes, and a suspension that offers surprising compliance coupled with impressive grip, there are few vehicles for sale today that are as much fun to drive as the MX-5." Reviews note the increased dimensions of the MX-5 Miata, which was redesigned for 2006, and most reviews applaud the handling and power of the two-door Mazda convertible.

Ford Mustang: A blast from the past

Having been around the block in a variety of forms for nearly 40 years, the Ford Mustang (*est. $23,940 to $31,145) was redesigned for model-year 2005 to pay homage to the Mustangs of yester-year. The move seems to have worked, as the once lagging Mustang is now a top contender in the convertible market, with its coupe brother also doing well. The 2006 Ford Mustang received three top marks in the reviews that we examined. The Mustang is a four-seater.

There are a number of different trim options for the Ford Mustang , and two engine choices, either the 210-hp, 4.0-liter V6 or the 300-hp, 4.6-liter V8. Unlike the MX-5 Miata, the choice of engine in the Mustang does have an effect on the EPA estimated mileage. In the V6 model, the Mustang averages 19 mpg/city and 25 mpg/hwy; opting for the V8 engine alters the mileage to 17 mpg/city and 23 mpg/hwy. ABS w/ traction control is optional on the V6 Mustang and standard on the V8 GT. Front side-impact airbags are optional on all models.

While the bold styling of the Mustang may not appeal to everyone, those who do enjoy it will love the car with a passion. Chosen as the best convertible under $25,000 by Edmunds.com, editors had this to say about the Mustang: "Undoubtedly one of the most critical hits that Ford has produced in years, the 2006 Mustang features value, performance and style all seamlessly interwoven into a classic American design." The Mustang's only flaws, according to some reviews, are the fact that the V6 model simply doesn't deliver an experience worthy of the Mustang title and that there are a few lesser-quality materials in the interior design. Even so, the Mustang is priced to compete, with a starting sticker of just under $24,000. The Mustang comes standard with a powered soft top -- a hard top isn't an option.

Mini Cooper: King of cute

As the middle vehicle in a three-way tie for second place, the Mini Cooper convertible (*est. $21,950 to $25,000) has a huge fan club. This car seems to be adored the way that some people adore puppies. The Mini Cooper convertible is also the perfect summer car for city driving, as the vehicle is less than twelve feet in total length. Its popularity only continues to grow each year.

One nice facet of the Mini Cooper is that there is no choice to make regarding the engine -- buy a Mini Cooper and you will get a 115-hp, 1.6-liter, I-4 engine. While the numbers seem small in the engine department, most reviews report that the engine moves the small vehicle quite well. In addition, the small engine is part of the reason the Mini Cooper can achieve its above-average EPA fuel-economy estimates of 26 mpg/city and 32 mpg/hwy. The Mini Cooper is also an excellent car for safety, equipped with front side airbags and front/rear head-curtain airbags. For additional safety, the Cooper convertible has a pop-up roll bar behind the rear seat and a tire-pressure monitor. It comes standard with a powered soft top. It seats four.

In a head-to-head comparison at Inside Line.com, the Mini Cooper convertible beats out the drop-top version of the New Beetle for a few reasons. First, editors say the design is more gender neutral. While guys may not flock to the "cute" car, they will run from the "girly" one. The Mini Cooper also costs less than the VW Beetle. There have been few concerns with the Mini Cooper; some reviewers say that the small car gets tossed around on windy highways when the top is down and that the pickup is not always the best, but generally the car is very well-received.

Pontiac Solstice: Low price, high quality

The final contender in our three-way battle for second place is the Pontiac Solstice (*est. $19,915 to $22,000) , a new-for-2006 convertible, which is one of the least expensive vehicles in the market -- starting under the $20,000 mark. Like the Mini Cooper and Ford Mustang, the Pontiac Solstice definitely has a sense of style all its own. Where the Mustang is rugged and the Mini Cooper is cute, the Solstice is sleek. Some critics say it looks like a $60,000+ roadster with its assorted curves and long body.

Like the Mini Cooper, there is only one available engine for the Pontiac Solstice, a 177-hp, 2.4-liter I-4. According to the EPA, the Pontiac Solstice averages 20 mpg/city and 28 mpg/hwy. Many reviews are not happy with the pickup of the Solstice, claiming that the car has a hard time getting up to speed. In terms of safety, the Solstice has four-wheel disc brakes, with the option of ABS. The Solstice comes standard with a manual soft top.

It's easy to see that the Solstice is a first-year vehicle; some critics say the engine isn't quite up to speed, the safety features aren't robust, and the Solstice lacks the refined design of some other convertibles. However, reviews praise its roomy interior and eye-catching style, and many auto reviewers say the Solstice shows extreme promise, especially in the next couple of years while Pontiac refines the vehicle.

Runner-up convertibles

Honorable mentions go out to the vehicles that received two top honors in major comparative reviews. The first such convertible is the BMW Z4 (*est. $35,600 to $42,100) , which is the successor to the much-loved BMW Z3 . While some are quick to notice the differences in styling, the Z4 is a quality machine that has received praise from a variety of automotive reviews.

The BMW Z4 convertible is available with either a 215-hp, 3.0-liter I-6 or a 255-hp, 3.0-liter I-6. The average fuel efficiency of the convertible is about 20 mpg/city and 29 mpg/highway. The Z4 comes with run-flat tires, stability control and anti-lock disc brakes. While reviewers like the sporty style and roomy interior, the vehicle gets some lower remarks in regard to handling and ride quality. The base model comes with a manual soft top. A powered top is available in the "M" trim package.

The Porsche Boxster (*est. $45,000 to $54,700) also wins some awards. Redesigned in 2005, the Boxster is the least expensive convertible in the Porsche line. It is also a vehicle that mixes the amenities of a luxury sports vehicle with a lower price tag than most. According to Car and Driver, "the Boxster serves up the quintessential sports-car experience," defined by "race-calibrated steering, peerless damping of body motions, and delicious machine noises from the back."

The Boxster has two available engines: a 240-hp, 2.7-liter H-6 or a 280-hp, 3.2-liter H-6. In terms of fuel-efficiency, that translates into 18 mpg/city and 26 mpg/hwy with the 280-hp engine and 20 mpg/city, 29 mpg hwy with the 240-hp version. In terms of safety, the Boxster comes equipped with side airbags, side head airbags, anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Stability Control and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Reviewers are fond of the driving experience associated with the Boxster, but they question the high price. The Boxster comes standard with a powered soft top.

The Chevrolet Corvette (*est. $43,690 to $64,890) celebrates its 53^rd year on the market. This convertible has gone through a series of transformations, the latest one being in 2005 when the Corvette was redesigned. Not unlike the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Corvette may be an intimidating vehicle to some car buyers, but for those who are looking for a dash of excitement, the Corvette has undeniable appeal. The Corvette comes standard with a manual soft top. A powered top is optional.

The 2006 Corvette has two choices as far as engines are concerned -- the standard 400-hp, 6.0-liter V8 or the 505-hp, 7.0-liter V8. The 6-liter engine gets approximately 18 mpg/city and 28 mpg/hwy according to EPA estimates, while the 7-liter achieves 16 mpg/city and 26 mpg/hwy. Safety wise, the Corvette features anti-lock brakes and optional side airbags. In addition, the Corvette offers AHS (Active Handling System), which recognizes when the driver loses control and performs braking and stability control as needed. While reviewers love the style and "cool factor" of the Corvette, the vehicle gets some negative marks for being awkward to enter or exit, and a few critics say the quality of interior materials could be better for the money.

More choices

The 2006 PT Cruiser Convertible (*est. $19,890 to $29,060) is a favorite due to a retro-style that has won the public over for a number of years. The Cruiser is available with 150, 180 or 230-hp engines, and it gets anywhere from 19 to 22 mpg/city and 26 to 29 mpg/hwy, according to EPA estimates. While reviewers love the look of the Cruiser convertible, they are unimpressed with its fuel economy. Some cite the pickup of the base model as less than satisfactory compared to other like-priced convertibles.

The Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible (*est. $17,180 to $22,120) is another favorite due to its very unique styling. The New Beetle Convertible comes equipped with a 150-hp, 2.5-liter I-5, and it gets approximately 22 mpg/city and 30 mpg/hwy, according to EPA estimates. While the New Beetle still has a loyal following, many reviewers are claiming that the styling is becoming a little dated and that the car is too feminine to be a mainstream success in the automotive market. Interior space is another issue, but the car gets exemplary marks for ride comfort and handling, especially in cities where being small is a great advantage for a vehicle.

Another convertible in the lower-priced strata is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder (*est. $19,399 to $23,699) , which is a seemingly big car, according to reviews. The engine options are big, with the choice of either a 162-hp, 2.4-liter I-4 or a 236-hp, 3.8-liter V6. According to the EPA, the Spyder should get around 23 mpg/city and 29 mpg/hwy with the 4 cylinder engine and 19 mpg/city, 28 mpg/hwy in the 6 cylinder. Aside from the big engine, reviews say that the Spyder feels big in the sense that the car is bulky for a convertible, and some say the handling could be better. On the plus side, the ride is comfortable, and the Spyder is a very spacious vehicle.

On up the price range is the Audi S4 Cabriolet (*est. $54,640 to $55,840) . The S4 Cabriolet comes equipped with a 340-hp, 4.2-liter V8, with mileage estimates of 15 mpg/city and 21 mpg/hwy. The main complaint that the S4 Cabriolet receives is the fact that the backseat is incredibly small. This is not the first choice for a road trip vehicle. However, reviews clearly agree that the car has more than enough power and handles incredibly well. The only other shared complaint against the S4 Cabriolet is there's a little too much interior noise when the top is up.

A direct competitor to the S4 , and another fine convertible, is the BMW M-Series (*est. $51,300 to $55,000) . While the BMW M3 boasts an impressive 333-hp, 3.2-L I-6 engine, fuel efficiency is often the target of ridicule from reviewers (16 mpg/city and 22 mpg/hwy). Reviews give the M series stellar marks for handling and ride quality. As is the case with most convertibles, space is always a negative, and the BMW is no exception. In addition, reviews also say that the BMW M-series doesn't feel like it was built with materials that are of sufficient quality for a $50,000+ vehicle.

The Mercedes Benz CLK-Class (*est. $53,700 to $62,300) is another mid-range convertible that edges into the luxury class. The vehicle is available with the option of either a V6 or V8 engine, depending on which is more important, power or fuel efficiency. In terms of fuel, the V6 gets around 19 mpg/city and 28 mpg/hwy, while the V8 engine gets about 16 mpg/city and 22 mpg/hwy, according to EPA estimates. The pickup in the V6 is occasionally criticized by reviewers, yet the low fuel efficiency of the V8 is also mentioned. The vehicle gets no negative marks for ride quality or handling. Reviewers do indicate that the rear visibility is lacking in the CLK-Class, however, and that some of the vehicle's instruments are difficult to figure out.

Luxury convertibles

The first of the convertible big boys is the Panoz Esperante (*est. $97,360 to $121,326) . Panoz is a small automaker located outside of Atlanta, and the interesting thing about their Esperante is that all of the vehicles are hand-made. The Esperante comes equipped with either a 305-hp, 4.6-liter V8 or a 420-hp, 4.6-liter V8. Even with the powerful engines, the Esperante still gets the best mileage of the high-range convertibles with 16 mpg/city, 17 mpg/hwy with the 420-hp version and 22/mpg city, 25 mpg/hwy in the 305-hp engine. Of course, price is the main negative. Some critics also claim that the car seems to handle in an awkward fashion compared to other vehicles. However, the handling is said to be quite impressive overall, and the style is in a class of its own.

The Ferrari F430 (*est. $192,484 to $202,349) is another status convertible. According to Automobile Magazine, the F430 is a car built for people who like to drive. It comes with an awesome amount of power -- under the hood of the F430 lies a 490-hp, 4.3-liter V8 engine. Unfortunately, the vehicle only gets 12 mpg/city and 17 mpg/hwy, so there is definitely a give and take in the engine department. On the other hand, reviews talk about the experience of driving the Ferrari in dreamy adjectives. There are no real qualms about the F430 aside from the fuel efficiency and the price. The vehicle is roomy, drives well and seems to be a well-received luxury convertible.

Finally, there is the Lamborghini Murcielago (*est. $319,000 to $375,000) , the top of the mountain in the price department. This is a car that revels in overindulgence. From its 571-hp, 6.2-liter V12 engine to it's incredibly poor fuel efficiency (10 mpg/city and 15 mpg/hwy), the Murcielago is a vehicle that laughs at the idea of self-control. The car is sleek, and it exudes wealth. While reviewers enjoy the looks and the feel of power, they note that car has some visibility issues and feels rather large compared to some of the other competitors. The other aspect of the vehicle that is questioned is the difficulty in maneuvering the top on and off of the vehicle. However, all agree the Murcielago is terrific fun to drive.

Important Features: Convertibles

The following is what the experts say about choosing a convertible:

• Rear visibility is important. If there is one thing that is generally in need of improvement as far as convertibles are concerned, it is rear visibility. Fortunately, this has improved in recent years as materials have gotten more durable, and technology has allowed plastic to be replaced with glass. However, this is still an aspect of the convertible that should be checked.

• Convertibles are not designed for rear-seat comfort. While there are convertibles that are designed to seat four, like the Ford Mustang and the Mini Cooper, most are not designed to seat four adults comfortably for a long period of time. If you are planning on using a convertible as a family vehicle, take into account the size of your family. The Mazda MX-5, Pontiac Solstice and Chevrolet Corvette are all two-seaters.

• The top may affect trunk space. When looking at a convertible, 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 put down. Different convertible tops work in different ways, and it is good to look at the vehicle from all angles.

• Test drive on highways. When test-driving a convertible, make sure that you drive somewhere that you can get some speed on the car to appreciate the amount of road noise. Most convertibles are not known for being quiet, and it's nice to see where your prospective vehicle stands.

• Think about safety. Buying a convertible does not mean having to buy an unsafe vehicle. Today, many convertibles offer pop-out roll bars to protect occupants, as well as airbags and a number of other safety features. Make sure to look at all safety equipment before making a final decision.

• 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 what type of convertible you purchase. While soft tops offer more of the convertible styling, they are also easy targets for thieves.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	Prices from Shopping.com
4	Mazda MX-5 Miata	(*est. $20,435 to $26,700)
4	Ford Mustang	(*est. $23,940 to $31,145)
3	Mini Cooper	(*est. $21,950 to $25,000)
2	Pontiac Solstice	(*est. $19,915 to $22,000)
1 each	BMW Z4 , Porsche Boxster , Chevrolet Corvette

As fuel prices rise, so does the concern about vehicle costs. While the winners for 2005 were mostly priced at about $35,000, there is only one vehicle in the top rankings for 2006 that even breaks the $30,000 mark, and that’s with all added options. The rankings were close this year, but the winner is the Mazda MX-5 , with four top marks. In the middle are the Ford Mustang , Mini Cooper and Pontiac Solstice , each coming in with an impressive three top scores in the best reviews. The BMW Z4 , Porsche Boxster and Chevrolet Corvette receive only two top marks each; interestingly, these three are more premium vehicles.

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