March 2007
What to look for in a convertible
Convertible models are typically available as open-top coupes or sporty, two-seat roadsters. However, there are also some
SUVs and pickups that come with convertible tops, such as the Jeep Wrangler. (See our complete test results and Ratings for reliability, owner satisfaction, safety, and more, available to subscribers.)
Why buy a convertible? Buying a convertible has little to do with practicality and everything to do with having an open-air driving experience. Some roadsters are also truly fun to drive. Keep in mind, however, that soft-top convertibles are more susceptible to break-in and theft than hardtop vehicles.
Convertible tops. In addition to being less secure against theft, a soft top is less insulated from road and wind noise and outside temperatures. Higher-priced models have layered headliners, which add insulation. Some also offer removable hardtops. These reduce the compromises of a soft top, but they can be heavy and cumbersome to get on and off and require a storage space when not in use. Some luxury convertibles have a power-operated hardtop that retracts like a soft top. This provides the best of both worlds, but they are relatively pricey and tend to take up more space when folded than a soft top would.
Engines and transmissions. Your engine choices in this category range from four-cylinder engines to powerful V8s. Six-cylinder engines typically provide the best balance of power and fuel economy. Four-cylinder engines typically get better fuel economy, but lack the power or refinement of a large engine. Similarly, V8s usually provide more power than six-cylinders, but at a sacrifice in gas mileage. Turbocharged and supercharged versions of these engines pay an additional fuel economy penalty for the extra power they provide. Many cars in this segment require more expensive premium fuel. Most convertibles are available with an automatic transmission. Five- or six-speed manual transmissions are also typically available for sporty models. Manuals usually provide better performance and fuel economy than automatics, and many drivers find them more fun to drive because of the extra shift control they provide. Many automatics now provide a manual-shift mode that works similar to a manual transmission, but without a clutch.
Front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive? Many convertibles use front-wheel drive, while most roadsters use rear-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive typically provides better traction than rear-wheel drive in slippery conditions, although rear-wheel drive provides better handling and steering. Some models are available with all-wheel drive (AWD), which provides significantly better traction in slippery conditions than either two-wheel-drive system and better dry-pavement handling and cornering than front-wheel drive. Traction control, available on many two-wheel-drive models, also helps provide extra traction in slippery conditions, but isn’t as effective as all-wheel drive. For more information about drive systems see our traction-debate report.
Fuel economy. Even within the same categories, the fuel-economy of different models can vary significantly. (See our comparison of real-world fuel-economy results for all tested models, available to subscribers.)
Access. Convertibles, while easy to enter and exit with the top down, often do not have much head room with the top up, making entry and exit more difficult. Roadsters often sit low, which can also make it awkward to get in and out.
Seating. Depending on the model, a convertible can have anywhere from two to five seating positions. Even with a five-seat design, the middle rear position is often tight and uncomfortable for adults. Sit in each seat to gauge its comfort. Look for a center rear seat with a three-point safety belt rather than a lap belt. Some so-called four-seat coupes employ a seating arrangement called 2+2, which provides so little room in the back that it could even be uncomfortable for small children.
Cargo space. If cargo space is even moderately high on your list of automotive priorities, then this may be the wrong class to be looking in. Not only are convertibles typically smaller cars, many also give up rear cargo space to store the convertible top when down. If you have any large items, like golf clubs or luggage that you’ll often need to carry, you may want to bring them with you when you shop.
Towing. As a group, convertibles are not made for towing. There are only a few cars in this class that offer towing capabilities.
Safety features. All new vehicles have standard dual front air bags, three-point safety belts in the outboard seating positions, and top-tether and LATCH child-seat attachments in the rear seats if available. Some models offer side air bags. Head-protection side bags aren’t available because they deploy from overhead. Antilock brakes are standard or optional on most models. Other safety features to look for include electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, tire pressure monitors, safety-belt pretensioners, occupant-sensing air-bag systems, and daytime running lights. See our Guide to safety features. If you're considering a two-seater, make sure it has a switch to disable the passenger air bag, in case you want to take a child with you.
Why buy a convertible? Buying a convertible has little to do with practicality and everything to do with having an open-air driving experience. Some roadsters are also truly fun to drive. Keep in mind, however, that soft-top convertibles are more susceptible to break-in and theft than hardtop vehicles.
Convertible tops. In addition to being less secure against theft, a soft top is less insulated from road and wind noise and outside temperatures. Higher-priced models have layered headliners, which add insulation. Some also offer removable hardtops. These reduce the compromises of a soft top, but they can be heavy and cumbersome to get on and off and require a storage space when not in use. Some luxury convertibles have a power-operated hardtop that retracts like a soft top. This provides the best of both worlds, but they are relatively pricey and tend to take up more space when folded than a soft top would.
Engines and transmissions. Your engine choices in this category range from four-cylinder engines to powerful V8s. Six-cylinder engines typically provide the best balance of power and fuel economy. Four-cylinder engines typically get better fuel economy, but lack the power or refinement of a large engine. Similarly, V8s usually provide more power than six-cylinders, but at a sacrifice in gas mileage. Turbocharged and supercharged versions of these engines pay an additional fuel economy penalty for the extra power they provide. Many cars in this segment require more expensive premium fuel. Most convertibles are available with an automatic transmission. Five- or six-speed manual transmissions are also typically available for sporty models. Manuals usually provide better performance and fuel economy than automatics, and many drivers find them more fun to drive because of the extra shift control they provide. Many automatics now provide a manual-shift mode that works similar to a manual transmission, but without a clutch.
Front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive? Many convertibles use front-wheel drive, while most roadsters use rear-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive typically provides better traction than rear-wheel drive in slippery conditions, although rear-wheel drive provides better handling and steering. Some models are available with all-wheel drive (AWD), which provides significantly better traction in slippery conditions than either two-wheel-drive system and better dry-pavement handling and cornering than front-wheel drive. Traction control, available on many two-wheel-drive models, also helps provide extra traction in slippery conditions, but isn’t as effective as all-wheel drive. For more information about drive systems see our traction-debate report.
Fuel economy. Even within the same categories, the fuel-economy of different models can vary significantly. (See our comparison of real-world fuel-economy results for all tested models, available to subscribers.)
Access. Convertibles, while easy to enter and exit with the top down, often do not have much head room with the top up, making entry and exit more difficult. Roadsters often sit low, which can also make it awkward to get in and out.
Seating. Depending on the model, a convertible can have anywhere from two to five seating positions. Even with a five-seat design, the middle rear position is often tight and uncomfortable for adults. Sit in each seat to gauge its comfort. Look for a center rear seat with a three-point safety belt rather than a lap belt. Some so-called four-seat coupes employ a seating arrangement called 2+2, which provides so little room in the back that it could even be uncomfortable for small children.
Cargo space. If cargo space is even moderately high on your list of automotive priorities, then this may be the wrong class to be looking in. Not only are convertibles typically smaller cars, many also give up rear cargo space to store the convertible top when down. If you have any large items, like golf clubs or luggage that you’ll often need to carry, you may want to bring them with you when you shop.
Towing. As a group, convertibles are not made for towing. There are only a few cars in this class that offer towing capabilities.
Safety features. All new vehicles have standard dual front air bags, three-point safety belts in the outboard seating positions, and top-tether and LATCH child-seat attachments in the rear seats if available. Some models offer side air bags. Head-protection side bags aren’t available because they deploy from overhead. Antilock brakes are standard or optional on most models. Other safety features to look for include electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, tire pressure monitors, safety-belt pretensioners, occupant-sensing air-bag systems, and daytime running lights. See our Guide to safety features. If you're considering a two-seater, make sure it has a switch to disable the passenger air bag, in case you want to take a child with you.
