Features

Below we highlight important features for you to consider when purchasing a convertible.

Engines and fuel economy

Engine choices in this category range from small four cylinders 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 reserve power and the refinement of a larger engine. Similarly, V8s usually provide more power than six-cylinders, but at a sacrifice in gas mileage. Turbocharged and supercharged engines pay an additional fuel economy penalty for the extra power they provide.

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 engaging to drive because of the extra power-delivery control they provide. Many automatics now provide a manual-override mode that can mimic a manual transmission, but without a clutch.

Drive wheels

Many convertibles use front-wheel drive, while most roadsters and sports-sedan-derived convertibles use rear-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive typically provides better traction than rear-wheel drive in slippery conditions, although rear-wheel drive usually provides better handling and steering. Some models are available with all-wheel drive, which offers 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 to provide extra traction in slippery conditions, but isn't as effective as AWD. (For more information about drive systems see our traction-debate report.)

Convertible tops

In addition to being less secure against theft, a soft top is inherently prone to admitting noise and cold. Most now have a layered headliner, which adds insulation. Some also offer retractable or removable hardtops. Those reduce the compromises of a soft top, but a removable roof can be heavy and cumbersome to get on and off and requires storage space when not in use. Retractable tops offer the best of both worlds, except that they occupy trunk space when retracted and most hardtop convertibles are found at the expensive end of the spectrum.

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 them awkward to enter and exit.

Seating

Depending on the model, a convertible can have seating for anywhere from two to five people. 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. With convertibles, pay particular attention to our child-seat-fit information, and check your seats before buying—space might be too tight in many cases.

Cargo space

If cargo space is even moderately high on your list of automotive priorities, then this might be the wrong class to consider. Not only are convertibles typically smaller cars, many also give up rear cargo space to store the convertible top when it's down. If you have any large items, like golf clubs or luggage that you'll often need to carry, you might want to bring them with you when you shop.

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 on most models because they deploy from overhead, but some luxury manufacturers are offering side air bags that deploy from the door trim. Some newer convertibles offer a pop-up roll bar that deploys from the rear head restraints when sensors detect that a serious crash or rollover accident is imminent.

Antilock brakes are standard on all new convertibles. Other safety features to look for include electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, safety-belt pretensioners, occupant-sensing air-bag systems, and daytime running lights. 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. (Learn more about car safety.)

Emerging safety technologies

The latest automotive safety advances include telematics systems that alert emergency personnel if an air bag deploys, lane-departure warning systems that sound an alert if you change lanes without signaling, rear-view cameras to prevent back-over accidents, and blind-spot warning systems that indicate vehicles driving in the blind spots to the side and rear of you. Automatic-braking systems are also spreading. These apply the brakes if you're approaching the car ahead too fast and ignore an audible warning that alerts you to the situation.

Entertainment and convenience

The latest mobile electronics enable cars to deliver the fidelity of home theater, along with cell-phone connectivity and navigation guidance. There is a wide range of information and entertainment features available from the factory, and more available through the aftermarket. (See our guide to mobile electronics.)

Audio system

The standard car-audio package is a stereo radio tuner and in-dash CD player with speakers left and right, and fore and aft. An upgraded system typically has higher-watt amplifier power output—so you can play music loud while minimizing distortion—and more and better-quality speakers to enhance clarity and sound separation. Top-level systems add digital sound fields, noise-canceling, surround sound, and DVD-Audio playback.

Depending on the package, an audio upgrade can add many hundreds of dollars to a car's sticker price. Cars at every price level are adding a jack where you can plug in an MP3 device for playback through the car's audio system. Only stereos with a specific iPod connector, rather than a micro-plug port, will be able to control and recharge an iPod.

Satellite and HD radio

Subscription-only satellite radio offers broad channel selection, catering to a variety of musical and information interests, much like cable TV. Most vehicles offer satellite radio readiness in some audio systems.

HD Radio is a relatively new system that allows conventional (or terrestrial) AM and FM stations to broadcast their content over digital signals with higher fidelity. It also allows stations to add more programming over several additional channels that can be broadcast "alongside" a station's main frequency, for delivering traffic or weather information, or diverse music content.

Navigation systems and connectivity

In-car navigation systems can be a valued featured if you often drive in unfamiliar territory. They typically retail for about $2,000 when offered alone but are often bundled with other features, such as a backup camera or a high-end audio system that can add another $1,000 or more. Built-in systems have large, clear screens that are in the center of the dashboard and have generally intuitive controls. They are integrated nicely into the car, and some use touch-screen displays that make it easy to enter destinations and navigate through menus. Some can also respond to voice commands, giving you the added safety of keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. For a fee, many systems can provide real-time traffic reports, which can alert you to congested traffic, accidents, or road construction. But portable units can offer most of the same abilities for much less money. (See Ratings and learn more about portable GPS navigation systems.)

Bluetooth connectivity is becoming more readily available, enabling wireless devices such as a cell phone to wirelessly communicate with the car's audio system. This can make for convenient, hands-free phone operation.

Popularized by GM's OnStar, telematics systems use a combination of cellular telephone and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to connect drivers with a call center staffed 24/7 at the touch of a button. For a monthly or annual fee, such concierge services can provide directions or summon emergency aid based on your vehicle's location.

See also:

GPS Navigation Systems

Car batteries

Car seats

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