MSN Auto: Top 10 Convertibles for 2009
05-28-09, 09:49 AM
#1
MSN Auto: Top 10 Convertibles for 2009
Top 10 Convertibles for 2009
By Marc Lachapelle of MSN Autos
Hard economic times and convertibles need not be mutually exclusive. At one time, going topless might have been considered frivolous — possibly even superficial. That has changed, since many of today’s convertibles and roadsters make great sense as both everyday drivers and as fun-to-fling flights of fancy. Models with retractable hardtops, for instance, provide the same wind and weather protection of a standard coupe as well as similar cargo capacity, thanks to clever folding-mechanism designs. And modern soft-tops feature glass rear windows for better visibility and the ability to fold at speeds up to 30 mph. Indeed, convertibles have come a long way. Among the dozens of models available today, here are 10 standouts from across all price categories:
Original link and slide show
1) 2009 Audi TTS Roadster
2) 2009 BMW Z4
3) 2010 Ford Mustang GT
4) 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
5) 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
6) 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
7) 2009 MINI Cooper/Cooper S
8) 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
9) 2009 Porsche Boxster/Boxster S
10) 2009 Volkswagen Eos
Isn't it odd that neither the BMW 335i, IS350C, nor Infiniti G37 convertibles did not make the list...
By Marc Lachapelle of MSN Autos
Hard economic times and convertibles need not be mutually exclusive. At one time, going topless might have been considered frivolous — possibly even superficial. That has changed, since many of today’s convertibles and roadsters make great sense as both everyday drivers and as fun-to-fling flights of fancy. Models with retractable hardtops, for instance, provide the same wind and weather protection of a standard coupe as well as similar cargo capacity, thanks to clever folding-mechanism designs. And modern soft-tops feature glass rear windows for better visibility and the ability to fold at speeds up to 30 mph. Indeed, convertibles have come a long way. Among the dozens of models available today, here are 10 standouts from across all price categories:
Original link and slide show
1) 2009 Audi TTS Roadster
2) 2009 BMW Z4
3) 2010 Ford Mustang GT
4) 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
5) 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
6) 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
7) 2009 MINI Cooper/Cooper S
8) 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
9) 2009 Porsche Boxster/Boxster S
10) 2009 Volkswagen Eos
Isn't it odd that neither the BMW 335i, IS350C, nor Infiniti G37 convertibles did not make the list...
05-28-09, 10:10 AM
#3
Top 10 Convertibles for 2009
By Marc Lachapelle of MSN Autos
Hard economic times and convertibles need not be mutually exclusive. At one time, going topless might have been considered frivolous — possibly even superficial. That has changed, since many of today’s convertibles and roadsters make great sense as both everyday drivers and as fun-to-fling flights of fancy. Models with retractable hardtops, for instance, provide the same wind and weather protection of a standard coupe as well as similar cargo capacity, thanks to clever folding-mechanism designs. And modern soft-tops feature glass rear windows for better visibility and the ability to fold at speeds up to 30 mph. Indeed, convertibles have come a long way. Among the dozens of models available today, here are 10 standouts from across all price categories:
Original link and slide show
1) 2009 Audi TTS Roadster
2) 2009 BMW Z4
3) 2010 Ford Mustang GT
4) 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
5) 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
6) 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
7) 2009 MINI Cooper/Cooper S
8) 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
9) 2009 Porsche Boxster/Boxster S
10) 2009 Volkswagen Eos
By Marc Lachapelle of MSN Autos
Hard economic times and convertibles need not be mutually exclusive. At one time, going topless might have been considered frivolous — possibly even superficial. That has changed, since many of today’s convertibles and roadsters make great sense as both everyday drivers and as fun-to-fling flights of fancy. Models with retractable hardtops, for instance, provide the same wind and weather protection of a standard coupe as well as similar cargo capacity, thanks to clever folding-mechanism designs. And modern soft-tops feature glass rear windows for better visibility and the ability to fold at speeds up to 30 mph. Indeed, convertibles have come a long way. Among the dozens of models available today, here are 10 standouts from across all price categories:
Original link and slide show
1) 2009 Audi TTS Roadster
2) 2009 BMW Z4
3) 2010 Ford Mustang GT
4) 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
5) 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
6) 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
7) 2009 MINI Cooper/Cooper S
8) 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
9) 2009 Porsche Boxster/Boxster S
10) 2009 Volkswagen Eos
05-28-09, 10:16 AM
#4
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Top 10 Convertibles for 2009
By Marc Lachapelle of MSN Autos
Hard economic times and convertibles need not be mutually exclusive. At one time, going topless might have been considered frivolous — possibly even superficial. That has changed, since many of today’s convertibles and roadsters make great sense as both everyday drivers and as fun-to-fling flights of fancy. Models with retractable hardtops, for instance, provide the same wind and weather protection of a standard coupe as well as similar cargo capacity, thanks to clever folding-mechanism designs. And modern soft-tops feature glass rear windows for better visibility and the ability to fold at speeds up to 30 mph. Indeed, convertibles have come a long way. Among the dozens of models available today, here are 10 standouts from across all price categories:
Original link and slide show
1) 2009 Audi TTS Roadster
2) 2009 BMW Z4
3) 2010 Ford Mustang GT
4) 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
5) 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
6) 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
7) 2009 MINI Cooper/Cooper S
8) 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
9) 2009 Porsche Boxster/Boxster S
10) 2009 Volkswagen Eos
By Marc Lachapelle of MSN Autos
Hard economic times and convertibles need not be mutually exclusive. At one time, going topless might have been considered frivolous — possibly even superficial. That has changed, since many of today’s convertibles and roadsters make great sense as both everyday drivers and as fun-to-fling flights of fancy. Models with retractable hardtops, for instance, provide the same wind and weather protection of a standard coupe as well as similar cargo capacity, thanks to clever folding-mechanism designs. And modern soft-tops feature glass rear windows for better visibility and the ability to fold at speeds up to 30 mph. Indeed, convertibles have come a long way. Among the dozens of models available today, here are 10 standouts from across all price categories:
Original link and slide show
1) 2009 Audi TTS Roadster
2) 2009 BMW Z4
3) 2010 Ford Mustang GT
4) 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
5) 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
6) 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
7) 2009 MINI Cooper/Cooper S
8) 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
9) 2009 Porsche Boxster/Boxster S
10) 2009 Volkswagen Eos
05-28-09, 10:18 AM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
4) 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
For the money, it's hard to beat the Miata's soft-top. The Miata has a folding hard-top option, but, IMO, it's a waste of money, unless you have a bad right arm or shoulder.
The standard Miata's top is a marvel of simplicity (one reason, among many, for the car's great success). Just take your right arm, unsnap one large lever on the windshield header (older Miatas had two snaps), flip the folding top up and over your head, and drop it down into the well behind you. It's so light and quick it's a piece of cake. I have done it myself, start-to-finish, sitting in the left seat, in three seconds.
05-28-09, 10:23 AM
#6
Lexus Champion
That list makes absolutely zero sense to me. I mean it's not even a matter of just having a different opinion than the author. I can't actually understand what criteria they used to come up with it. Then again it is MSN we're talking about. They have zero credibility when it comes to car discussion IMO.
How much weight and cost does the hard top add? If it doesn't add much, I'd prefer it. In addition to being fully automatic it likely reduces road/wind noise, is more theft/vandal resistant, won't require replacement in 10-15 years due to UV exposure, and is probably a bit safer in a wreck with the top up.
How much weight and cost does the hard top add? If it doesn't add much, I'd prefer it. In addition to being fully automatic it likely reduces road/wind noise, is more theft/vandal resistant, won't require replacement in 10-15 years due to UV exposure, and is probably a bit safer in a wreck with the top up.
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05-28-09, 10:41 AM
#8
Lexus Fanatic
How much weight and cost does the hard top add? If it doesn't add much, I'd prefer it. In addition to being fully automatic it likely reduces road/wind noise, is more theft/vandal resistant, won't require replacement in 10-15 years due to UV exposure, and is probably a bit safer in a wreck with the top up.
Of course. If you prefer a folding hard top, or dislike doing it by hand, go for it....that's why Mazda, after a number of years, added the option. And there's little question that it offers better soundproofing and weathertightness. Its small added safeness in a roll-over is possible (?), but questionable......most folding hard-tops I've seen are made of fiberglass (some aluminum), not steel, to keep the weight down. Many, if not most, convertibles these days have either fixed or pop-up roll bars for protection.
The hard-top roof itself may not need replacement in 10-15 years (earlier ragtops needed replacement a lot more often than that), but some of the motors and electronics might...and they are not always easy to reach.
But, the way I see it, a manual top has its advantages as well......the most important, of course, being that that there are no electric motors or relays to fail when you are out on a warm afternoon and a big thunderstorm suddenly rolls in.
Last edited by mmarshall; 05-28-09 at 03:23 PM.
05-28-09, 10:45 AM
#9
Super Moderator
05-28-09, 12:31 PM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
on the miata, about 200lbs i believe, which is significant as the car's only 2400lbs to start. 
i own the 'manual' top and as mmarshall says, it's so trivial, even a caveman could do it. i just couldn't see the point of spending money for extra weight, extra time, extra complexity.
from owners, not apparently true.
true, but i don't live in a rough area. 
if you have a garage this isn't an issue.
doubtful if one is wearing a seat belt. the 'hoops' behind the head are roll over protection and of course air bags... i don't plan to test this to find out though!
one plus for the retractable hard top - i think it looks a bit better top up. top down makes no difference to me and i drive top down 98% of the time anyway.
In addition to being fully automatic
i just couldn't see the point of spending money for extra weight, extra time, extra complexity.
it likely reduces road/wind noise,
is more theft/vandal resistant
won't require replacement in 10-15 years due to UV exposure,
and is probably a bit safer in a wreck with the top up.
one plus for the retractable hard top - i think it looks a bit better top up. top down makes no difference to me and i drive top down 98% of the time anyway.
05-28-09, 12:32 PM
#11
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
oh and 50 +/-10 year olds are almost certainly the largest demographic buying convertibles.
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