10 Best Convertibles of 2010

Starts at $46,000

BMW's lineup is silly with convertibles, ranging from the popular "I've arrived" status symbol 3-Series Convertible to the shrunken performance 4-seater 1-Series Convertible. But to BMW loyalists, the most controversial drop-top in the company's fleet has been the Z4 Roadster. Launched in 2003 to succeed the previous Z3, many Bimmer fans hated the look. Thoroughly redesigned for 2011, the new skin is curvier and far sexier than ever before. The base engine is a 255-horsepower 3-liter inline 6-cylinder, and all models now come with a standard retractable hardtop.

Compare: BMW Z4 Roadster vs. Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. Porsche Boxster

Starts at $39,440

Convertibles essentially come in two flavors: roadsters, which have two seats, and 2+2s, which have back seats (though very tiny ones). Of the two categories, the latter arguably benefits more from hardtop convertible technology, as it turns these vehicles into practical coupes in the off-season. That's probably why the 2+2 hardtop convertible category has become so crowded of late. The latest entry into this fray from Lexus, the IS C, is available with either a 204-horsepower 2.5-liter V6 engine or a 306-horse 3.5-liter V6 for $44,890. Both versions offer typical Lexus fit, finish and comfort, making the IS C an impressive luxury cruiser. Performance junkies will want to opt for the bigger engine, as the 2.5 is a bit sluggish.

Read: 2010 Lexus IS C — Review

Starts at $44,350

The Infiniti G37 is anything but sluggish, thanks to its 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine. The convertible doesn't deliver as much off-the-line oomph as its coupe and sedan counterparts, due to the extra weight of the drop-top mechanics. But the G37 convertible is still a standout price-to-performance leader in the 2+2 category; it costs almost $7,000 less than a BMW 335i Convertible. As with everything in the Infiniti line, the G37 makes an earnest effort at luxury, with nice touches such as an optional dynamically equalizing Open Air Sound System with headrest-mounted speakers. However, the overall fit and finish still lags a bit when compared with interiors from Lexus, BMW and Mercedes.

Read: 2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible — Review

Starts at $23,710

Since it first launched in 1989, the Miata has consistently been one of the best bang-for-your-buck convertibles on the market, and the modern version maintains the legacy. The MX-5 Miata has one available engine, a 167-horsepower 2-liter 4-banger that is more than adequate for this lightweight 2-seater; plus, it gets up to 28 mpg. The Miata's go kart dimensions and front-midship engine layout make it perfectly weighted to drive as if it were wrapped around its two occupants. The Miata offers a classic cloth ragtop, but you can opt for a retractable hardtop that adds only 80 pounds to the vehicle's weight and takes up no space in the trunk.

Read:  10Best Cars of 2010

Starts at $55,700

When the Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet went out of production in 2009, the brand was left without a 4-seat convertible. Obviously, such a situation is intolerable, so the stalwarts from Stuttgart, Germany, have introduced the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet just in time for summer. The E Cabriolet breaks from the current luxury 2+2 fad of retractable hardtops in favor of a well-insulated soft-top. Two engines are available, a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a 382-horse 5.5-liter V8. It has the same Airscarf system found in the SL and SLK roadsters, which blows warm air seductively across your neck and shoulders to keep you warm on those chilly summer evenings.

Read:  2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet — First Drive

Starts at $21,915

In addition to being one of the few compelling Chrysler products on the market right now, the Jeep Wrangler is also the only convertible SUV currently available. "Converting" the Wrangler's top is pretty much the same snapping, rolling, folding manual pain in the neck it's always been — although the Sunrider soft-top does allow a half-removal rollback that resembles a sunroof, while the optional Freedom Top is a modular, multipanel affair that gives hardtop practicality when on. That said, this is still one capable off-roader, and with a starting price of less than 22 grand, it is also one of the cheapest top-down vehicles you can buy.

Bing: 2010 Jeep Wrangler

Starts at $27,145

These days, the Chevy Camaro versus Ford Mustang argument is a lively one, with both vehicles providing staggering horsepower at bargain prices. Both V6 and V8 versions of the cars are within a couple of horsepower of each other, and the respective model lines are priced comparably. But when it comes to convertibles, there's no comparison — at least not yet. That's because there isn't a convertible Camaro, and there won't be until next year. There are, however, a couple of convertible Mustangs: a 306-horse 3.7-liter V6, which provides some much-needed muscle at the price point and a 5.0-liter V8 that can make 412 horsepower.

Compare: Ford Mustang vs. Chevrolet Camaro vs. Dodge Challenger

Starts at $53,580

Then again, if you'd like to escalate the Ford versus Chevy performance showdown, you could always just bring up the Corvette Convertible. The ultimate workingman's supercar, the Corvette convertible is equipped with a 430-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine. The base trim comes with a manual soft-top; a power top doesn't enter the picture until you spring for the $56,770 2LT trim. A bump up to the $58,580 Grand Sport gets race-bred suspension and brakes. Regardless of trim level, any Corvette is going to deliver breathtaking performance that rivals Porsches and Ferraris at half the price.

Video: 2010 Chevrolet Covette

Starts at $192,000

While it feels wonderfully democratic to remind ourselves that Corvettes can run with Ferraris, we know deep down inside that, when and if we do get stupidly rich, the convertible we're going to want is the Ferrari California. This hardtop drop-top packs a 454-horsepower 4.3-liter V8 engine under the hood (a bit unusual, since most classic Ferraris have midmounted engines) that can bring this vehicle to 60 mph in less than four seconds. Plus, the California has as much sex appeal as speed, with curvaceous Pininfarina lines that make velvet ropes drop and ugly people just a little less ugly.

Compare: Ferrari California vs. Lamborghini Gallardo vs. Bentley Continental GTC

Starts at $88,800

Let's end with a classic. The 911 is such a pure combination of clean design and efficient performance that the frightening cost premium for convertibles is almost forgivable (you have to pony up an extra $11,000 to get any 911 model to take its top off). But the shape of a Cabriolet 911 is almost as iconic as that of its coupe counterparts. And the modern 911 is the most drivable ever, with an optional PDK manual automatic dual-clutch transmission and a choice of engines and drivetrains that range from the rear-wheel-drive 345-horse 3.6-liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine to the all-wheel-drive 500-horsepower 3.8-liter turbocharged edition.

Video: Porsche 911 Keeps Getting Better

What's your favorite convertible?

Sam Foley is a Connecticut-based automotive journalist who has written for GQ, Forbes, USA Today, the New York Post and various other publications.

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