American Woman Motorscene

CONVERTIBLES: Taking the Heat, with Pleasure

By Debbie Anderson

Summer is the perfect time to think about going topless-with your vehicle, that is. Convertibles have a way of making you feel wonderful; they offer a sense of freedom, daring, and excitement that can't be paralleled in any coupe or sport/utility. We've compiled 10 exciting droptops-from the moderately priced to relatively affordable exotics- any one of which will deliver ultimate pleasure when you've made the decision to remove your top and feel the wind in your hair. Go out for a test spin; we guarantee you'll be a convert!

Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

The old ad slogan proclaiming "baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet" seems fitting because no other car exemplifies an American icon than the Chevrolet Corvette. For 42 years the Corvette has been the premier American sports car. Over one million of them have been built to date, and they are the prized possession of innumerable car clubs and collector's garages. The '53 Vette was originally a convertible hardtop, and some form or another of the convertible was offered until 1975, when it was dropped from the lineup. But demand for the classic roadster grew, and in 1986, the convertible returned, to the delight of its many followers.

For 1995, a host of refinements continue to upgrade the popular two-door domestic roadster. Improved ride quality, bigger, heavy-duty brakes, new gill panels behind the front wheel openings, and the addition of Dark Purple Metallic paint rounds out the changes. Carryover items include its massive 300-horsepower V-8 engine, sophisticated PASSKey II theft deterrent system, Bosch anti-lock brakes, low tire pressure warning system, and traction control. Also for safety are dual airbags and three point seatbelts. Shifting this beast is a bit of work (although the 6-speed manual has been improved to make it easier), but you can opt for the automatic transmission to make freeway stop-and-go enjoyable rather than unbearable.

Although the Corvette has won its share of races and championships, it's well suited for street use. Besides the aforementioned airbags and seatbelts, the Vette has a reinforced safety cage that protects the passenger compartment. There are front and rear crumple zones that will absorb energy in a crash and protect the occupants, the laminated windshield safety glass and tempered side and rear safety glass are set up to hold the pieces in place in case the glass is shattered. Accident avoidance features, aside from the ABS and disc brakes, include outside sideview mirrors, tires with built-in tread wear indicators and a brake/transmission shift that prevents the vehicle from being shifted out of Park without first depressing the brake pedal. And for those who are looking for the ultimate in high-technology, the Corvette offers Goodyear's Extended Mobility Tires (EMT), or run-flat tires. Reinforced sidewalls and special materials enable EMTs to withstand the stress of running without air. The ride, handling and lateral stability of EMTs are so impressive without air that a driver may not perceive the loss of air pressure. That's where the low-pressure warning system comes into play. With EMT, the spare tire can be deleted.

In the U.S., personal success is measured by the material items you possess. And while you may have a big house, only those who know you live there will be impressed. That's why the automobile is the first impression most people will have of your status in life. The Corvette convertible says many things: I am a successful businesswoman who is unconventional in my thinking and my approach to life. I demand freedom, I know how to use power wisely, and I've chosen a car that shows I'm not afraid of challenges.

If all the things we just wrote made you say, "hey, that's me!" then slide yourself behind a piece of Americana; now drop the top, cruise out to the ballpark and enjoy a hot dog and a big slice of apple pie.

Price.............................$43,665
Vehicle layout:...........2-door, 2-pass.
Airbag...................Driver/passenger
Drivetrain........Front engine/rear drive
Engine..................OHV 5.7-liter V-8
Horsepower @rpm.................300 @5000
Torque, Ib-ft @ rpm.............340 @4000
Transmission............4-speed automatic
                  optional 6-speed manual
Wheelbase, in.......................178.5
Suspension, f/r..........Short/long arms,
                upper/lower control arms;
             five-link with control links
Brakes............Vented disc/vented disc
Anti-lock........................Standard 
Curb weight, lb......................3360
Fuel capacity, gal...................20.0
EPA mileage, city/hwy, range........17-27
   
    
AWM Ratings

Ergonomics                   ****
Safety                      *****
Entry & exit ease              **
Grocery-getting potential      **
Sense of style              *****
Head-turning ability         ****
Performance-to-dollar value *****
Fun factor                   ****
                      
Legend
Excellent                   *****
Very good                    ****
Good                          ***
Fair                           **
Poor                            *

CHEVROLET CAMARO CONVERTIBLE

The Chevy Camaro convertible is one of the best-looking sport coupes available today. Not only are the lines clean and classic, but the Corvette-based 5.7-liter LTI engine in the Z28 delivers power in a way that only a V-8 can. The base model comes with the 3.4-liter V-6 or you can get the 3.8-liter V-6, neither of which are as much a scream as the V-8, but you'll save on gas mileage if you opt for the V-6's. The convertible top is power operated and fits under a molded cap, which doesn't leave a whole lot of room in the back, but you'll be having too much fun to notice. If you want to run with the big dogs, the Chevy Camaro could be the one for you-it will put and keep you at the head of the pack.

Price.................................$19,595-$23,195
Vehicle layout:.......................2-door, 2-pass.
Airbag...............................Driver/passenger
Drivetrain....................Front engine/rear drive
Engine.............................OHV 5.7-liter V-8;
                                   OHV 3.8-liter V-6;
                                    OHV 3.4-liter V-6
Horsepower @ rpm..........................275 @ 5000;
                                          200 @ 5200;
                                           160 @ 4600
Torque, lb-ft @ rpm........................325 @ 200;
                                          225 @ 4000;
                                           200 @ 3600
Transmission............................5-speed man.;
                                        6-speed man.;
                                        4-speed auto.
Wheelbase, in.:.................................101.1
Suspension, f/r.........short/long arm, coil springs,
         track bar; solid axle, coilsprings,track bar
Brakes...............................Vented disc/drum
Anti-lock....................................Standard
Curb weight......................................3342
Fuel capacity, gal...............................15.5
EPA mileage, city/hwy/.,range...................17-28

Dodge Viper

What, you say? Me in a Dodge Viper? Well, why the heck not? Life's short and should be enjoyed to the max. The Viper is just the car to enjoy it in, but the price tag may shorten your life a bit just by looking at it. Okay, so this is one of those high-end ones we said we'd mention, but in the grand scheme of high-performance, high-dollar cars, the Viper is a veritable bargain. The two-seater offers 488 cubic inches of pure power, and the V-10 400-horsepower motor knows no bounds. The 6-speed manual transmission will remind you that you're in a real sports car, and the great outdoors will never seem the same after a turn in this screamer. This is a modern-day version of Carroll Shelby's classic Cobras from the '60s, and it lives up to that reputation. The soft top is a bit light and the side windows are plastic, so be prepared to drive this convertible the way it's meant to be driven-fast and totally open.

    
Price..............................................$56,000
Vehicle layout:............................2-door, 2-pass.
Airbag ...............................................None
Drivetrain.........................Front engine/rear drive 
Engine..................................OHV 8.0-liter V-10
Horsepower @ rpm................................400 @ 4600
Torque, lb-ft @ rpm.............................465 @ 3600
Transmission..................................6-speed man. 
Wheelbase, in.........................................96.2
Suspension, f/r..............short/long arms,coil springs,
       track bar; short/long arms, coil springs, track bar
Brakes...........Vented disc/vented disc
Anti-lock...............................................No
Curb weight, Ib.......................................3487
Fuel capacity, gal....................................22.0
EPA mileage, city/hwy................................12/21

BMW 325i Convertible

Here's a snappy, sporty little dream from one of the premier German manufacturers. Fit and finish are excellent in this solid automobile, and the convertible top is electrically controlled, with a one- hand-operated latch, which makes just about everything about having a topless car easier. Based on the 325i sedan, the convertible can be had with the 2.5-liter six-cylinder 189-horse engine and either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic tranny. BMW lowered the back of the body to lend a sportier look to its convertible offering; the bad news is that five cubic feet of space came out of the trunk. But keep in mind that the top is completely hidden when it's down and that should make you feel better. Actually, just sitting at the wheel with your foot on the pedal of this classy little cruiser instantly will make life better.

Price.............................................$39,600
Vehicle layout:...........................2 door, 4-pass.
Airbag...................................Driver/passenger
Drivetrain........................Front engine/rear drive
Engine.................................DOHC 2.5-liter V-6
Horsepower @rpm..................................189@5900
Torque, Ib-ft @ rpm.............................181 @4200
Transmission..................5-speed man.; 4-speed auto.
Wheelbase, in.......................................106.3
Suspension, f/r..........Struts, coil springs, track bar;
                      multi-link, coil springs, track bar
Brakes...................................Vented disc/disc
Anti-lock........................................Standard
Curb weight, lb......................................3352
Fuel capacity, gal...................................17.2
EPA mileage, city/hwy.range.........................19-28

Ford Mustang Convertible

The Mustang is another domestic offering, and a popular one at that. If you're looking for high performance in a convertible, this could be the car for you. The 5.0 -liter V-8 found in the upline GT version is the hot ticket, and if you choose it, you'll be cruising in major style with 215 horsepower. The base 3.8-liter V-6 makes 145 horsepower and shouldn't be ignored, but if you want the wind to hum in your ears, go wild and get the newest member of the Mustang convertible family. the Cobra. which Produces 240 horsepower in the V-8. We like the swoopy lines and the prominent air scoop in the front that says it means business, and dual airbags for the first time say safety counts. The venerable pony car just keeps getting better, and the convertible is a standout in the herd.

Price...................................$20,995-$25,605
Vehicle layout:.........................2 door, 4-pass.
Airbag.................................Driver/passenger
Drivetrain......................Front engine/rear drive
Engine............... .OHV 5.0-liter V 8; 3.8-liter V-6
Horsepower @rpm..............................240 @4800;
                                  215 @4200, 145 @4000;
Torque, lb-ft @rpm............................285 @4000
                                   285 @3400; 215 @2500
Transmission...............................5-speed man;     
                                          4-speed auto.
Wheelbase,  in....................................101.3
Suspension, f/r........Struts, coil springs, track bar;
                    solid axle, coil springs, track bar
Brakes.................................Vented disc/disc
Anti-lock......................................Standard
Curb weight........................................3077
Fuel capacity gal..................................15.4
EPA mileage, city/hwy range.......................17-30

Pontiac Sunfire Convertible

This hot number has an appealing price tag, which puts it into the "must have" category for summer. The Sunfire replaces the Sunbird, and improvements have been made in the form of handling and drivability. The SE convertible differs from the SE coupe hardtop in that it has larger wheels and tires and a bigger anti-roll bar, plus it comes standard with the rear spoiler. The SE offers a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 3-speed automatic, and later in the year a 4-speed automatic with the optional 2.3-liter twin cam Quad 4 engine will be available, along with a traction-control system. With its good looks and great price, plenty of people will be lining up to get one.

Price.............................................$1 6,764
Vehicle layout:............................2 door, 4-pass.
Airbag....................................Driver/passenger
Drivetrain........................Front engine/front drive
Engine.............................DOHC 2.3-liter inline 4
                                    OHV 2.2-litre inline 4
Horsepower @ rpm........................150 @6000;120/5200
Torque, lb-ft @ rpm.....................130 @4000;140/4800
Transmission.....................3-speed auto;4-speed auto
Wheelbase,in...........................................104.
Suspension, f/r..............Short/long arms, coil springs,
         track bar; trailing arms, coils springs, track bar
Anti-lock..........................................Standard
Curb weight, lb........................................2835
Fuel capacity, gal.....................................15.2
EPA mileage, city/hwy.,range..........................21-36

Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible

The addition of a removable roof panel in this convertible makes you feel extra secure when driving "al fresco." The Cutlass comes with the 3.1-liter V-6 with an automatic transmission only, so it's not the first choice for speed, but the optional 3.4-liter DOHC V-6 will get you up and running, no problem. Dual airbags and a redesigned interior for '95 make the Cutlass more comfortable- and safe-and the chassis improvements from '93 are still holding strong. This is a successful-image type of car, and its good looks are more elegant than sporty. So if you see yourself in the perfect blend of style and function-without a top- the Olds Cutlass may be the model for you.

Price.........................................$25,460
Vehicle layout:........................2-door, 4-pass.
Airbag................................Driver/passenger
Drivetrain....................Front engine/front drive
Engine..........DOHC 3.4-liter V-6, OHV 3.1-liter V-6;
Horsepower @rpm..................210 @ 5200;160 @ 5200
Torque lb-ft @rpm................215 @ 4000,185 @ 4000
Transmission.............................4-speed auto.
Wheelbase, in....................................107.0
Suspension f/r...................Struts, coil springs,
                    transverse leaf springs, track bar
Brakes.........................Vented disc/vented disc
Anti-lock.....................................Optional
Curb weight, lb...................................3629    
Fuel capacity,gal.................................l7.1
EPA mileage, city/hwy.,....................range l7-29

Saab 900 Convertible

Saab came out with its first convertible in 1986, and it's been gaining in popularity ever since. Today there are two trim levels available, the 900S or SE. This is a rock-solid, roadworthy car that will afford you tons of fun in the sun, and it will do it quietly and safely. Swedish engineering delivers a car that's light and handles great. The convertible top is lined and all-electric, features a glass rear window and folds neatly into a hard boot There are three engine choices: The base engine is a 2.3-liter inline four, next up is the naturally aspirated V-6 engine, which delivers quite a bit of torque, and takes you from 0-60 in 8.6 seconds, then the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four, with a power output of 185. The 5-speed manual transmission would be our first choice to back any of the engines, as the automatic sometimes has to find the right gear. As far as the price tag goes, this is toward the high-end, but you get so much for your money--great looks and top performance-and aren't you worth it?

Price.....................................$32,995-$39,520
Vehicle layout:...........................2-door, 4-pass.
Airbag...................................Driver/passenger
Drivetrain.......................Front engine/front drive
Engine...........................DOHC 2.0-liter inline 4,
            turbocharged/intercooled; DOHC 2.5-liter V-6;
                                  DOHC 2.0-liter inline 4
Horsepower @rpm................................185 @55OO;
                                    170 @ 5900, 150 @5500
Torque, lb-ft @ rpm.............................194 @2100
                                    167 @4200; 155 @ 4300
Transmission...................5-speed man.; 4-speed auto
Wheelbase, in.......................................102.4
Suspension,f/r......................Struts, coil springs,
      track bar; short/long arms, coil springs, track bar
Brakes............................Vented disc/vented disc
Anti-lock........................................Standard
Curb weight, lb......................................3250
Fuel capacity, gal...................................18.0
EPA mileage, city/hwy., range.......................18-29

Chrysler Sebring Convertible

The award-winning Chrysler Cirrus sedan is what the new-for-'96 Sebring (and its sister vehicle the Dodge Avenger Convertible pictured here) will be based on, and there will be two models available, the JX and the JXi. Due to reach the dealerships this fall, these droptops will be motivated by the Mitsubishi 2.5-liter SOHC V-6 that makes 155 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. A 4-speed automatic with torque management will be the transmission of choice. This comfortable four-seater will feature lots more interior space and usable trunk space. The Sebring is bound to cause some excitement when it comes out, and we're betting it will be a real contender in the "comfortable convertible" class, and all for a reasonable price.

Price........................$15,500-$20,000 (est.)
Vehicle layout:....................2-door,  4-pass.
Airbag.............................Driver/passenger
Drivetrain.................Front engine/front drive
Engine...........................SOHC 2.5 liter V-6
Horsepower@rpm...........................155 @ 5500
Torque, lb-ft @rpm.......................161 @ 4400
Transmission..........................4-speed auto.
Wheelbase, in.................................103.7
Suspension, f/r......Short/long arms, coil springs,
      track bar; multi-link coil springs, track bar    
Brakes......................Vented disc/vented disc
Anti-lock..................................Optional
Curb weight, lb..........................2816 (est)
Fuel capacity, gal.............................l5.9
EPA Mileage city/hwy..........................22/32

Pontiac Firebird Formula Convertible

Although the sister of the Chevrolet Camaro convertible, the Firebird Formula Convertible packs more of a "go fast" exterior wallop than the more cleanly styled Camaro. It's a mid-size car with a lot of power from either the V-6 or V-8 engine, and it's a whole lot of fun to drive. The sporty styling combines with good performance and handling, all wrapped up in an affordable package. The flush-folding power top is stored beneath an easily assembled, three-piece hard tonneau cover. When the top is up, a standard glass rear window with an electric defogger provides good visibility, and a fully trimmed headliner fits snugly for a quiet ride. Standard dual airbags and four-wheel anti-lock brakes show that safety is also a concern for Pontiac. This is another convertible that offers everything topless driving should, and the fast and flashy little number might be just the thing to get your summer in swing.

Price....................................$22,034-$27,238
Vehicle layout:...........................2-door,4-pass.
Airbag..................................Driver/passenger
Drivetrain.......................Front engine/rear drive
Engine...................OHV 5.7 liter V8; 3.4-liter V-6 
Horsepower @rpm...................275 @ 5000; 160 @ 4600
Transmission..................5-speed man; 4,speed auto.
Wheelbase, in......................................101.1
Suspension, f/r........................Short,/long arms, 
                     coil springs,track bar; solid axle, 
                                 coil springs, track bar
Brakes..................................Vented disc/drum
Anti-lock.......................................Standard
Curb weight,  Ib....................................3232
Fuel capacity, gal..................................15.5
EPA mileage, city/hwy., range......................17-28

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