Ten Years Ago They Didn’t Sell, But Today Sales are Up for Top Down Cars

TACH President's 1990 Mazda RX-7 Another Visionary TACH Statement

Special to The Auto Channel
By Marty Bernstein
AIADA Contributing Editor

A gorgeous summer day … top down! These two phrases are among the most scintillatingly descriptive words of summer in American English. Instantly, a picture comes to mind; a mood is set; frowns and stress vanish; and, smiles appear.

No matter what the moniker – convertible, soft-top, drop-top, cabriolet or roadster – these cars that let all the sunshine in have become a growth category for auto dealers over the past few years. There are now over 50+ different models offered to sun lovers by automakers selling in the U.S.

While some of these models are bought as the only vehicle, but oftentimes the soft top car is usually the second or third, even the fourth car in the family fleet. And with entry-level pricing starting at $20,000, I can understand the attraction.

Styling-wise, the convertible has undergone a metamorphosis from staid to sleek. Adjusting the top has evolved from the difficult do-it-yourself hands and levers to retractable fabric, metal and glass tops that operate automatically up and down effortlessly by the push of a button. The rattles long associated with drop-tops are seldom, if ever, heard. Air conditioning on a hot day with the top down is now very cool. Additionally, some models now have wind screens to prevent air-hair. Overall, there are a lot of options and accessories, including some interesting engine choices now available to consumers.

Below is a listing of some of the many hot models wowing consumers this summer driving season.

Mini Cooper S The iconic Brit-car that’s made it big in America has been vastly improved this year. It’s a little bit bigger and a whole lot better than before based on my recent drive. MSRP: $22,000 to $26,050 Number of sun lovers: 2 Top: Manual soft top MPG: 22-26/32-35
Mazda MX5 Miata World’s best-selling two-seat roadster with sleek lines and an affordable. Coming in Sept. MSRP: $24,440 to $27,620 Number of sun lovers: 2 Type of Top: Power retractable hardtop MPG: 25/30
VW Eos VW’s newest entry in the convertible category has a retractable metal top. MSRP: $28,110 to $$36,970 Number of sun lovers: 4 Type of Top: Automatic metal MPG: 22/29
Toyota Camry Solara The first cousin of the class-leading sedan, with just a touch more styling and cache. MSRP: $27,190 to $30,460 Number of sun lovers: 4 Type of Top: Automatic textile MPG: 20/29
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Making a resurgence with outstanding handling. MSRP: $25,699 to $29,599 Number of sun lovers: 4 Type of Top: Automatic textile MPG: 16-19/24-26
BMW 3 Series All new from the top down (or up) and back to front. Its better than ever with a retractable metal top and a big choice engine. One of the best sellers in all convertible-land. MSRP: $43,200 to $49,100 Number of sun lovers: 4 Type of Top: Automatic metal MPG: 20/29
Mercedes-Benz SLK Great styling in a vehicle destined to become a classic. MSRP: $43,350 to $62,500 Number of sun lovers: 2 Type of Top: Retractable hardtop MPG: 16-20/22-27
Saab 9-3 Big winner in recent safety/crash tests and a big seller in June. MSRP: $43,100 Number of sun lovers: 4 Type of Top: Automatic textile MPG: 17-20/28-30
Volvo C70 This completely new cabriolet is a beauty and also a big winner in safety/crash tests. MSRP: $39,090 Number of sun lovers: 4 Type of Top: Retractable metal MPG: 21/29
Audi TT The TT’s updated style for 2008 has more interior room and new body lines. MSRP: $36,800 to $45,900 Number of sun lovers: 2 + 2 (back two should be Munchnkins) Type of Top: Manual textile MPG: 18-22/24-29
Porsche Boxter For many, the life-long love for Porsches starts here. MSRP: $45,600 to $55,500 Number of sun lovers: 2 Type of Top: Manual textile MPG: 20-21/27-28
Jaguar XK The XK turns heads wherever it goes. MSRP: $80,835 to $91,835 Number of sun lovers: 2 + 2 (slightly bigger than Munchkins) Type of Top: Automatic textile MPG: 15-16/23-25
Lexus SC430 One of the first retractable hardtops – Lexus luxury and cache is standard. MSRP: $65,455 Number of sun lovers: 2 Type of Top: Retractable metal MPG: 18/25