Cars by price -- convertibles By
Terry Jackson
• Bankrate.com Convertibles
under $30,000
There's a sexy appearance to any car
where the top goes down. The classic road fantasy for many is a wind-in-your-hair
drive.
Ford Mustang
Our top affordable choice for such adventure is the Ford Mustang, which in V6
form can be a stylish, cheap-to-own sportster. It comes with a power top, a glass
rear window and a back seat that will accommodate two friends for short jaunts.
Price: $24,225-$29,525
Engines: 3.8-liter
V6; 4.6-liter V8
Horsepower: 193 (V6); 260 (V8)
Transmissions: 5-speed
manual; 4-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 20-29 mpg (V6), 16-20 mpg (V8)
Warranty: 3-years/36,000 miles
Mazda Miata
Mazda Miata
Click image for
larger view | Don't want to take along
more than one friend? Then the Mazda Miata is the car for you. It's a traditional
sports car that's stone cold reliable. Price:
$22,388-$25,193
Engine: 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder
Horsepower: 142
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Fuel consumption:
22-28 mpg
Warranty: 3 years/50,000 miles Mitsubishi
Eclipse
If a front-wheel-drive package appeals,
the Mitsubishi Eclipse is an attractive four-seat ragtop. It's a little more expensive
than the Mustang, but it's a thoroughly modern package with aggressive styling.
Price: $24,892-$30,652
Engines: 2.4-liter
four-cylinder; 3-liter V6
Horsepower: 147; 210 (V6)
Transmissions: 5-speed
manual, 4-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 23-31; 20-27 (V6)
Warranty:
3 years/36,000 miles Convertibles above
$30,000
As with the choices for luxury sport coupes,
the top picks here are the Corvette and the Mercedes-Benz CLK. Stunning performers
in two-door hardtop form, these two cars became even more alluring when the top
goes down. Corvette
If
the coupe is great, can the convertible be any less? Available for the convertible
is Magnetic Selective Ride Control. Set by a console switch to "Touring"
or "Sport" modes, it's designed to automatically adjust shock-absorber
firmness based on road conditions and driving style. Price:
$51,535
Engine: 5.7-liter V8
Horsepower: 350
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 4-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 19-28 mpg
Warranty: 3 years/36,000
miles Mercedes-Benz CLK
Another coupe made even better with a drop top. This one has
a fully automatic power top and roll bars in the rear headrests designed to pop
up if sensors detect an impending rollover. Price:
$52,120-$61,570
Engines: 3.2-liter V6; 5-liter V8; 5.5-liter V8
Horsepower:
215 (V6); 302 (5-liter V8); 362 (5.5-liter V8)
Transmissions: 5-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 19-27 mpg (V6); 16-22 (V8)
Warranty: 4 years/ 50,000 miles Saab
9-3
The third pick here is for people who want something
different. The all-new Saab 9-3 is the sleekest Saab ever designed. It offers
two levels of turbocharging and room for four adults. Price:
$40,670-$43,175
Engine: 2-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder (2 levels)
Horsepower: 175; 205 (optional)
Transmissions: 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual;
5-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 23-31; 21-29 (205 horsepower)
Warranty:
4 years/50,000 Back
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Posted: Dec. 9, 2003 | 
