10 Top Rated Convertibles for 2016

2016 Jaguar F Type S ・ Photo by Jaguar

The top rated convertibles for 2016 cover almost the entire range of what's available, from affordable entry-level fare all the way up to top-tier luxury rides that let the wind blow through your hair. There's even a surprise or two hidden in there for high performance fans or those who feel the need to explore a little farther off the beaten path with the top down. These top rated convertibles do have one thing in common, however; they are regularly ranked at the head of their class by owners and automotive experts alike. Let's take a quick look at 10 top rated convertibles for 2016.

1) 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata received more than its fair share of hype when it was completely redesigned for the current model year, but perhaps that's not an accurate statement, as the MX-5 managed to meet almost everyone's high expectations with its combination of affordable fun and exceptional handling. With a 155-horsepower, four-cylinder engine under its hood, combined with your choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, the Mazda is easily able to overcome its low curb weight and deliver driving thrills that surpass its inexpensive price point.

Photo by Mazda

2) 2016 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

The 2016 Ford Mustang GT convertible doesn't just provide you with a mobile tanning booth - it also offers your ears unfettered access to the glorious soundtrack provided by its 435-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Roomy and comfortable enough for longer trips, but still rambunctious to the point where it fits in at your local drag strip, the Ford Mustang GT convertible is your all-purpose summer shenanigans wagon. Pro tip: make sure to put the top up before you engage the standard line-lock feature and shred the rear tires in a smoky inferno of fun.

Photo by Ford

3) 2016 Jaguar F-Type S

The Jaguar F-Type S roadster adds a killer app for 2016 that opens up an entirely new market for the British brand's most desirable sports car. You can now equip the Jaguar F-Type S with a traditional manual transmission - clutch pedal and all - that gives you six forward speeds of fury through which you can conduct the 380 horsepower produced by its 3.0-liter supercharged V-6. An excellent eight-speed automatic remains available if you'd prefer for the F-Type S to shift itself, and either version of the car offers excellent handling to go with its beautiful sheet metal.

Photo by Jaguar

4) 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible

Driving the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 convertible is perhaps best described as piloting an open-cockpit jet fighter. With an outrageous 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque on tap from a 6.2-liter V-8, coupled with a chassis that's been tuned for the ultimate in road-holding and grip, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 convertible threatens to scalp you should you hammer the loud pedal with the top down. You'll hit 60 mph in a startling three seconds if you can find the traction you need to rocket the car forward in a straight line using its launch control system.

5) 2016 BMW 435i Convertible

If you crave luxury but also want a modicum of sporty handling to keep you entertained when the roads turn twisty on the way home from work, then the 2016 BMW 435i convertible is a strong choice. With enough competence built into its chassis to deliver respectable performance on curvy roads, but lacking the rough and tumble nature of a dedicated performance car, the BMW 435i convertible both smoothes out pavement and straightens out the bends. The bonus of its retractable hardtop design also makes it a legitimate four-season daily driver.

6) 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet is a step up from the 435i convertible both in terms of size and comfort. Intended to coddle its driver and passengers, rather than crank up the adrenaline, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet offers a raft of luxury gear and a refined ride out on the road. It also happens to be almost entirely alone in its class, as few other automakers have elected to enter the mid-size convertible fray. You can choose between a 329-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 or a 4.7-liter turbocharged V-8 that's good for 402 horses and 443 lb-ft of torque when ordering your E-Class cabriolet.

7) 2016 Jeep Wrangler

The 2016 Jeep Wrangler is the only one of these top rated convertibles that doesn't care whether it's got an actual road in front of it or not. With one of the world's most rugged four-wheel drive systems and off-road suspension setups at its beck and call, having a removable convertible top gives you a much better look at Mother Nature as you trek through the closest back 40. The Jeep Wrangler's 3.6-liter V-6 churns out a stout 285 horsepower, and you can even get a four-door convertible edition of the SUV - the Wrangler Unlimited - if you want to bring the entire family along with you on your outdoor excursions.

8) 2016 Porsche Boxster GTS

The 2016 Porsche Boxster GTS occupies the sweet spot of the automaker's entry-level roadster line-up. The GTS trim introduces a host of cool features, including adaptive HID headlights, sport seats, and an upgraded suspension system, and it also squeezes a little extra power out of the 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine used in the Porsche Boxster S. With a total of 330 ponies and 273 lb-ft of torque, the GTS snarls to 60 mph through its sport exhaust system in a brisk 4.7 seconds - or a half second quicker if you swap its six-speed manual transmission for a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox.

Photo by Porsche

9) 2016 Audi TT Roadster

Once more about show than go, the all-new 2016 Audi TT roadster now has both in spades. Audi's compact roadster comes with a 220-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but more importantly the car is relatively light (3,200 lbs) and features standard all-wheel drive, improving the TT's handling while also giving it additional grip in slippery weather. A six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission is included with each and every version of the Audi TT, and the car is much easier to drive at high speeds as compared to earlier generations.

Photo by Audi

10) 2016 Volkswagen Beetle

The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle convertible might no longer share its platform with the Audi TT, but its iconic retro styling and its inexpensive character make it a popular convertible for buyers on a budget. Capable of seating four, we recommend you don't try to transport more than half that number in the Volkswagen Beetle convertible with the top down as room in the rear is tight and wind noise is amplified on the highway. Still, with either 170 horsepower available from the base 1.8-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine or 210 horses provided by the 2.0-liter turbo found in the Beetle R-Line, you probably won't mind bringing just one friend with you in the Volkswagen convertible.