10 Best Convertibles for the Money

2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider on picturesque road rear view ・ Photo by FCA Media

It's one of the great examples of the classic American dream: sailing along an open road, a gorgeous car at your fingertips. Freedom, epitomized. This list, the 10 Best Convertibles for the Money, not only highlights the best options available today, it places particular emphasis on making that dream attainable. Today, convertibles are rarer and rarer on our roads, and many automakers reserve the roof delete option for only their most powerful or luxurious models. Still, there is plenty of good value to be found. Whether you’re looking for a smooth roadster, the perfect summer cruiser or an apex-clipping muscle machine, the perfect convertible is out there for you — and it doesn’t have to break your wallet.

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider — $65,900

No doubt it’s a little strange to kick things off with a low-volume sports car that is out of most buyers’ price range. Plus, there’s a whopping $10,000 premium over the hardtop version. But for all of its foibles, the stunning 4C still provides a driving experience that is simply lustworthy: Italian curves, Ferrari theatre, and nearly perfect balance thanks to the mid-mounted 237-horsepower engine. Finally, and perhaps most impressive of all, a single carbon fiber monocoque that otherwise is only available on ultra-exclusive hypercars. It’s loud, it’s stiff, it isn’t for everyone. But at this price, the 4C is a steal, and the 4C Spider offers additional flair with the loss of its roof.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

BMW 2-Series — $38,650

One of the few 4-seaters on the list, the BMW 2-Series offers buyers the most affordable roofless experience in the brand lineup. It also brings a premium interior and delightful driving characteristics to the table. The 228i convertible is even capable of 35 MPG on the highway. One thing it doesn’t have is much backseat space, but the 2-Series convertible just might be the quintessential summer ride of trendy youngsters for the modern age. For the more serious droptop drivers among us, the M235i convertible is an unimpeachable blast thanks to stickier tires and 320 horsepower from the turbocharged, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine. At $48,750, it’s a better value than even the Z4 roadster, too.

Photo by BMW

Chevrolet Camaro — $32,700

Slimmer, sharper, and more efficient than ever, the 2016 Camaro brings new levels of refinement and ability to its iconic nameplate. Every trim of the Camaro is available with its fully automatic soft top, meaning you can drive roofless versions of the 275-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder, the 335-horsepower V6 or the road-churning 6.2-liter V8 with 455 horsepower. Each version comes at a $7,000 premium over the coupe, which is a pretty penny to be sure, but the Camaro appeals to some devious little gremlin inside of every gearhead. This version isn’t just the latest Camaro in line — it’s the best yet, and anyone looking for a truly American convertible experience won’t be disappointed.

Photo by General Motors

Chevrolet Corvette — $59,400

Now we’re talking, right? At this price point, simply nothing matches the C7 Corvette. There might even be a couple of 6-figure supercars that don’t quite measure up, either. The Corvette convertible doesn’t cut corners. As an effortless cruiser, its premium interior and stress-relieving seats are the good life in vehicle form. This is groundbreaking refinement for what was once strictly a sports car. When you feel like putting your foot down, may we suggest the mind-bending supercharged magic of the 650-horsepower Z06 version? Starting at $83,400, this is essentially nine-tenths of a Ferrari 458 Spider for one-third the price, easily making it one of the best convertibles for the money. With apologies to one Mr. Bueller, if you have the means, we highly recommend picking one up.

Photo by General Motors

Fiat 124 Spider — $24,995

Here’s the thing about the 124 Spider: you could think about it as a rebadged Mazda MX-5, or you could think about it as an alternative take on the MX-5. As far as we’re concerned, you can never have too many takes on the MX-5. For a small premium over the Mazda, the Fiat offers a longer low-slung design, an Italian-made turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and three different versions — the base Classico, the luxe Lusso, and the aggressive Abarth. All are roadsters. All are dripping with personality. The 124 Spider basically dares you to stop smiling when you’re behind the wheel. Convertibles are largely emotional purchases, and the 124 Spider might be the ultimate example.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Ford Mustang — $30,145

In the unending battle for pony car supremacy between Camaro and Mustang, the two famous marques have pushed one another to new heights. Thus, the Mustang and its several convertible versions are among the best values on the market today. Finally armed with an independent rear suspension, sporting three different engines and  its most well-rounded package yet, the Mustang is the epitome of roofless muscle. The base V6 offers 300 horsepower, while the EcoBoost 4-cylinder has 310 horsepower with 31 MPG highway. Don’t forget the GT convertible and its 435-horsepower V8 — at $42,145, an enticing deal that will remind you why America fell in love with the original more than 50 years ago.

Photo by Ford

Mazda MX-5 — $24,915

There are automakers that make a plan, and then go and execute it. The Mazda MX-5 Miata, though, executes its beautiful, simple plan with the precision and passion of the master chefs in Jiro Dreams of Sushi. This is simply the purest driving experience that you can put in your driveway: handling, balance and throttle response are very nearly intuitive. The classic MX-5 is fully updated for modern tastes, which only strengthens its case as one of the best convertibles for the money today. The manual transmission is a throwback to simpler times, while stellar fuel economy looks to the future. If you can abide two seats and small cargo space, the MX-5 simply checks every box.

Photo by Mazda

Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class — $47,000

One of the classiest compact roadsters on the market will soon return, bedecked in new threads and new features, but continuing many of the same themes that have made it a success for decades. Formerly the SLK, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC promises a delightfully smooth and plush open-air experience, while capable handling and power to spare cement its place as one of the best convertibles for the money. Good taste plays an important role in finding strong value, after all. The SLC300 will offer 241 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, while a delicious twin-turbo V6 with 362 horsepower awaits in the SLC43. Until then, this baby-SL ushers in a new era for a classic nameplate.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Mini Cooper — $25,950

A few years into its newest version, the Mini Cooper is simply a lot of fun. Whether you enjoy zippy handling, lively design, or a downright delightful roofless driving experience, it’s a perfectly reasonable option at a great price. Mini has their finger on the pulse of what young fun-loving buyers are looking for in a convertible, a smooth and enjoyable cruiser with room for four or even five passengers. They’ve even redesigned the Cooper convertible this year, and there’s no denying its cheerful face can inspire a smile in even the coldest cynic. Get behind the wheel, open up your mind and ask yourself if there’s a Mini-sized hole in your heart. The answer might surprise you.

Photo by MINI

Porsche Boxster — $52,100

At almost exactly twice the price of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, here’s the obvious question: Is the 2016 Porsche Boxster twice the car? The funny thing is that the answer might absolutely be yes, yes it is. Porsche has managed to refine its entry model into a deft and nimble precision tool that is just as comfortable as it is sporty. For that, the Boxster earns the final spot over the more expensive Jaguar F-Type. Some cars in its class are less costly, but none offer the complete driving experience that the Boxster has somehow perfected. Options will make the sticker skyrocket, but at its core, Porsche has truly done magician’s work with their formidable roadster.

Photo by Porsche