10 Most Reliable Convertibles

2020 Porsche 911 Cabriolet ・ Photo by Porsche

A convertible is a classic type of fun car. Whether you get a performance-focused sports car or a more relaxed cruiser, you can fold down the roof and enjoy the fresh air, a cooling breeze, and a more intimate connection to the world outside your vehicle.

But there’s nothing fun about an unreliable car. That’s why we’ve rounded up the 10 most reliable convertibles. Some of them are zippy little roadsters, some are genteel luxury cars, and others offer ferocious performance. We’ve avoided just-introduced new models that may still be working out some kinks and that haven’t yet proven any reliability history, along with those that have struggled in independent reliability surveys. You’ll find these headache-free open-top cars on the following pages, sorted by price.

1. 2020 Fiat 124 Spider

The least expensive convertible on sale in the U.S. today is also one of the most reliable. That’s the 2020 FIAT 124 Spider, a two-seat rear-wheel-drive roadster that’s priced from $25,390.

While the Fiat brand isn’t always known for reliability, the 124 Spider comes to the Italian automaker via Japan. The vehicle was engineered by Mazda using most of the same components as the classic MX-5 Miata, and the two convertibles are built on the same assembly line. The main differences are stylistic — the 124 wears a retro Fiat exterior — and under the hood: the 124 has its own engine, which Fiat ships to Japan for Mazda to install. This 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder doesn’t have quite the same reliability record as Mazda’s engines, but the car should still be relatively trouble-free overall.

Photo by FIAT

2. 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata costs a little more than the FIAT 124 Spider, starting at $26,580, but it has a superior reliability record.

Whichever of these two roadsters you choose, you’ll get a delightful driving experience with crisp steering, exuberant acceleration (thanks to the vehicle’s light weight), and an easy-to-operate manual soft top. A partially power-retractable hardtop variant called the Miata RF is also available. You don’t get a spacious interior or relaxing ride, but you get one of the most joyful vehicles on the market — and without reliability hassles that would detract from your enjoyment.

Photo by Mazda

3. 2020 Ford Mustang

With retro styling but modern performance, the 2020 Ford Mustang convertible also brings a respectable record for reliability. This rear-wheel-drive “pony car” has a choice of a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine or a honking 5.0-liter V8 making 460 hp.

Priced from $32,170, the Mustang convertible (a fixed-roof coupe is also available) has a power-operated soft top and seating for up to four people, though the backseat will be too tight for most adults. Unlike some past Mustangs, the current generation delivers polished handling to go with its powerful engines, and even the base engine makes a healthy 310 horsepower. Still, you won't confuse the Mustang with a generic sporty car, thanks to its unmistakable styling and its big, brash driving manners. 

Photo by Ford

4. 2020 BMW 2 Series

BMWs were once known for being small, light, and driver-focused, and those are the qualities you’ll still find in the 2020 BMW 2 Series. This little soft-top convertible, priced from $41,100, combines a luxurious cabin and smooth ride with a friskier feel than you’ll get in most of today’s BMW lineup. And it’s been around since 2014 without major changes, which is good news for its reliability.

The base 230i uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 hp, while you can also upgrade to the M240i for a turbocharged 335-horsepower six-cylinder. Both offer a choice of rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive. The 2 Series is also available as a fixed-roof coupe, and both have comfortable front seating and tiny rear seats.

Photo by BMW

5. 2020 Audi A5 Cabriolet

Audi vehicles have lately been scoring well in reliability surveys, and the 2020 Audi A5 is no exception. It’s available as a soft-top convertible (Cabriolet in Audi-speak), fixed-roof coupe, and five-door liftback. Plus, it’s closely related to the A4 sedan and station wagon, and to the S5 and S4 performance models — all using Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The A5 convertible is priced from $49,900. It has elegantly restrained styling, and a beautifully finished, high-tech cabin with seating for up to four people (though without generous rear seat space). It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 248 horsepower, a fitting complement to its polish and composed but not exuberant handling; the S5 model swaps in a heartier six-cylinder engine.

Photo by Audi

6. 2020 BMW 4 Series

The 2020 BMW 4 Series is one size larger than the 2 Series. This is Bavaria’s answer to the Audi A5, and it’s another luxurious, stylish, and fun-to-drive convertible. There are a couple of key differences from the A5, though.

Most notably, unlike most cars on our list of the 10 most reliable convertibles, the 4 Series uses a power-retractable hardtop roof instead of a soft top. That provides better all-weather insulation, a quieter ride, and more natural-looking styling with the roof in place. But the 4 Series is also more expensive than the A5, starting at $53,100 with an equivalent engine. The 2020 4 Series is in its last year before a full redesign, which means it’s missing the latest styling language and technology, but which also means it should be at its peak for reliability. Rear-wheel-drive is standard, with all-wheel-drive available as an option. 

Photo by BMW

7. 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster

Porsche is best known for its brilliant performance machines, but the iconic sports-car brand has also lately developed a strong reputation for reliability. And the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster, the brand’s entry-level droptop, is one of the most reliable convertibles today.

The Boxster, essentially a convertible version of the 718 Cayman coupe, is a two-seat rear-wheel-drive roadster with a power-operated soft top. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 300 horsepower comes standard, but buyers can also upgrade to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making around 350 hp or a 4.0-liter six-cylinder with around 400 hp (with slightly different power ratings on different trim levels). Every 718 Boxster has more than adequate acceleration, exquisite handling, and a beautifully tailored interior. Prices start at $59,600.

Photo by Porsche

8. 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL

The Mercedes-Benz SL is a long-running leader of the shrinking segment of elegant, comfortable, relaxed convertibles. It’s the rare two-seat droptop with such a smooth, quiet ride, and richly finished interior. It also brings the style and security of a power-retractable hardtop.

But don’t let that make you think this car is sedate or dull, since even the base SL 450 model has a 362-hp turbocharged V6 engine. And the SL 550 brings a 449-hp turbocharged V8. The interior isn’t as modern as most Benzes, but as with several convertibles on our list, that’s because the SL is a model that’s been around long enough for the bugs to be worked out.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

9. 2021 Lexus LC 500

The Lexus LC 500 is a brashly styled two-door from a brand that’s working hard to shed its conservative stigma — but that is also known for top-notch reliability. While it’s still not designed for the racetrack, this big, bold vehicle still handles with polished composure despite its smooth, quiet ride.

The LC 500 coupe debuted back in 2018, but a soft-top convertible is now joining the lineup for the first time as a 2021 model. Both the coupe and convertible share a 571-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine, though the convertible won’t have a gas-electric hybrid version like the LC 500h coupe. Prices are expected to start around $100,000 for the LC 500 convertible.

Photo by Lexus

10. 2020 Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 is a classic sports car that continuously improves and refines its original design without sacrificing its original character, flavor, and overall appeal. Lightning-fast acceleration, razor-sharp handling, and an increasingly sumptuous interior are key to the 911 package — as is a unique rear-engine configuration. Prices for the 2020 911 convertible start at $110,200, and rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive are both available.

The 911 is redesigned this year, which does elevate the risk of reliability glitches, especially with all-new elements like the more sophisticated infotainment system. But Porsche’s strength at building reliable sports cars, and the 911’s unquestionable appeal, are two reasons to take a chance on the new 911.

Photo by Porsche