Even if it isn’t a classic, vintage model, a convertible represents the ultimate in highway leisure and excitement. But that doesn’t mean you have to pay over-the-top prices to drive with the top down. These 2018 models — listed from most expensive to cheapest — sport price tags that resemble those scribbled on the windshields of regular old boring hard tops. All prices shown are the manufacturers’ suggested retail prices.
AUDI A3
Price: $38,350 The Audi A3 is a two-door cabriolet-style convertible with a four-cylinder, 2-liter turbo engine. The car delivers 186 horsepower and gets 28 combined miles per gallon.
CHEVROLET CAMARO
Price: $33,735 The entry-level LS style Camaro is a two-door compact convertible that seats four. It’s powered by a four-cylinder, 2-liter engine that generates 275 horsepower and gets 25 combined miles per gallon.
BUICK CASCADA
Price: $33,065 The Cascada 1SV from Buick is a front-wheel drive, two-door midsize convertible with a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Its four-cylinder, 1.6-liter engine drums up 200 horsepower and gets 24 combined miles per gallon. The 2018 models are available in three new colors: Rioja Red Metallic, Dark Moon Blue Metallic, and Carrageen Metallic.
FORD MUSTANG
Price: $31,180 The basic 2018 Ford Mustang features a four-cylinder, 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 310 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission. The tradeoff for all that power, however, is 23 combined miles per gallon for the rear-wheel drive four-seater.
SMART FORTWO CABRIO
Price: $28,100 The bare-bones Passion is the entry-level model of the cabrio line. The two-door, two-seat convertible from France comes is now all-electric. In the U.S., the company has ditched its gas engine for an electric motor that offers up to 80 horsepower. It can charge up in three hours, and has a range of 57 miles. As the smallest car in this list, it has one of the bigger price tags, which may raise eyebrows. But buyers can be eligible for up to $7,500 in tax credits.
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MINI CONVERTIBLE
Price: $27,600 The incredibly cute Cooper style MINI convertible gets 32 combined miles per gallon. The U.K.-made vehicle features front-wheel drive and a three-cylinder, 1.5-liter turbo engine that produces 134 horsepower.
MAZDA MIATA MX-5
Price: $26,645 The MX-5 Sport is Mazda’s entry-level convertible. It features a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a four-cylinder, 2-liter engine that’s capable of producing 155 horsepower. The Japanese two-seater gets 29 combined miles per gallon.
VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
Price: $25,440 One of history’s most iconic cars, the VW Beetle offers a two-door convertible that seats four. The German front-wheel drive subcompact is powered by a four-cylinder, 2-liter engine that cranks out 174 horsepower and gets 29 combined miles per gallon.
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FIAT 124 SPIDER
Price: $24,994 The Fiat 124 Spider Classica is a two-door convertible with a six-speed manual transmission featuring a short-throw shifter. Its four-cylinder, 1.4-liter, 160-horsepower engine gets 30 combined miles per gallon.
JEEP WRANGLER JK SPORT
Price: $23,995 Driving in the open air can also mean going off-road, which is exactly why Jeeps are made. A 3.6-liter V6 engine is standard on this two-door along with a six-speed manual transmission. Together, they’re good for 285 horsepower and combined mileage of 18 mpg, as well as serious fun on the trail.
FIAT 500 C
Price: $17,740 The two-door Pop Cabrio is a mini-compact with a five-speed manual transmission and a four-cylinder, 1.4-liter engine. With 135 horsepower, it gets 30 combined miles per gallon.
