Pleasure Minus the Pain
This month, with the good weather upon us, is convertible month. The soft-top lover is spoiled for choice. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the best and also a perennial favorite. It comes with either a traditional cloth top or a folding hard top, and has the perfect combination of fun and economy. For people brought up on front-wheel drive, the MX-5 is a great introduction to rear-wheel drive. It is nimble without being so powerful that it’s scary. From $20,635.
The Swede-est Thing
For someone who prefers a more substantial roof or an all-season car, the Volvo C70 could be just the thing. It’s more of a cruiser than a blaster. It blends luxury and fun with that dependable Volvo solidity. It’s also a four-seater (provided the rear passengers aren’t basketball players). And with the roof folded away, there’s still room in the trunk for a couple of bags of golf clubs. From $39,240.
Absolutely Fabulous
The Mercedes-Benz SL is an icon. The new 2009 model has received a mid-generation revamp and it’s a great car that keeps getting better. Older models (though still beautiful) handled like they were two-seater, open-top sedans. This one has a sportier attitude to go with the well-equipped and refined cabin. With a folding hard top, it goes from convertible to coupe in seconds. The range starts with the V8-powered SL550, but the AMG SL63 version is glorious. From $95,900.
