Summer is just around the corner. It’s time to hang up those heavy winter coats and break out the short sleeves. For us car enthusiasts, it means dreaming about top-down driving.
Unfortunately, many high-end convertibles carry a hefty price tag, leaving them out of reach for many buyers. However, it’s not all bad, as there are still plenty of fun and affordable options available.
Criteria for Inclusion
When deciding which convertibles to include on our list, we focused on affordability, reliability, and value.
All specs and prices were gathered from reputable sources, including car manufacturer websites, Car and Driver, Edmunds, Kelly Blue Book, and Cars & Bids.
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata (Starting at $29,530)
The Miata is a legend for a reason. It’s lightweight, handles like a dream, and is all about the pure joy of driving. Mazda says the 2025 model features the same 181-horsepower 2.0-liter engine as before, and you can choose between a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. It gets a solid 29 mpg combined, making it frugal, too.
In addition to the great gas mileage, the Miata has a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, which is a big part of why it handles so well. If you fancy yourself a collector, there’s a limited 35th Anniversary Edition, but only 300 are coming to the US. According to Car and Driver, this special edition will feature a unique Artisan Red finish with tan Nappa leather Grand Touring seats.
2025 Mini Cooper Convertible (Starting at $33,950)
The Mini Cooper Convertible is all about personality. There are tons of options for exterior colors, interior trims, and features to make it your own. It also has that iconic Mini styling and “go-kart” handling, making it a blast to drive, both around town or on your favorite twisty backroad.
According to Mini, the 2025 model is available with multiple engine options. The base engine has 161 horsepower and features an automatic transmission.
2024 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible (Starting at $32,495)
If you want American muscle with your open-air experience, the Camaro is a great choice. Car and Driver reports that the 2024 model offers a choice of a 335-hp 3.6-liter V-6 or a 455-hp 6.2-liter V-8. You can also choose between a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission.
For drivers looking for a little more pep in their step, CoPilot found that the ZL1 trim is a beast with 650 supercharged horsepower. In addition, if you need serious track performance, check out the 1LE package.
2020 Fiat 124 Spider (Starting at $21,000)
The Fiat 124 Spider is a stylish roadster that combines Italian design with Japanese engineering. The popular car marketplace, Carwow, states that the car features a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with 160 hp and gets 29 mpg combined.
Unfortunately, according to Fiat, the 124 Spider was discontinued in 2020. However, you can still find many used models on online car marketplaces.
2019 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (Starting at $21,790)
For another car that is no longer in production but still a fun ride, the 2019 Beetle Convertible is a modern take on a classic. It’s got that iconic shape and a fun, retro vibe. Edmunds reports that the 2019 model features a 174-hp 2.0-liter engine and a 6-speed automatic, getting 29 mpg combined.
Giving a loving tribute, Car and Driver states that the Beetle’s history in America starts in the 1950s and took off in the 60s when it was featured in the popular Disney movie The Love Bug. Still, to this day, it remains one of the most recognizable cars in history.
2025 Jeep Wrangler (Starting at $32,690)
For the adventurous, the Jeep Wrangler is the ultimate go-anywhere convertible. You can take off both the roof and the doors for a truly open-air experience. Jeep states the 2025 model offers a choice of engines, including a 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6 that gets up to 19 mpg combined.
Jeep’s roots are deep in American history, with one of the first models being used in World War II, where it served as a military vehicle. Now, the Wrangler comes in tons of configurations, including two-door and four-door versions.
2025 Ford Bronco (Starting at $39,630)
The Ford Bronco is another rugged option, directly competing with the Wrangler. It also has a removable roof and doors, with retro styling. Car and Driver reports that the 2025 Bronco offers many engine options, with the standard being a 300-hp turbocharged four-cylinder that gets a combined 18 mpg.
There’s even a Bronco Raptor trim with a 418-hp engine for serious off-roading. Unfortunately, you need deep pockets to get your hands on one, as this over-the-top Bronco will run you about $92,000, putting it well outside the affordable category.
2025 Ford Mustang Convertible (Starting at $41,615)
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car that goes back all the way to the 1960s. Moving into the 21st century, The Mustang Convertible offers several engine options from the base 315-hp 2.3-liter inline-four EcoBoost to the iconic 480-hp 5.0-liter V8, and buyers also get to choose between a 10-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual transmission.
The average mpg ranges from 17 to 25, depending on your engine configuration. Maybe that roaring V8 is worth a few extra bucks at the pump?!
2012 987 Porsche Boxster (Starting at $11,100)
Further on our list is the 987 Porsche Boxster, which is a fun little roadster featuring top-of-the-line handling and an exciting top-down driving experience. This particular model of Boxster ran from 2004 to 2012. The car auction website Cars & Bids shows pre-owned models ranging from $11,100 to $55,000.
Porsche Club of America states that the 987 Porsche Boxster was offered a couple of different engine options, from the base 2.7-liter to a 3.2-liter flat-6. It’s also available with several transmission options, ranging from a 5 or 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic.
2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder (Starting from $11,931)
If you’re looking for a convertible car that’s fun to drive, reliable, and affordable to keep running, the Toyota MR2 Spyder is your next car. This sporty convertible was in production from 2000 to 2006, but disappeared from the American market in 2005.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the Toyota MR2 Spyder came standard with a 1.8-liter inline-4 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission.
It’s Time to Hit the Open Road and Enjoy What Summer Has to Offer
There you have it! There’s no need to spend a fortune to be able to drop the roof down and feel the wind in your hair.
A whole range of affordable convertibles to suit different tastes and budgets is readily available. Now, get out there and enjoy the sunshine!
