There is nothing quite as memorable as your first ride in a convertible. It immediately makes us think differently of the owners as they become just a little bit cooler. Convertibles are not for everyone. They are not ideal for families or in harsh climates. They lack utility and usually have little storage in the trunk. Rarely can more than 4 fit inside a convertible and rollover safety has (in the past) been lacking.
Recently, hard-top convertibles have caught fire in the market. Advance computer design and reliable mechanical controls have transformed the hard-top convertible into a common sight. Although they are a bit heavier and bulkier to store than a soft-top convertible, they offer more safety and better weather resistance. Security is vastly improved with a hard top, as this can be a huge issue with a soft top convertible. Next time you see a hard-top convertible opening or closing, take a minute to have a look at the intricate dance each section performs; it truly is impressive.
The Volkswagen Eos is one of the newer players on our list and it usurps the popularity of Volkswagen’s popular New Beetle Convertible. Despite its slim dimensions, the Volkswagen Eos’s platform is based on the much larger Volkswagen Passat. Attractive with the hard-top convertible up or down, the Volkswagen Eos is a rolling fashion statement. The Volkswagen Eos is also the only vehicle on this list that was built from the offset to be a convertible. The Volkswagen Eos’s main competition is the Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Pontiac G6 Convertible, Mitsubishi Eclipse Convertible and Ford Mustang Convertible. The sole engine choice for the Volkswagen Eos is the turbocharged 200 horsepower (making 207 lbs feet of torque). A 6-speed manual and DSG automatic (which allows you to shift in a manual fashion). Volkswagen Eos’s EPA estimated fuel consumption is 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway for the manual transmission and 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway with the DSG automatic transmission.
The Saab 9-3 is a very popular convertible. Saab has been in the convertible business for many years and integrates years of safety and performance knowledge into their vehicles. 2 main models are available for the Saab 9-3: the 2.0L and the Aero model which has the super swift 2.8 liter V6. The entry level choice is a scrappy, turbocharged 210 horsepower (making 221 lbs feet of torque) 2.0 liter 4-cylinder. The 4-cylinder engine gets an EPA estimated 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway using the 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions. The turbocharged 280 horsepower (making 280 lbs feet of torque) 2.8 liter V6 has (in addition to the manual 6-speed) an optional 6-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimated fuel economy is 15 mpg city, 24 mpg city with the automatic transmission and 16 mpg city, 26 mpg highway with the manual transmission. The Saab 9-3 is a mid field player and (based on its several trim levels) competes with lower price-tag convertibles like offerings from Ford, GM and Chrysler and higher level competitors from BMW, Volkswagen and Audi.