This guide is a compiled list of the top-performing 2008-model year convertibles in J.D. Power and Associates’ key automotive research studies. The studies include the 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, and the 2007 Initial Quality Study (IQS). All models are listed alphabetically by manufacturer.
BMW Z4: This sporty 2-seat convertible replaced its predecessor, the BMW Z3, in 2003. With a power-operated soft convertible top, the Z4 has proven itself as not just fun to drive, but dependable as well. Considering its sporty pretensions, the Z4 returned respectable EPA fuel-economy ratings of 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway with an automatic transmission. In 2007, the BMW Z4 earned a top-three ranking in its segment in VDS, which measures owner-experienced problems after three years of ownership. After powerplant upgrades in 2006, the 2008 model year only sees minor changes including new exterior colors, upgraded wheels on the sport package, and new lower pricing on the high-definition radio option.
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Honda S2000: The sportiest offering in the Honda lineup was launched as a 2000 model in late 1999. Little has changed over the past eight years for this lightweight 2-seater with a power-operated soft convertible top. It remains a popular choice among the enthusiasts who find it works as well on the racetrack as it does during sporty drives through the canyons. After three years with the roadster, original owners report a very low number of problems, pushing the S2000 to the top of its segment in the 2007 VDS. The EPA has rated the 2008 Honda S2000 at 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway. It is only available with a manual transmission. The 2008 model year sees the addition of a lightweight “Club Racer” edition with upgraded suspension and seating, and an aerodynamic body kit. A tire-pressure-monitoring system is also standard across the lineup.
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Lexus SC: The flagship convertible from Lexus is all about sophistication, style, and luxury. With a powerful V-8 engine under the hood, the 2-seater coddles passengers with leather and wood throughout the cabin. If the weather isn’t up to par, with the touch of a button a retractable hardtop convertible roof stowed beneath the trunk lid automatically moves into place. On sale since 2001, the Lexus SC has performed well in J.D. Power and Associates studies. In the 2007 IQS, the SC430 ranked among the top three models in its segment, a benchmark tribute to new-vehicle quality during the first 90 days of ownership. The EPA has rated the 2008 Lexus SC430 at 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway. Although it features new knee air bags, wiper blade designs, exterior colors, wheel designs, and an ultra-low-emission-vehicle certification in 2007, the 2008 model is mostly carryover.
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Mazda MX-5 Miata: A modern reincarnation of the classic British-style roadster of yesteryear, the Mazda MX-5 Miata was first introduced in 1989. While it has undergone several generations of improvements in design and technology, the Miata remains a lightweight, nimble 2-seat convertible that’s fun to drive. The enjoyment behind the wheel doesn’t turn to disappointment at the fuel pump as the Miata is rated among the top three in its class for EPA fuel economy. Quality hasn’t taken a back seat either, as the Miata ranked highest among compact sports cars in the 2007 IQS. The 2007 model year brought an optional power-retracting hardtop, giving consumers a choice between a hard or soft top. The Mazda boasts an EPA fuel-economy rating of 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway. In 2008, Mazda added a CD changer to some models, and made a tire-pressure-monitoring system standard.
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Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: As a traditional 2-seat luxury roadster, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has very few peers. Tracing its lineage back more than five decades to the classic 300SL “Gullwing” from the 1950s (the SL celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2007), the modern-day SL retains all of the style and grace of its predecessors. With a choice of powerful engines (EPA fuel-economy estimates are 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway for the standard SL550), and a one-button power-operated hardtop, the SL-Class was among the top three ranked models in its segment in the 2007 APEAL study. The Mercedes-Benz convertible has also demonstrated a high level of initial quality, as it was ranked highest in segment in the 2007 IQS. For 2008, Mercedes altered the 18-inch wheel design and made premium leather available on the SL550.
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Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class: The smallest offering from Mercedes-Benz in terms of vehicle size, the SLK-Class is a 2-seat roadster introduced more than a decade ago. Now in its second generation, the SLK convertible features a power-operated retractable hard top and protective roll hoops immediately behind each seat. In 2007, the SLK-Class ranked among the top three models in its segment in IQS, indicating a low number of reported problems from owners during the first 90 days of ownership. Proving the reliability is more than just short term, the SLK-Class also achieved a top-three finish in its segment in the 2007 VDS. The SLK280 with an automatic transmission earned EPA fuel-economy ratings of 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway. Mercedes-Benz made very few changes for the 2008 model year with the exception of a new “Edition 10” anniversary model.
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Porsche Boxster: Porsche introduced the Boxster in the late 1990s as a throwback to the original lightweight Porsche Speedster. Engineered to share many of the mechanical components with the larger Porsche 911, but with the engine mounted mid-platform, the soft-top convertible Boxster offers nearly ideal handling, and a trunk in both the front and rear of the vehicle for added capacity and convenience. In the 2007 IQS, the Porsche Boxster topped all others in its segment by ranking highest among compact premium sporty cars. In addition, the Porsche Boxster ranked among the top three models in its segment in the 2007 APEAL study, proving that consumers have been very happy with their choice. The EPA has assigned a 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway fuel-economy rating to the standard Boxster. After slight horsepower increases in 2007, the 2008 Boxster received new interior and exterior color choices, and the availability of new sport folding bucket seats.
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Volkswagen Eos: An all-new model for 2007, the Eos is the first retractable-hardtop convertible from Volkswagen. Unique among convertibles, the roof on the Eos features a large glass section that doubles as a giant sunroof while the top is up. The 2008 Volkswagen Eos, with an automatic transmission and 4-cylinder powerplant, is EPA rated at 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway, placing it in the Top 3 among its class in fuel efficiency. The Eos also achieved a top-three ranking in its segment in the 2007 APEAL study. For 2008, Volkswagen added several new models to the Eos lineup, including new Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6 (6-cylinder) variants.
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