With the top down and the sun streaming into their comfortable cockpits, convertibles are the perfect way to enjoy open-air motoring. The latest models feature manual- or power-operated folding convertible roofs that seal out the elements to make them ideal all-season alternatives to a traditional fixed-roof coupe.
The 2009 Convertibles Buyer’s Guide is a compiled list of the top-performing convertible models from J.D. Power and Associates three key automotive studies. The studies include the 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, and the 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS). In addition, we have also noted any models in the guide that have earned “5-star” crash test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), or have been chosen as “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All models are listed alphabetically by manufacturer.
2009 BMW Z4
Replacing the Z3 in BMW’s lineup in 2003, the BMW Z4 is a sporty, rear-wheel-drive 2-seat convertible. After engine enhancements in 2006 and minor cosmetic improvements in 2008, the 2009 model year marks a significant change in BMW’s Z4 lineup with the debut of an all-new model. It is a retractable hardtop convertible—a first for BMW’s roadster. The new roof allows the redesigned 2009 Z4 Roadster to effectively replace both the convertible and coupe models from the previous generation. Its near-perfect weight balance, two available 6-cylinder engines (one with two turbochargers), and choice between three transmissions only adds to the Z4’s appeal. The BMW Z4 ranked among the top three models in its segment in our 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which focuses on owner-experienced problems during the third year of ownership.
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2009 Honda S2000
Launched nearly a decade ago, the Honda S2000 has proven itself a popular convertible that seems to get even better each year. The lightweight 2-seat sports car offers a power-operated soft convertible top with a heated glass rear window to shut out the elements, and a race-bred 4-cylinder engine under the hood to raise excitement levels. Enthusiasts have embraced the rear-wheel-drive S2000 as a vehicle that handles the race track as well as it takes to the canyons. Even with bountiful performance, the engine still delivers surprisingly good fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (a 6-speed manual transmission is the only offering). Owners have reported a very low number of problems with their S2000 roadsters over the past three years, earning the Honda S2000 an award as the highest-ranked model in its segment in our 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). In 2008, Honda added a high-performance S2000 “Club Racer” version with improved suspension, seating, and a new aerodynamic body kit. For 2009, the model is essentially carryover.
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2009 Lexus SC
Stylish and sophisticated, the flagship convertible from Lexus is loaded with luxury features designed to keep passengers comfortable within its opulent leather- and wood-trimmed cabin while an automatic power-operated folding hardtop is stowed just beneath the trunk deck lid—just a push-button away. All models of the rear-wheel-drive 2009 Lexus SC are motivated by a powerful V-8 engine that earns EPA fuel economy ratings of 16 mpg city, and 23 mpg highway (an automatic transmission is standard on all models). Proving its reliability, the Lexus SC 430 was the highest-ranked model in its segment in our 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The 2009 model year welcomes a new Pebble Beach Special Edition with commemorative appointments, a special interior, and new wheels.
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2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
In the late 1980s, Mazda introduced the world to the MX-5 Miata. It was a modern reincarnation of a classic British roadster—lightweight, nimble, and fun-to-drive. Over the years, the automaker has continuously refined the rear-wheel-drive 2-seater with more powerful engine choices, additional features, and even an option for a power-operated automatic roof. However, none of these changes has extinguished its unique and very enjoyable driving experience. A perennial award-winner, the Mazda MX-5/Miata earned top rankings in our 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS) and 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), displaying vehicle quality out of the box and after three years.
Fun to drive doesn’t mean inefficient—the frugal Mazda boasts an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg city, and 27 mpg highway (with the optional automatic transmission). The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a carryover for the 2009 model year.
Get more information on the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2009 Pontiac Solstice
New for the 2006 model year, the Pontiac Solstice is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car. The 2-seat Solstice features a soft folding roof and a choice between two 4-cylinder powerplants. The performance-oriented GXP model’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is rated at 260 hp, making it GM’s highest specific-output engine ever. In terms of fuel economy, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice with the standard engine is rated at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (with an automatic transmission). Owners surveyed after 90 days of ownership report few problems with their Solstice vehicles, helping the compact convertible rank among the top three models in its segment in our 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS). The big news for 2009 is that the Pontiac Solstice roadster will be joined by a new closed-roof coupe model with additional storage space behind the seats, in the area previously occupied by the folding roof on the convertible model.
Get more information on the 2009 Pontiac Solstice
2009 Porsche Boxster
The Porsche Boxster arrived on the scene in the late 1990s as a throwback to Porsche’s original lightweight Speedster. At the time, the all-new 2-seater shared much of its mechanicals with its yet-to-be-introduced sibling, the redesigned Porsche 911 model. With a soft power-operated top, the rear-wheel-drive 6-cylinder Porsche Boxster offered nearly ideal handling and the mid-mounted engine location allowed trunk storage at both ends of the vehicle. Over the years, the Boxster has been improved with a heated glass rear window, an updated interior, styling updates, and even more powerful engines. The smallest Porsche on the market earned a 19 mpg city, and 26 mpg highway fuel economy rating (2.7-liter engine with automatic transmission). In our 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the Boxster’s reliability during its third year of ownership was strong enough to earn it a top-three ranking in its segment. For 2009, Porsche is offering a special Design Edition model with both cosmetic and mechanical enhancements that distinguish it from the standard models.
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2009 Saturn Sky
The first true sports car from GM’s Saturn division arrived as a 2007 model, sharing its underpinnings with the Pontiac Solstice. Unlike previous Saturn cars that were often designed with economy as a priority, the 2-seat rear-wheel-drive roadster was designed for nimble handling and performance. With that in mind, the Sky is available with a choice between two different 4-cylinder engines. The performance-oriented Red Line model sports a turbocharged powerplant and upgraded suspension among other enhancements. The 2009 Saturn Sky earned 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway fuel economy ratings from the EPA (2.0-liter engine with automatic transmission). Owners voiced their delight with the content, design, layout and performance of their Saturn convertibles in our 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, resulting in a top-three ranking in its segment. For 2009, GM has upgraded the electronics package on the Sky with the latest version of OnStar and a new Bluetooth hands-free communication option. In addition, three new colors replace three outgoing hues.
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2009 Volvo C70
Unlike its soft-top predecessor, the current Volvo C70 rolled into showrooms in 2006 with an innovative new power-operated retractable hardtop. The three-piece metal roof, with a heated rear glass window, raises or lowers in just 30 seconds, Volvo says, to keep occupants out of the weather when the need arises. With a standard turbocharged 5-cylinder engine and a choice of two different transmissions, the Volvo C70 convertible earns fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway from the EPA (with automatic transmission). In our 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS), which measures new-vehicle quality after 90 days, the Volvo C70 ranked among the top three models in its segment. A long list of standard safety features, including A-pillars reinforced with boron steel, helped the Volvo C70 achieve a Top Safety Pick rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Swedish convertible receives updated electronics and minor cosmetic enhancements for 2009.
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