10 Most Popular Coupes and Convertibles
Looking for a good time? Then maybe you’ll want to call one of the car companies included on this list of the most popular* coupes and convertibles. Granted, in some cases the noted sales figures may reflect a number of different body styles, but even then the sporty 2-door version detailed in this guide is a full-fledged member of a family of a popular model.
*Popularity based on calendar-year sales through July 2016
10) Audi A3 Cabriolet (19,622 sales)
In an unusual move, Audi elects to offer the A3 in convertible format but without an accompanying coupe model (4-door sedan and 5-door Sportback hatchback models are also available). It comes with a choice between two turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim packages. The A3 Cabriolet supplies seating for 4 people. Trunk space shrinks with the top down.
Base Price—$37,525
Initial Quality—3 PCRs
Predicted Reliability—Not rated
Overall Vehicle Appeal—4 PCRs
Fuel Economy (city/highway mpg)—23/35
NHTSA Crash Test Rating—Not rated
IIHS Crash Test Rating—Not rated
Cargo Volume—7.1-9.9 cu. ft.
9) Mercedes-Benz E-Class (20,995 sales)
Although they wear E-Class nameplates, the coupe and convertible models are actually based on fortified, previous-generation C-Class platform componentry, which explains their smaller size in comparison with the E-Class sedan and wagon. Turbocharged V-6 and V-8 engines are available, and the E-Class coupe and convertible are rare in that they are not offered in performance-tuned AMG guise. Trunk space is compromised with the top folded.
Base Price—$55,475*
Initial Quality—Not rated
Predicted Reliability—Not rated
Overall Vehicle Appeal—Not rated
Fuel Economy (city/highway mpg)—17/29
NHTSA Crash Test Rating—Not rated
IIHS Crash Test Rating—Testing incomplete**
Cargo Volume (E-Class Coupe)—13.3 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume (E-Class Convertible)—8.8-11.5 cu. ft.
*Pricing is for the 2017 models
**The IIHS performed selected tests on the E-Class coupe; The E-Class convertible has not been tested
8) BMW 4 Series (21,462 sales)
Remember the original BMW 3 Series? It was a coupe, then a convertible. Now, the 3 Series lineup includes sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons, and BMW offers the coupes and convertibles as the 4 Series model. Turbocharged 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines supply the power, and the M4 variant delivers maximum performance. Folding the top decreases available trunk space.
Base Price—$43,145*
Initial Quality—3 PCRs
Predicted Reliability—Not rated
Overall Vehicle Appeal—5 PCRs
Fuel Economy (city/highway mpg)—17/35
NHTSA Crash Test Rating—Not rated
IIHS Crash Test Rating—Not rated
Cargo Volume (4 Series Coupe)—15.7 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume (4 Series Convertible)—7.8-13.1 cu. ft.
*Pricing is for the 2017 models
7) Dodge Challenger (40,226 sales)
Riding a retro design wave, Dodge reintroduced the Challenger to Americans nearly a decade ago. Today, the car remains largely the same and is the biggest of the classic muscle cars from Chevy, Dodge, and Ford. Choose between a V-6 and three different V-8 engines, one of which—the Challenger SRT Hellcat—generates an incredible 707 horsepower.
Base Price—$28,090
Initial Quality—5 PCRs
Predicted Reliability—2 PCRs
Overall Vehicle Appeal—4 PCRs
Fuel Economy (city/highway mpg)—14/30
NHTSA Crash Test Rating—5 Stars
IIHS Crash Test Rating—Not a “Top Safety Pick”
Cargo Volume—16.2 cu. ft.
6) Chevrolet Camaro (42,354 sales)
Redesigned for 2016, the Chevy Camaro has gone on a diet and has attended finishing school, resulting in a remarkably refined coupe and convertible. Affordable pricing is reflected in the cabin, but no matter which engine you choose—turbocharged 4-cylinder, V-6, or V-8—the driving dynamics impress.
Base Price—$26,695
Initial Quality—2 PCRs
Predicted Reliability—5 PCRs
Overall Vehicle Appeal—5 PCRs
Fuel Economy (city/highway mpg)—16/31
NHTSA Crash Test Rating—Not rated
IIHS Crash Test Rating—Not a “Top Safety Pick”*
Cargo Volume (Camaro Coupe)—9.1 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume (Camaro Convertible)—7.3 cu. ft.**
*The IIHS has tested the Camaro coupe; The Camaro convertible has not been tested
**Chevrolet reports a single cargo volume for convertible models, and does not specify whether the measurement is with the top raised or lowered
5) Kia Forte Koup (63,045 sales)
Cute name aside, the 2-door coupe version of the Kia Forte appeals to entry-level car buyers seeking more style than a sedan supplies. It comes in EX and SX trim, with or without a turbocharger, and with or without a manual gearbox.
Base Price—$20,740
Initial Quality—5 PCRs
Predicted Reliability—4 PCRs
Overall Vehicle Appeal—4 PCRs
Fuel Economy (city/highway mpg)—22/34
NHTSA Crash Test Rating—Not rated
IIHS Crash Test Rating—Not rated
Cargo Volume—13.3 cu. ft.
4) Ford Mustang (72,530 sales)
Ford’s iconic pony car combines classic styling cues with modern mechanicals. For 2016, the Mustang lineup grows with the addition of the track-ready Shelby GT350, bringing the model count to four. Other Mustang choices include the V-6, turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost, and the rumbling GT with a V-8 engine. Convertibles mirror coupes, except that you can’t get the Shelby GT350 with a drop-top.
Base Price—$25,045
Initial Quality—2 PCRs
Predicted Reliability—3 PCRs
Overall Vehicle Appeal—2 PCRs
Fuel Economy (city/highway mpg)—14/31
NHTSA Crash Test Rating—5 Stars*
IIHS Crash Test Rating—Not a “Top Safety Pick”**
Cargo Volume (Mustang Coupe)—13.5 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume (Mustang Convertible)—11.4 cu. ft.***
*Testing incomplete for Mustang convertible
**The IIHS has tested the Mustang coupe; The Mustang convertible has not been tested
***Ford reports a single cargo volume for convertible models, and does not specify whether the measurement is with the top raised or lowered
3) Jeep Wrangler (119,096 sales)
Every Jeep Wrangler is, theoretically, a convertible…even those equipped with the optional hardtop because it can be removed, along with the doors. The windshield even folds down for an unparalleled open-air driving experience. All Wranglers have a V-6 engine and 4-wheel drive, with an automatic transmission available as an option. Two-door and 4-door variants are for sale, the latter known as the Wrangler Unlimited.
Base Price—$24,890
Initial Quality—Not rated
Predicted Reliability—Not rated
Overall Vehicle Appeal—Not rated
Fuel Economy (city/highway mpg)—16/21
NHTSA Crash Test Rating—Testing incomplete
IIHS Crash Test Rating—Not a “Top Safety Pick”
Cargo Volume (Wrangler)—12.8 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume (Wrangler Unlimited)—31.5 cu. ft.
2) Honda Accord (201,300 sales)
You’re looking at the only remaining midsize coupe from a non-luxury car company: the Honda Accord. Once quite popular, this type of vehicle is almost extinct, and Honda sells far fewer coupes than it does sedans. Buyers choose between 4-cylinder and V-6 engines, and for driving enthusiasts Honda even offers a version equipped with the powerful V-6 and a manual gearbox.
Base Price—$24,710
Initial Quality—Not rated
Predicted Reliability—Not rated
Overall Vehicle Appeal—Not rated
Fuel Economy (city/highway mpg)—18/37
NHTSA Crash Test Rating—5 Stars
IIHS Crash Test Rating—“Top Safety Pick”
Cargo Volume—13.4 cu. ft.
1) Honda Civic (222,792 sales)
Redesigned for 2016, the Honda Civic Coupe will likely continue to dominate its segment, especially in light of the announced cancellation of the Scion tC. It comes in LX, LX-P, EX-T, EX-L, and Touring trim levels, with a choice between a 4-cylinder and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and a manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission.
Base Price—$19,885
Initial Quality—Not rated
Predicted Reliability—Not rated
Overall Vehicle Appeal—Not rated
Fuel Economy (city/highway mpg)—26/41
NHTSA Crash Test Rating—5 Stars
IIHS Crash Test Rating—“Top Safety Pick”
Cargo Volume—12.1 cu. ft.
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