Summer Fun Driving with Cool Convertibles

Summer’s here and so begins one of the strongest sales seasons for the coolest wheels on the road. Auto manufacturers are now offering one of the largest selections of new convertible designs in most recent years. Here are some of the hottest models available:

Convertibles were once synonymous with the impracticality of high price tags and two passenger models. That has dramatically changed. Here are two new convertibles that won’t break the bank.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible
With a high roofline and lots of interior room, the PT Cruiser is one of the few convertibles that comfortably seats four adults, making it a perfect “ragtop” for the entire family. There are 9 models to choose from including a speedy turbo GT. Even the base model comes loaded with luxurious leather and all the power goodies (windows, a/c, rear wiper, rear defrost). Its MSRP of $19,995 makes it one of the most affordable convertibles on the market. www.chrysler.com

Mini Cooper Convertible
The “Mini” is small enough for urban dwellers, yet big enough for a family of four. It features a dual-mode power soft-top that can be retracted all the way, or left in “open sunroof” mode. All the power “bell and whistles” are standard (AM/FM CD-6 speaker audio system, a/c, power windows and doorlocks. Bottom line: The Mini Cooper is a super sporty set of wheels offering plenty of pep (S Model offers a super charged engine) affordably priced starting at around $21K. www.miniusa.com

Toyota MR2 Spyder Convertible
If someone feels the need for racetrack speed and handling but lacks the Ferrari budget, the Toyota MR2 Spyder convertible is for them. A mid-engine design give the Spyder sports car handling usually reserved for racetrack cars, and a manually operated soft top will allow you to quickly convert to worshiping the summer sun gods! The MR2 Spyder accommodates two adults comfortably. An affordable MSRP of $25,410 allows the “Spyder” to weave a web that will attract most any human prey in search of a convertible driving experience. www.toyota.com

Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Convertible
This new 2 seat roadster from Chrysler borrows a lot of style influences from its parent company Mercedes Benz. The center spine design and side air intakes give the Crossfire its head turning design signature, and a motorized soft top will have your hair blowing in the wind in 22 seconds. At 60mph the Crossfire body design automatically morphs to employ a stability controlling spoiler. Get Mercedes SL 500 2 seat roadster influenced styling and some pretty serious performance without the price tag. MSRP-$ 34,960. www.chrysler.com

Cadillac XLR Hardtop Convertible
If you want it all and the word budget does not exist in your vocabulary, this is the car for you. The Cadillac XLR is one of a few retractable hard top vehicles on the market today. The top retracts into the trunk in a speedy 30 seconds leaving enough room for a set of golf clubs and a lucky driver and passenger. Over the top creature comforts including: heated and cooled seats, keyless entry and ignition, OnStar Communications System including optional access to virtual advisor to get stock quotes, weather, and traffic information, radar guided cruise control, Eucalyptus wood and leather wrapped steering wheel. The XLR is the first Cadillac convertible model in over a decade and the first retractable hard top in Cadillac’s history. From style, power and creature comforts (Did I mention price too?) the XLR is a luxury roadster in the truest sense. MSRP-$76,200. www.cadillac.com