Convertibles are the quintessential summer ride, where the sun kisses your face, the wind tangles your hair into what can only be described as nature’s dreadlocks, and the open road beckons like a siren’s song. However, not all convertibles are created equal. Some have been left by the roadside, forgotten and collecting dust like that gym membership you swore you’d use. But before you write them off as relics, let’s take a trip down memory lane to rediscover 10 forgotten convertibles that still pack a punch when delivering that unbeatable summer experience.
Chrysler Crossfire Roadster
This car looks like it was drawn by a teenager doodling in the margins of their math notebook. The Chrysler Crossfire Roadster was a peculiar creature when it was released, a love child of Chrysler and Mercedes Benz that somehow got lost in the shuffle. It could be the swoopy design or the fact that it seemed to hover in the uncanny valley of sports cars. But pop the top down, and suddenly, this odd duck transforms into a swan, an underrated gem perfect for those lazy summer drives. Plus, its rarity means you’ll be the only one in town with one, making you that much cooler. Or at least unique.
Saab 9-3 Convertible
Saab may be as defunct as that VHS collection gathering dust in your basement, but the 9-3 Convertible is still worth dusting off. With its understated design, it doesn’t scream look at me but whispers admire me. The 9-3 has always been about subtle charm, a quality that becomes endearing when the sun is shining and you’ve got the top down. It’s Swedish, so you can feel extra smug about driving something that’s not just another piece of automotive Ikea furniture.
Pontiac Solstice
The Pontiac Solstice is the car that showed up to the sports car party dressed to impress, only to leave before dessert was served. This convertible had the misfortune of arriving just before Pontiac went belly up, leaving it to the annals of forgotten history. But don’t let its brief existence fool you. The Solstice is as fun as a summer fling. Its compact size and peppy engine make it perfect for zipping along coastal roads or through winding mountain passes. Don’t forget to bring a hat, as the Solstice’s top is more for decoration than sun protection.
Saturn Sky
Speaking of cars that vanished quicker than a Snapchat selfie, here’s the Saturn Sky. It was the car that would challenge you to a drag race and then wink at you as it sped away. If you find one of these hiding in a used car lot somewhere, snatch it up. It’s like finding a rare collectible Pokémon card, except you can drive this one to the beach.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Remember the Mitsubishi Eclipse? Of course, you do. It was the car you wanted when you were 16, but your parents said no because it was too sporty. The Spyder version is the grown-up, slightly more responsible older sibling who still knows how to have a good time. It’s got that same sporty vibe but with the bonus of a convertible roof. While Mitsubishi might have shifted focus to more practical vehicles, the Eclipse Spyder remains a beacon of summer fun, perfect for pretending you’re still 16 and that your biggest worry is which beach to hit next.
Volkswagen Eos
Volkswagen gave us the Beetle, the Bus, and the Eos. The Eos is part of VW’s lineup as the forgotten middle child in a family of overachievers. It is often overlooked, perhaps because it’s not quite a sports car or luxury cruiser. But precisely this in-between” ness” makes it perfect for a summer adventure. The retractable hardtop is nifty, allowing you to go from an enclosed cocoon to open-air freedom in seconds. And because it’s a VW, you know it’s built to last, even if it’s primarily known to VW fanatics and nobody else.
Toyota MR2 Spyder
The Toyota MR2 Spyder is like that one friend who’s always down for an adventure, even if they’re not quite sure where they’re going. This little roadster is lightweight, handy, and fun to drive. It’s not the fastest or the most powerful, but who cares when you’re cruising with the top down and the summer breeze in your hair? Plus, it’s a Toyota, so it’s indestructible. Finding one might be challenging, but once you do, you’ll wonder why you have considered anything else.
Volvo C70
Volvo isn’t exactly a name you associate with convertibles. Station wagons? Yes. Safety? Absolutely. But convertibles? The C70 is the exception to the rule: A stylish, comfortable cruiser at home on the open road as it is parked in front of a swanky beachside café. The car makes you want to take the scenic route, the longer way home. The C70 is a bit of a sleeper, often overlooked by those searching for something flashier. but it’s also one of those cars that you’ll never forget once you experience it. And neither will your passengers.
Mazda MX 5 Miata
Mazda MX 5 Miata enthusiasts revere this car, but its NC and ND siblings often overshadow the NB generation. The NB is like that middle child who doesn’t get enough credit even though it’s just as capable as its siblings. The NB Miata offers that pure, unfiltered driving experience, where it’s just you, the car, and the road. It’s small, elegant, and endlessly fun. And because it’s a Miata, you know it will run forever, allowing you to chase that summer feeling for years to come.
Ford Thunderbird
The Ford Thunderbird was as much a statement as it was a vehicle. The early 2000s reboot of the T Bird didn’t quite catch on the way Ford had hoped, but that means plenty of them are out there waiting to be rediscovered. The T Bird is all about retro cool, those round headlights, that sweeping dashboard, and the convertible top. It’s not a sports car and doesn’t try to be. Instead, it’s a cruiser for long lazy drives where the journey is the destination. And isn’t that what summer’s all about?
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
When you think of supercars, names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren often come to mind, along with their staggering price tags. However, high-performance vehicles aren’t exclusively reserved for the super-rich. There exists a sweet spot where speed, style, and (relatively) sensible pricing converge, offering thrilling rides without completely obliterating your bank account. Hop in as we explore 14 underrated supercars under $100K.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
