Convertibles might not sound like the most practical choice for a country that spends half the year under snow, but Canadians have always had an appreciation for the joy of open-air driving. From summer cruises along cottage country highways to fall afternoons with the top down, a convertible is a symbol of pure driving fun. Over the decades, certain models have stood out as best sellers in Canada, consistently finding eager buyers despite the climate. Here are twenty convertibles that Canadians embraced, along with the years when they made their mark.
Mazda MX-5 Miata (1989–present)
The MX-5 Miata has become the world’s best-selling roadster, and Canada has played a part in that success. Since its debut in 1989, it has offered Canadians a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car at an attainable price. Affordable to insure, easy to maintain, and endlessly fun, it’s no surprise that every generation of Miata has sold well here.
Ford Mustang Convertible (1964–present)
From the very beginning, the Mustang Convertible was a hit in Canada. Its mix of style, performance, and affordability made it a summer cruiser of choice. Through every decade, from the classic 1960s pony cars to the latest turbo fours and V8s, the Mustang drop-top has remained one of Canada’s best-selling convertibles.
Chevrolet Camaro Convertible (1967–2002, 2011–2024)
The Camaro Convertible gave Canadians a rival to the Mustang, and it did not disappoint. From its late 1960s launch through its rebirth in 2011, the Camaro has been a popular convertible choice. Canadians loved its muscular engines and bold styling, making it a mainstay in the drop-top market.
Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (1949–1979, 2003–2019)
The Beetle Convertible enjoyed success in Canada across two lifespans: the original classic era and the modern retro revival. The retro models in the 2000s sold particularly well in Canada, appealing to drivers who wanted practicality wrapped in nostalgia.
Mini Convertible (2004–present)
The Mini Convertible carved out a niche in Canadian cities. Since its introduction in the early 2000s, it has combined quirky styling, sharp handling, and a small footprint that makes sense for urban life. Canadians have continued to buy it for its character and playfulness.
BMW 4 Series Convertible (2014–present)
The BMW 4 Series Convertible succeeded the 3 Series cabriolet and became a Canadian best seller in the luxury convertible segment. Its retractable hardtop versions in the 2010s were especially popular, offering security for winter storage and top-down fun in summer.
Audi A5 Cabriolet (2009–present)
The Audi A5 Cabriolet has sold strongly in Canada since its introduction. Its quattro all-wheel drive makes it one of the most practical convertibles for Canadian conditions, appealing to buyers who wanted year-round capability in a stylish package.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet (2016–2023)
Mercedes-Benz added the C-Class Cabriolet in the mid-2010s, and it quickly became a hit among Canadian luxury buyers. Its prestige badge, elegant styling, and comfortable interior made it a best-selling drop-top in its class until it was discontinued recently.
Porsche 911 Cabriolet (1982–present)
The Porsche 911 Cabriolet is an aspirational car that has always found Canadian buyers. Since the 1980s, Canadians with the means have consistently chosen the open-top 911 for its mix of supercar performance and everyday usability.
Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (1953–present)
From its earliest days, the Corvette Convertible has had strong sales in Canada. Its combination of exotic-level performance and relatively attainable pricing made it a best seller in the sports convertible market. Every generation has attracted Canadian enthusiasts.
Lexus IS Convertible (2009–2015)
The Lexus IS Convertible may have had a short lifespan, but it sold well in Canada during its production years. Canadians were drawn to its folding hardtop, Japanese reliability, and balance of performance and luxury.
Chrysler Sebring / 200 Convertible (1996–2014)
For many years, the Chrysler Sebring and later the 200 Convertible were among the most affordable midsize drop-tops in Canada. Their budget pricing made them best sellers despite their modest reputation for quality. Canadians looking for a cheap convertible flocked to them in the late 1990s and 2000s.
Honda S2000 (1999–2009)
The Honda S2000 achieved cult status in Canada thanks to its high-revving 2.0- and later 2.2-liter engines, precise handling, and reliability. During its production years, it consistently sold well in Canada, cementing its place as a best-selling performance roadster.
Toyota Solara Convertible (1999–2008)
The Toyota Solara Convertible was a favorite among Canadians who wanted a reliable and roomy convertible. It offered Toyota dependability with the fun of open-air driving, making it one of the top-selling midsize drop-tops of its time.
Nissan 370Z Roadster (2009–2019)
The Nissan 370Z Roadster carried on the tradition of the Z cars, delivering affordable sports car thrills with top-down appeal. Canadians embraced it as a performance bargain, keeping sales healthy throughout its decade-long run.
Jaguar F-Type Convertible (2013–present)
The Jaguar F-Type Convertible quickly became a Canadian luxury favorite upon its introduction. With gorgeous styling, raucous exhaust notes, and a range of engines from V6 to V8, it earned strong sales in the sports luxury segment.
Saab 9-3 Convertible (1998–2012)
The Saab 9-3 Convertible built a loyal following in Canada before Saab’s downfall. It was unique, practical, and offered four real seats, making it a strong seller among buyers who wanted something different from the mainstream German brands.
Volvo C70 Convertible (1997–2013)
The Volvo C70 Convertible combined Scandinavian design with Volvo’s focus on safety. Canadians liked its four-seat layout and premium feel, keeping it a steady seller in its segment for over a decade.
Fiat 124 Spider (2016–2020)
The Fiat 124 Spider shared its bones with the Mazda MX-5 but added Italian design flair. Canadians bought it in respectable numbers during its short run, appreciating its mix of style and reliability.
Pontiac Sunfire / Sunbird Convertible (1982–2005)
Pontiac offered convertibles like the Sunfire and Sunbird as affordable, entry-level drop-tops for Canadians in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. They were best sellers for budget buyers who wanted fun in the sun without breaking the bank. Even in a country known for harsh winters, Canadians have consistently shown a love for convertibles. From budget Pontiacs to dream cars like the 911 and Corvette, these twenty models prove that top-down motoring is a Canadian tradition as much as it is a summer indulgence.
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