9 Affordable Convertibles That Show Automakers Used To Make Cool Cheap Stuff – Jalopnik

Most individuals do not actually need a convertible. They lack area, make a bunch of wind noise on the freeway, and are principally ineffective if you happen to dwell in a local weather with discernible seasons. But the sensation of a top-down drive (we’re speaking in regards to the automotive’s high, to make clear) is an occasion of euphoria candy sufficient to transcend the confines of local weather. Whether your area has only one month of solar a yr or 12, it is laborious for us to ignore that convertible expertise.

We’d argue that extra vehicles must be convertibles. With the precise surroundings and sunshine, an everyday automotive with a drop high could be even higher than the identical drive with a fixed-roof sports activities automotive. The solely problem is that the automotive business has largely ditched the concept of an reasonably priced convertible. Blame it on sedans going extinct (which many older convertibles had been primarily based upon), the rise of the SUV, or a normal lack of caprice within the trendy automotive business; the reply is identical — we do not have as many reasonably priced convertibles these days.

To show this argument, we went on a mission to current you with a gaggle of convertibles that show two issues: that you would be able to nonetheless personal a convertible for reasonable, however so as to take action, you will virtually definitely have to return a decade — or two, or 4 — to seek out it. Additionally, we did not wish to cop out and current a bunch of closely depreciated Jaguars or Aston Martins that will’ve value six figures when new, which means that each one of those picks would have been thought-about “affordable” after they sat on the showroom ground. And who is aware of, perhaps you will see some convertibles you fully forgot about.

They could appear like antiques to the present fanatic, however the MGB was a serious driving pressure in bringing this British model into the fashionable period. The new unibody building (versus the older wooden-framed T-type vehicles), a extra trendy powertrain, and a contemporary, modern design meant that MG may now significantly compete for North American market consideration. Long story brief, it labored, and the B rapidly turned MG’s hottest car, remaining in manufacturing for almost thirty years, between 1962 and 1980.

There had been many small modifications to the B over the many years, however just a few stand out when searching for one’s most popular instance. One such merchandise is the 1.8-liter inline-four, which debuted within the U.S. with round 95 horsepower within the Nineteen Sixties, however could be choked right down to round 65 or 70 horses by the Nineteen Seventies emissions period. Also essential to recollect is that early MGBs (up till round 1968) had an unsynchronized first gear, so do not strive any cheeky first-gear downshifts within the hairpins. Additionally, if you happen to’re searching for most construct high quality, the pre-1970 period was higher, as after that time, British Leyland took over MG’s dad or mum firm and changed a lot of the accented metallic and leather-based interiors with cheaper supplies.

When new, the MGB was correctly reasonably priced, ranging wherever from about $2,500 to $5,000 (mid-$20,000 vary in 2026) all through most of its manufacturing run, placing it firmly inside attain for younger patrons. Today, even after a number of many years of market fluctuation, the typical MGB will value about $10,000, based on Classic.com But in fact, respectable examples will exist within the $6,000-$7,000 vary relying on the place you look.

The Fiat 500 was a direct results of the post-war want for mass mobility in Italy, much like how Japan’s small motorized bikes and private vehicles started to increase within the Nineteen Fifties and Nineteen Sixties. Its tiny stature, approachable (and really cute) design, and minuscule fuel-efficient engine made the “Cinquecento,” because it was nicknamed, a wildly well-liked automotive, promoting almost 4 million items throughout its authentic manufacturing cycle from 1957 to 1975.

Then, in 2007, greater than 30 years after the petite icon left the manufacturing unit ground, it could resurface, this time with a front-mounted engine and greater than 500,000 customization choices (you learn that accurately). It wasn’t initially offered within the U.S., however by 2012 it lastly arrived, having already offered round 1 million items overseas. In preserving with the enjoyable, vacation-esque picture that America had bestowed upon the five hundred, Fiat would give us a cabriolet model of the five hundred known as the 500C, which had a retractable fabric roof. Even cooler, Fiat additionally determined to offer the bottom 1.4-liter fuel four-cylinder a turbocharger for its high-performance Abarth trim, bringing output up from 101 horsepower to 160.

Customers may have the 500C convertible physique fashion in Abarth trim, together with a regular five-speed handbook. The Abarth additionally got here with sporty Koni shocks, decrease and stiffer springs, wider tires, bigger brakes, and Abarth-branded door decals, creating the right little Italian ball of anger. In 2013, this actual spec would have value $26,700 to start out, which was a steal for a top-trim model of something on the time. Now, because of depreciation and perhaps some normal concern of Italian reliability, the 500C Abarth at the moment sells for someplace within the mid-$15,000 vary.

According to some fanatics, the third-generation MR2 is the improper one. It would not have the inflexible cyberpunk strains of the unique Nineteen Eighties AW11, or the non-obligatory turbocharged energy and slick appears of the SW20, however we have fallen in love with the MR2 Spyder, and imagine it deserves simply as many form phrases. It debuted for the 2000 mannequin yr with a radically new design — one thing in between its bubbly Miata competitor and the horny Porsche Boxster. Most apparent, although, was its convertible physique fashion being the one one out there, and whereas MR2 purists could have most popular a tough high model, that lack of sheet metallic meant the newly named MR2 Spyder would weigh lower than any MR2 earlier than it, coming in at round 2,200 kilos.

This automotive was, in a phrase, approachable. The 138-horsepower 1.8-liter inline-four, dubbed the 1ZZ-FED, was the one engine choice all through its 2000-2005 run, and whereas it did not possess the outright grunt of the older Turbo fashions, it was a lot to toss round this drop-top light-weight. Additionally, the Spyder all however eradicated the nasty snap oversteer the SW20 turned notorious for, giving inexperienced drivers an opportunity to ring out their MR2 with out stepping past its limits. In its debut yr, the MR2 Spyder value prospects $23,558, solely about $2,000 greater than the Miata it was focusing on.

In the tip, although, slightly below 28,000 whole Spyders left the manufacturing unit, making it rarer than each the primary and second-generation MR2s. Luckily for you, within the MR2’s case, its rarity would not correspond to its worth, as in 2026, the typical second-hand sale worth for a third-generation MR2 is available in at about $11,200 — cheaper than each its predecessors.

A subject just like the Pontiac Solstice deserves a characteristic all its personal. From Bob Lutz’s private involvement to its Vauxhall idea automotive roots to its $250 million growth (that did not actually repay), it is a genuinely fascinating story. But you solely must know the fundamentals about this convertible to justify its place on this record of cool, low-cost drop-tops. The Solstice initially debuted in 2002 on the Detroit Auto Show and was presupposed to have an accelerated trajectory into manufacturing. But the automotive enterprise is, nicely, the automotive enterprise, and that present automotive must wait 4 years earlier than formally hitting the streets for the 2006 mannequin yr.

The Solstice was curvy but daring, and went straight after the NC Miata that additionally debuted in 2006. Powering the Solstice was GM’s 2.4-liter Ecotec inline-four, placing down 177 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque, similar to the Mazda’s 170 horsepower and 140 pound-foot output. Interestingly, the Solstice was barely cheaper than the Miata, with a base worth of $19,915. Period critiques had been typically constructive regardless of its lack of gravitas in immediately’s basic roadster dialog, with retailers like Car and Driver praising its sharp nook entry, predictable restrict dealing with, consolation, and shocking sports activities automotive purity. But at almost 2,900 kilos, the bottom convertible wasn’t as inspiring because the light-weight Miatas or just lately discontinued MR2 Spyders of the world.

In base type, the roadster retained the identical powertrain till its discontinuation in 2009, however for many who thought the Solstice wanted extra energy, there was a turbocharged, 260-hp GXP variant (although these are far dearer now). Across all trims, together with the high-performance GXP, common used sale costs are solely round $13,500, which means base fashions are floating on the market for even much less.

In 1995, Chrysler launched what it known as the JA platform. This new base was initially designed for fashions just like the Dodge Stratus, Chrysler Cirrus, and Plymouth Breeze, all of which had been part of the brand new “Cloud Car” group. The cloud imagery of their names denoted emotions of spacious, open passenger cabins, and their names had been all meteorological in nature. Ironically, the ethereal cloud automotive idea would not be absolutely realized with the JA platform, however moderately with the marginally modified JX chassis, which included a real open-air car within the new Sebring Convertible.

At the time, the Sebring Convertible was a welcome newcomer to the Chrysler lineup, because it changed the outgoing and convincingly outdated LeBaron convertible for the 1996 mannequin yr. Its enticing trendy appears, Mitsubishi-sourced inline-four and V6 engine choices, and four-seat capability made the Sebring Convertible a powerful competitor in its class at simply round $20,000 in base type. And it proved to be a stable lineup complement for Chrysler, because the convertible could be offered repeatedly from its 1996 debut till its final demise in 2010.

When calculated for inflation, $20,000 in 1996 comes out to round $43,000 in 2026, which most of us would say is not very low-cost. However, upon digging into the present values, we simply could not move this one up. Most will not must spend greater than $5,300 for a median Chrysler Sebring convertible throughout the primary two generations (1996-2006). 

Roadster fanatics had been spoiled within the Nineteen Sixties. Depending on what you could possibly afford, and what nation you lived in, your choices included the first-gen Corvette, Shelby Cobra, Honda S600, Alfa Romeo Spider, and the MGB, amongst others. But we regularly neglect that the Fiat 124 Spider qualifies for that dialog as nicely. Debuting in 1966, the Fiat was about as near the epitome of a small roadster as you could possibly get with easy but enticing strains, a convertible high, a small peppy engine, and a handbook transmission. It did not do sufficient to outshine its flashier rivals all through its 20-year manufacturing run, however to us, all that exhibits is a possible for a lot extra reasonably priced enjoyable 40 years later.

The Pininfarina-designed 124 Spider debuted with a 1.4-liter twin-cam inline-four able to 90 horsepower, and was paired solely with a five-speed handbook transmission. Over the years, there could be a number of notable modifications, such because the upgraded 110-horsepower 1.6-liter engine in 1969, the extra 1.6 and 1.8-liter powerplants in 1972, and even a one-year-only turbocharged model in 1981. Sadly for us Americans, although, the U.S. examples solely bought 86 horsepower from their U.S.-spec 2.0-liter motor for many of its manufacturing cycle.

Even with this American handicap, the U.S. was the roadster’s largest market, and with an authentic MSRP in 1980 of simply round $8,800, the Fiat was inside attain for the low-buck crowd. Compare that to 2026, the place the typical market worth is $9,500 throughout all years, with lower-quality examples dipping down into the $6,000 vary, based on Hagerty’s analysis. We should say, although: if a 124 finds its method into your storage, be ready for these previous Italian automotive quirks.

Some could not agree with the Pontiac Sunfire being “cool,” however we determined to offer it the go-ahead anyway. The automotive has distinctive, unconventional styling, it was and nonetheless is reasonably priced, and for a short while between 1995 and 2000, Pontiac offered a convertible physique fashion, which, to us, is sufficient to have a good time this principally forgotten automotive. Oh, and do not forget, the convertible was provided solely within the particular  GT trim for 1999 and 2000.

The Sunfire was a substitute for the compact Sunbird, which had served the section for almost 20 years between the mid-Nineteen Seventies and mid-Nineteen Nineties because the sibling of vehicles just like the Chevrolet Monza and Cavalier. Now, the Sunfire would convey the compact platform towards the brand new millennium with dramatic styling and extra refined powerplants whereas nonetheless offering prospects with the physique kinds that they had come to count on. One such physique fashion was the convertible, which was offered solely till 2000 within the United States. Base convertibles used a 120-horsepower 2.2-liter engine whereas upgraded vehicles (notably these with the GT package deal) got here with a 150-horsepower 2.3-liter inline-four. Just one yr after its debut, a brand new 2.4-liter engine would additionally arrive, with very related outputs because the earlier “Quad 4” engine, however with optimized mid-range torque efficiency.

While the Sunfire wasn’t as spirited as, say, a Miata or compact BMW 3-Series from the identical period, its authentic MSRP of round $20,000 was enticing and falls far under the present common new automotive worth when adjusted for inflation. In the fashionable day, the Sunfire convertible’s worth continues to be its essential attraction. Not a lot knowledge is on the market for these vehicles, however present averages are often round $6,600.

In an analogous vein to the Fiat 500 Abarth, we have selected one other compact hatchback convertible — the first-gen (R50/R53) Mini Cooper. Of course, there was an authentic that debuted within the Nineteen Fifties in Europe, however our focus is on the early 2000s, when the now BMW-owned Mini model debuted a brilliantly retro-modernized model of the Mini Cooper. It first hit American streets for the 2002 mannequin yr and has since thrived as each low-cost transportation and a enjoyable weekend automotive.

The convertible variant debuted two mannequin years later for 2004, and in base trim, sported the Cooper’s common 115-horsepower naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline-four and your selection of a five-speed handbook or CVT transmission. For a base MSRP within the low-$20,000s, the soft-top Mini was reasonably priced, quiet sufficient, spacious, and had loads of character to fulfill journalists on the time, and we will concur that these early Coopers are nice to drive on a windy street.

We additionally will not rule out the Mini Cooper S Convertible, which added a supercharger to the 1.6-liter for 168 horsepower. They are dearer on the second-hand market, however if you happen to can swing it, these examples are like caffeinated go-karts. Speaking of bills, the common first-gen Mini Cooper Convertible ought to solely value between $6,000 and $10,000 for an honest instance, whereas the S model stays convincingly within the mid-$11,000 ballpark.

Call it unoriginal, by-product, or lazy, however omitting the Miata from this dialogue is like leaving LeBron James out of a high three all-time NBA record. Simply, this automotive has been the benchmark within the roadster section for greater than 30 years now, and to many of us, the Miata is the most effective convertible of all time. For this record, we selected the NB-generation automotive, primarily because of the truth that its present common values of $10,500 are about the identical because the NA, with each being cheaper than the newer NC and ND generations.

Why not the NA, then? While each are implausible, the earliest NBs got here with a 140-horsepower 1.8-liter engine, whereas the NA may solely muster between 116 and 133 horsepower. There’s additionally the argument for its up to date suspension, inside, and mature bodywork, in addition to its barely youthful age because it pertains to mileage. Anyway, the NB era continued all through the early 2000s with minor modifications, like a bump as much as 155 horsepower in 2001 and the addition of ordinary 15-inch wheels. By 2005, the NB was in its final yr, making method for the NC in 2006.

The NB can be notable due to its plethora of particular editions. There had been the tenth Anniversary fashions, Blazing Yellow Micah and Titanium Gray Metallic particular editions, the Shinsen version, Club Sport version (solely 50 of those exist), and, in fact, the turbocharged Mazdaspeed Miatas, all with totally different combos of wheels, interiors, paint colours, or weight-saving modifications. Though, whatever the spec, the NB is a automotive each fanatic should drive. Its steadiness, versatility, cute appears, and distinctive handbook shifters signify precisely what a top-down drive ought to attempt to be.