10 Hot Convertibles for Summer

Here at the motortrend.com offices in sunny Los Angeles, practically every day is filled with sunshine; rain is a rarity, and snow is something we drive to play in on the weekends. And while Los Angeles is certainly known for its traffic-clogged freeways, this commuter enjoys driving the less-well-known backroads and canyons. They're the perfect roads for top-down travel year-round, but especially nice during the long days of summer. Finding the perfect car for that drive is a difficult choice, however, as the market has a broad variety of offerings, from big top-down tourers to little two-seat roadsters, as well as a few desirable cars that sit right smack in the middle. In our quest for the perfect top-down summer transportation, we've narrowed the range to the 10 that stand out as the most significant and most fun options, regardless of your price range or state of mind.

2002 BMW 3 Series
Within the expansive BMW 3 Series range are a trio of cloth-top convertibles engineered to offer enthusiasts open-air driving experience with a sharp performance edge. Offering more interior space, road refinement, and creature comforts than the Z3, the $36,475 325Ci is an alluring choice in the near-lux category. Its nimble chassis is fitted with a 2.5-liter/184-hp inline six engine paired with either a five-speed Steptronic or five-speed manual transmission. For more performance and standard equipment, consider the 330Ci four-seater motivated by a 3.0-liter/225-hp I-6 for $43,045. At the top of the range is the mighty, dream-inspiring M3 Convertible boasting 333 horsepower, track-ready suspension and brakes, enhanced exterior, and specific interior package for $54,545.

2002 Chevrolet Camaro 35th Anniversary Edition
Chevrolet celebrates the Camaro heritage and final production year by offering a limited-edition 35th Anniversary Package on 2002 SS convertibles and coupes. The convertibles' bright Rallye Red paint and black top are accented by wide dual stripes, fading solid silver into a checkered flag, running the length of the vehicle from the front fascia, over the hood and onto the rear decklid and spoiler. Underhood, the 5.7-liter cast-aluminum V-8 is tuned to produce 325 horsepower thanks to its forced-air induction hood and low-restriction exhaust. Inside, the Anniversary edition sports exclusive badging, ebony and medium gray leather trim, and upgraded Monsoon sound system with in-dash CD. Get it while it's still hot for a suggested retail price of $36,625. Nearly the same performance can be found in the Z28 convertible, starting at $30,500.

2002 Chrysler Sebring Convertible GTC
Chrysler has fitted a manual transmission in its spacious Sebring convertible to lure younger buyers by promising a more enthusiastic driving experience, good looks, abundant features, and an affordable price. A genuine four seater, the Sebring GTC is powered by a 2.7-liter/200-horsepower V-6 engine with sport-tuned suspension and five-speed manual tranny (or automatic four-speed for the same price). The car also features 16-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 205/60TR16 all-season tires, color-keyed body-side molding, low-profile rear decklid spoiler, and sporty badging. The GTC's suggested retail price of $25,710 includes destination, multi-stage front airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with "ABS Plus," and speed control.

2003 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra
Just as the Camaro and Pontiac Firebird fade into the annals of musclecar history, Ford prepares to release the highest-performance variant of the SN95 Mustang ever. Underhood, this powerful droptop sports a supercharged DOHC 4.6-liter V-8 with a belt-driven roots-type blower boosting horsepower up to 390 ponies -- more than even the formidable Cobra R. Likewise, the chassis has been upgraded with Biltstein shocks, higher-rate springs, stiffer anti-roll bars, and a more aggressive brake pad material. An early Motor Trend evaluation suggests quarter-mile runs in the Cobra may reach almost 110 mph with 0-60-mph sprints being below five seconds. Destined to arrive in dealerships by June, this six-speed Mustang Cobra is expected to be priced around $35,000.