We all love convertibles. Unlike other car body styles, convertibles offer a wind-in-the-hair experience, giving us a sense of freedom. In addition, they feature unique styling, especially when you fold down the roof. Over the years, there have been outstanding convertibles.
Americans have built some of the best convertibles, with companies like Chrysler, Ford, and Chevrolet making them a staple of their lineup. Even though they aren’t as popular as their hardtop counterparts, they have a special place for anyone who yearns for a wind-in-the-hair experience.
10 Saturn Sky
Saturn Sky was the two-seat brother to the Pontiac Solstice. Both sports cars used GM’s rear-drive Kappa platform, but the Sky had better sound insulation and a softer tide. Even though it was 500 lbs heavier than the MX-5, it took turns with aplomb.
If you still prefer the Sky but want better sports car performance, the Red Line model notably ups the ante. The model features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 260 hp, 50% more than the base variant. It also has upgraded 18-inch alloys and Bilstein shocks.
9 Fisker Karma Sunset
On launch, the Karma had futuristic looks and a futuristic powertrain. It had battery-powered electric motors for the rear wheels and a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine from GM. The Karma was big, heavy, and not cheap, making it a common sight in Hollywood.
Fisker also introduced the Karma S (Sunset), a two-door hardtop convertible with the power to delight tree-hugging enthusiasts. The Sunset shared the same aluminum space frame as the Karma sedan. It also got the Q-Drive series hybrid system with two electric motors producing 402 hp and a 260 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
8 Cadillac XLR
The XLR was a powerful and sexy two-seat convertible that helped showcase Cadillac’s advanced technology. Their design was to produce a long, low, and topless convertible. In short, it was a Corvette-powered convertible dressed in Cadillac duds.
The XLR maintained Cadillac's knife-sharp signature look, making it one of the better-looking Cadillac offerings. It offered a folding hardtop that presented a sleek and clean profile with the top down. Under the hood was a 4.6-liter V8 producing 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
7 Jeep Wrangler
Nothing screams freedom like taking the Wrangler down a trail with an adventure awaiting around the bend. The Wrangler is an iconic off-roader with a retro exterior style. It pays homage to the rugged Jeeps from World War II.
The modern Wrangler features modern conveniences, including an eight-speaker stereo, cruise control, and touchscreen infotainment. There are also luxurious trims that feature ambient interior lighting, a power-operated soft top, and leather upholstery. It's available with a two and four-door variant, all featuring a host of powertrains, including a 6.4-liter V8.
6 Ford Bronco
Whether you plan to go through a drive-thru window or dense forest trails, the four-wheel Ford Bronco is one of the most exciting off-roaders since the Wrangler. The Bronco is available in both two and four-door body styles.
In addition, you can easily remove the doors and roof, like in the Wrangler, to make a cool-looking convertible SUV. The only difference with the Wrangler is that the Bronco retains its mirrors. Under the hood, the Bronco offers more base horsepower, too, with the figures ranging from a 300 hp 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four to a 330 hp 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6.
5 Dodge Viper
A few decades ago, Ferrari and Porsche unveiled their astonishing 478 hp F40 and 444 hp 959 supercars. Back then, 400 hp was a significant number. Nowadays, horsepower wars have gotten crazier, with sedans from Mercedes and BMW producing at least 500 hp.
Even though the Viper is no longer in production, it was available as a coupe and convertible. The coupe had a 202-mph top speed while the convertible got a 197-mph top speed with the roof down. Dodge fitted the Viper with an 8.4-liter V10 engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, producing 600 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque.
4 Chevrolet Camaro
The convertible Camaro is a cool, menacing, sophisticated muscle car with a hunkered-down stance. Not only is it a great car to drive, but it's also a great-looking car. The convertible helps open up the pillbox view of the coupe at the press of a button.
It features an insulated fabric roof in color like dark brown, black and dark blue. Chevrolet ensures that the convertible Camaro remains a sporty, fun, and carefree model. The Camaro is available with a comprehensive engine selection, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 3.6-liter V6, and 6.2-liter V8.
3 Ford Mustang GT
Nowadays, there is a Mustang for every personality and lifestyle. You can use your Mustang for track times or top-down trips on the Sunset Strip. Ford offers the Mustang with numerous appearance packages, coupe or convertible body styles, and notable performance-enhancing options.
The power for all models comes from a punchy turbocharged four-cylinder engine or Ford’s mighty 5.0-liter V8. The GT convertible uses the latter engine, producing 450 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. It also comes standard with a host of standard features like Brembo brakes, track-focused apps, and an active exhaust system.
2 Chevrolet Corvette
The Corvette is an iconic American sports car with performance that rivals exotic vehicles. It’s a comfortable sports car with a nicely trimmed cabin, good enough to drive daily. The latest iterations feature a mid-engine sports car, making it a modern-day icon.
Even with the engine in a new location, it retains the 6.2-liter V8, producing 490 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Corvette is available as a coupe and a convertible. The convertible retains the same two-passenger configuration while offering the best blend of performance and open-air experience.
1 Dodge Challenger
Rarely will you find a car built for the drag strip offering the open-air opportunity while you scream down the strip. In most cases, that’s for the best. Since the Challenger is a long-time rival of the Mustang and Camaro, enthusiasts have always yearned for a convertible variant.
Even though Dodge is dropping off the curtains for the Charger and Challenger, convertible enthusiasts can rest assured that they can enjoy a Challenger with a foldable roof. The process is through a third-party brand, Drop Top Customs, leaving no stone untouched.