| Convertibles are in this summer. For those who have | | | | Honda also has something to offer, the S2000. It is |
| retractable top vehicles, this is the season to have fun | | | | similar to the size of the Solstice and the Sky. This |
| with those vehicles. But for those who do not have | | | | two-seat roadster costs higher than the Miata and |
| yet the vehicle, here is a lead to some of the bests in | | | | even the high-powered versions of the Sky and |
| the market. | | | | Solstice. |
| Some vehicles, however, are hard to purchase | | | | With a normally aspirated 237-horsepower and a |
| because they are on limited production. Examples of | | | | 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder engine, the S2000 costs |
| these are the new Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. | | | | $34,845 and can run either with a six-speed manual or |
| But wait! Some of those can be rented for a road trip. | | | | four-speed automatic transmission. Because of its |
| So could still have the chance to drive those | | | | price, this vehicle is not a hot seller. But Honda fanatics |
| convertibles. | | | | can still have this. |
| The Solstice (base price $22,115) and Sky ($25,325) | | | | The BMW Mini Cooper convertible is also one of the |
| are both nearly identical underneath. Because it comes | | | | suggested summer vehicles. It is available in two |
| with a longer list of standard equipment, the Sky is a bit | | | | versions, namely: the base model ($22,600) and the |
| more expensive. Base versions are run by a | | | | turbocharged S version ($26,050). The ragtop version |
| 177-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and have | | | | of the modern Mini, it has four seats but a tight one at |
| an option of a five-speed manual or automatic. | | | | the back. Standard with a five-speed manual gearbox |
| Both have a performance variant: the Solstice GXP | | | | and a six-speed manual transmission, the Cooper's |
| ($27,115) and Sky Red Line ($29,025). These variants | | | | base engine is a 115-horsepower four-cylinder. The |
| are run by a 260-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter | | | | vehicle is also available with a six-speed automatic. |
| four-cylinder. | | | | From the performance and manual models, fuel |
| Both vehicles have fuel economy that ranges from 20 | | | | efficiency ranges from 23 city/32 highway to 27/35. |
| to 22 mpg city to 26 to 31 on the highway. | | | | Ford offers the Mustang convertible in three versions |
| Meanwhile, the Mazda MX-5 Miata hardtop is among | | | | for 2007: the base V-6 model ($24,820), the V-8 GT |
| the newest with a starting price of $24,945 (freight | | | | (starting at $31,265) and the Shelby Cobra GT 500 |
| included), on the market. It has a metal top that retracts | | | | ($46,500), which is supercharged and high-performing. |
| into the trunk. This feature turns this small two-seater | | | | Its EPA ratings range from 15 to 19 city and 21 to 28 |
| coupe into a convertible. | | | | highway. |
| With quality Mazda Miata parts, the Miata was first | | | | The Volkswagen New Beetle convertible, the ragtop |
| introduced with in 1989 in its ragtop version and revived | | | | version of the modern Beetle, is another suggested |
| the little two-seat roadster type. Last year, it was | | | | vehicle. With a beginning price of $22,880, it comes |
| totally facelifted. And for this year, Mazda releases its | | | | with a 150-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder |
| first hardtop version. | | | | engine. It is available with either a five-speed manual or |
| Aside from the fun that hard top gives during summer, | | | | six-speed automatic with EPA ratings of 22 city/30 |
| when it is closed, the vehicle is totally protected from | | | | highway for both transmissions. |
| the weather and most road noise. It also makes the | | | | Other vehicles that would make your summer fun are |
| vehicle more secure. | | | | the all-new four-passenger VW Eos, Chrysler PT |
| Nonetheless, the Miata still comes with a ragtop in four | | | | Cruiser and 2007 midsize Sebring, 2007 Pontiac G6, |
| trim levels. These include the base five-speed manual | | | | BMW Z4 two-seat roadster and 3-series convertible |
| transmission model with a $21,030 starting price. | | | | for 2007, line ups of Mercedes-Benz and Audi, and the |
| It is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine at 166 | | | | Jaguar XK and XKR. |
| horsepower (163 with the optional six-speed automatic | | | | Whatever vehicle you choose, make sure you will |
| gearbox). Its fuel economy ranges from 22 to 25 miles | | | | achieve the summer fun driving with the help of the |
| per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway. | | | | vehicle's performance capacity. |
| A soft top is standard with the Sky, Solstice and Miata. | | | | |