Top 10 Most Affordable Convertibles

1. Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible

DaimlerChrysler's hit from the 30's takes on a new life as a convertible. From some angles she's not too pretty, but DC never intended this car to have its top chopped so a few compromises had to be made in order to maintain body stiffness. It's a future collectible, so buy one now, have fun, and keep it forever.

2. Volkswagen New Beetle Cabriolet

What could be more charming than a VW New Beetle than the same car as a convertible or... to add a little charm to the title, a Cabriolet? Ignore all that nonsense about this being a city girl's car. It handles, and with the amazing fuel-saver diesel engine, offers plenty of low-end grunt. (Also known as performance.)

3. Mazda Miata

Much-new for 2006, the Miata is now called the MX-5 and is more aggressive... and, heck, more better. It is the epitome of the 60's British sports car (which many of us still covet) in modern Japanese technology. Plus, as a good basic sports car should be, it's cheap. No, make that "affordable." The price has been sneaking upwards and it's no longer the bargain it once was. But in no way should that deter you. The Mia... MX-5 is so good, you could buy it without a test drive.

4. Ford Mustang Convertible

Contrary to popular thought, most sports cars and "sporty" cars are made from everyday sedan parts. The Mustang was never, and still isn't, an exception. Which is why it retains its crown as the 4-seat sporty car most folks can actually afford to buy and run. With the top down, the Mustang remains a favorite.

5. Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

The Mitsubishi Eclipse was totally updated for 2006 and the convertible hasn't yet caught up. Meanwhile, the previous generation Mitsubishi Eclipse morphed from a tight-fitting coupe to a more comfortable cruiser. After suffering from design overload, it has now settled into a handsome car that's a pleasure to drive; even more so as a Spyder convertible. It has the added benefit of rarity, though Mitsubishi execs would prefer otherwise.

6. MINI Cooper convertible

Quick, cheeky and fun -- what's not to like about the MINI Cooper convertible? The addition of open-top motoring only enhances the experience. The new availability of an automatic transmission in the Cooper S means that more people can enjoy the extra power of the supercharger. One complaint: Rear vision is almost non-existant. Back up carefully, then enjoy the ride!

7. Chrysler Crossfire Roadster

Under its handsome skin, the Chrysler Crossfire is actually a Mercedes -- talk about a deal! The Crossfire is the perfect getaway vehicle for two (but pack light; the trunk is tiny). The Crossfire is a pleasure to drive through twisty canyon roads, plus its docile enough for the daily commute.

8. Toyota Camry Solara Convertible

The Camry Solara in its first iteration was a nice car but too boring in appearance to attract a crowd. The new Solara's a different animal, offering handsome lines with decent performance plus that famed Toyota quality. And now with the convertible, the Solara could even star in the Rose Bowl Parade with, perhaps, an About Cars test driver at the wheel.

9. Honda S2000

Gorgeous, but unless you enjoy pushing an engine to its rev limit, this may not be for you. The Honda S2000 is a car for driving hard, period. Even the digital instrumentation comes from a different planet. So why is it on our list? Because given the right roads at the right moment, the S2000 is sheer ecstasy.

10. BMW Z4

Who in their right mind wouldn't fall for a BMW sports car? Although the Z4 inherited some styling hints from the controversial 7-Series, it continues to be the best BMW fun-driver short of the more expensive and all-new 6-Series.