• CADILLAC XLR

  A prestige-class folding-hardtop roadster, the XLR represents an ambitious step for Cadillac, one that’s paying off in terms of respect. With its Vette-based chassis and 320-hp V-8, the XLR delivers no-excuses performance in an edgy package that looks like nothing else.

• CHEVROLET CORVETTE

  The Corvette began as a convertible over a half-century ago, and has gone on to become a world class sports car. The latest Vette roadster rides an ultra-stiff chassis that’s the foundation for exceptionally athletic responses, enhanced by a 400-hp 6.0-liter V-8 and major league brakes.

• CHRYSLER PT CRUISER

  This is a four-seat sunshine scooper with cuteness to spare. Dicing with the likes of the VW New Beetle and Mini Cooper convertibles, it has more cargo and people space and looks fabulous with its ’40s-era fenders, high beltline, and color-keyed body-stiffening hoop. Looks great top up or down, comfortable inside with room for bags, optional turbo.

• DODGE VIPER SRT-1
• The supersnake’s 8.3-liter V-10, with 510 horsepower, puts life on fast forward and surrounding traffic seemingly into reverse. Only the Corvette Z06 matches it for raw bawdiness, but the Viper has it on the Vette for exclusivity and star-making ability. For dedicated extroverts only. Power, baby; reasonably comfortable; instant celebrity wherever you go.

• FORD MUSTANG

  There aren’t many four-seat convertibles that cost less than 30 grand, and none of them have the alluring character of the Mustang. The looks are undeniably nostalgic, and in V-8 GT form, it’s got the muscle-car soundtrack of a by-gone era. You want one of these.

• HONDA S2000

  The S2000 is a purist’s sports car that’s happy on street or track. The original car had frenetic power traits that made it a little difficult to live with. But a 2004 displacement increase enhanced mid-range punch, reduced rpm, and gave this world class roadster a more relaxed persona.

• MAZDA MX-5 MIATA

  The resemblance is there, but the latest generation Miata shares almost nothing with the ones that came before. It’s definitely more refined but keeps all the good Miata stuff: supple suspension, light feel, slick shifter and, best of all, accessible and affordable open-air motoring.

• MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS

  Arguably one of the best-looking Benz classes on the road, the two SLK models have a power retractable hardtop, which greatly increases comfort, convenience, and quiet while retaining surprising trunk space. The Airscarf system keeps necks warm even on a chilly day. When the weather heats up there’s just something that makes us want to hit the open road in a red hot convertible. The wind at our backs, scarves flying in the breeze, trendy sunglasses and not a care in the world. 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 your quest for the perfect top-down summer transportation, caranddriver.com narrowed the list to the 2007s that stand out as the most significant and most fun options, regardless of your price range or state of mind.

• MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER

  In just 19 seconds the Eclipse turns into the Eclipse Spyder. This ragtop is not short on attitude. The slippery exterior shape and the growling V-6 make sure owners get noticed. Around town the Spyder is reasonably quiet with the top up and draft-free with it down.

• PONTIAC SOLSTICE

  Super hot styling and a solid chassis make this a worthy low-buck sports car, despite its four-cylinder engine and plastic interior. A supple ride and loyal tracking make it a terrific long-distance cruiser. The snazzy Solstice styling attracts lots of attention around town or on the highway.

• SATURN SKY

  Think mini-Corvette. Looks good, handles as if it were lighter, many comfort items are standard. A soft ride and great sound insulation. It feels wide with the seats set low in the cockpit, but the steering is lively and it grips corners. Best enjoyed at medium-brisk speeds.

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