2012 Convertibles under $40,000

Tags: 2012, Convertibles, under $40k

With summer in full swing, a question arises: Is your automotive attire appropriate?

The experience of enjoying the sun and feeling the wind in your in hair far predates the automobile. And while they were once common, most of today’s drop tops start at more than $40,000, putting them out of reach for many buyers.

Still, there is more choice than you might expect if you’re looking to go topless for less than $40,000.

Let’s put the top down and take a ride.

Chevrolet Camaro

EPA: 18 city/29 hwy

Base price $30,180

Modern muscle cars have V-6 engines that provide more power than V-8 engines did a decade ago. Consider the 2012 Camaro’s 3.6-liter double-overhead-cam V-6. It produces 323 hp, 13 ponies more than the 2002 Camaro Z28 with a 5.7-liter V-8 engine. But that muscle doesn’t come at the expense of fuel economy. And its looks? Seductively retro.

Chrysler 200

EPA: 18 city/29 hwy

Base price $26,955

The Chrysler 200 is a true mid-sized convertible with room for four corn-fed Americans and the choice of a power soft- or hardtop. The base model comes with a 173-hp four-cylinder engine, which is best at relaxed cruising. If you can, spring for the 283-hp DOHC V6 model. It costs $4,995 more, but improves performance and fuel economy.

Fiat 500

EPA: 27 city/32 hwy

Base price $19,500

The least expensive convertible sold in America seems to have missed the call for y chromosomes; it’s as cuddly as a basket of puppies. The 500′s stylish interior hides its inexpensive nature, and there’s more room than you’d expect. The 500 also has a comfortable ride, tons of style and enough power to move this iconic Italian with brio. Bravo!

Ford Mustang

EPA: 19 city/31 hwy

Base price $27,200

Unlike its competitors, this classic American stallion has stayed in production for nearly 50 years, which speaks to the allure of the pony car. Constant updates have maintained the Mustang’s youth, with a fuel-efficient 305 hp, DOHC 3.7-liter V6, six-speed transmission and classic looks standard. And its affordable base price makes it perfect for any corral.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

EPA: 22 city/28 hwy

Base price $23,470

For almost a quarter century, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has played the part of an affordable two-seat roadster, filling the niche once occupied by British sports cars.

Unlike the Brits, the Miata is a paragon of refinement and reliability. It’s small, fun to drive, economical to own and has a trunk large enough for a last-minute weekend getaway.

Mini Cooper

EPA: 27 city/35 hwy

Base price $25,650

The Mini Cooper is maxi when it comes to driving thrills.

It handles like a go-cart, with quick, precise steering, little body lean and strong braking. It’s a lot of fun for a front-wheel-drive car, whether you opt for the base Cooper, with its 118 hp, or the turbocharged Cooper S, with 172 hp. Its rich retro details ensure that this is more than a car — it’s a fashion statement.

Volkswagen Eos

EPA: 22 city/30 hwy

Base price $34,350

VW’s hardtop convertible coupe, named after the Roman goddess of the dawn, still has the interior ambience of an Audi, and boasts a power top that folds in 25 seconds. Uniquely, if you want to minimize the fresh air and sunshine, you can partially open the top to a sunroof position.

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