5 Top Convertibles to Consider

Chrysler Sebring

Sebring Convertibles have long been a staple of Sunbelt rental fleets, largely for one reason. Their family-friendly dimensions for interior and trunk meant that you could do top down for more than two people. Sebring seats four average-size folks, and the trunk will take 13.1 cubic feet with top up (four golf bags) or 6.6 cu. ft. top down (two golf bags). Rather than take a side on the current retractable vs. ragtop debate, Sebring chose both. The new 2008 models are available with vinyl or cloth soft tops or a retractable metal roof. All tops are power operated, with one touch latching. Three engines are offered: a 173-hp, 2.4-liter four, a 189-hp, flex fuel V-6 and a 235-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. Base prices on the three trim levels range from $26,145-$32,345.

Plus/Minus
Plus: Front-wheel drive and a snug top (soft or hard) make it easy to live with Sebring year round, even in states where winter is a 4-letter word (snow). Smooth ride, room for four and a usable trunk.


Minus: More cruiser than corner carver. The 2.7 will take ethanol but it doesn't take to hilly terrain, hunting between gears. Watch your options. Pile them on too high and soon you're into the 30-$omethings—and a whole new class of competition.

Jaguar XKR

High-end cars bring with them high expectations. Jaguar's XKR Convertible carries a lofty, $92,500 price tag, but bears up to the increased scrutiny that its sticker commands. The XKR's aluminum body is a blend of style and sinew, with a nod to the classic E-type Jags of the Sixties. "R" models show unique design cues: aluminum mesh grilles up front, dual exhaust out back, specific, alloy wheels in profile. Inside, the well-appointed XKR mingles wood and leather agreeably. Plus-two-size rear seats are suitable for parcels or pets, but not people. The supercharged 4.2-liter V-8 delivers 420 horsepower, good enough to usher you from 0-60 mph in under six seconds. The chassis fairly defines supple, cosseting passengers over bumpy terrain yet eager to play when the roads turn twisty. Few cars blend new age technology and old world character like the XKR.

Plus/Minus
Plus: Bottomless, silky smooth power, nimble for its size. A relentlessly classy convertible with exotic performance but without the high maintenance attitude of many other exotic cars.