In the past, four-seater convertibles were coupes with haircuts, famous for "cowl shake" (vibration in the steering column), other squeaks and rattles, and little space in the backseat. Now most have structural designs to stiffen the body and reduce vibration. Even better, many now come with retractable hardtops and room for four.
In this slide show, we rank five four-seater convertibles based on their cool factor, with five stars being the highest rating. With summer almost here, who knows, you might be tempted to head to the nearest dealership to see for yourself.
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--By Mark Solheim
FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT500 COBRA
- Cool factor:
- Sticker price/dealer cost: $47,800/$43,357
- Horsepower: 500
- Miles per gallon (city/highway): 15/21
- Rear-seat legroom: 30.3
- Trunk space: 9.7 cu. ft.
One measure of how cool this car is: The average transaction price is more than $20,000 over sticker. But that's no deterrent to enthusiasts seeking the 2007 revival of a classic named for legendary racer Carroll Shelby. It has a 500-hp supercharged V8 engine, race-tuned suspension and four-piston Brembo brakes. Plus, the GT500 has all-speed traction control and increased protection in frontal crashes.
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BMW 328i
- Cool factor:
- Sticker price/dealer cost: $43,975/$40,520
- Horsepower: 230
- Miles per gallon (city/highway): 19/29
- Rear-seat legroom: 31.9 inches
- Trunk space: 12.4 cu. ft. (7.4 with top down)
The newest-generation 3-series convertibles feature a handsome retractable hardtop and friskier but still fuel-conscious engines. About $6,000 more buys the 335i, with a twin-turbo 300-hp engine that zooms from stop to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, or 1.2 seconds quicker than the 328i. Fuel economy in the 335i is nearly the same as for the 328i. And you get more standard features, including Dakota leather and Logic7 Surround Sound audio system, although both models are nicely equipped at the base price and are packed with safety features.
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VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0T
- Cool factor:
- Sticker price/dealer cost: $28,620/$26,351
- Horsepower: 200
- Miles per gallon (city/highway): 23/32
- Rear-seat legroom: 32.5 in.
- Trunk space: 10.5 cu. ft. (6.6 with top down)
As with all Volkswagens, safety is top-flight. There is a roll-over protection system, four-wheel anti-lock braking system and electronic stability control with brake assist and brake-disc wiper system. Note that the base Eos has no options. On the higher-end 2.0T, leather seats are part of the $3,690 sport package. On the 3.2, leather seats are standard equipment. The four-cylinder turbo is plenty peppy and fuel-efficient. You can also opt for a 3.2-liter V6 with 250 horsepower for $37,480.
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VOLVO C70
- Cool factor:
- Sticker price/dealer cost: $39,785/$37,475
- Horsepower: 218
- Miles per gallon (city/highway): 21/29
- Rear-seat legroom: 33.9 in.
- Trunk space: 12.8 cu. ft. (6.8 with top down)
Not only is the driver's seat perhaps the most comfortable I have ever experienced, but also this is one of the safest droptops. Just-released results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the C70 its highest "good" rating for front, side and rear crash protection. Plus, the car has lots of zip thanks to the turbocharged engine and six-speed transmission. You pay a $1,250 premium for automatic transmission and $1,625 for the leather seating package.
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CHRYSLER SEBRING LIMITED (2008)
- Cool factor:
- Sticker price/dealer cost: $32,345/$29,893
- Horsepower: 235
- Miles per gallon (city/highway): 16/26 (18/28 based on 2007 EPA standard)
- Rear-seat legroom: 33.5 in.
- Trunk space: 13.1 cu. ft. (6.6 with top down)
Most years, Sebring is the most popular convertible sold in the U.S. Why? It's affordable, has decent rear legroom, and can hold two golf bags in the trunk when the top is dropped. Prices start at $26,145 for the 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, 173-hp version with a vinyl top -- a $645 price cut from the outgoing model. Also, it's versatile. You can choose among three tops: vinyl, cloth or retractable hardtop. However, even the new-generation Sebring is a Boomer-mobile.
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