Top 10 Luxucy Convertible Auto Cars

Ultimate convertible: Aston Martin DB9 Volante and Ferrari F430 Spider (tie)

Base price: $174,000 (DB9 Volante) and $199,259 (F430 Spider)

The coupes and convertibles in Aston's DB9 (pictured above) and Ferrari's F430 families are probably our favorite cars on the market. No cars are more engaging, few cars are faster and virtually nothing--automotive or otherwise--is sexier. These two convertibles have perfect steering and balance, gorgeous interiors and exteriors, more than 400 hp each and maximal levels of desirability.


Hottest new convertible: Cadillac XLR-V

Base price: $100,000

A supercharged, 443-hp V-8 was exactly what the XLR line needed. As a bonus, the new XLR-V also has crisper handling, exclusive interior appointments and such sexy styling modifications as a raised hood. Cadillac must be awfully confident to charge $100,000 for one of its cars, but it has crossed into six-figure territory with a strong vehicle.


All-time classic convertible: Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (tie)

Base price: $52,190 (Corvette) and $81,400 (911)

The Corvette and 911 lines have each been around for over 40 years, and they only get sexier and faster with time. For 2006, the Corvette has a 400-hp V-8, and the 911 (pictured above) gets 325 hp from its entry-level, six-cylinder engine. The cars' prices may seem high compared with entry-level vehicles, but compared with the world's elite sports cars--a company in which they are included--they are bargains.


Best convertible for raw power: Dodge Viper SRT-10

Base price: $85,745

No car makes a statement like the Dodge Viper does. Pedestrians give it space when they see it emerge from garages; not even a Rolls-Royce gets more respect. That's because the unparalleled ferocity of the Viper's styling indicates that it has a lethal, 510-hp V-10 engine under the hood. Never mind that it's the second-most uncomfortable car on the market (see Lotus Elise slide).

Ultimate Japanese convertible: Honda S2000

Base price: $34,600

This is not a cutesy roadster for weekend picnics. This is a screaming, high-revving roller-coaster ride that brings grown men to their knees. An engineering miracle, the S2000 squeezes 237 hp out of a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine--and the power peaks at a knuckle-whitening 7,800 rpm. Just for fun, compare the S2000 with Mercedes' scorching, $62,000 SLK55 AMG roadster. The Honda has 34% more horsepower per cylinder and 64% more per liter—for 56% of the price.


Flashiest convertible: Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster

Base price: $319,100

No car is better at attracting attention than Lamborghini's Murciélago flagship, and few cars are more exciting to drive. The Murciélago's unsubtle, aerodynamic look complements an equally unsubtle 580-hp, 12-cylinder engine


Best convertible for purists: Lotus Elise

Base price: $43,915

Your grandma won't be able to get in it. One 6-foot-3-inch Forbes.com editor could not operate the vehicle, because he could not reasonably seat himself. And its suspension, on city streets, is like a buckboard. But this ultra-lightweight, ultra-small, ultra-fast toy (zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds) is one of the market's most beloved sports cars. It has outlandish styling that enthusiasts love, as well as perfect handling and balance.


Best entry-level roadster: Mazda MX-5 Miata

Base price: $20,995

After almost 20 years on the market, the Mazda Miata is still a thrill. Mazda recently overhauled its iconic roadster, making it more attractive and user-friendly, and also more fun to drive. It raised the bar higher for the cheap-roadster segment, meaning such new arrivals as Pontiac's Solstice have a ways to go. The Miata may not have as much power as a Corvette, but the rush both cars give you under hard acceleration is comparable.


Ultimate German convertible: Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

Base price: $186,775 (2007 model)

Inside the cockpit is a Mercedes interior with all the comfort and amenities you would expect from one of the world's leading luxury-car makers. Under the hood is a race car engine--a 604-hp V-12 with twin turbochargers. Porsche's Carrera GT convertible flagship costs more than $250,000 more, but it has only one more unit of horsepower than the SL65.


Best convertible for iconoclasts: Panoz Esperante

Base price: $92,256

We have a soft spot for the thrilling, exotic cars of Georgia-based Panoz Auto Development, and we honor the company's delightful convertibles year after year. The Esperante has outstanding steering, a 305-hp base engine (the top-drawer Esperante GTLM has a supercharged, 420-hp V-8) and a luxurious interior. The Esperante is equally at home on racetracks and the streets of upscale suburbs.