Affordable Convertibles Put to the Test

Some highly anticipated new luxury convertibles will hit the market this summer in the Lexus IS and Infiniti G37, but what about droptops for the masses? Isn’t everyone entitled to some wind in their hair?

With the sun shining and the breeze cool, we took three popular, affordable convertibles out for a spin to see how they’d fare as a chariot for a weekend getaway. The cars tested were the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 2010 Ford Mustang and 2009 Volkswagen Beetle convertible. We considered cargo space, comfort and cool factor. Check out the video above to see how they fared in those categories, and read on to see how we felt about these topless wonders as driving machines.

In the end, our five staffers arrived at a split decision, but not before some heavily spirited debate. What follows is the conversation that ensued after a day of driving the three vehicles over a large chunk of northern Illinois:

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Do you like fun? Do you enjoy enjoying things? If so, Cars.com reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder has the car for you. The Mazda MX-5 Miata pretty much gives Wiesenfelder a reason to get out of bed in the morning, and he makes no bones about the fact that it’s one of his favorites. Check out his full review to find out why the Miata puts such a smile on his face.

2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

2009|Mazda|Miata MX-5

2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata Video

Cars.com reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder steps into one of his favorites, the Mazda MX-5 Miata. In this case, Wiesenfelder’s gotten his hands on a top-of-the-line model with a retractable hardtop and the company's new smiling grille. Beyond those perks and drawbacks, he explains just why the MX-5 Miata is so fun to drive. Watch the video to see if you too could become a fan.

2009|Mazda|MX-5

Through Ian's Lens: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

As roadsters go, there are very few cars in the current market that make my head spin. I could whittle that list down to two vehicles in particular, and when I get my hands on a 2010 BMW Z4, it will also grace the pages of Through Ian’s Lens. But until then, I will be quite happy with the new 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Cat-like headlights, pronounced fenders and Mazda's new smiling grille are the first things that catch my attention on the MX-5. From there, the stamped hood, trunklid curve and new taillights give this traditional-looking MX-5 Miata a modern upgrade. The best thing about this roadster? The designers over at Mazda created a great-looking car even with the top up — a rarity in modern roadsters.

Let me know what you think in the comments section below. As always, feel free to use the full-screen mode on the photo browser.

2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata Video

The Mazda MX-5 Miata made its debut at the Chicago auto show 20 years ago. For this special anniversary, the redesigned 2009 Miata gets a thorough look from Cars.com’s Joe Wiesenfelder. He scrutinizes everything from the so-called “smiley” grille to the interior seating and explains why he thinks the Miata might still have a decent shot at being a Recession-era winner. Check out the full video above.