The Best Convertible Car Ever

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the best convertible car ever, thanks to its unmatched blend of driving purity, reliability, affordability, and cultural impact. While “best” can mean different things—beauty to some, performance or luxury to others—the Miata stands out as the most complete, enduring, and influential convertible package produced in significant numbers, shaping the roadster segment for more than three decades.

How “best” is defined in the convertible world

Calling anything “the best ever” requires more than emotion. For convertibles, the yardstick combines design, dynamics, history, accessibility, and everyday usability. That’s how we compare icons that span generations and price brackets, from blue-chip collectibles to attainable modern roadsters.

The following list outlines the criteria used to judge convertibles across eras and segments.

• Driving engagement: steering feel, balance, shifter quality, and the joy of open-air motoring.
• Design and desirability: timeless styling and the emotional response it evokes.
• Cultural and market impact: influence on car culture, racing, and the broader industry.
• Accessibility and longevity: price, reliability, running costs, and years in production.
• Innovation and engineering: weight, chassis design, safety, and top mechanisms.
• Versatility: daily usability, comfort, and ease of ownership.

Together, these criteria spotlight cars that aren’t just fast or beautiful, but enduringly great—vehicles that defined their eras and remained relevant beyond them.

The shortlist: icons that shaped the open-top canon

Many convertibles can claim greatness; only a handful credibly challenge for “best ever.” These models exemplify excellence in at least one of the criteria above and have proven their significance over time.

• Mazda MX-5 Miata (1989–present): Revived the lightweight roadster and democratized top-down driving. Over a million built worldwide, vast enthusiast support, and a benchmark for driver involvement.
• Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster (1961–1968): A byword for beauty and 1960s performance; the most iconic convertible shape of the 20th century.
• Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder (1957–1963): The pinnacle of desirability and value; a symbol of open-air grand touring at its most rarefied.
• Porsche Boxster/718 Boxster (1996–present): Mid-engined balance that rescued and reshaped modern Porsche; the handling standard for attainable sports convertibles.
• Honda S2000 (1999–2009): A 9,000-rpm masterpiece with surgical precision; a purist’s legend.
• Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster (1957–1963): Engineering tour de force and glamorous grand tourer, pairing beauty with innovation.
• Porsche 911 Cabriolet (1983–present): Everyday supercar breadth—usable, fast, and refined—with top-down versatility.
• Mercedes-Benz SL (notably R107 1971–1989, R129 1989–2001): The definitive luxury roadster for decades; durable, stylish, and deeply usable.
• BMW Z8 (2000–2003): Limited, exquisite, and technically impressive; a modern classic with lasting allure.

Each of these contenders is extraordinary in its own right. But one car uniquely balances excellence across the widest range of measures while remaining accessible to the greatest number of drivers.

Verdict: Why the Mazda MX-5 Miata is the benchmark

Launched in 1989, the MX-5 Miata resurrected a nearly extinct formula: a light, rear-wheel-drive roadster with simple mechanics and big smiles per mile. It didn’t just succeed—it became the world’s best-selling two-seat sports car, with cumulative production well over a million units and a global fanbase. From the NA’s pop-up headlights to today’s ND, the Miata refined a single idea: connect driver to road with as little interference as possible.

The following points explain the Miata’s enduring edge over rivals across price brackets and eras.

• Driving purity: Light weight, a near 50:50 balance, communicative steering, and a crisp manual shifter deliver joy at road-legal speeds—no racetrack required.
• Accessibility: New or used, it’s comparatively affordable to buy, insure, and maintain. The experience is high-end; the costs aren’t.
• Reliability and usability: It starts, runs, and commutes without drama, yet rewards spirited drives. The soft top is quick and durable; the cabin’s ergonomics are simple and effective.
• Cultural impact: “Spec Miata” is among the largest amateur racing classes in North America, and parts/support are vast worldwide. The car inspired an entire modern wave of small roadsters.
• Longevity and iteration: Four generations have refined the template. Recent updates (including the 2024 refresh with revised steering tuning, an asymmetric limited-slip differential on manual cars in many markets, and improved infotainment) show ongoing commitment to the formula.

No other convertible marries engagement, everyday practicality, and mass appeal so completely, for so long, and at this scale.

Common counterarguments—and how they stack up

“Best ever” invites spirited debate. Here’s how frequent objections compare when judged against the full set of criteria used above.

• Beauty and heritage: The Jaguar E-Type Roadster is unrivaled aesthetically, but its ownership demands and era-specific quirks limit daily usability.
• Ultimate performance: Modern exotics (for example, Ferrari and high-spec Porsche cabriolets) deliver staggering speed, yet at costs and complexities far from most enthusiasts.
• Luxury grand touring: The Mercedes SL defined open-top luxury for decades, but it emphasizes comfort over lightweight engagement.
• Track precision: The Honda S2000 and Porsche Boxster/718 Boxster offer razor-sharp dynamics. The S2000 is discontinued, and Boxster pricing/complexity puts it beyond many buyers. The Miata hits a broader sweet spot.

These cars are all-time greats within their niches. The Miata prevails because it balances more virtues, for more people, more of the time.

2025 market context: why the Miata still matters

The convertible landscape is shrinking as automakers pivot to SUVs and electrification. The Audi TT Roadster is gone, the Fiat 124 Spider departed earlier, and the next-gen Porsche 718 is widely expected to transition to electric later this decade. The BMW Z4 remains a compelling partner to Toyota’s Supra and recently added a manual option on select trims, and the Ford Mustang Convertible continues as a V8, rear-drive staple with manual availability. Even so, the Miata remains one of the very few new, lightweight, analog-feel roadsters with a manual transmission and a mass-market price—keeping the classic sports-car experience alive in a changing era.

Shopping advice: which Miata fits your needs

If the Miata is the benchmark, choosing the right generation depends on budget, taste, and use case. The following guide highlights sweet spots across the lineup.

• Best all-rounder: ND2 (2019–2024) 2.0-liter manual for its revvier engine and sharper responses; the 2024 refresh adds steering and differential updates.
• Budget classic: NA (1989–1997) or NB (1998–2005) for analog charm and lightness; inspect carefully for rust and deferred maintenance.
• Track-ready: ND Club (or similar performance package) with Bilsteins and available Brembos/BBS wheels—excellent out-of-the-box balance.
• Grand touring tilt: NC (2006–2015) with the Power Retractable Hard Top for better highway refinement and security.
• Daily usability: Any well-maintained Miata with good tires; soft tops are quick to operate, and hard-top variants add year-round versatility.

Regardless of generation, the Miata rewards proactive maintenance and quality tires. Its mechanical simplicity means a good example can be both inexpensive to keep and endlessly entertaining.

Methodology

This verdict considers historical influence, production scale, expert and enthusiast consensus, awards over time, documented reliability, motorsport participation (including club racing), and current market context as of 2025. It balances objective measures (volume, longevity, usability) with subjective but widely echoed evaluations of driving engagement and design significance.

Summary

Across eras and price points, many convertibles achieved greatness. But only one consistently delivers pure driving joy, approachable ownership, and sustained global impact: the Mazda MX-5 Miata. It’s the benchmark by which open-top sports cars are judged—and the best convertible car ever.

Which is the best convertible car?

There isn’t a single “best” convertible car, as the ideal choice depends on your priorities, but top contenders include the agile Mazda MX-5 Miata for a pure sports car experience, the powerful Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro for muscle car thrills, and the luxurious Porsche 718 Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SL for high-performance luxury. Budget-friendly options like the Mini Cooper Convertible also offer charm and fun.
 
Here’s a breakdown of top choices based on different needs:
For Pure Sports Car Performance & Handling 

• Mazda MX-5 Miata: A legendary, affordable, and fun-to-drive two-seater known for its nimble handling and sporty character.

For Muscle Car Power & Heritage 

• Ford Mustang: Opens in new tabOffers a balance of powerful performance, classic styling, and enough civility for daily driving.
• Chevrolet Camaro: Opens in new tabA value-conscious American muscle option with iconic styling and a robust range of engines.

For High-End Luxury & Performance

• Porsche 718 Boxster: Opens in new tabProvides a fantastic driving experience with a well-tuned chassis and a soul-satisfying engine, especially in its six-cylinder GTS 4.0 form. 
• Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Opens in new tabBlends high-end performance with cutting-edge technology for a luxurious and confident ride. 

For Charm & Everyday Fun 

• Mini Cooper Convertible: A cheerful and premium subcompact option that brings charm and a cheerful driving experience to the class.

To Make Your Decision
Consider what you want most in a convertible: 

• Performance: Do you want track-ready speed or agile handling for twisty roads?
• Luxury: Are you looking for a high-end, technology-filled interior, or a more affordable and simple experience?
• Price: Determine your budget, as prices range from relatively inexpensive used cars to expensive luxury models.

What is the best selling convertible in the world?

Mazda MX-5
Mazda MX-5 – the world’s best-selling convertible.

What is the most reliable used convertible car?

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is consistently rated as one of the most reliable used convertibles due to its simple, dependable mechanics and low maintenance costs. Other reliable choices include models like the BMW 2 Series convertible, Ford Mustang convertible, and Audi A5 Cabriolet, all of which offer good reliability and modern features. For a classic option, the Honda S2000 is a highly reliable two-seater. 
Reliable Convertible Options

• Mazda MX-5 Miata: Opens in new tabKnown for its dependability, low running costs, and simple design, the Miata is a consistently top choice for a reliable used convertible. 
• BMW 2 Series Convertible: Opens in new tabThis luxury convertible is recognized for its sturdy construction and good reliability scores, making it a dependable option for luxury buyers. 
• Ford Mustang Convertible: Opens in new tabThe iconic American muscle car is also a reliable choice, offering strong engine performance and a respectable record for durability. 
• Audi A5 Cabriolet: Opens in new tabA reliable luxury option, its electric fabric roof can operate at speeds up to 31 mph, and it features a premium interior with modern technology. 
• Honda S2000: Opens in new tabThis older two-seater roadster from 2009 is highly reliable, boasting a high-revving engine and agile handling. 

What to Look for When Buying
When purchasing any used convertible, it’s crucial to inspect the roof for proper operation and check for leaks or damage. Also, look for signs of wear on the body and paint, and ensure all electrical components are working correctly, as mentioned by Carousel Preowned.

What is the best convertible car of all time?

The best convertibles of all time

• Ferrari F50.
• McLaren 12C Spyder.
• Honda S2000.
• AC Cobra.
• MGB.
• Porsche Boxster.
• Mazda MX-5 ND. You could make a case for each of the four generations of Mazda MX-5.
• Lotus Elan. When Gordon Murray set out to build the McLaren F1, what car do you reckon he benchmarked against?