The Best Convertible Car of All Time

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the best convertible car of all time, thanks to its unmatched blend of driving joy, reliability, accessibility, and cultural impact. While “best” depends on priorities—performance, design, collectability, or everyday usability—the Miata stands alone for democratizing open-top sports-car fun for more than three decades and remaining relevant with modern updates through 2025.

Why the Mazda MX-5 Miata Takes the Crown

Since its 1989 debut, the Miata has embodied the essence of a convertible: light weight, balanced handling, a simple soft top, and driver-first ergonomics. It revived the affordable roadster and has remained a benchmark as others have come and gone. It is also the world’s best-selling two-seat sports car and remains an attainable entry point into sports-car ownership without compromising on engagement.

Here are the primary reasons the Miata sits atop the all-time list.

• Purity of driving experience: lightweight chassis, near-perfect balance, communicative steering, and a slick manual transmission.
• Reliability and low running costs: everyday dependability that encourages driving, not storing.
• Accessibility: comparatively low purchase price, modest insurance, and strong parts and aftermarket support.
• Cultural impact: revived the roadster segment and inspired rivals; a fixture in motorsport, from autocross to spec racing.
• Continuity and relevance: modern safety and tech updates while preserving its core formula.
• Choice and usability: soft top or RF targa-style roof, manual or automatic, usable trunk, and reasonable comfort for daily use.

Taken together, these traits create a uniquely broad appeal: it delights experts while remaining approachable for first-time sports-car owners, a balance no other convertible has sustained for so long.

How We Judged “Best of All Time”

“Best” is subjective, so we evaluated convertibles across clear, enduring criteria rather than single-year performance or price alone. The Miata’s win is the result of consistently scoring high across all categories.

• Driving engagement and dynamics across real roads, not just track times.
• Longevity and consistency of excellence across generations.
• Cultural and market impact (influence, sales, and staying power).
• Reliability, serviceability, and total cost of ownership.
• Design coherence and usability as a convertible (top operation, visibility, comfort).
• Value retention and community/aftermarket ecosystem.

Many cars shine in one or two categories; the Miata uniquely checks them all to a high degree, which is why it emerges as the overall best.

Iconic Rivals and What They Do Better

Several convertibles eclipse the Miata in specific areas. If your priorities differ, one of these may be the better pick for you.

1. Porsche 911 Cabriolet: Best all-around performance daily-driver, with year-round usability and supercar-grade capability.
2. Jaguar E-Type Roadster: Most iconic design; a rolling sculpture that defined the 1960s sports car.
3. Mercedes-Benz SL (W113 “Pagoda” and R107): Best grand-touring convertible for durability, comfort, and timeless prestige.
4. Ferrari 250 GT California Spider: Most collectible and historically significant open-top exotic.
5. Honda S2000: Best high-revving driver’s roadster; a legend for its engine and precision at the limit.
6. Porsche Boxster/718: Best mid-engine balance and track-ready finesse at a still-reasonable ownership cost.
7. Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (C7/C8): Best American performance-per-dollar with open-top thrills.
8. BMW Z4 (various generations): Best luxury-leaning roadster value on the used market with strong daily comfort.

These rivals underscore that “best” depends on use case. Yet none combine fun, accessibility, and long-term appeal as comprehensively as the Miata.

The Miata Today: 2024–2025 Updates

The current-generation Miata remains fresh with recent updates that keep it at the top of its game without diluting its core character. If you’re considering a new one, here’s what stands out in the latest refreshes.

• Asymmetric limited-slip differential (manual models): Enhances corner entry/exit stability and traction.
• Revised electric power steering: Quicker ratio and improved on-center feel for more precision.
• Updated stability control with a track-focused mode: Allows more playful yaw while retaining a safety net.
• Refreshed lighting and styling details: Modernized head- and tail-lamp signatures and minor fascia tweaks.
• Infotainment and cabin updates: Crisper interface and wireless smartphone integration on many trims.
• Still delightfully simple: About 181 hp (U.S.-spec 2.0L), light curb weight, manual and automatic options, soft top or RF.

Crucially, these changes sharpen the Miata’s feedback without adding complexity or weight, preserving the very qualities that made it great.

Buying Advice and Ownership Reality

Owning the “best” convertible should be as enjoyable as driving it. The Miata delivers a friendly experience on and off the road, but it’s wise to know what to expect.

Strengths

The following advantages make the Miata easy to live with and easy to love.

• Low cost of entry and ownership relative to rivals; strong reliability record.
• Excellent fuel economy for a sports car; easy to park and maneuver.
• Huge community, aftermarket, and motorsport scene; parts are plentiful.
• Simple, quick-fold soft top; the RF adds security and all-weather refinement.
• Holds value well; special editions and clean manuals are especially sought after.

These qualities translate into a sports car you can actually use and enjoy frequently, not just on perfect weekends.

Limitations

No car is perfect; consider these trade-offs before you buy.

• Snug cabin and limited cargo space; tall drivers may need a seating/helmet fit check.
• Not the quickest in a straight line; the appeal is balance, not brute power.
• Road noise and ride firmness can be noticeable on rough pavement.
• Winter usability depends on tires and climate; RF improves year-round comfort.

For many enthusiasts, these compromises are minor compared with the rewards in feel and feedback.

Verdict

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the best convertible car of all time because it delivers the purest expression of top-down driving while being attainable, durable, and continually refined. Rivals surpass it in specific niches—ultimate speed, luxury, or rarity—but none match its total package of joy per mile, cost of ownership, and multi-decade influence.

Summary

If you want the definitive convertible experience, choose the Mazda MX-5 Miata. It’s the car that made open-air sports motoring broadly accessible and still sets the standard in 2025 for engagement, value, and everyday livability—qualities that, together, define “the best.”

What is the best selling convertible of all time?

The best-selling convertible of all time is the Mazda MX-5 Miata, having sold over 1.2 million units since its 1989 debut and holding the record for the best-selling two-seat sports car in history. Its enduring popularity is due to its affordable, lightweight, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive formula, which offers engaging handling and a fun, open-air driving experience.
 
You can watch this video to learn about some of the best classic convertibles: 28sClassics WorldYouTube · Apr 6, 2025
Here’s why the Miata holds the top spot:

• Historical Success: The Mazda MX-5 Miata was declared the best-selling two-seat sports car in history 25 years after its debut, and by 2016, over 1 million units had been sold, with cumulative sales now exceeding 1.2 million. 
• Timeless Formula: The MX-5’s formula for a small, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster has proven to be a hit with buyers for decades. 
• Affordable Driving Fun: It continues to offer an accessible and entertaining driving experience, making it easy for drivers to enjoy the open air. 
• Consistent Popularity: Even with its current generation (ND) introduced in 2016 and updated in 2019, the Miata maintains its appeal as a great driver’s car. 

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 ever?

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?

What is the best second hand convertible to buy?

Best used convertibles and cabriolets of 2025

• Audi TT Roadster. 8/10.
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet. 8/10.
• BMW 4 Series Convertible. SALE.
• Audi A5 Cabriolet. 7/10.
• BMW 2 Series Convertible. 7/10.
• Ford Mustang Convertible. 7/10.
• MINI Convertible. 7/10. MINI Convertible review.
• Fiat 500C. 6/10. Fiat 500C review.