What Is the Best-Selling Convertible of All Time?

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is widely regarded as the best-selling convertible of all time, with cumulative global sales exceeding 1.2 million units and an official Guinness World Records citation as the world’s best-selling two-seat sports car. First launched in 1989, the Miata’s enduring popularity, continuous production, and universal status as an open-top model have kept it at the top of the convertible sales charts.

The Record, the Numbers, and the Context

The MX-5 Miata’s sales streak spans four generations, covering more than three decades of uninterrupted production. Guinness World Records recognizes the MX-5 as the best-selling two-seat sports car, a category that is overwhelmingly convertible; the record was reaffirmed when the 1,000,000th unit rolled off the line in 2016, and cumulative sales have since passed 1.2 million worldwide. Because every MX-5 is an open-top variant (soft top or power-folding hard top), its entire sales volume counts toward convertible totals—something that isn’t true for most other nameplates that offer both fixed-roof and convertible body styles.

What “Best-Selling Convertible” Really Means

In industry and record-keeping terms, “best-selling convertible” typically refers to passenger cars built principally as open-top models (roadsters and cabriolets). It excludes vehicles whose convertible configuration is a subset of a broader body-style mix or those categorized primarily as trucks/SUVs. The MX-5 sits neatly in the core convertible definition—two seats, lightweight, open-top by design—and its sales are tracked as a single nameplate rather than a subset of a larger model line.

How It Compares to Other High-Volume Convertibles

Several familiar models are often mentioned in the same breath as the MX-5 when discussing convertible sales, either for their longevity or cultural impact. Here is how they stack up in broad terms and why none has displaced the Miata’s benchmark under commonly used definitions.

• Ford Mustang Convertible: The Mustang has been a strong seller since 1964, and the convertible remains a staple. However, Mustang sales are split across coupe and convertible body styles; while the convertible tally likely exceeds a million units over six decades, it is not tracked or certified as a single all-convertible nameplate the way the MX-5 is.
• Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet (classic and modern): Across eras, Beetle convertibles amount to several hundred thousand units—significant, but below the Miata’s total and spread across distinct generations and reboots.
• MINI Convertible: Popular since 2004, the MINI drop-top has sold in the hundreds of thousands globally, also trailing the MX-5.
• Jeep Wrangler: A high-volume open-top vehicle, but it is classified as an SUV/off-roader; it is generally excluded from “convertible car” records and comparisons centered on passenger cars and sports cars.

Taken together, these examples show why the Miata remains the recognized sales leader among convertibles as a passenger-car roadster, with a single, continuous, open-top-focused model line and official record recognition.

Why the MX-5 Miata Holds the Crown

The Miata’s formula—lightweight engineering, accessible performance, and reliability—has proven unusually durable across markets and generations. Several factors have sustained its sales lead.

• Clarity of purpose: It is a two-seat roadster by design, not a coupe with a convertible option.
• Affordability: Relatively low purchase and running costs broaden its appeal beyond niche enthusiasts.
• Driving purity: Lightweight construction and balanced handling keep it central to the sports-car conversation.
• Global reach: Strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia ensures consistent volume.
• Model continuity: Continuous production since 1989 has built a large and loyal owner community.

These advantages compound over time, allowing the Miata to accumulate sales steadily even as broader convertible demand cycles up and down.

Bottom Line

By the standard most often used by automakers, analysts, and record-keepers, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is the best-selling convertible in history. With more than 1.2 million sold and a standing Guinness World Records citation as the best-selling two-seat sports car, it remains the benchmark. While other iconic models offer convertible variants, none has a certified, single-nameplate convertible total that surpasses the Miata’s.

Summary

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the world’s best-selling convertible, supported by over 1.2 million global sales and an official Guinness record in the two-seat sports-car category. Its clear roadster identity, affordability, engaging dynamics, and long-running global production underpin a sales lead that rivals with convertible variants have not eclipsed under commonly accepted definitions.

Which convertible holds its value best?

What is the convertible with the best resale value?

• Mazda MX-5 Miata.
• FIAT 124 Spider.
• Mazda MX-5 Miata RF.
• MINI Convertible.
• Chevrolet Camaro (convertible)
• Ford Mustang (convertible)

What is the best used convertible to buy?

The “best” used convertible depends on your priorities, but popular and reliable choices include the affordable and fun-to-drive Mazda MX-5 Miata, the sporty and more powerful Ford Mustang Convertible and Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, the luxury-focused Audi A5 Cabriolet, and the high-performance Porsche 718 Boxster. For added comfort and a retractable hardtop, consider the Volvo C70. 
Here’s a breakdown of some top contenders based on common desires:
For Fun and Affordability:

• Mazda MX-5 Miata: Opens in new tabA legendary two-seater known for its reliability, low running costs, and engaging handling. Its lightweight design and perfect 50/50 weight distribution make it incredibly fun to drive. 
• Fiat 124 Spider: Opens in new tabBased on the Miata platform, this offers a slightly different, turbocharged driving experience with a bit more comfort. 

For American Power and Style:

• Ford Mustang Convertible: Opens in new tabA classic choice that balances strong engine performance with everyday usability and has a retro-inspired design. 
• Chevrolet Camaro Convertible: Opens in new tabOffers a blend of performance, comfort, and style, with options ranging from efficient turbocharged 4-cylinders to powerful V8s. 

For Luxury and Technology:

• Audi A5 Cabriolet: Opens in new tabFeatures a high-end feel with a spacious interior and a quick-operating electric fabric roof. 
• Volvo C70: Opens in new tabA stylish and more luxurious choice with a retractable hardtop for year-round comfort, though known to have some non-engine electrical issues. 

For Performance and High-End Feel:

• Porsche 718 Boxster: Opens in new tabOne of the least expensive ways to own a high-performance Porsche, offering a balanced and sporty driving experience. 
• Aston Martin Vantage Convertible: Opens in new tabProvides a high-end experience with a powerful V8 engine, though it comes at a higher price point. 

Things to Consider:

• Budget: Prices vary significantly between models, with the Miata being a strong value choice and the Boxster and Aston Martin representing higher-end options. 
• Usage: Determine if you want a small, sporty two-seater or a more comfortable cruiser. 
• Roof Type: Consider a fabric soft-top for classic style or a retractable hardtop for added security and weather protection, as found in the Volvo C70. 

What is the best convertible on the market?

Convertible cars

• Mazda MX-5 Miata. CarMax owner rating. 4.8.
• Chevrolet Camaro. CarMax owner rating. 4.6.
• Mini Cooper. CarMax owner rating. 4.6.
• Volkswagen Beetle. CarMax owner rating. 4.5.
• Audi A5. CarMax owner rating. 4.6.
• BMW 430. CarMax owner rating. 4.5.
• Mercedes-Benz C300. CarMax owner rating. 4.5. Price range*
• Fiat 124 Spider.

What is the best-selling convertible ever?

Mazda MX-5
Mazda MX-5 – the world’s best-selling convertible. The Mazda MX-5 has long held the record for being the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car – it took this accolade way back in 2000 – and 25 years later its position as the two-seater roadster with the biggest cumulative volume is unrivalled.