Mazda MX-5 Miata RF -- Best Overall
The MX-5 Miata Retractable Fastback is one of the most celebrated sports cars produced in the past three decades for one reason: it gets the fundamentals perfectly right. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine produces 181 horsepower in a car weighing around 2,400 lbs, and the result is a driving experience that makes every road feel like an event. The RF adds a sleek fastback profile with a power folding hard panel that drops the B-pillar and rear glass to create a semi-open targa-style experience that reduces wind noise at speed. Handling is precise without being punishing, the six-speed manual gearbox has one of the best shift actions of any production car, and interior quality has improved dramatically over recent generations. Reliability is industry-leading.
Check price on Amazon →You do not need a six-figure budget for an exhilarating convertible. These five picks deliver genuine open-air driving pleasure, solid build quality, and strong resale values.
The price ceiling used to limit buyers to base trims of European roadsters or aging Japanese sports cars. That equation has shifted considerably: today’s sub- convertible market includes genuinely refined, well-equipped machines that can embarrass much more expensive alternatives on back roads and long highway cruises alike. Whether you want a pure sports car, a luxury-leaning roadster, or a fun family drop-top, there is a compelling choice below that threshold.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
| — | — | — |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata RF | Pure driving engagement | 4.9/5 |
| Porsche 718 Boxster (Base) | Premium daily driver | 4.8/5 |
| Ford Mustang Convertible (EcoBoost) | Muscle + practicality | 4.6/5 |
| BMW Z4 sDrive20i | Touring comfort + style | 4.7/5 |
| Fiat 124 Spider (Certified Pre-Owned) | Budget Italian roadster | 4.4/5 |
Our testing process
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda MX-5 Miata RF -- Best Overall | Check price | ||
| Porsche 718 Boxster (Base) -- Best Premium Choice | Check price | ||
| Ford Mustang Convertible (EcoBoost) -- Best for Practicality | Check price | ||
| BMW Z4 sDrive20i -- Best Touring Convertible | Check price | ||
| Fiat 124 Spider (Certified Pre-Owned) -- Best Budget Roadster | Check price |
Reviewed in detail
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF -- Best Overall
The MX-5 Miata Retractable Fastback is one of the most celebrated sports cars produced in the past three decades for one reason: it gets the fundamentals perfectly right. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine produces 181 horsepower in a car weighing around 2,400 lbs, and the result is a driving experience that makes every road feel like an event. The RF adds a sleek fastback profile with a power folding hard panel that drops the B-pillar and rear glass to create a semi-open targa-style experience that reduces wind noise at speed. Handling is precise without being punishing, the six-speed manual gearbox has one of the best shift actions of any production car, and interior quality has improved dramatically over recent generations. Reliability is industry-leading.
Porsche 718 Boxster (Base) -- Best Premium Choice
The base 718 Boxster sits right at the ceiling in entry trim and represents extraordinary value for a vehicle wearing the Porsche badge. The mid-mounted 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four produces 300 horsepower and makes an instantly recognizable exhaust note, and the mid-engine layout gives the Boxster handling balance that front-engine competitors cannot match. The soft-top raises and lowers in nine seconds and can operate at speeds up to 31 mph. Interior quality is excellent for the money, and Porsche's dealer and service network provides strong support for the long term. Resale values consistently rank among the best of any car in this price class. For drivers who want a car they will still love in ten years, the Boxster is the choice.
Ford Mustang Convertible (EcoBoost) -- Best for Practicality
The EcoBoost Mustang Convertible delivers a far more livable package than many enthusiasts expect. The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 310 horsepower with genuine efficiency, and the rear seat. while tight for adults. accommodates children or occasional passengers in a way that pure two-seat roadsters cannot. The trunk is usable with the top raised, and Ford's infotainment system is among the most intuitive in this segment. The soft-top is triple-layered and well-insulated against road noise. For buyers who want convertible ownership without the lifestyle compromises of a dedicated sports car, the EcoBoost Mustang strikes the best balance.
BMW Z4 sDrive20i -- Best Touring Convertible
The BMW Z4 prioritizes long-distance comfort without abandoning sports car credentials, making it the best choice for buyers who want to use their convertible as a genuine touring machine. The turbocharged 2.0-liter produces 255 horsepower and delivers relaxed highway pulls without requiring the driver to row through gears constantly. The interior is BMW's best-in-class materials and ergonomics, with a fully digital instrument cluster and the iDrive 8 infotainment system. The power soft-top is quick and nearly silent at highway speeds when raised. The base sDrive20i version sits making it accessible just below the threshold, though buyers should confirm local pricing since configurations vary by region.
Fiat 124 Spider (Certified Pre-Owned) -- Best Budget Roadster
The Fiat 124 Spider shares its platform with the Mazda MX-5 and inherits the Miata's balanced chassis, but adds a turbocharged Fiat engine and a more Italian-flavored interior with Pininfarina-influenced styling. New examples are no longer imported, making the used market the entry point, and certified pre-owned examples with manufacturer warranty coverage can be found well. Mechanically similar to the Miata, the 124 benefits from the same outstanding parts availability and independent shop support. For buyers who want a lightweight roadster with a distinctive look and are comfortable buying used, the 124 Spider offers exceptional value in the sub- segment.
How to choose
What to consider
Decide first whether a pure two-seater or a four-seat configuration matters to you. two-seat roadsters are more engaging to drive but significantly limit passenger carrying ability. Consider top type: soft-tops are lighter and fold into a smaller space but eventually require replacement; retractable hardtops add weight and cost but deliver better refinement and security. Insurance costs vary significantly by model, so get a quote before committing. Finally, factor in total ownership costs. the Miata and Mustang have cheaper routine maintenance than European alternatives whose service costs can outweigh the lower sticker price advantage over a five-year ownership period.
What to consider
For more car-focused buying guides, see our articles on [best car accessories](/articles/best-car-accessories) and [best dash cams](/articles/best-dash-cams). We explain our full evaluation process at [/methodology](/methodology).
Common questions
The Mazda MX-5 Miata consistently earns the highest reliability ratings among convertibles with multiple J.D. Power and Consumer Reports top scores. The Porsche 718 Boxster base model also sits in base trim and carries outstanding long-term reliability data. Both models have well-supported owner communities, readily available parts, and lower maintenance costs than European luxury alternatives in the same price bracket.
Modern convertibles with power soft-tops or retractable hardtops are genuinely practical as daily drivers. They offer rear seat space on four-seat models, reasonable trunk capacity, and excellent wind and road noise management at highway speeds with the top raised. The main practical considerations are the smaller trunk when the top is stored, reduced structural rigidity compared to hardtop equivalents, and higher insurance premiums in some regions. For two-person households, a convertible daily driver is a very viable choice.
