CR rated six convertibles in two groups of three (3 manual, 3 automatic). They tested the Chrysler PT Cruiser GT, Mini CooperS, and VW New Beetle 1.8T manuals, and the Chrysler Sebring V6, Ford Mustang V6, and Toyota Solara V6 with automatics.

Manual ratings:

1. Mini
2. VW
3. Chrysler

Automatic Ratings:

1. Toyota
2. Ford
3. Chrysler

Of the six, only the PT Cruiser and the Solara had above-average reliability, and thus are the only recommended vehicles in this test.


Full Ratings:

Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Turbo ($29,305):
Acceleration: 5/5 (7.0 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 4/5
Routine Handling: 4/5
Emergency Handling: 4/5
Braking: 4/5
Headlights: 2/5
Ride: 3/5
Noise: 3/5
Driving Position: 3/5
Front Seat: 4/5
Rear Seat: 4/5
Access: 4/5
Controls and Displays: 4/5
Fit and Finish: 3/5
Trunk: 1/5
Fuel Economy: 3/5 (22 mpg)

Chrysler Sebring V6 Limited ($32,715):
Acceleration: 3/5 (9.4 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 4/5
Routine Handling: 3/5
Emergency Handling: 3/5
Braking: 4/5
Headlights: 1/5
Ride: 3/5
Noise: 3/5
Driving Position: 3/5
Front Seat: 4/5
Rear Seat: 3/5
Access: 3/5
Controls and Displays: 4/5
Fit and Finish: 3/5
Trunk: 1/5
Fuel Economy: 3/5 (21 mpg)

Ford Mustang V6 Premium ($28,070):
Acceleration: 4/5 (7.5 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 4/5
Routine Handling: 4/5
Emergency Handling: 3/5
Braking: 4/5
Headlights: 3/5
Ride: 3/5
Noise: 3/5
Driving Position: 3/5
Front Seat: 4/5
Rear Seat: 2/5
Access: 3/5
Controls and Displays: 4/5
Fit and Finish: 3/5
Trunk: 1/5
Fuel Economy: 2/5 (20 mpg)

Mini CooperS ($29,820):
Acceleration: 5/5 (7.1 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 4/5
Routine Handling: 5/5
Emergency Handling: 5/5
Braking: 5/5
Headlights: 3/5
Ride: 2/5
Noise: 2/5
Driving Position: 3/5
Front Seat: 4/5
Rear Seat: 1/5
Access: 3/5
Controls and Displays: 2/5
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Trunk: 1/5
Fuel Economy: 4/5 (25 mpg)

Toyota Solara SLE V6 ($31,147):
Acceleration: 4/5 (7.5 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 5/5
Routine Handling: 3/5
Emergency Handling: 3/5
Braking: 4/5
Headlights: 2/5
Ride: 3/5
Noise: 4/5
Driving Position: 3/5
Front Seat: 5/5
Rear Seat: 3/5
Access: 3/5
Controls and Displays: 5/5
Fit and Finish: 5/5
Trunk: 2/5
Fuel Economy: 3/5 (21 mpg)

VW New Beetle GLS 1.8T ($27,950):
Acceleration: 4/5 (8.2 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 4/5
Routine Handling: 4/5
Emergency Handling: 4/5
Braking: 4/5
Headlights: 3/5
Ride: 3/5
Noise: 3/5
Driving Position: 3/5
Front Seat: 4/5
Rear Seat: 1/5
Access: 4/5
Controls and Displays: 4/5
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Trunk: 1/5
Fuel Economy: 3/5 (24 mpg)

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