Personal picks—Convertibles, round 2

Back in April when we published our picks of the recent crop of drop-tops, a reader posted this comment: “With 75% of VW Beetle convertible buyers [being] women and 68% Camry Solara convertible buyers women, it would have been nice to hear what your women testers thought of these cars.”

Fair question. So we tracked several female Cars staffers and asked them which convertibles they’d most like to see in their driveways. Here are their responses:

Jennifer Stockburger: The truth is, with two little kids, coupes and convertibles are a bit tougher to classify than other vehicle types into my "Personal Picks." But, if I fast-forward a few years to a time when moving child seats and backpacks in and out won’t be such a concern, I think I’d have to go with the Volkswagen Eos.

From the first time I saw it on the show floor at the New York Auto Show a couple of years ago, I loved its styling and hoped performance would come to match it. Following our testing, it not only proved a good performer, but included many really well thought-out additions that set it apart from the rest. Things like the sunroof, the iPod dock and the really nicely finished interior make you want to show this car off. It’s easy to love. The biggest thing to get used to, for me, would be the initial lag in the throttle response. Though the car does seem to be marketed toward a younger driver, who’s to say that a middle-aged Mom (like me) won’t be just as happy in it?

Shawn Sinclair: The first car I owned was a 1976 MG Midget. Once I got most of the Lucas parts replaced and worked out a few other problems, the car was a blast to drive. In this convertible group, I find myself migrating toward the VW Eos and the BMW 328i. I really liked the Eos even though it has a few quirks. Regarding the BMW, it’s a nice car to drive, but if I had $50K to spend on a convertible, it would be a Chevrolet Corvette. However, the model that trumps them all is one with a reasonable price and is fun to drive: Look no further than the Mazda Miata.

Liza Barth: I agree with Jennifer that choosing a convertible would be the last car type that I would think of considering since I have a toddler and another baby on the way, but it may be something to consider in another stage of life. The Eos is definitely a car I could live with (if it were just my husband and I driving, since the back seat is snug). I also like the BMW 328i as it was fun to drive and has a sporty feel, but I can’t imagine spending $50k on a car with a small trunk and cramped rear seats. I guess I’m just too practical.

Comments

[arby]

Jennifer's reasons are right on the money for our family. We bought the Eos because we wanted a convertible the whole family could enjoy. A two seater was totally impractical because that would have meant the 6 and 9 year old would have to stay at home with a sitter any time we wanted to go out. As for the throttle lag, we have not experienced it at all.

As for Liza's comments about a cramped backseat, she is wrong! When I occasionally use the Eos to commute to work in the HOV lanes, the 2 guys in the back are not cramped at all (and no, they are not midgets). Now, I will admit that the back seat is not ideal for two adults on a long trip, but it is fine for day trips and around town.

[David]

None of convertible in this test group interest me. They are just not sporty enough. Having said that, I wish we had ask the women of CR this question when the ultra high performance sports cars were tested?

Jennifer, Shawn, Liza,
What would be your pick amongst the Chevy Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper, Porsche 911 S, plus Lotus Elise?