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Started By
Message
Why Are Mid-Level Convertibles No Longer Popular?
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:19 pm
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:19 pm
And to build on that, will mid-level convertibles ever become popular again in the U.S.?
I bring this up as, being 41 I've started to get that mid life crisis itch.
So I started looking for myself about 3 weeks ago. The thing I've noticed though, you truly never see mid-level convertibles on the road anymore. Even in the south, in warmer climates more suitable for mid-level convertibles, you never see them. I made a point, here in Louisiana, to look around when I was out driving. Over a 2 week period, I saw exactly 1 convertible, a Porsche 911 Carrera.
When you do see convertibles now, it's all the upper level sports cars. Porsche, Ferrari, Corvettes, CLE's, etc. All performance sports cars that only cater to the wealthy.
Toyota used to have the Supra, but now that's only a coupe. Honda back in the day made the S2000 and Civic Del Sol, none of those are made now. Heck my current car, a 2012 Honda Accord Coupe, is no longer even made. Even the Beetle, a classic chick car convertible, is no longer made.
The only real mid level convertibles left in the U.S. in decently large production are the Miata and the Mustang. Given Ford's historical lack of reliability, I've focused on trying to find a good used Miata (probably MC class).
But do you ever see there being a revival of interest in mid-level convertibles? Or are convertibles now largely subject to just being niche expensive sports cars?
I bring this up as, being 41 I've started to get that mid life crisis itch.
So I started looking for myself about 3 weeks ago. The thing I've noticed though, you truly never see mid-level convertibles on the road anymore. Even in the south, in warmer climates more suitable for mid-level convertibles, you never see them. I made a point, here in Louisiana, to look around when I was out driving. Over a 2 week period, I saw exactly 1 convertible, a Porsche 911 Carrera. When you do see convertibles now, it's all the upper level sports cars. Porsche, Ferrari, Corvettes, CLE's, etc. All performance sports cars that only cater to the wealthy.
Toyota used to have the Supra, but now that's only a coupe. Honda back in the day made the S2000 and Civic Del Sol, none of those are made now. Heck my current car, a 2012 Honda Accord Coupe, is no longer even made. Even the Beetle, a classic chick car convertible, is no longer made.
The only real mid level convertibles left in the U.S. in decently large production are the Miata and the Mustang. Given Ford's historical lack of reliability, I've focused on trying to find a good used Miata (probably MC class).
But do you ever see there being a revival of interest in mid-level convertibles? Or are convertibles now largely subject to just being niche expensive sports cars?
This post was edited on 12/25/25 at 7:21 pm
24
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:20 pm to SaveNewOrleans
Isn’t the Miata more of a girly car?
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:21 pm to Eightballjacket
quote:
Isn’t the Miata more of a gay car?
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:22 pm to SaveNewOrleans
quote:
I've focused on trying to find a good used Miata
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:22 pm to SaveNewOrleans
I thought the Miata was for high class gay men.
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:22 pm to SaveNewOrleans
Look for an old Z4
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:24 pm to Eightballjacket
quote:
Isn’t the Miata more of a girly car?
Some say that, but the Miata's customer base in largely male. Contrast that to say, the Beetle, which overwhelmingly had a female customer base.
I know the Miata has a sizeable and passionate male fan base.
The Miata has far more power and agility than something like the Beetle, and from my experience years ago, is just fun to drive. And without breaking the bank on a sports car.
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:25 pm to SaveNewOrleans
My sister drove a white Chrysler Lebaron convertible in high school.
That car did not age well.
That car did not age well.
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:26 pm to SaveNewOrleans
Because this is Louisiana and you can use a convertible about 4 days a year
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:29 pm to Eightballjacket
quote:
Isn’t the Miata more of a girly car?
Why do you figs let women “take over” a certain type of vehicle?
Miatas were originally race cars. Jeeps were originally military vehicles. But you figs decide that they’re now women’s cars. Says more about you than any man who drives those types of vehicles.
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:30 pm to Cosmo
quote:
Look for an old Z4
Even old Z4's from say 10 - 15 years ago are easily 20k. Never mind the old BMW "Break My Wallet" slogan. Never seriously considered BMW's as they always come across as being as costly to maintain as Mercedes, without the status of a Mercedes. But I've searched for some used Z4's as well.
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:30 pm to Sus-Scrofa
quote:
My sister drove a white Chrysler Lebaron
Did she change her name from Kitty to Karen?
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:31 pm to SaveNewOrleans
quote:
Toyota used to have the Supra, but now that's only a coupe.
I don't recall Toyota ever making a Supra Convertible. There was a Supra Targa and a Celica Convertible.
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:33 pm to KingRanch
quote:
Because this is Louisiana and you can use a convertible about 4 days a year
I think in Louisiana you can use them a lot in the winter. I agree that from May - October you probably aren't having the top down just due to the heat and the high probability of a pop up shower.
But it's the same when I was visiting a friend in Florida back in November. Florida you would think would also be an almost perfect place, especially this time of year, for convertibles. But you barely ever see them.
Is everyone now just obsessed with SUV's and minivans? Is the culture of America truly changing that much to where cars are truly looked at purely from a utility standpoint? That's what I wonder.
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:35 pm to Mo Jeaux
None of 'em can drive, but they can fantasize about pecker size.
So they've got tha going for 'em.
You can drive a Miata to the track, and if you don't bend it, you can drive it home. One of the most popular SCCA classes ever.
So they've got tha going for 'em.
You can drive a Miata to the track, and if you don't bend it, you can drive it home. One of the most popular SCCA classes ever.
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:36 pm to SaveNewOrleans
Too expensive
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:36 pm to ELLSSUU
quote:
I don't recall Toyota ever making a Supra Convertible. There was a Supra Targa and a Celica Convertible.
The Supra Targa is what I was referencing. I know it was never in mass production. But the Supra is another example as the current generation is ending.
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:37 pm to SaveNewOrleans
quote:
Is the culture of America truly changing that much to where cars are truly looked at purely from a utility standpoint
I think this is the real answer.
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:38 pm to N2cars
I’m 6’3”. Miata doesn’t work for me. It’s like getting in a kids go cart. My buddy’s Porsche is the same way.
This post was edited on 12/25/25 at 7:39 pm
Posted on 12/25/25 at 7:39 pm to Sus-Scrofa
quote:
My sister drove a white Chrysler Lebaron convertible in high school.
My college roommate had a LeBaron that got totaled. He bought it back and restored it
He was so damn proud of that car.
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