Top Picks for Sun Lovers

Whether golfing, hitting the beach or just taking a road trip, sun lovers are always looking to get a tan while behind the wheel. We considered anything with a removable top, be it convertibles or even soft-top SUVs. We looked at open-air appeal and playful road manners, as well as interior and exterior styling. Because many of these cars are not crash-tested, they are not drawn from our list of Best Bets.

Best New Car for Sun Lovers 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Starting MSRP $24,515 Mazda's MX-5 Miata has been around for more than 20 years, but its formula hasn't changed: It remains a small, lightweight and affordable roadster. This tiny, rear-wheel-drive convertible packs a big dose of fun, turning a routine commute into a thrill ride. For 2013, the Miata gets a slightly restyled front end, and it makes good on its athletic styling with a zippy 2.0-liter and agile handling. Soft- and hardtop versions are available for open-air motoring. It tops our Best Cars for Sun Lovers list because few cars offer as much everyday driving fun, and even fewer do it as inexpensively. In fact, it's never missed a year in this category.

Best Deal for Sun Lovers 2013 Jeep Wrangler Starting MSRP $23,190 With its rugged, go-anywhere looks and off-road pedigree, the Jeep Wrangler may not look like the ultimate convertible, but it is. Take off its top for complete open-air fun. Feeling even more adventurous? The doors come off, too, giving deeper meaning to the word "convertible." The regular Wrangler has a small backseat and two doors; families will find more space in the four-door Unlimited version. Both are capable in all-weather climates, thanks to a powerful 285-horepower, 3.6-liter V-6 and hard-core four-wheel-drive system. Where's the deal? The Wrangler is also the most affordable on our list.

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	Audi TT (2013) Starting MSRP $39,545 Audi's roadster is hard to miss. Our love affair with the TT starts outside, with its flirty LED headlights, sinister grille and curvy silhouette. Its luxurious cabin and peppy turbocharged engine add to the attraction. Research this car      Build this car

	BMW Z4 (2013) Starting MSRP $48,245 BMW's roadster fully lives up to the automaker's Ultimate Driving Machine slogan. The low-slung Z4 is a cornering champ with responsive handling and a thrilling drivetrain. The retractable hardtop has an impressively rigid body, something lacking in many other convertibles. Research this car      Build this car

	Chevrolet Camaro (2013) Starting MSRP $24,245 If you're wowed by the Camaro coupe's throwback styling, V-6 and V-8 muscle and affordable prices, the convertible should also catch your eye. It's got all of that, plus better rear visibility — one of the coupe's major downfalls. Research this car      Build this car

	Ford Mustang (2013) Starting MSRP $22,995 Last year's winner, the 2013 Mustang convertible still rates high on our Sun Lovers list. Its blend of sporty driving dynamics, strong V-6 and V-8 power and usable backseat space make it a hit with families and singles looking to spice up their garage. Research this car      Build this car

	Mini Cooper (2013) Starting MSRP $20,400 Try driving a Mini Cooper without saying "Whee!" The convertible's go-kart-like handling and responsive steering make it a blast to drive. Power is ample, too, and if it's not enough, the sport-tuned turbocharged S model has plenty. All that, coupled with its too-cute styling, will make you smile. Research this car      Build this car

	Nissan 370Z (2013) Starting MSRP $33,910 Nissan's two-seat roadster is the ultimate weekend toy. The 370Z may be expensive compared with other soft-top roadsters, but it will be tough to match the Z's handling prowess. And the tidy soft-top, smooth-shifting stick and premium materials should be enough to justify the price. Research this car      Build this car

	Porsche 911 (2013) Starting MSRP $83,050 The Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet gives up little to its exceptional coupe sibling and delivers a compelling blend of sportiness and open-air driving. Spirited acceleration and an impressively rigid body are the convertible's high points. The only question left: Can your budget take its almost six-figure price tag? Research this car      Build this car

	Volvo C70 (2013) Starting MSRP $42,095 Volvo's convertible is stylish and comfortable and offers better top-up visibility than many competitors. The C70 boasts room for four passengers, a sophisticated interior and a power-retractable hardtop, which cuts down on wind noise versus soft-tops. Research this car      Build this car