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Convertibles have always been a popular type of vehicle in America. From the convertible muscle cars of the late 1960s to the two-seater sports cars of the 1990s like the Mazda Miata, the ever-popular convertible has always found a way into the lineups of nearly every automotive brand sold in America. 

Sadly, convertibles typically hold a higher price tag than most other small vehicles. For many convertibles, the extra body reinforcement, extra weather seals, and convertible top can add thousands to the base price of these vehicles. Luckily, iSeeCars recently released its list of the most affordable convertible models you can buy new today. If you are looking for a convertible at a reasonable price, look no further. Here is everything you need to know about the five most affordable vehicles on the market today.

5. Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

A 2023 Mazda MX-5 RF Hard Top Convertible roadster model covered in shadows from a glass-paneled wall
2023 Mazda MX-5 RF Hard Top | Mazda North American Operations

Starting at $35,750 MSRP, the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is one of the best and cheapest convertibles you can buy today. According to iSeeCars, the Mazda Miata comes standard with a 181-hp four-cylinder engine with either an automatic or manual transmission. While some consumers may find the Miata RF a little tight on interior space, the Miata was never built to be a family hauler. Since its first model year, the Miata has emphasized fun with a buzzy engine, snappy handling, and a removable top.

Speaking of, the RF in Mazda Miata RF stands for “retractable fastback.” This retractable fastback gives the appearance of a typical hardtop but can fold down quickly at the flip of a switch to make this Miata a convertible at any time.

4. Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang Convertible carries a starting MSRP of $33,270. For that price, you get an iconic, drop-top American muscle car with a legendary design. Three of Ford’s Mustang models for the 2023 model year come with a convertible option. These three models include the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder fastback model, the EcoBoost Premium fastback model, and the Ford Mustang GT premium fastback.

While these EcoBoost engines have come a long way and offer over 300 horsepower, even in its base form, the Ford Mustang Convertible GT is the way to go with a 5.0L V8 engine that produces around 450 hp.

3. Chevrolet Camaro

Starting at $32,900 MSRP, the Chevy Camaro convertible offers a ton of value for the price, with many options available. The Camaro comes in seven trim levels for 2023, ranging from the base 1LT model to the 6.2L Supercharged V8-equipped ZL1 model. What makes the Camaro even more appealing are the transmission options available on every single trim level, with a six-speed manual transmission standard on every model.

Chevrolet went out of its way to make nearly every standard coupe Camaro model a convertible, too. With so many models available and a low starting price, the Camaro is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a drop-top muscle car.

2. MINI Cooper Convertible

Mini does not offer a wide range of vehicles but instead focuses on perfecting one car; the historic Mini Cooper. The Mini comes in five main variants to choose from, including the Mini hardtop two-door, Mini hardtop four-door, Mini Countryman SUV, Mini Clubman, and finally, the Mini Convertible.

Starting at $32,400 MSRP, the Mini Cooper Convertible is only available as a two-door soft top model. The Mini Convertible has a wide range of engines, including the base 1.5L turbo three-cylinder engine, the mid-level 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, and the top-of-the-line, 228-hp John Cooper Works 2.0L four-cylinder engine. With this John Cooper Works model, the Mini Convertible can travel from 0 to 60 mph in just over 6.3 seconds.

1. Mazda MX-5 Miata

It is unsurprising to see the legendary Mazda MX-5 listed twice on this list of the most affordable convertibles on the market. The standard Mazda MX-5 Miata starts at $28,050 MSRP, not only making it the only vehicle on this list under the $30,000 price point but also the cheapest convertible you can buy in America today. The only difference between this Miata model and the previously mentioned RF model is the lack of a power-retractable hardtop.

For the price, no other vehicle comes close to the historic Mazda MX-5 Miata.

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