Why Americans Fell Out of Love With Convertibles

Once upon a time—say, circa Sinatra and sideburns—owning a convertible was shorthand for having made it. It was the golden ticket to freedom, sunshine, and possibly an unflattering tan line. But somewhere between the rise of the SUV and the fall of patience for fiddly folding roofs, Americans quietly moved on.

So, what happened? Where did all the convertibles go? More importantly—who’s still making them, and why should you care?

What’s killing the convertible?

First, let’s look at the numbers. In 2006, convertibles made up about 2% of all U.S. vehicle sales. Today? Try less than half a percent. That’s not a dip. That’s a nosedive with the top down and no parachute.

And yet—curiously—it’s not about the weather. Americans still enjoy the sun, the breeze, and the romantic notion of a car that lets you feel the elements. What changed was the shape of our fantasy.

We traded coupes and cabrios for crossovers and cargo space. The tall-riding SUV offers panoramic views, safety clout, and weekend versatility. It fits the dog, the tent, and your significant other’s shoe collection. Meanwhile, the average convertible fits… two golf clubs and a mild sunburn.

What about sunroofs?

Here’s the kicker: modern panoramic glass roofs deliver 80% of the open-air experience with 0% of the hassle. No leaks. No rogue wasps. No awkward hairdos. Just press a button and enjoy the light show—minus the wind tunnel effect.

Add to that the engineering reality. Lopping off a car’s roof without making it drive like overcooked spaghetti isn’t easy. It takes structural reinforcements, rollover protection, and clever chassis tuning. That adds cost—and carmakers are no longer in the mood to spend money on low-volume indulgences.

So, who’s still making them?

Surprisingly, a few brands are holding the line—and doing it with flair.

• Ford Mustang Convertible – Still growling, still affordable, and still unmistakably American.
• Mazda Miata (MX-5) – Lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and proof that you don’t need 500 horsepower to grin like an idiot.
• BMW Z4 – Slick German styling with a drop-top attitude.
• BMW M440i Convertible – For those who want a little more straight-line Bavarian muscle with their Vitamin D.

If you’ve got a bit more coin and a thirst for theatre:

• Porsche 911 Cabriolet – The definitive sports car, now with built-in sunburn.
• Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo – All drama, no compromise.
• MINI Cooper S Convertible – The cheekiest option of the bunch. Iconic design, surprising agility, and yes—the roof folds in 18 seconds. You could decide to call in “sick” and be on the coast before HR even clocks in.

Bonus points: MINI’s “Always Open Timer” shows exactly how long you’ve driven with the top down. Think of it as your tan logbook.

Any surprises?

Yes. Mercedes still plays in this space, and they do it with their typical cinematic flair. The AMG SL-Class folds its roof like a Bond gadget—luxury, horsepower, and style in a single stroke.

Audi’s S5 Cabriolet is another quiet standout, balancing all-weather daily usability with wind-in-your-hair credibility.

But why bother at all?

Good question. No convertible will ever win the practicality Olympics. But that’s not their job. Convertibles aren’t tools—they’re toys. Emotional machines built not for drywall runs, but for chasing sunsets. They’re here to remind you that driving can still be an experience—not just a commute.

In a world of giant touchscreens and adaptive cruise control, there’s something stubbornly analog about a car that opens itself to the sky. A reminder that, once in a while, it’s okay to do something entirely because it feels good.

So… are convertibles dead?

Hardly. They’re endangered, yes. But among enthusiasts, romantics, and the eternally young-at-heart, convertibles remain a cult classic. The audience may be smaller—but it’s also fiercely loyal.

For those who get it, it’s not about speed or specs or spreadsheets. It’s about feeling the breeze, seeing the sky, and hearing the engine bounce off canyon walls.

And if that doesn’t move you… well, there’s always the crossover aisle at your local dealership.