There is something inherently fun about cruising down the highway with the top down, getting a suntan while you drive, breathing in some fresh air, or driving under the stars at night. But the fun factor is about more than that – it requires an exciting or lively driving experience, being in a car that you want to be seen in, and preferably a booming audio system.

4th Place: 2005 Toyota Camry Solara Convertible
When it comes to fun, there were two things that really stood out about our Toyota Camry Solara SLE convertible – one of them being the thumping, 315-watt JBL sound system. At slow speeds and high speeds, top up and down, that thing just pounded out the tunes.

On the other hand, storm clouds start to form when the Solara’s styling and driving dynamics are factored into the equation. That smooth powertrain and cushy ride are required to make the Solara a great cruiser, but collectively they fall short of fun. There is something very “grandma” about how the Solara convertible handles and looks, and it wouldn’t be at all surprising if it were the best-selling soft top in Florida, fondly referred to as blue-hair country.

A Camry Solara coupe is an excellent car, with superior ergonomics, a comfortable ride, and proven mechanicals, yet it is not a car that puts a smile on your face or has you searching your calendar for some driving time. But, as the roomiest car in this test, the Solara convertible can easily and comfortably transport four beach goers and a trunk full of gear, so it at least facilitates fun.

3rd Place: 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible
Outfitted with a turbo engine and a manual transmission, the Chrysler PT Cruiser GT convertible comes ready to provide an afternoon of good times. The retro yet youthful design of the PT (especially with our tester’s electric blue pearl paint and 17-inch silver alloys) makes it a ride you at least don’t mind being seen in, and the sound system can out sing Mother Nature’s gusty howl even at freeway speeds. Whereas the Solara convertible is a vehicle you’d just as soon leave in the garage, the PT Cruiser convertible makes you take a second look and say to yourself, “Well, maybe just a short drive before dinner.”

For driving enthusiasts, there’s the gutsy powertrain (if you can ignore the torque steer) and a deep exhaust note that makes winding out the engine sheer joy. Social types will like the PT’s comfortable four-passenger seating and a trunk big enough for beach day essentials. Lastly, turning that mundane, congested ride home into a stress reliever is as easy as hitting the next off ramp and watching the sky open up in only 11 seconds.

2nd Place: 2005 Ford Mustang Convertible
Put simply – there’s just something cool about driving a Mustang convertible, especially the GT. Sleek lines, unmistakable styling cues, and seats that you sink into behind a dash that is all classic Ford pony. And, yeah, there’s a touch of pride in knowing that you’re driving an American car that everyone is clamoring to get.

As they should be. All of the competitors had limited visibility to some degree, but that was much less of a problem in the Mustang convertible. To us, taking the guesswork out of who and what is around the car makes the experience inside a lot more enjoyable. While inside, everyone will enjoy the b-b-b-bass from the optional Shaker 1000 sound system’s subwoofer, and the sweet rumble of the GT’s exhaust.

Of course, if you’re a car person, the biggest thrill comes from 300 horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission. Half the fun of driving a Mustang GT convertible is in revving the V8 and listening to that distinctive burble when you push the clutch in. Turn off the traction control, drop the clutch and, well, there’s all kinds of fun that law enforcement will surely take interest in. Yet, even without spinning rubber off the rear tires, the 2005 Ford Mustang convertible serves as a comfortable cruiser that makes for memorable day of driving.

1st Place: 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible
It’s cute. It’s peppy. It’s agile. It even has a name that’s fun to say (try it – say Mini then Buick and see which one sounds more entertaining).

That ever-present cute factor. Driving a car that makes kids point, adults smile, and other Mini drivers honk and wave is the best way to travel. Paint it yellow and add racing stripes, and the notoriety index skyrockets (though black and dark silver are available for those who shun the spotlight). Inside, the mix of toggle switches, buttons, and various size gauges offers both the driver and passengers a variety of textures and fixtures to touch and play with, much like Fisher-Price toys designed to stimulate an infant’s tactile senses.

The Mini playpen rides on a taut, fully independent suspension, and features tight steering and microcar dimensions that allow drivers to thread in and out of traffic with ease, even if the horrible visibility has you driving blind. The shifter is well-placed, and offers clean shifts. Grippy brakes take everything down to a safe, slow speed in no time.

For a convertible that will make even congested California freeways appear desirable, look no further than the chipper Mini Cooper.