Edmunds picks the top convertibles for 2021

Edmunds (AP) — If last summer was all about hunkering down, staying safe and social distancing, 2021′s sunshine season will see us reconnecting with friends and getting back out into the world. What better way to embark on new adventures than in a convertible? The decision to buy a new drop-top might be easy to make, but selecting from the wide range of models is a bit more difficult. The experts at Edmunds are here to help you narrow your selection by naming the top convertibles for 2021.

2021 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA

The original Mazda MX-5 Miata from the 1990s bowled over buyers by expertly combining the driving dynamics of classic British sports cars with the reliability offered by a modern Japanese automaker. Today’s Miata is still a classic two-seat convertible with an easy-to-lower manual top, but Mazda has also seen to keep it up-to-date with a sufficient number of technology features.

The Miata is one of the smallest cars on sale, and taller passengers will feel cramped. But the benefits of its petite design pays dividends in the areas of vehicle balance and fun. The Miata boasts quick acceleration and a sublimely nimble feel when going around turns. It’s impressive stuff for such a modestly priced roadster.

Starting price (including destination): $27,825

Fuel economy: 29-30 mpg combined

2021 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE

The vehicle that started the pony car craze is also Edmunds’ favorite drop-top muscle car. The Ford Mustang convertible isn’t as lithe as the Miata, but its four-seat layout is more practical and its trunk is more than twice the size of the Miata’s. If you’re looking to take a road trip up the coast with friends, the Mustang is hard to beat.

The Mustang’s standard engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder that returns a 0-60 mph time in the low 6-second...