YONKERS, New York — With the drop-top season about to kick off in full force, Consumer Reports late Monday said the Volkswagen Eos earned the best overall score in its recent test of seven convertibles. The BMW 328i took 2nd place in the testing.
The Eos was singled out for praise, in part, because of the glass sunroof built into its hardtop. Consumer Reports described it as a "well-rounded car that works well in all seasons," perhaps the highest compliment a convertible can get. The BMW 328i was called "agile and fun to drive," with reviewers saying it "gives up very little in terms of the driving experience."
Consumer Reports said the Pontiac G6, Mitsubishi Eclipse and Chrysler Sebring "were at the bottom" of its rankings for convertibles. The Swedes occupied the middle of the pack, with the Saab 9-3 and the Volvo C70 listed in the "very good" range. However, "the 9-3 and the G6 are not recommended because of below-average reliability," said the consumer watchdog magazine.
This latest round of convertible testing took a hard look at vehicles with retractable hardtops. Five of the seven convertibles tested were outfitted with retractable hardtops, while two have fabric tops. "Folding hardtops improve visibility and security, but they have some downsides, too," Consumer Reports said. "They take up considerable trunk space when open, and can't be operated on the move."
What this means to you: Some of the toughest critics in the industry think the VW Eos is your best bet for top-down driving. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
The Eos was singled out for praise, in part, because of the glass sunroof built into its hardtop. Consumer Reports described it as a "well-rounded car that works well in all seasons," perhaps the highest compliment a convertible can get. The BMW 328i was called "agile and fun to drive," with reviewers saying it "gives up very little in terms of the driving experience."
Consumer Reports said the Pontiac G6, Mitsubishi Eclipse and Chrysler Sebring "were at the bottom" of its rankings for convertibles. The Swedes occupied the middle of the pack, with the Saab 9-3 and the Volvo C70 listed in the "very good" range. However, "the 9-3 and the G6 are not recommended because of below-average reliability," said the consumer watchdog magazine.
This latest round of convertible testing took a hard look at vehicles with retractable hardtops. Five of the seven convertibles tested were outfitted with retractable hardtops, while two have fabric tops. "Folding hardtops improve visibility and security, but they have some downsides, too," Consumer Reports said. "They take up considerable trunk space when open, and can't be operated on the move."
What this means to you: Some of the toughest critics in the industry think the VW Eos is your best bet for top-down driving. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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