This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. The Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable. Unlike previous models it doesn't beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, the Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills and average acceleration, but for weekend fun on a twisty back road it's hard to beat.
If you don't mind spending a few more bucks, we recommend you take a look at the BMW Z3 and Mercedes-Benz SLK. Both are two-seat convertibles. The BMW is more sporty and the Mercedes is more luxurious.
If you are interested in bang-for-the-buck our Budget Buys include the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. At any given price or equipment level the Camaro is a faster car, but the Mustang might be a little more user-friendly as a daily driver.

Rumors of Prowler's demise have been greatly exaggerated. Though the Plymouth brand dies after the 2000 model year, this neo hot rod will live on, though without the good ship Mayflower badges. No Chrysler badges will be substituted; the name will simply be Prowler. Only minor changes are in store for 2001, reflecting demand that continues to run well ahead of supply, which is just the way Chrysler wants it.
Prowler was introduced four seasons ago, so it's getting a bit old despite its deliberate retro nature, and how long it will hang around remains to be seen. However, we think it entirely possible that Chrysler will rejuvenate this high-profile street cruiser by offering a modified version based on the 1999 Howler concept. Though essentially stock Prowler from the cockpit forward, the Howler addressed the original design's lack of power and trunk space by packing a 4.7-liter Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 and a conventional "up front" automatic transmission instead of a rear transaxle, the latter change freeing up space for a useful trunk. The concept Howler sported a large, squared-up tail for good measure, and we think that's also likely to carry over into production. So far, however, Chrysler has said nothing about morphing Prowler into a Howler that you yourself could buy.