SpeedSUVs.com In May 2001, we embarked on an ambitious journey to compare the best four-seat convertibles available near the $30,000 price point. The goal was to see how these vehicles balanced open-air freedom with daily usability, comfort, and driving dynamics. Our test spanned over 700 miles across Southern California, taking us from the streets of Los Angeles through the winding mountain roads of the Anza-Borrego Desert and Willow Springs International Motorsports Park.
The Clash of Eras and Philosophies
Our fleet consisted of a diverse mix of vehicles, creating a collision of eras. We were comparing modern, front-wheel-drive V-6 convertibles known for their quiet manners against the classic, long-standing rivalry of the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro. This dichotomy was not originally planned, but it provided a fascinating look at what shoppers could get for their money at the turn of the millennium.
We sought to keep the playing field level by specifying automatic transmissions across the board, as this was the most common configuration for the segment at the time. However, engine choices created significant performance disparities. The Camaro Z28, for instance, offered a 5.7-liter LS1 V-8, which provided a massive power advantage over the V-6 engines found in the more comfort-oriented cruisers. Notably, the Pontiac Firebird was excluded from this test because the $30,000 price cap prevented us from opting for the V-8 Trans Am version, and we felt the V-6 version would be at a significant performance disadvantage.
The Testing Regimen
To truly evaluate these machines, we subjected them to a variety of climates and road conditions. We experienced sunshine, rain, snow, and sleet. The route included flat, straight freeways and technical mountain passes. By the end of the journey, it became clear that while some buyers prioritized comfort, others were looking for driver-gratifying reflexes. Balancing these two needs proved to be the ultimate challenge for the manufacturers involved in this test.
5th Place: Toyota Camry Solara SLE
The Toyota Camry Solara represented the high-quality, reliable, and user-friendly side of the market. It was an excellent choice for a leisurely cruise on a sunny day. With a spacious interior that could accommodate four adults, it was clearly designed for comfort. The Solara featured a high level of luxury, including leather seating and a wide array of power-adjustable features. However, it was also the most expensive vehicle in our test.
The Solara’s weaknesses became apparent as soon as the driving conditions grew demanding. On tight mountain roads, the car’s lack of sporting intent was obvious. Testers noted significant body roll, understeer, and a chassis that felt flexible compared to the competition. Furthermore, the Solara was the slowest in our lane-change test and recorded the lowest skidpad numbers. Despite its quality, the Solara ultimately lacked the “fun-to-drive” factor required to rank higher in a performance-oriented comparison.
4th Place: Ford Mustang GT
The Ford Mustang has long been an American icon, symbolizing youth and freedom. Our test model was a GT version equipped with a 260-hp 4.6-liter SOHC V-8. It featured a tight, integrated build quality that we found impressive. The Mustang was significantly faster than the Solara, hitting 60 mph in six seconds flat, making it the second-quickest car in our group.
Despite its performance, the Mustang finished in fourth place. The primary reasons were comfort and ergonomics. The interior seating design received mixed reviews from our staff, and the automatic transmission was criticized for its lack of responsiveness during spirited driving. While the Mustang was a strong contender for those prioritizing style and power, it fell short when compared to the top-tier finishers in terms of overall refinement and daily ease of operation.
Summary of Findings
Our 2001 comparison highlighted that the segment for four-seat convertibles was split between those that prioritized the driving experience and those that focused on serene, comfortable cruising. While the Toyota Camry Solara and Ford Mustang GT offered distinct benefits, they faced stiff competition from other models that better balanced the demands of high-performance driving with the comfort expected in a top-down vehicle. This archival look serves as a reminder of how much automotive engineering has evolved over the past two decades, yet the core desire for the perfect open-air driving experience remains a constant for enthusiasts.
