Car and Driver's 2001 four-seat convertible comparison test lined up five distinct approaches to open-air driving. The Toyota Camry Solara SLE brought luxury sedan comfort to the convertible segment. Ford's Mustang GT delivered classic American muscle with a 3.8-liter V8. Chrysler's Sebring Limited offered affordable entry into the convertible market. Mitsubishi's Eclipse Spyder GT targeted younger buyers with sporty styling. Chevrolet's Camaro Z28 rounded out the field with its own V8 muscle.
The test highlighted how manufacturers addressed the four-seat convertible niche differently. Toyota prioritized refinement and reliability over raw performance. The Mustang GT pursued traditional power and heritage appeal. Chrysler balanced cost with competence, aiming at practical buyers who wanted open-air motoring without breaking the bank. Mitsubishi focused on Japanese engineering and nimble handling dynamics. Chevrolet countered the Mustang with its own domestic muscle formula.
This lineup captured a pivotal moment in convertible design. The segment was fragmenting. Buyers could choose between luxury sedans with folding tops, purpose-built sports cars, or pragmatic family convertibles. Each manufacturer positioned itself differently within that spectrum.
The visual documentation from every angle revealed design philosophy in sheet metal and trim. Interior shots showed how much space each vehicle devoted to occupants versus mechanical components. Exterior photography emphasized proportions, roofline designs, and the specific character each brand brought to the convertible formula.
By 2001, convertibles had recovered from the 1990s doldrums. Manufacturers recognized profit potential in open-air models across multiple price points and brand segments. This comparison test served buyers weighing distinct options, each pursuing a different interpretation of what a four-seat convertible should deliver.