June is just around the corner, which means it is almost summer. Time to break out the cars that are perfect for higher temperatures and sunny skies.
What makes the perfect summer cruiser? The answer depends on what each driver seeks. Maybe they want something fast and low to the ground, which they can use to race through the mountains.
Some consumers want something slower that they can just drive through town while listening to music. Maybe they want a vehicle that can tackle off-road adventures while still providing access to the summer breeze.
The list of cars below includes options for all of these scenarios. It’s up to you, dear reader, to determine which is the best.
No. 1 – C1 Corvette
Chevrolet has produced a long line of Corvette convertibles, all of which are ideal for summer drives. However, the C1 is the original and the Holy Grail for fans of Chevrolet’s signature sports car.
Depending on the year, the C1 had either a straight-6 or V8 engine. Both were — and still are — capable of delivering enough power for a summer cruise. What really matters is that the driver and passenger constantly turn heads while enjoying their open-top experience.
The C1 first hit dealerships in 1953 after Harley Earl convinced Chevrolet to produce a two-seat sports car. This vehicle would compete with the small, European sports cars that became wildly popular overseas.
Earl, who NASCAR honors with its Daytona 500 trophy, helped create an icon. Zora Arkus-Duntov then helped improve the car by leading the efforts to add a V8 and a three-speed manual transmission.
Chevrolet has gone on to create bigger, faster, and more technologically advanced Corvettes, but none can compare with the first generation.
No. 2 – Ford Bronco
What is better for the summer season — the Ford Bronco or the Jeep Wrangler? Both are solid options, but we are going to pick the Bronco. We just think it looks better.
Why is the Ford Bronco a great option for summer cruises? One reason is the ability to remove the top and the doors.
You don’t need the aftermarket packages as shown in the above photo. You can just buy a Bronco at the dealership and head to the great outdoors.
This harkens back to the previous generations of Broncos that had removable hard tops. These were great for heading to the lake or the campground with friends and family.
No. 3 – Mazda Miata MX-5
The Mazda Miata MX-5 has never been the fastest sports car. It didn’t need to be. The MX-5 created generations of fans with its combination of handling and enough power to create a memorable driving experience.
It also helps that Mazda continues to celebrate the manual transmission by sticking it in the MX-5.
What makes the MX-5 the perfect summer cruiser? The short answer is that it’s built for zipping through the turns on a windy road with the top off.
It’s low to the ground, it’s fun to drive, and it provides the open-air access drivers and passengers crave during the summer.
No. 4 – Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
The Mazda Miata MX-5 is the budget-friendly option for consumers who want a sports car for the summer. It starts at just over $29,000 for the 2025 model year.
The Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet is for those who want a far more expensive and far more powerful option. The base Cabriolet starts at $140,900. The Turbo Cabriolet starts at $210,000.
What do the consumers get for this money? The base Cabriolet delivers 388 horsepower and a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds. The Turbo Cabriolet boosts these numbers to 572 horsepower and 2.8 seconds.
Simply put, this is a lot of power for the money, and it pairs with Porsche’s proven track record of creating performance cars. What more could you want than a really fast, great-handling car that can go topless?
No. 5 – Lincoln Continental Convertible
The 1960s Lincoln Continental convertible. This car did not deliver high speeds or sports car handling.
It didn’t need to. It delivered the ability to just look cool while driving through the city, and it still does decades later. The Lincoln Continental convertible just provides an incredible feeling, even while sitting idle at a stoplight.
The body and the unique doors made the car stand out in the crowd. These are possible reasons why TV shows “Entourage” and “The Lincoln Lawyer” prominently featured the Continental convertible.