The Rise And Fall Of Convertible Cars In The U.S.
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- čas přidán 26. 07. 2024
- Rising in popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, the convertible car is an automotive American icon. It was a vehicle meant for leisure and fun. Some of the most iconic models throughout history were convertibles, such as the Chevrolet Corvette and the Ford Mustang. However, in the last few years, convertibles have been slowly declining in popularity. Along with rising prices, American car buyers, especially those with children, value practicality and functionality over looks and leisure, leading their interest towards SUV's and midsize sedans. In 2021, convertibles make up only 0.46% of new car sales. Can the iconic design stand the test of time?
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The Decline Of The Great American Convertible Car - Auta a dopravní prostředky
There's no better way to experience the American open road than in a convertible. It's such a visceral feeling especially in a well built convertible like a Mercedes SL. Most modern convertibles are good for year round driving and can handle cold weather. They're truly one of life's greatest pleasures.
American convertibles were better for open American road. The SL was a lovely vehicle as well.
I’m on convertible #8 now, Lawrence. I was quite little when my dad drove a maroon ‘53 Pontiac convertible, but those drives in it to the Dairy Queen had me hooked for life.
Sun roof. Just roll down the windows.
I’d rather ride a motorcycle than ride a convertible to that end. It’s a lot cheaper than a convertible and a lot more fun. 🤩 🏍
@@klins061 You'd be right except for the fact that you can barely hear the music. Getting rained on sucks too. 🔊🚘🔊
That picture of a 1976 Eldorado was a picture of a 1956.
Lol it’s even a black n white photo. Now I’m questioning everything about the video
The Thunderbird was also just a regular’55 Ford.
*For all the resources available to CNBC they seem to have their videos made by high school students on limited budgets.*
I just bought my first car, a 96 Saab 900 convertible, I love it. It's so unique, and fun, and a bit of a throwback to a better time. It certainly stands out amongst the depressing sea of silver hatchbacks.
Those are great cars for sure!
@TheEditor107 stay negative
Why does everyone want an SUV nowadays? Some people say that it is a status symbol but it isn’t if everyone has one.
Practicality & affordability
It's more practical for everyday use and relatively affordable.
Aren’t station wagons more practice and affordable?
Cause you can see out better. If you cant see, join them.
I’ve got two Dodge Magnums. Looking to get an SRT8 version
You want a fun, affordable and reliable convertible? The Miata is still around!
most people prefer jeep wrangler instead .
True.
Yep. I just got my first (used 20 yr old Miata) a few months ago. Honestly wish I bought it 10 years ago
Miata owner here. It's quite boring and I wouldn't recommend getting one.
Picked up my 6-speed manual Miata RF last month and driving has never been so much fun.
Damn just the other week I was wondering why there weren’t as many convertibles on the road compared to growing up in the early 2000s 🤔
Over regulation has moved many cars out of the reach of working class peoples. Most governments without seeking the permission of people are going to completely ban petroleum based cars by 2030 on the basis of no evidence at all but guess what India and China are all going to be driving petroleum based cars with working people in the west will only dream about them.
People don’t drive to enjoy anymore. Car gets you from a to b and that’s it. But I love convertibles. I post videos every Thursday (Not about car well maybe one day)
I have a 124 spider and man, if I realized earlier how much it is beautiful to drive with am open top I would have payed also a doubled price
I own a 1982 blue spider. My first was a 1975 black one and I love them.
I'm looking to possibly get an alfa romeo spider from the early 80s. It's cheaper therapy for depression than paying a therapist that just gives you "yes" and "mmm-hms". I learned that mistake years ago.
I remember test drive the Miata based 124 Spider and that made want a convertible. Having that rush of wind on your hair and skin, I feel like a little kid on a bicycle.
“You buy things you do not need, soon you will have to sell things you need.” Warren Buffet
The 4 series wasn’t around in 2005 and there hasn’t been a 3 series convertible since 2013.
In the opening interview the guy mentioned Camry as a convertible then mentioned it on the no longer with us list🤦🏻♂️
@@OJIULUIJO at least in the US there is no longer a convertible Camry (it was called the Camry Solara). I enjoy these videos but they often make mistakes that make me question the rest of the info provided.
@@OJIULUIJO Technically, he was correct. The Solara was known as the Camry Solara and came in both coupe and convertible form.
@@OJIULUIJO what do you mean? It’s true
@@tientrinh943 yup yup I see that now, never heard it referred to as a Camry solara only solara. To be fair I don’t think the badge said Camry at all, at least not on the newer model
I bought a hard top convertible last year. You guys forgot to mention that if the roof stops working, it basically totals the car because it is SO EXPENSIVE TO FIX.
Wow that '76 Eldorado looks just like a '56 Eldorado! 😉
just when i thought SUVs couldn't get uglier, they make them into convertibles lmao
Like the Jeep?
I just wanna see how far we can go with this. I mean if you hate SUVs don't buy one.
@@athmiyavenkatesh7907 Jeeps have been open air since the beginning
This may sound crazy, but more often than not, when cars designers do crazy and seemingly ugly things, they tend to grow on us. and eventual we can no longer see the oddity their in.
They do have ugly suv convertibles who thought of that it’s kinda gross, I’m small CZcamsr that post every Thursday ( about fish )
Both of my cars are convertible or a removable hardtop. I love it! I see a lot of convertibles in sunshine states
People like a type of car, car companies start making only those types of cars and then bump the prices up. Then people shift to liking another type of car that has better value, the car companies repeat the process.
Fantastic job, great video
Top down in winter time that’s what winners do
What about top down in the desert during summer?
@@CarlosGutierrez-ox7gt pretty tough on the bald spots
+1 while snowing.
A toque extends the top down season another month or so :)
38 degrees and above with heated seats and the heater blowing hot on the floor. Oh yeah!!!!
I bought my first one, a 1965 Corvair Corsa, on a January night with a temperature of 6 degrees. Of course I had to pick up 2 other of my moron friends and we dressed like Eskimos & went cruising.
My dad told me I was nuts & he was definitely right.
This is the exact content I subscribed for. Keep it up
CNBC acts like there have been no improvements in the quality of convertible tops over the past few years with stronger materials for the tops and glass windows instead of the old plastic window tops, which does increase price
Isn't a jeep Wrangler a converable? I see those everywhere.
I have a convertible camry and I genuinely think i will always own at least 1 convertible in my garage, im 20 and i hope to keep my camry till i have kids and on, love that car
How are you not mentioning the wrangler as a convertible? I literally know dozens of people that bought it for that reason!
10:11. Watch the whole video.
very interesting topic. I love convertibles 👌🏽❤❤
Honestly the whole auto market is just drifting away from fun stuff to just being SUVs. Which is a shame because I don't like SUVs
It’s really just the US automakers. In terms of sedans instead of trying to compete with the Asian and European automakers they just said “Nah you can have that market.”
That survey stating that most drivers treat a car as an appliance is very telling. Us auto enthusiasts are not the majority. I don't like SUVs either so I hope the manufacturers continue to offer sedans.
@@laidback93 I mean the Asian and European carmakers never stopped making sedans.
@@DeadAir21"European carmakers".... Europeans havent treated cars as appliances yet.
@@DeadAir21 I mean, technically, but I live in Europe and most auto makers sell like 25 different SUVs and maybe 2 Sedans even here. This trend is international
I love my 2017 Corvette C7 with a manual transmission... they all come standard with a free removable roof for a targa top. And there's a full convertible too if you want that.
So happy to own 4 convertibles.
Nice, I'm on my convertible fourth too as my current and only car. Previous: 95' Miata manual, 13' Lexus ISC250 auto, 06' Miata manual, now 20' Miata manual. Also had a 87' Toyota MR2 T-Top and 3 other non-convertibles.
@@dannyphamous I assume that you live in California as well :)
I currently have a 75 Grandville convertible, a 55 Porsche speedster, a 95 Corvette C4 and a 93 SL500.
Also had 4 convertibles here, over the years. And rented several more on business trips or vacations. Mustangs, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Chrysler Sebring, Toyota Solara, Mazda Miata, and a Corvette.
SUV’s are literally eating the entire market 🚘… Big sharks eat the small fish .. in this case it’s a topless fish 😄
Eating the planet too spewing carbon.
Wait till gas prices rise another dollar .
@@alextogo8367 Petrol in the Netherlands is already at 2 euros per liter.
True, SUV's are as common as white t-shirts and even more boring.
@@LawrenceMarkFearon rightly said 🙌🏼😄🚘
🤣🤣🤣 with all these speed demos driving fast on a soft top hahah that flip over is priceless 🤣
Anyone who says money can’t buy happiness has never bought a convertible. :) Got mine in early March, and been using it with top down most days since. I’m in the northeast. Key to using it in hot and cold: roll up windows, use heat or AC as needed… and have heated/cooled seats. There have been only a few days that it’s been too hot to put the top down, and I’ve had the top down when it’s 40 degrees out. Glad I got mine when I did, just before the explosion in car prices. But yeah, because cars in general are dying out so will convertible cars.
Convertibles are good but just for Southern Cali 😂
Exactly! They can only be used 2 months of the year everywhere else. Too hot, too cold or too humid otherwise.
I prefer to drive a convertible at night, where the moon can kiss my skin instead of the sun.
@@Saml01 I tend to agree, I live in Oregon and had a PT cruiser convertible top, ok in late spring, early summer, but once it heats up, have to close it down for the AC, but it was a joy to drive when weather permits! I sold it last year and bought a hybrid with panoramic roof and sunroof, much more comfortable and I still get the winding my hair, and great mileage!
Useless even in SoCal
My grandmother had one before she died and she lived just outside of Montréal. It had an extendable roof though that could cover the car during the cold winter months.
There are a host of inaccuracies in this article, from showing a 1956 Eldorado as a 1976 model, to glossing over the fact that impending, and unrealized rollover standards in the ‘70s caused American manufacturers to drop their convertibles… until 1982. And the convertible resurgence wasn’t brief… from 1982-92, almost every brand in the US had at least 1 convertible model in their stable, from Yugo and Geo all the way up to Rolls Royce.
One of the *biggest* reasons for the death of the convertible is the death of the coupe and 3-door hatchback, which formed the bases for most convertibles in the first place. Popular-priced coupes and 3-door hatches barely exist anymore, so the convertibles based on them had to go, too, or become special, bespoke luxury/sports car models to cover their development costs.
Do you know what make/model is the car on the cover thumbnail of this video?
@@cet8444 1962 Chevy Corvette
I drive a convertible every day but I only put down the top a night. Being in the sun sucks but the cool summer breeze at night is amazing. Girls hate it tho cuz it ruins their hair.
Yeah it's sad to see the classics die 😟
Young people are too poor now to afford play cars
No disposable money to repair or for gas.
Just Civics and Corollas
Sad but true
I've been shopping for a convertible for a few months now and the options are so limited. And good luck finding a manual convertible
Bmw 2 Series man, not terribly unreliable and they aren’t that expensive. You can find a manual one.
4th gen camaros are another good manual convertable
The answer is always Miata.
My 308cc is my jewel: gives me a lot of fun and, also, works as my everyday car being somewhat practical!!!
I wouldn't have a convertible, but i would like to rent one on vacations.
Why not
My next car is a hard top Miata.
Mine is a Tesla with the newer generation of batteries.
I have the mx5 rf nd. I can’t tell you how much o love it. Great car to drive.
@@supernova8962 cool, I want to get one in the future when the prices are lower.
I have a 1988 BMW 320i Cabrio and I love it to pieces. Such an event of a car
3:35 That is not a 76' Eldorado.
It is a 54’ Eldorado
What about the decline of American cars in general?
american cars has always been bad. there is no decline
Fun fact - in Denmark Chryslers are for pretty girls and gays, very chic but kinda impractical for family use
They're very elegant but not really muscle cars
Oh! And loads of love from Denmark 🤗 hope you're having a wonderful summer!
You can blame the American consumer for that.
American trucks and SUVs are very popular. Small market left for American cars
Glad I got it out of my system.They are fun to own
I had a 95 Lebarron convertible and that was the best car I’ve ever owned. So much fun.
Honestly I feel like it’s also do to the introduction of air conditioning in vehicles
@@mrbears34 "in the 1950s".... AC was not standard equipment in the 1950s. Convertible top is not even standard equipment in most Jeeps now.
Also, more stringent crash testing means that you have to stiffen up your car more, which is easier to do with a roof on.
Aryan "with a roof on".... Exactly.
Hello dear, how are you doing?
I'll like to know more about you...
No, it everything to do with the demand for SUV, mini vans and trucks. Sedans don’t quite cut it anymore
4:21 How was the BMW 4 Series one of the best-selling convertibles of 2005 when the 4 Series wasn’t introduced until MY2014?
I think they are talking about 3 series and Z4. I think what they meant was 4 series convertible which is a Z4 and not an actual 4 series that is a convertible.
@@bighands69 The Z3 ended production in MY2003, so it wasn’t even being produced in 2005.
E46 M3 convertible? (Idkk)
My son has a ‘95 Mustang convertible…. The most fun you can have in a car (while driving)
Enjoy it because that will be the last generation of fun. Very few people are going to have cars in the future only the wealthier people will be able to enjoy them.
excuse me, where could i get subtitles or script resource? please share with me! thank
I live in Denmark - they're quite the thing over here this summer!
Other challenges today are performance, fuel economy, and safety.
- For max performance, a fixed roof version is often lighter and cheaper to make fast.
- For max fuel economy, fixed roof is often lighter, more aerodynamic, and less weight.
- For safety, you need lots of structures, technology, and higher belt line in case of SUV collision which would mean a less sporty, less fun, and more heavier convertible.
The miata and porsches are unique in that they are designed from the beginning to be a convertible. Some cars add the convertible version later but results in many after thoughts increasing weight (enemy of performance and fuel economy).
I actually just started loving convertible just yesterday 😂
6:09 That’s a picture of a 911 Turbo Cabriolet, not a 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
I own and run daily, a '72 Karmann Ghia. I drive it year round except in the snow. Its fun. I get people who enjoy to see it around town. And, from time to time I enter it into a car show. I give free rides! But, overall this is an investment. It increases in value almost every year.
@Pinned by CNBC Television Scammer
That Chevy Tahoe’s everywhere
I love my BMW Z4.
That has been my dream car
Never selling mine. And it’s a stick too.
I'm 34 and owned two convertibles so far, the first car I brought in early 2013 was a red 1992 Pontiac Sunbird convertible, had the 3.1L V6 paired with a 5 speed manual, would have ranked it as the best vehicle out of the 5 I've owned so far were it not for the badly rusted body from the harsh Michigan winters and top that leaked like a sieve, and started having some major electrical issues as a result, I scrapped the car after having it for 2 years.
I currently drive a 2014 mustang convertible, V6 with 6 speed automatic, purchased in February 2022 at a bargain price for the mileage and features inside compared to what little else there was to choose from within my budget at the time, because I needed a vehicle after my 2015 Ford Fusion titanium was totaled after a driver pulled in front of me while talking on her cellphone. The mustang is definitely less practical in terms of cargo space than my Fusion, and I'm probably going to have to replace the softtop next year, so maintenance is a major thing to consider if shopping for a rag top.
The insurance premiums for convertibles are something else to consider especially with so many household budgets crippled by sticky inflation, since models less than 15 years old are premium and luxury RWD cars with more powerful engines, and as such, reflect on the premiums, and older models are typically ineligible for financing. The premiums on the mustang are roughly 25 to 30% more than my Fusion, taking into account the sharp increases in 2023.
To sum it up convertibles are fun to drive, but for couples with children, they are not very practical and you best have another vehicle to use as main grocery getter. All that being said, it's understandable why the once popular American convertible car is facing extinction, but as history proves, many things come and go. Only time will tell what the future holds.
I got a 2016 Corvette Z06 it’s got a hardtop I love you the top comes off it goes in the back not exactly convertible but that’s about as close as you get it and I don’t have to worry about the convertible top weekend or the power going out it’s very simple to takeoff and put back on I can do it myself
I bought my first convertible at age 21, a 1969 MGB, along thru the years, a 1963 Austin Healy 3000, a 1994 Chrysler LaBaron, a 1991 BMW 328I, and now at age 69, I own a 2014 Ford Mustang Convertible, put the top down and enjoy Life. WIND IN THE HAIR, BABY ....
If they just made the Camry Solara again everything will be fine. It has a tremendous trunk, front wheel drive, and seating for four. I would buy one again in an instant. Mine is 17 years old and still going. If there were any convertible that had these features I would buy it tomorrow
My mom had one! It was an amazing vehicle but my older sister totaled it. We got a Highlander afterwards and it was all SUV’s from there :(
People quit wanting 2 door cars, and even trucks. Only sports cars have two doors now.
We have crazy racing SUVs / minivans. I'm sure those soccer moms would also buy convertible SUVs.
Yeah, we have something that is close to convertible SUVs: SUVs with panoramic sunroofs, like the Ford Expedition, the Lincoln Navigator, and the all-new Chevrolet Suburban/Tahoe has today.
Nissan Murano Convertible lol
While interesting, images/video are/is too often glaringly mismatched. Stock, or even specifically filmed footage of the vehicles described in the narration should be relatively easily sourced.
3:34 The picture shows a 1954 Cadillac Eldorado.
@Pinned by CNBC Television Scammer
Convertibles are always rising and falling 🤣🤣🤣
I’ve always loved Convertibles. As a kid I would see old classic convertibles and would dream of one day being able to feel the wind in my hair.
Unfortunately my parents did not see the appeal.
Once I was old enough to work, I saved money to buy me a convertible, it was a janky used VW Beetle but I loved it, and it was like a dream come true!
I felt so liberated and it’s one of my favorite cars to this day.
I eventually “upgraded” to a closed sedan and each day I HATED it.
It came with a sunroof (Big Whoop) nothing replaced the feeling of a true ragtop.
So eventually I made a TERRIBLE financial choice and traded in for another convertible!! My bank was not happy but I sure was!
As a single man, I had no use for a full sized sedan and I was truly foolish enough to think I needed one just to “fit in”.
I’m considered “the guy who drives convertible cars” amongst friends and family now and it’s a title I’ll always wear proudly!
I hope to someday own a Ragtop Porsche. But for the time being, my current car is getting me through life!
It would be a shame to see SUV convertibles, they are pretty horrid looking.
The only exception is a Jeep Wrangler, which I’ve been in with top off and it was nice, a lot of wind buffeting however.
I'm just enough to own a convertible and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I live in Canada !
I absolutely love my 2017 AMG C43 Cabriolet, however it's almost as fun to drive with the top up so I have fun all year round.
"in 2021 average price was blah blah" Put the breaks in, 2021 isn't over yet.
It's interesting no mention was made about how insurance companies influence the market. Ragtops were attacked for safety rollover reasons and highly discouraged by the insurance companies through higher insurance rates. Since them, the engineering that goes into a convertible ends up pricing most people out of the convertible market. I am looking at buying a Miata MX-5 ragtop. I enjoyed a Corvette convertible for ten years, and looking for more driving fun.
Miata is always the answer...
The only way I can see the convertible surviving is the off-road type like the Wrangler and Bronco.
OR VW TROC
Sana all.🥺🥺
I drove serveral convertibles in the past 35 years. Owned a Peugeot 205 Convertible, a Smart Roadster (a Go-Kart that was not available in the US) and a Beetle Convertible that I got. brand new in 2017. I also had the pleasure to drive 3 Alfa Romeo Spider (1986, 1993 and 1999), BMW Z3 M, 2 Mercedes SLC, a Ford Mustang GT and an Abarth 124 Spider. I planed to buy the Mustang and the Abarth but I didn’t like the Euro-Version of the Mustang and for the Abarth I would have to wait almost a year to deliver.
In the city, the air quality is so horrible, it makes no sense to drop the top and breathe in all the exhaust.
Big issue I think is the lack of big American full size convertible sedans. Aka, Chrysler should make a 4 door 300 convertible. People who used to buy convertibles in the 60's bought for comfort, not speed/sport characteristics. Aka impalas, Ford Galaxies, etc. Make them big, bold, beautiful, and affordable. But manufacturers have no desire, just pump out another generic SUV to compliment their 9 other SUV's in their lineup already.
Good to see Boyle found work after B99
Something not many are mentioning, convertibles cost more to insure.
Nissan 350z.!! What year is this??
Or manufacturers can follow the Toyota 4Runner/Tundra and have 5-6 windows open for an open air enviroment. All four passenger windows and rear glass, if optioned, the sunroof.
I just think convertibles have this “All American” vibe, like cool preppy summers. Ever since I got my first convertible I knew it wasn’t going to be my last.
I love my Mercedes E250 Coupe with sunroof and glass ceiling for passengers. Gives the feeling of freedom when the weather permits and functions like a useful car. The fact that it has only two doors is annoying at times but, honestly, very rarely do I take passengers apart from my girlfriend, so that's a minor downside. And the trunk is large as well, my wingsurfing board, foil and wing fit right in with the seats down with plenty space left. I live in Northern Europe.
Love my Lexus SC430 hard-top convertible; unfortunate that convertibles are becoming so underappreciated.
BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes have always done well with having and selling convertibles.
SAAB 93 Convertible- the best ever.
A convertible is fun until the temperature climbs above 95°F (35°C), all of a sudden it feels like you are in a convection oven going full blast.
just put the roof up and turn the AC on? whats your point?
@@Biriadan it’s not that simple
@@whitemailprivilege2830 it is lol. How is it any more complicated.
When I was much younger, I wanted a convertible & a fast car. Nowadays, especially with the pandemic, I need something that can hold oversize furniture & haul ass.
I wish there were more convertibles to choose from, especially hard top.
I was just looking for an S2000 mention. I’m disappointed.
There is fake news, then there is inaccurate news. When talking about the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible, show a picture of that car. Not the 1950's model. And while most wont catch that, its still a sign of poor attention to detail that many suspect is going on. If your going to criticize "ragtops", then counter that with a mention of the quality, safety, soundproofing, and features gained over the last ten years. Highlight one feature such as the ability to put the top up while moving, so that a driver does not need to pull over when the rain begins falling. It is a positive that many legacy owners may not know about and a showcase of the work Engineers, Marketing, and Production have put into improving the convertible.
People seem to want cars with no style whatsoever now as if they just want to blend in to the masses. I cant tell one suv from another.
That's probably the best comment I've seen so far!
My mom used to a have convertible and it was pretty fun
Wild to think we're getting electric trucks with convertible functionality (Hummer EV) before just a regular electric convertible. We can push a box through airstream testing, but not a modest sporty car.
0:31 When Camry make convertible? 9:24 350Z Roaster That is a good one he......
I have always wanted a convertible but haven't bought one yet. Maybe the next one.
I thought I like a convertable until the heat from the sun cooked me well done.
There were No 4 series convertible back in 2005
That Eldorado totally looks like a 1976😂
In my opinion, once people buy one convertible, they tend to stay in the fold. I can't say the same about any other class of road vehicle, public or private.
Nice avatar
What about the Pontiac G6 convertible?
Pontiac went bust in 2009.
Entry level sports cars
I love my 4 series BMW cabrio, its very pratical, but its my 3rd car ✌🏻
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This is true.... I have a convertible.... and can only drive for fun in Spring and Summer ...Basically May- October and then get stored in the garage .... 2014 with only 18,000 miles..
They did really address a distinction between a targa and a true convertible. They show a 911 targa as a convertible a few times and the roofless SUVs are arguably targas not true convertibles but based on the presentation of sale numbers it looks like the corvette is being separated into convertible and coup when nearly all corvette coups are actually targas.
What about the 450SL by Mercedes-Benz?