Total Car Score Names 'Top 10 Convertible Cars for 2012'

(June 20, 2012) LOS ANGELES — Just in time for the start of summer, Total Car Score has announced its list of the Top Ten Convertible Cars for 2012 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class drop top garnered the top spot followed by the Infiniti G convertible.

"There is nothing quite like that first drive of summer with the top down. In honor of that tradition, Total Car Score has put together a list showcasing seasonal vehicles that are synonymous with summer fun," said Karl Brauer, editor in chief, founder and CEO of Total Car Score.

"The best convertible car rankings are based on a validated Total Car Score for each vehicle, meaning the vehicle has at least five ratings from independent automotive authorities."

Convertibles used to represent a tiny fraction of the automotive market, but in recent years the variety of drop-tops has increased dramatically with available soft and hard top convertibles, 4 door convertibles and coupes. They range in price from as low as $18,000 (Smart ForTwo) to as high as $450,000 (Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead), but eight of the Top 10 Convertibles of 2012 cost between $27,000 and $50,000.

Total Car Score allows car buyers and enthusiasts alike to compare vehicles quickly and easily across all automotive segments. The "Total Car Score" is one comprehensive number assigned to a vehicle that represents an overall industry assessment from major automotive authorities.

"European carmakers have mastered the art of the convertible, with seven of the top scoring models coming from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, and Volkswagen," said Brauer.

The 2012 Ford Mustang is the only domestic vehicle to make Total Car Score's list, placing third. There is also two Japanese convertibles in the top 10; the Infiniti G in second place and the Lexus IS 250/350 in ninth place.

The Top Ten Convertible Cars for 2012

Rank

Make

Model

TCS

1

Mercedes-Benz

E-Class

84.28

2

Infiniti

G

80.99

3

Ford

Mustang

80.96

4

Audi

R8

79.91

5

BMW

3 Series

79.44

6

Mini

Cooper

79.02

7

BMW

1 Series

78.46

8

Volkswagen

EOS

78.41

9

Lexus

IS 250/350

78.23

10

Audi

A5

78.20