Roadsters That Shine And Disappoint
There’s something timeless about a roadster. Stripped back to the essentials—two seats, an open roof, and the thrill of the drive—they represent freedom like few other cars can. Some models earn admiration for decades, celebrated for balance and reliability, while others, despite bold styling or high prices, fail to deliver on their promise. This list explores both sides of that story. Before we get to those that disappoint, let’s first cover those that everyone loves.
Thierry & Didier Descouens on Wikimedia
1. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the world’s best-selling roadster, with more than a million produced. It's perfect 50:50 weight distribution delivers world-class handling, while reliability keeps many still thriving decades later. The ride earned the saying: “Miata is always the answer.”
free photos & art on Wikimedia
2. Porsche 718 Boxster
Balance and cornering define the Porsche 718 Boxster, thanks to its mid-engine layout. Affordable yet unmistakably Porsche, it opened the brand to more enthusiasts. Inspired by the legendary 550 Spyder, its name blends “boxer engine” and “roadster.”
3. Honda S2000
Honda built the S2000 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Its naturally aspirated engine screams to 9,000 rpm, while the six-speed manual is often called the best ever. Producing 240 hp from only two liters, the ride has become a valuable collectible.
4. BMW Z4 M Roadster
Rarity, performance, and bold design define the BMW Z4 M Roadster. Powered by the same S54 straight-six engine as the iconic M3, it was finely tuned by BMW’s Motorsport division. With a 155 mph limited top speed, only a few thousand were ever built.
5. Lotus Elise
Lightweight brilliance sets the Lotus Elise apart, weighing under 2,000 pounds for unmatched agility. Its fiberglass body and aluminum chassis combine simplicity with speed, and early models lacked power steering. The minimalist design later inspired the Tesla Roadster.
6. Audi TT Roadster (First Gen)
Few roadsters made an entrance like the first-generation Audi TT Roadster. Its Bauhaus-inspired styling won instant design awards, while quattro all-wheel drive brought better usability. Early models faced stability issues and recalls, yet it still became a late-1990s design icon.
7. Alfa Romeo Spider (1966 Duetto)
Immortalized in The Graduate, the Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider featured an advanced twin-cam four-cylinder and Pininfarina’s styling. One of the most beautiful roadsters of the 1960s, production spanned nearly three decades, though collectors most cherish the pure “boat tail” design.
8. Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor
Mercedes-Benz redefined the roadster with the SLK 230, the first mass-market option to feature a retractable hardtop roof. Powered by a supercharged four-cylinder, it blended speed with efficiency. Marketed as a compact luxury alternative to the SL, its clever roof sparked an industry trend.
9. Toyota MR2 Spyder
Lightweight and mid-engined, the Toyota MR2 Spyder delivered go-kart-like fun for an affordable price. Weighing under 2,200 pounds, it became the third and final MR2 generation. Nicknamed the “poor man’s Porsche Boxster,” it’s now a tuner favorite.
10. Jaguar F-Type Roadster
The Jaguar F-Type roared onto the scene as the modern heir to the legendary E-Type. Offering supercharged V6 and V8 engines, its exhaust note was deliberately tuned for drama. Actor Tom Hiddleston starred with it in the “It’s Good to Be Bad” campaign.
Now, let’s go over to those that feel massively overrated.
1. Chrysler Crossfire Roadster
From the start, the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster felt out of step with its time. Sharing 80% of its parts with an old Mercedes SLK, it offered only average power from a V6 engine. Confusingly built in Germany but sold as American, it faced weak sales.
2. Smart Roadster
While the Smart Roadster may have been fun, there was another story. A tiny three-cylinder engine left it painfully slow, and water leaks gave it a poor reputation. Weighing just 1,800 pounds, its warranty issues forced production to end by 2006.
3. Pontiac Solstice
Sleek styling was present, yet the Pontiac Solstice struggled to deliver on its looks. Surprisingly heavy and powered by only 177 hp, it became a symbol of the brand’s downfall. GM rushed it into production, which caused poor-quality interiors.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
4. MG TF (2002–2005)
History hasn’t been kind to the MG TF. Plagued by constant head gasket failures and unimpressive performance, its cheap-feeling interiors betrayed its sporty ambition. Surviving cars are rare today, but their low value shows how little demand exists for them.
5. Fiat Barchetta
Not every stylish car wins hearts, and the Fiat Barchetta is proof. With 130 hp and front-wheel drive, it’s remembered more as fashion than performance. Its name means “little boat,” a charming nod to classic racers.
6. BMW Z3
James Bond’s GoldenEye turned the BMW Z3 into a celebrity, but its reality disappointed. Early four-cylinder models lacked power, and handling felt sloppy compared to rivals. Expectations were high as BMW’s first mass-market roadster in decades, yet it fell short.
7. Opel GT (2007–2009)
Essentially a rebadged Saturn Sky, the Opel GT brought nothing new to Europe. Buyers confused it with the beloved 1960s model and left disappointed. Built in Delaware, sales were weak, and within two years, this forgettable roadster was axed.
8. Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder (2000s)
Hollywood gave the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder star power in 2 Fast 2 Furious, but real drivers saw through the shine. Heavy and front-wheel drive, it lacked an authentic roadster spirit. Soft suspension turned it into more cruiser than sports car.
9. Triumph TR7 Roadster
“The shape of things to come” was how the Triumph TR7’s styling was mocked. Underpowered and awkwardly styled, it was affected by quality control issues. It came to symbolize the decline of Britain’s car industry in the 1970s.
10. Cadillac XLR
Luxury came at a steep price with the Cadillac XLR, nearly $80,000 for a car sharing much with a cheaper Corvette. The folding roof and electronics were notoriously unreliable, but it had a digital keyless entry system before it became common.
