Autobytel 2014 Convertible of the Year: Jaguar F-Type

by Michelle Naranjo

・

January 2, 2014

・

3 min. Reading Time

Autobytel's editors are not immune to the love affair with convertibles– despite the oft-repeated factoid that well under 2% of cars sold in North America are top-optional. The winner this year was an all-new introduction to the romantic segment while the two runners-up are classics that won't leave our favorite top-down fantasy car lists. We fully expect the Autobytel 2014 Convertible of the year– the 2014 Jaguar F-Type– to join the list as a legend.

Read on to learn about the three finalists for Autobytel 2014 Convertible of the Year.

Autobytel 2014 Convertible of the Year: Jaguar F-Type

The idea of being able to sail down the road with the wind as a full-sensory feature is a romanticized driving experience and the Autobytel 2014 Convertible of the Year embodies every part of that fantasy. The 2014 Jaguar F-Type is our choice for this award and it is that stunningly simple idea that keeps this ideal roadster at the top of our list: it has a beautiful design, ponycar-like power that pleases even on the slightest curve, and roots in a history that connects the true car-loving driver to an iconic brand and the 21st Century simultaneously.

See our 2014 Jaguar F-Type reviews to see more about the latest legend in the Jaguar marque, or read on to see which classic models still made our list of the Top 3 Convertibles of 2014.

Autobytel 2014 Convertible of the Year Finalist: Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the little car that still can and it won't leave our list of highly-desirables. Whether used or new, the Miata is an upstart that has refocused the way people look at convertibles since 1989 – and even sports cars! The Miata is a driver’s car, committed to providing as pure an experience as modern safety and electronic equipment will allow.

While the 2-door, 2-seater Miata only comes in one 167 horsepower, 4-cylinder engine, it comes in 10 trim levels from a base the Sport, Club, Grand Touring, Club Touring and Grand Touring Special Edition packages. One for every kind of driver. Even those who'd like a retractable hardtop.

Autobytel 2014 Convertible of the Year Finalist: Ford Mustang Convertible

Sure, we are all looking forward to seeing the just-revealed 2015 Mustang on the road eventually but the current Mustang is still high on our list of the best convertibles around.

The 2014 Ford Mustang convertible is a 2-door, 4-seater that is based on one of the most iconic vehicles to roll out of Detroit this century, not to mention its iconic status last century. Starting with a V6 version that can be had for under $28K, the Mustang convertible also comes in a $40K, GT V8 version for those who like a lot of extra wind in their faces.

Autobytel 2014 Awards

The editorial team of Autobytel has chosen the previous vehicles as the best of what we have seen in the category for 2014, and while there are many others in this class that probably deserve some kudos as well, we'd love to hear which you would choose for yourself. Let us know on the Autobytel Twitter or the Autobytel Facebook page.

More of the Autobytel 2014 Car, Truck and category of the Year winners can be found by browsing the collection below.

Autobytel 2014 Car of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Truck of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Compact Car of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Convertible of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Sedan of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Luxury Car of the Year

Autobytel 2014 SUV of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Luxury SUV of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Crossover of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Sports Car of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Alternative Fuel Car of the Year