2009 Ford Mustang Convertible

Self-proclaimed as America's best-selling convertible, the Mustang rag-top gets the same changes for 2008 as its tin-top counterpart. Namely, this includes standard front-seat side airbags, and optional interior ambient lighting and HID headlights. A striped, higher-performance Shelby GT convertible joins the line-up this year as well.

The main appeal of the convertible is easier access to that glorious V8 soundtrack. But now, the drop-top pony car is also the safest such car to be in, as it earned the highest possible safety ratings in all New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) test modes performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2008 Mustang Convertible earned the top five-star safety rating, after acing all NCAP crash testing and rollover resistance evaluations. The iconic convertible also earned the highest side-impact performance rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Engines are identical to the coupe's offerings, and include a 4.0 liter V6 that's made in Germany and good for 210 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 240 lb-ft @ 3,500 lb-ft. Purists will opt for the 4.6 liter V8 that makes the Mustang experience authentic thanks largely to its 300 hp (at 5,750 rpm) output and 320 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. Five-speed manual transmissions unique to each engine are standard, with a five-speed auto optional on each.

Chopping the four-seater's roof off in favor of a power-operated top necessitated stiffening the structure in other areas. Ford engineers added material to the K-shaped brace that ties together the frame rails, engine, and lower control arms, added a V-brace at the rear, and used thicker-gauge steel for the rocker panels, all to curb that convertible bugaboo of cowl shake.

The operation of the fabric roof takes between 13 and 16 seconds, depending on whether the windows are up or down, and can even be done while the car is in motion, as long as the speeds are below 5 mph. The rear window is glass, and features a built-in defroster.