Roadsters were once the ultimate expression of motoring freedom, style, and performance. These small, two-seater convertibles turned heads everywhere, delivering fun behind the wheel and a connection to the open road. However, with the rise of SUVs and tech-laden sedans, the charm of these once-iconic roadsters has faded.
But why have these roadsters lost their luster? Let’s check them out.
MG Midget
The little MG Midget was a fun, affordable way to experience open-top driving. The cockpit was a tight squeeze for drivers of generous proportions, but once in, it offered nimble handling and compact styling that made it feel like a go-kart for the road.
Sadly, lack of power and frequent mechanical issues made it less appealing compared to modern cars.
Triumph Spitfire
Affordable and fun to drive, the Triumph Spitfire captured hearts with its sleek design and spirited handling. This British roadster was perfect for winding country roads, but its reputation for electrical problems and rust-prone bodywork was its downfall. In a world where reliability matters more than ever, the Spitfire is now a tough sell.
Fiat X1/9
A futuristic wedge-shaped design and mid-engine layout made the Fiat X1/9 stand out in its day. Excellent handling made it a joy to drive on twisty roads, but Fiat’s reputation for poor build quality and frequent breakdowns scared off modern buyers. Even its quirky charm can’t compete with the convenience of today’s cars.
Alfa Romeo Spider
Distinctive looks and sporty handling made the Alfa Romeo Spider a hit in the ‘60s and ‘70s, with its popularity boosted by its movie appearance in The Graduate. It was the epitome of Italian style and flair, but maintenance headaches and rust issues turned it into a risky proposition for anyone not prepared to invest in constant upkeep.
Pontiac Solstice
Here was Pontiac’s attempt at a modern roadster – bold but short-lived. The Solstice turned heads with its aggressive styling, but its cramped interior and lack of refinement left drivers wanting more. The end of the Pontiac brand sealed the Solstice’s fate, and today, it’s mostly forgotten in favor of more practical or better-performing cars.
Mazda RX-7 Convertible
Famous for its rotary engine and thrilling performance, the Mazda RX-7 was a dream car for automotive enthusiasts. The pretty convertible version added open-top fun to the mix, but it came with problems.
That revolutionary engine was complicated, requiring specialist skills and meticulous care – and high maintenance costs scared off many buyers. The RX-7 Convertible faded into obscurity, unable to compete with newer, more reliable models.
Datsun 2000 Roadster
Datsun offered the 2000 Roadster as a sporty and affordable Japanese alternative to British and European competitors. It was nippy for its time and enjoyed a loyal following, but like many so classics, rust and parts availability were concerns. Modern buyers now overlook it in favor of cars that offer style without headaches.
Chrysler Crossfire Roadster
The bold design of the Crossfire Roadster turned heads, but its underwhelming performance and cramped interior turned buyers off. It was an attempt by Chrysler to bring German engineering (via its Mercedes-Benz roots) to an American audience, but it never achieved the success Chrysler hoped for.
BMW Z3
It’s not often BMW gets it wrong, but the Z3 – once lauded as the ultimate ’90s roadster – was never the success the German maker had hoped for. It blended luxury and sportiness in a compact package, but limited space, dated tech, and expensive repairs were its downfall. Even a cameo appearance in a James Bond movie wasn’t enough to save it.
Mercedes-Benz SLK
A retractable hardtop and luxurious interior offered a premium roadster experience in the SLK, but the high cost of ownership and reputation for electrical issues have made the beautiful-looking roadster less appealing over the years. Many buyers now prefer more practical or reliable options, leaving the SLK behind.
Honda S2000
With its high-revving engine and razor-sharp handling, the Honda S2000 was every driving enthusiast’s dream and initially earned huge praise from aficionados. However, its minimalist interior and lack of modern conveniences made it less appealing to everyday drivers. As a used car, it’s still popular with diehard fans but not average buyers.
Saturn Sky
Saturn’s entry into the roadster game with the Sky was ambitious but short-lived. Its striking design caught attention, but limited production numbers and the end of Saturn as a brand left it without a legacy. These days, it’s a rare find, but even that doesn’t earn it classic status, and it’s a tough sell in the secondhand market.
Nissan 350Z Roadster
Sporty performance combined with the thrill of open-top driving should have assured success for the Nissan 350Z Roadster, but its awkward styling and road noise issues turned off many buyers. Over time, the newer 370Z overshadowed it, offering better refinement and technology.
MG TF
As the last hurrah for the original British MG brand, the TF brought a mix of nostalgia and modern touches to the roadster scene. Despite its sharp looks and mid-engine layout, the TF suffered from build-quality issues and limited availability in the U.S. market. Its rarity doesn’t translate to desirability.
Volkswagen Eos
Volkswagen’s attempt to bridge the gap between roadsters and coupes with its retractable hardtop EoS wasn’t the success it had anticipated. It offered practicality, but an uninspired design and lackluster performance didn’t win over drivers. As the convertible market shrank, the Eos faded away, becoming one of VW’s more forgettable models.
Lotus Elan (1990s)
When Lotus revived the iconic Elan in the ’90s, it aimed to modernize the roadster with a front-wheel-drive layout. It handled well and looked sharp, but driving purists – the sort of people who buy Lotus cars – hated the departure from the maker’s rear-wheel-drive tradition. Reliability concerns also hurt its reputation, and it never gained the following of its classic predecessor.
Smart Roadster
The quirky styling and lightweight design of the Smart Roadster offered a unique take on the modern roadster. Its small size and turbocharged engine made it nimble, but its clunky transmission turned off potential buyers, and limited availability in the U.S. meant it never caught on here.
Jensen-Healey
Here’s a roadster that never achieved the potential it deserved. The Jensen-Healey was a British roadster that aimed to combine performance and luxury. Its Lotus-designed engine offered solid power, but build-quality issues and reliability problems plagued the car. It never achieved widespread success, and today, it’s largely overlooked in favor of other classic roadsters.