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    Volvo C70 T5, 2006: The Weekly Driver

    Hardtop convertibles have been around periodically in the United States for about 50 years. And from the early years of Ford Fairliner to the current offerings of several manufacturers, the same question always arises: How mechanically sound is the retracting hardtop mechanism?

    The success rate has greatly fluctuated, but that hasn't stopped several high-end manufacturers — BMW and Lexus, for example — from returning to the niche model in recent years. And now Volvo has joined the fun with a newly designed, attention-grabbing sedan.

    Honda S2000, 2006: The Weekly Driver

    Just inside the main entrance to Pebble Beach, Calif., the road makes a sweeping, downhill, left-hand turn. It's the beginning of a 3 1/2-mile stretch along the 17-Mile Drive and it's an ideal place to test drive a car.

    Abrupt turns and steep, short ascents and descents dominate the route as it progresses past high-profile, oceanfront homes. I've driven the route more than 100 times, but it's never been more enjoyable than during the several recent journeys I made on the circuit en route to Pebble Beach Golf Links. My weekly drive was the 2006 Honda S2000.

    Mini-Cooper, 2005: The Weekly Driver

    Introduced in England in 1959 and first available in the United States from 1960 to 1967, the Mini-Cooper is back. It's been a unique sight on American roads for the past three years, thanks to unique BMW business savvy.

    The Mini-Cooper wasn't the top priority when BMW purchased the Rover Group -- Land Rover, Rover, MG and Mini -- in 1994. BMW was more interested in the luxury SUV market. But six years later, Rover was sold to Ford and BMW adjusted its plan.

    The new Mini-Cooper is among the results. For 2005 that includes my test drive for the week, the S-convertible with a six-speed manual transmission.

    Like other retro vehicles in recent years, the Mini-Cooper has found a market some 40 years after its first success. What drivers enjoyed in the 60s -- an affordable, quick, efficient and fun-to-drive car — is what they get now.

    Volkswagen Beetle, 2003: The Weekly Driver

    No one forgets their first car. For me, it was a 1962 Volkswagen Bug. With my own savings, I bought it from family friends in 1972 for $500.

    It was beige, in near-pristine condition, had a four-speed stick shift, the original Blaupunkt AM/FM stereo radio and chrome front and back bumpers. The VW insignia shield, a rare decal near the front trunk handle, was intact. I drove the car everywhere and washed and waxed when it didn't need cleaning. I learned how to change the oil and adjust the valves, which to this day is the full extent of my mechanical knowledge.

    My reminiscence is likely not too dissimilar from many other folks' VW memories. Which is why in a round-about way Volkswagen's New Beetle returned to the market in 1998.

    The Volkswagen-buying public also wanted a new convertible Beetle, and it took five more years for it to return. It debuted in 2003 with hopes of reversing the Beetle's falling sales from the previous three years.

    Five Cool 2007 Convertibles For Summer

    Driving a nicely performing convertible with the top down on a sun-baked summer day is about as good as it gets for driving enthusiasts. But there's more to convertibles that wind-whipped hair and the open road.

    Whether ragtop or hardtop, convertibles are experiencing a popularity resurgence. There's new innovation and increased competition among U.S. and foreign manufacturers. And that means more choices for consumers.



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