If you can throw practicality out the window -- or an open roof you need a convertible. Our three favorites are a hoot to drive and affordable to own.

By their very nature most convertibles can carry only two adults, a few groceries or a couple of soft-sided suitcases for a weekend get-away. But some don't even fulfill those basics, particularly with the top down and filling up the trunk. Our choices offer good cargo-carrying capacity even with the top stowed.

Two are rear-wheel-drive, which makes them very nimble on the road. One has front-wheel drive making it a better choice if you need to get around in snowy climes.

All deliver a pleasant ride, at least partially due to their solid structure -- not a given anytime you whack the top off a car. They have plenty of power too, even though we recommend the smallest engines to save on gas and hold down the price.

Our favorites cost less than $26,000 including important safety equipment such as anti-lock brakes and airbags that protect the head as well as the chest. That's not something you'll want to scrimp on since you'll be sharing the road with distinctly non-sporty sport-utility vehicles.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Normally referred to simply as the Miata, this rear-wheel drive, two-seater was a blockbuster when it was introduced in 1989 as a Japanese copy of the classic British sports car. What a concept: Reliability in addition to fun.

We're now on the third-generation Miata, which was introduced as a 2006 model. It has a simple and convenient cockpit with plenty of room for two. We like the fact that standard equipment includes seat-mounted airbags for head and chest protection in a side-impact crash.

The trunk is about one-third the size of a family sedan such as the Toyota Camry. But by two-seater convertible standards that's pretty good. And no space is lost when the top goes down.

The most-affordable Miatas have tops that can be lowered manually. Flip two latches and pull it back. With longish arms it can be done lowered or raised without getting out of the car. The good news is that lowering it does not diminish the trunk space, a problem with some convertibles.

The best thing about the Miata is driving it. It is the classic sports car, a vehicle that makes a wonderful connection with the driver. We'd stick with the standard suspension (not the sport suspension) because it offers plenty of cornering power without battering its occupants on a rough surface.

The 166 horsepower, 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission are more than enough to move the light weight Miata.

We'd recommend the "Sport" model, which despite the name does not have the optional sports suspension. It's priced at $22,030, including the destination charge, and all the necessary goodies such as air conditioning, power windows, AM/FM/compact disc player, anti-lock brakes and a five-speed manual gearbox. If you want a six-speed automatic, Mazda bundles it with an option package that adds almost $2,200 to the price.

Mini Cooper

If you want scads of head-turning personality, the Mini will put a smile on your face every time you settle in behind the wheel.

Being front-wheel drive, which puts more weight up front, the Cooper feels a bit more nose-heavy and lacks the quick reflexes of the Miata. But it's still fun to drive and better suited for winter weather.

Although the interior is a bit over the top when it comes to cute styling, we love the toggle switches that perform such basic functions as raising and lowering the windows. The Mini has a power convertible top and a neat power sliding sunroof feature. You wouldn't want to put good friends in the "back seat," but it's a superb place for more luggage or parcels.

The standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder is rated at only 115 h.p. That's not a lot, but getting the most out of it with the five-speed manual is enjoyable.

A sport suspension is available, but we recommend sticking with the standard suspension that offers a more comfortable ride. Likewise stick with the standard 15-inch all-season radial tires. Larger run-flats are available but they are very expensive to replace.

We recommend the base model at $22,600, which includes side-impact air bags and anti-lock brakes as standard equipment. The supercharged, 168-horsepower engine is neat but it adds $3,450 to the price.

Ford Mustang

The Mustang is big enough that it isn't a classic sports car, but as a convertible it is plenty of fun even with a V6 engine.

The rear-wheel-drive Mustang convertible offers a great balance between ride and handling. It doesn't jar you on a rough surface and can play with the best of them on a twisty road. That makes it an extremely entertaining way to travel particularly with the power top down.

Inside, the front seats are comfortable. The color-configurable instrument panel means that Mustang owners can personalize the background by mixing and matching lighting to create more than 125 colors to suit almost any whim. The real back seat means you have the option of bringing along an adult eager to avoid walking or taking enough luggage to be gone for a week.

The 4.6-liter V8 is rated at 300 h.p., but the standard 210-h.p. 4.0-liter V6 works remarkably well. And for many it is the smarter choice for reasons that range from purchase price to fuel economy. But important safety features such as anti-lock brakes and seat-mounted airbags designed to protect the head and chest in a side-impact crash are not standard equipment on the V6 model. The five-speed manual is friendly and easy to use, although a five-speed automatic is available for a hefty $995.

Sure the V8 is fun, but it boosts the price to just over $30,000. We'd stick with the standard V6 ($24,820) and then add the side-impact air bags ($380) and anti-lock brakes ($775) for a total of $25,435.

By Cheryl and Chris Jensen

Interest.com Contributing Editors

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