2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse ( 2 door )

MSRP: $20,249 - $30,149

Overall, reviews gathered by TheCarConnection.com agree that the curvy style and powerful look of the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Eclipse recall muscle cars of the past. Motor Trend remarks that the 2009 Eclipse's "spaceship styling has aged well," while Road & Track says that the stylized elements of the Eclipse "add flair in a market in which flair sells." Though the 2009 Eclipse sports the same body style created in 2004, Cars.com notes, "the look is what turns you on." Edmunds.com agrees, remarking that the Eclipse GT "does merit more serious consideration" when looking for a vehicle that will turn 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse heads.

This curvy fluidity lends a sexiness to the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Eclipse that is lacking in some of the other front-wheel-drive 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse To Motor Trend, the front end looks like a "gaping maw" but is "offset by fluid curves." While most 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse versions of cars are manufactured from the hardtop version, Popular Mechanics notes that the "open-top version was engineered to be topless from inception." This lends to a more normal look when the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse rolls back the cloth top for quick cruise up the Pacific Coast Highway.

$30,149

2009 MINI Cooper Convertible ( 2 door )

MSRP: $23,900 - $34,300

For those unfamiliar with the brand, the2009 MINI Cooper Convertible a two-door2009 MINI Cooper Convertible that, despite recent size increases, is still one of the smallest vehicles available for sale in the United States. The 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible and its naturally aspirated base model brother hide their diminutive size well, however, thanks to styling that ConsumerGuide says "[brims] with character." The 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible lineup is "available in mild, medium and caliente flavors, officially designated as the Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works edition" models, according to Autoblog reviewers. The styling across the lineup is virtually identical, however, and all three models boast a 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible top that Road & Track says "can be fully opened in just 15 sec. at speeds of up to 20 mph."

In keeping with the all-new theme for this2009 MINI Cooper Convertible a couple of exterior changes materialize. Autoblog points out that "the nose is a bit higher and rounder, but still utterly familiar and instantly recognizable as a 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible" Motor Trend also reports that the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible "silhouette seems longer and sleeker, although no change to its length has been made." Rather, the roofline has been lowered and the side windows enlarged, which gives the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible the slightly more aerodynamic look. One feature that carries over from the previous generation of 2009 MINI Cooper Convertibleis the sunroof function of the2009 MINI Cooper Convertible top. Autoblog reviewers find that if you "press the switch above the mirror...the portion of the roof above the front seats slides back," leaving the rear roof in place but opening up the cabin directly above the front occupants.

Interior styling on the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible lineup can vary wildly according to personal preference, as Automobile Magazine reports "more than a dozen interior trim choices," including "two- or three-spoke steering wheels." Some reviewers surveyed by TheCarConnection.com continue to be turned off by ending quest for retro styling; for example, Motor Trend mentions the "questionable ergonomics" of the interior. The most dominant characteristics of the2009 MINI Cooper Convertible interior, like that of the rest of the lineup, is the "center-mounted speedometer" that Cars.com reviewers report is the same as the one found in the hardtop model (first-gen 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible had their own unique speedometers).

2 Door MINI Cooper Convertible 2008

MSRP: $21,950 - $25,400

The Mini cooper convertible 2008 version of the Cooper Mini cooper convertible 2008 falls into a special category of car, Car and Driver says: “They attract attention mostly for their snappy styling." The Mini cooper convertible 2008 always been "replete with British charm," as Edmunds says in their review, and theMini cooper convertible 2008 no exception. It does the unimaginable: It takes the effortless fun of the hatchback and one-ups it with a roof that lowers or opens like a sunroof. The basic Mini cooper convertible 2008 is left mostly undisturbed--a good thing--but the Mini cooper convertible 2008roof does slope a little at the rear, adding to the retro style. And as Motor Trend notes, “the colorfulMini cooper convertible 2008 is irresistible.”

Not only is the outside of the car appealing, but the interior of the Mini cooper convertible 2008 continues the retro funk that very few cars achieve. Edmunds raves, "the modernistic interior is a design student's dream," reminding one of this car's appeal for younger generations, while still maintaining its old fan base as well. Cars.com reports that “the interior shares the same whimsical design as the hardtop, characterized by a large speedometer in the middle of the dashboard rather than in front of the steering wheel — which seems to drive some people into a rage.”

2009 Mercedes-Benz CL Class 2 door

MSRP: $107,900 - $203,700


According to Edmunds, minimal external differences separate the different CL models other than the AMG versions that come with "unique exterior enhancements" and "20-inch wheels.” Otherwise, they share a "sporty" appearance highlighted by a roofline that "sweeps smoothly from windshield to rear window without the interruption of a B-pillar." Cars.com calls that roofline "one of the CL550's best attributes" and goes on to say that "in the world of high-dollar the CL550's styling is rather restrained," though "its long profile, low-slung stance and big three-pointed star on the grille say 'I'm expensive.'"

Reviewers at ForbesAutos comment that this 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL Class"looks shapely from some angles," but it also "appears a bit fussed-over from other angles," and overall, it simply "didn't provoke public swooning in the manner of the2009 Mercedes-Benz CL Class or Jaguar XKR." Kelley Blue Book calls it “neither showy nor obviously exotic.”

Kelley Blue Book praises the interior of this 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL Class as do most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, for the2009 Mercedes-Benz CL Class that "abounds door-to-door, floor-to-roof" and is enhanced by a "leather-trimmed aviation-style cockpit." ForbesAutos goes on to say that "nearly everything about the design" of the2009 Mercedes-Benz CL Class interior "announces that this is a genuine article." ConsumerGuide mentions "most major controls are logically placed and easy to reach." Cars.com is impressed by the way that the "CL550's cabin manages to elegantly fuse modern technology with old-world sophistication," thanks to its "orange ambient lighting with classic burled walnut trim and a full-leather interior."

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class 2 Door

MSRP: $45,950 - $65,700


The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class comes in three flavors, which J.D. Power lists as "SLK 300, SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG, with the major differentiator being the model's particular powertrain." 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class aficionados might notice that the SLK280 is no longer available, as its name has been changed to SLK300 for 2009. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class model year brings exterior updates to the SLK-Class, which Motor Trend says includes "larger mesh in the grille and redesigned foglamps" up front, as well as a "nose job—trimmed back a bit, with the wings fleshed out for a more Formula 1 look." The SLK55 AMG got similar updates, but "the changes are less evident because of its larger grille," according to Car and Driver. Other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com agree that the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class has an exciting look that calls to mind some of 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class ' more potent racers.

The rear end of the Mercedes-Benz SLK Class has also receives a minor makeover from Mercedes designers. Motor Trend notes the "taillamps are now tinted" and "exhaust tips are squared off," while Car and Driver observes that "the rear bumper is more sculpted and adds a mock diffuser."

The exterior of the Mercedes-Benz SLK Class may be stunning and more racer-like than before, but as the saying goes, the real beauty is on the inside of the SLK-Class. The interior of this Mercedes-Benz SLK Class is also redesigned slightly, and Car and Driver reports that "new gauge faces and a new three-spoke steering wheel" are among the most notable changes, along with "an updated navigation system" that Edmunds says will display along an "expanded 6.5-inch LCD screen." Edmunds adds that the Mercedes-Benz SLK Class design for the SLK-Class is "beyond reproach," and Kelley Blue Book is impressed thatMercedes-Benz SLK Class has done a wonderful job of organizing the SLK's interior without losing the look and feel common to all Mercedesproducts."

Reviewers at Car and Driver are also pleased to find that "the choices of textures and colors in the dashboard have been streamlined," and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the new materials look great. Edmunds in particular is impressed with the "classy interior appointments" found inside the Mercedes-Benz SLK Class

2009 Mazda MX-5 2 Door car

MSRP: $21,750 - $29,290

To some reviewers the 2009 Mazda MX-5 ’s style is neither butch nor muscular. The New York Times says, “It doesn’t have side pipes or a hood scoop or a name that conjures images of bloodlust and rage.” In fact, Car and Driver calls it a “cutie pie,” though Edmunds returns some dignity when it reports that the Miata has “more aggressive styling, without bumping up the price or diluting its perky personality.”

Jalopnik says it "resembles a lightweight power lifter" and describes it as follows: "flared wheel arches rising out of the hood and the trunk, aggressive swells around the headlights and dual pipes poking out of a chiseled, muscular derriere." Cars.com points out that this version of the Miata “retains the fixed headlights but returns somewhat to the original shape, with fewer curves—except for the accentuated wheel arches that recall the 2009 Mazda MX-5 ”

The 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is available in two models: a soft-top roadster and a Power Retractable Hard Top model. The hardtop edition is good-looking too; Car and Driver says, “raised, the body-color bubble looks stubbier than the soft-top but is still attractive.”

Inside the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s cabin, the seat shape is refined for better comfort and lateral support. The center console has more flexible storage, and a padded armrest provides better comfort. “The interior is highlighted with chrome and silver accents, and the driver faces a three-spoke tilt steering wheel,” Cars.com notes of its test car. “The $515 interior trim package,” according to the New York Times, “consists of a few bits of ‘aluminum look’ trim on the door panels and dashboard. Mind you, this isn’t aluminum trim—it’s plastic. For that price, on a per-ounce basis, I’d think you could trim your doors and dash in anything from titanium to sashimi-grade tuna belly.”2009 Mazda MX-5

2009 Mazda RX-8 2 DOOR

MSRP: $26,435 - $31,930

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is, in the words of Edmunds reviewers, "a four-seat coupe with a pair of rear-hinged 'suicide' doors" that comes in "four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and R3." Those who love the striking exterior design of previous Mazda RX-8 will be pleased to hear that "the RX-8 carries on with only minor changes to the exterior," according to Automobile Magazine. Otherwise, it's still what ConsumerGuide calls a "sporty coupe," and Cars.com loves the "longish hood" and "pronounced fender flares" that give it one of the most unique appearances on the road. Unique isn't always a good thing, though, and Car and Driver reports that "not everybody thinks it's pretty," but overall reviews read by TheCarConnection.com aren't overly critical of the styling. Edmunds sums it up perfectly by describing the Mazda RX-8 as "weird in good ways and bad," with the styling leaning more toward the former than the latter.

The interior of the Mazda RX-8 has been restyled as well, though some reviewers still have a few complaints about the layout. Automobile Magazine devotes quite a bit of space to criticizing the stereo controls and is disappointed to find that in the Mazda RX-8 , "the channel selector is on the left, and the volume control is a large, centrally located knob," which results in reviewers "changing the station when [they] really only wanted to change the volume." Aside from that criticism, other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com appreciate the new styling touches. Road & Track points out that "the instrument panel was redesigned to 'give a feeling of dynamic movement,'" while some gauge changes for the Mazda RX-8 include a "variable red-zone, which should keep drivers from using too many revs when the engine is cold." ConsumerGuide lists a few pros and cons with the styling; while they love that "the navigation system doesn't incorporate any other functions, which is a plus," they don't like that "when the console cupholders are in use, shifting the manual transmission is awkward." Other styling touches on the interior of the Mazda RX-8 include "numerous circle and triangle details throughout the cabin," which Edmunds says are "a visual homage to the car's rotary engine design.