Coolest cars for summer: Convertibles

By John Aaron
July 7, 2020 | 4:17 AM

The Mazda Miata (WTOP/John Aaron) — The Miata is cramped and impractical, but nonetheless one of our favorite cars that we’ve driven. With its nimble steering and available manual transmission, it offers a level of driver engagement that few cars can these days.

Inside the Miata. (WTOP/John Aaron) — Cup holders are an added-on afterthought — more proof of this car’s no-nonsense mission.

The Jeep Wrangler. (WTOP/John Aaron) — Though the Jeep Wrangler can slog through winter with the best of them, its convertible top, along with its removable doors and drop-down windshield, make it a perfect machine for summer trips to the beach or mountains.

Seating in the Jeep Wrangler. (WTOP/John Aaron) — Though its off-road ability is unmatched, drivers do have to get used to vague and clumsy steering on pavement.

The Jeep Gladiator. (WTOP/John Aaron) — Those looking for a convertible with a pickup bed now have an option in the Jeep Gladiator. Though it shares much with the Wrangler, Jeep insists the Gladiator is the result of extensive engineering to make it a competitive pickup. The changes create a Wrangler with a bit more practicality built in, thanks to its added hauling and towing abilities.

The back of the Jeep Gladiator. (WTOP/John Aaron) — It also features tricks such as rear under-seat storage and an available detachable Bluetooth speaker. The Gladiator has a starting price of $35,040, including delivery, although current promotions push that price just below the $32,000 mark.

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No talk about cars for summer can be complete without some convertibles.

The decline of the convertible has often been lamented, but there are actually quite a few drop-top options out there.

Our favorites for summer fun include the Mazda Miata and a pair of Jeeps.

Car Review: Land Rover Defender OCTA is a sinister supercar

By John Aaron
August 20, 2026 | 5:08 AM

If you're running a covert war or a Russian crime syndicate, boy do I have the ride for you. I present the Land Rover Defender 110 OCTA Black. And black it is. The paint, the wheels and the leather seats are all black, among other things. Even the Land Rover grille emblem is blacked out. Team of goons not included. The menacing look is backed up by what's under the hood: a 4.4‑liter twin turbo mild‑hybrid V8 producing 626 horsepower, which growls at idle and roars under acceleration. It's enough to rocket this behemoth to 60 miles per hour in a scant 3.8 seconds.

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