If you’re thinking of taking the family on a late summer road trip in a hot number that will have everyone turning their heads (or be just practical for kids and gear), consider a variation on the traditional before-you-buy test drive. Consider renting a car to really get the feel of it. After all, a car is a major investment and an asset you will have for awhile. It might be worth spending some time falling in love with it first. If you’ve ever rented a car in a vacation city after arriving, and then wished you could take it home, then this is the option for you. Here are a few cars worth considering.

Ford Mustang GT
This is the all-american pony car that we have had a love affair with for years. The Dodge Charger is on the scene, looking leaner and meaner than ever. Chevrolet’s righteous Camaro concept, is turning heads. But nothing compares to this summer’s coolest ride, the Ford Mustang. It truly represents a shining achievement for American auto makers. Although the base Mustang is nicely equipped, GT options pump up the volume without altering the bottom line too badly.

Volvo C70
Not really considered a “summer car,” this may be the best time to consider this little convertible just the same. In the past, it got a bit of a bad rap in the automotive press as “a woman’s car” — whatever that means. And, although it shares the same number designation as Volvo’s famous wagon series, besides safety it’s got little in common with that full-sized family-hauler. In fact, the new C70 is a peppy, fun, and extremely safe car for the young and upwardly mobile.

BMW M3 Convertible
OK, this is a bit of a luxury for the rental market but we couldn’t leave it out. Technically comparable to Corvettes and Porsches, the M3 Convertible is really in a class of its own. For many fans, it defines the prodigious 3 Series line and the auto press has largely agreed. It’s been a Car and Driver “10 Best” for nearly 15 years in a row. As with all performance-oriented BMW M models, the M3 packs a lot of punch-per-dollar. The 333-horsepower inline-6 engine gets you and three friends to 60 in a cool 5.4 seconds.

Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is for anybody who takes the term “off-road capable” seriously. To them, the proliferation of four-wheel and all-wheel drive SUVs is a joke. All that really matters is the hard-to-nab “Trail-Rated” badge, a mark of true off-road prowess. Luckily, over the years, Jeeps have been steadily improving in cabin and car quality, making highway and street driving a little less tiring than battlefield cruising. What’s more, the canvas-top version of the Wrangler redefines open-air visibility, its high ground clearance providing that thrilling top-of-the-world feeling.

Honda Odyssey
Honda’s minivan is aptly named for road-bound families this summer. And, although it’s by no means a convertible, the Odyssey made a good name for itself by making luxury features available in the regularly ho-hum van market. Indeed, the Odyssey is as close to “sexy” as a minivan is likely to get. Although the Odyssey’s exterior has remained relatively unchanged for a while now, interior quality and options have kept up with the times. Decent fuel economy for such a large vehicle makes it a great, easy on the pocketbook choice for driving season too.

Chrysler Sebring
Although the Sebring has been around longer than most of the cars’on this list, however you’ve got to give Chrysler credit for selling a four-seat convertible that doesn’t make you feel like you’re enjoying the summer air from the inside of a coffin. In short, the Sebring’s top draws are its roomy interior, decent gas mileage, and inexpensive price point.

MINI Cooper Convertible
Since its introduction in 2000, the MINI has enjoyed roaring success. It’s a perfect example of retro design that manages to also establish new, modern conventions. The convertible version features a fully automatic roof, which is rare in cars so small. And it can be opened partially, emulating a sunroof. It shares its hard-topped siblings’nimble handling and agile performance. Plus it gets an environmentally friendly 34 miles to the gallon.

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