Everyone dreams of owning a convertible. Whether it's the up-and-coming single professional woman in southern California, the married father of seven in upstate New York, or the retired construction worker in the Florida Keys, there's no escaping the feeling of freedom associated with these drop-top cruisers. There are several new choices this year, but we've given the redesigned Porsche Boxster our Autobytel Editors' Choice award for Best New Convertible of 2005. Porsche has always been known for building extremely capable vehicles, and the 2005 Boxster is no exception. Handling prowess is the strongest attribute of the 2005 Porsche Boxster, due in part to standard traction and stability control systems and a 46-percent front/54-percent rear weight distribution. Power comes from one of two engines, a 240-horsepower, 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine or a 280-horsepower, 3.2-liter six, and when these output ratings are combined with a curb weight of about 3,000 lbs., the result is an impressively low power-to-weight ratio. Transmission choices include five- and six-speed manuals or an optional five-speed Tiptronic S automatic. The Boxster's motors are covered by a four-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty, and base prices range from about $44,000 to just over $53,000. But the drivetrain and the suspension are only part of what makes the 2005 Porsche Boxster our pick for Best New Convertible. Another important component is the freshened styling, which now draws a closer resemblance to the Boxster's big brother, the 911 Carrera, a car with refreshingly timeless appeal. It's an understated, sophisticated look that ties the Boxster to Porsche's storied past. Competitors in this category came from around the globe, some offering more powerful engines and others featuring lower price tags, but none with the combination of style, performance, and fun-in-the-sun appeal of the 2005 Porsche Boxster. - Thom Blackett
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