Going to Vegas, Zion, Bryce, North Rim of Grand Canyon in the first week of September. Taking votes for the practical and fun car. Hit the reply to message and help me out. Anyone with past experience out there is the convertible a go or no? And why? Thanks!

Don't have any specific advice regarding the best vehicle, but i want to make sure that you are aware that MOST credit card companies do NOT cover the collision damage for SUVs (the insurance most of us usually decline and have our credit cards pick up).

If you can't decide on car type by yourself how in the world did you decide on this vacation? Another example of some of the inane questions on this site.

It will still be very hot out there the first week of August. My sister in St. George (which you will drive through on the way from Vegas to Zion--good place to stop for lunch) said it was 105 degrees when I spoke to her last weekend. A convertible might be too hot--you might prefer the shade provided by the roof and the coolth (like warmth?) of the a.c. The North Rim is the only place where it will probably be cool.

Convertible.
We splurged one trip and was it ever worth it!!!!

I never realized how much more can be seen with the top down. Perfect for your trip.

The only problem, and it was big, was the convertible's had a) very little or b) little or c) ever less trunk space. We had to store our extra bags at the Marriott.

Forget the SUV

I vote for the convertible. We were given one recently because Hertz wanted to get it from LA back to Las Vegas. It was a Sebring,chrome wheels, beautiful car and handled so nice. We drove from LA up Highway 1 to San Francisco, Tahoe, Yosemite, through Death Valley and on to Vegas. It was soooo much fun. This was Death Valley in August and it was no problem. We were out by 10:30 am though. It made our trip perfect!

you are going to southern utah....GET A 4 WHEEL DRIVE!!! there are hundreds (thousands) of off-road adventures waiting for you.....unless you're not into that sort of thing. we rented a Montero at the SLC airport for a base price of @ $220(per week)from Alamo. we had a blast driving the back roads(?) of Moab/Canyonlands.

Another vote for a 4WD- there are many opportunities for off-road adventures. I recommend "Scenic Driving Utah"
by Joe Bensen [Falcon Publishing], which gives a good overview of driving opportunties, both on and off-road. We've been out to the Southwest in 1999, 2000, and 2001 and have enjoyed having a 4WD every time. Just depends on what you like- have seen a lot of rental Sebring convertibles, so that's a popular pick.

I just returned from an almost identical trip--had a tremendous time. You should rent an SUV. First, lots of the smaller roads in Southern Utah aren't paved. If you're interested in any serious hiking. You might not be able to reach some trailheads w/o an SUV. Second, it was about 110 degrees in Vegas last week. Even if you're driving on an interstate at 85 mph (you will be), you will probably be too hot w/ the top down in a convertable. In fact, most of the convertibles I saw last week had their tops up. Third, the price of an SUV is only about 20% more than that for a regular car. Hope this helps.

Zim - just a word of advice. If you do plan to go off road in southern Utah, be absolutely sure to check on current road conditions. During August, heavy thunderstorms can wash out or flood roads that are supposed to be "easy". Make sure it's a road that you will be comfortable with - some get pretty hairy & even require customized Jeep Wangler vehicles. If you like, there are many tour operators who can take you around the Moab/Canyonlands area. They're pros & have the right equipment. Yes, there are many graded roads perfectly doable if you are inexperienced. Just be sure to have extra water, food, warm clothing, comfortable hiking shoes. Make sure your spare & jack are usable. There is no cell phone coverage in most places off road!

Keep the votes coming!! Thank you all for your input!! In touring southern Utah, Zion and Bryce, North Rim of GC and possible Lake Powell I was inching towards the Convertible. I don't plan to do off road traveling and since I am unfamilar with the terrain and traveling with a novice hiker. (only 2 people traveling)I also won't go much further north then bryce as time won't allow I would be driving right out of vegas up to Zion the first day that I get there. I will be back in Vegas for only the last day. (couple nights zion, couple in bryce, one at the north rim). I guess that's why I was leaning towards the Convert. Prices are $225 for SUV, $207 for convert, and $130 for full size. More votes......

CONVERTABLE + 4 Wheel Drive = JEEP!

I about broke my neck in Zion, trying to look up while driving and I swore I'd take a convertable the next time I go.

I now own a Jeep Wrangler and that's the way to go! I doubt they rent them, but that's the vehicle for the southwest!

You may need a 4WD even if you aren't going off road. Some really good places in the Utah parks are on rough roads that require high clearance and 4WD. However, if you aren't comfortable on 4WD roads, then there's no point in spending extra money and using more gas for an SUV.

I did this trip a few years ago and we rented an SUV which was great fun and also practical, although a convertible would be fun! We kept a cheap cooler w/ us at all times plus all our "stuff" so the SUV was perfect. I guess it depends on what you plan on doing---sightseeing or more active stuff that would require more gear. Have fun!

I think a convertable would be perfect for seeing the sites, but I would be concerned about the heat and over-exposure to the sun. It can get really hot in southern Utah. We took a car trip through there several years ago. It was June and the temperatures around Moab were above 110°.

The seats in the SUV will be higher up and will afford more visibility than the other choices. The convertible will be too hot with the top down and too noisy with it up. Ground clearance is an issue, too.

What does any of this have to do with Georgia?

convertible all the way. I did the exact same trip 1st week of sept last year, including Lake Powell which you HAVE to squeeze in if you can. One of the best stops along the route. Definitley no top is the way to go!!!!! It cools down at the north rim and bryce. Also look at the map and you can squeeze in Cedar breaks as a drive by on the way from Zion to Bryce.

Word of warning - if you're not used to driving a small car, which convertibles usually are, they can be unnerving to drive through the winding, twisting mountain roads.

An SUV would give you the option - if you so choose - to go off-road. But do check the weather conditions first, and make sure you stick to designated (off) roads.

What part of Hawaii is Utah in ??