1996 Volkswagen Cabrio Review
1996 Volkswagen Cabrio Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Daytime running lights and new body-color side moldings alter the exterior appearance of the 1996 Cabrio. A new color scheme also livens things up. Central locking and unlocking switch is dash-mounted.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Volkswagen Cabrio 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$193/mo for Cabrio Base
Cabrio Base
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Volkswagen replaced the venerable Cabriolet with this Golf-based convertible in 1995. The difference between the Cabriolet and the Cabrio was enormous and welcome. The old Rabbit-based car hasn't been missed.
The Cabrio is good fun. For $22,000 you get a four-seat convertible with simple good looks, reasonably spry performance, air conditioning and sharp seven-spoke alloy wheels. Road feel is superb, and the thick four-spoke steering wheel falls readily to hand.
While the 2.0-liter motor is no barnstormer, it moves the Cabrio quick enough to squirt through traffic. At speed, the VW feels solid and sure; this is a car that will get you speeding tickets if you're not careful.
Handling is excellent, in the Volkswagen tradition. The chassis and suspension communicate clearly with the driver, and the Cabrio's seats are comfortable and multi-adjustable.
The basket handle rollbar remains intact on the Cabrio, but the top stows much more neatly than it ever did on the Cabriolet. And a stout top it is, sporting six layers and latching tightly to the windshield header. The glass rear window is thoughtfully equipped with a defroster, making the Cabrio a true four seasons car.
For 1996, Volkswagen is making few changes. Daytime running lights have been added, and side moldings are now body color. Central locking and unlocking is accomplished via a dash-mounted switch. A new color scheme, Cinnabar Metallic with Kiesel top and Kiesel leather, is now available. (What the heck is Kiesel?)
Yes, the Miata is more fun to drive, and Mustangs are more stylish (depending on your sense of style), but the Cabrio is no longer the Barbie car it once was. It imparts a sense of class and sophistication, and at a starting price of $20,000, which includes a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, we think Volkswagen's got a winner.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Volkswagen Cabrio.
5 star(40%)
4 star(47%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
15 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
Love the car BUT . . .had some problems
VW Girl, 06/14/2004
1995 Volkswagen Cabrio 2dr Convertible
I have had my VW Cabrio for almost 5
years now. The top had a defect in it
and started to rip, VW did not want to
pay for this even though it was under
warrenty. This car had quite a few
problems. The car would brake and
lock up. (stop short) VW looked at
this problem, and couldn't find
anything wrong till I told them now
that they have documented this, it can
be … quite a law suite. (well that never
happened again) The leather seats in
the front started cracking, so I had
to put seat covers on them. The engine
light comes and when VW looks at it
they never find the problem. The
cruise control no longer works. The
car revs up when you try to stop.
4.63 out of 5 stars
carnival ride on wheels
raydebco, 02/19/2004
1995 Volkswagen Cabrio 2dr Convertible
love this car, fun to drive, great
milage, so far low maintenance, so fun
to drive we put lot of miles just
taking daily "roadtrips" for the fun of
it. cruise all day with the top down
4.5 out of 5 stars
Excellent Car
usaf_xena, 04/11/2002
1995 Volkswagen Cabrio 2dr Convertible
I've had this car for the past 6.5
years and have had virtually no
problems with it. I bring it in for
regular maintenance and it has run
wonderfully! I was even rear-ended
twice in one week and the bumper
withstood both accidents so there was
no damage to the car frame. The 1995
does not have a glove compartment,
which is a problem and the cup holders
are only big … enough to hold cans of
soda. There is also no central door
lock on the '95 Cabrio. These are my
only complaints with the car.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Practical and Fun
buccaneer, 03/04/2004
1995 Volkswagen Cabrio 2dr Convertible
I have owned this car since it was
new. It has been a blast to drive and
very economical. Very reliable and
only minimal repair & maintenance
costs. After almost 9 years, the body
is still tight with a smooth ride
(unlike many convertibles that turn
into rattle traps when they get old).
Totally fun car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Volkswagen Cabrio, so we've included reviews for other years of the Cabrio since its last redesign.
1996 Cabrio Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $193/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 7.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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