1998 Volkswagen Cabrio Review
1998 Volkswagen Cabrio Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- German ride and handling. Optional side impact airbags. Glass rear window with defogger. Amazing powertrain warranty. Free scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 24,000 miles.
Cons
- Engine taxed by 2,771-lb. curb weight. Styling is more chunky than sporty. High price.
What’s new
The Highline trim designation is replaced by more sensible GLS nomenclature. New GLS model gets a power top, making the Cabrio easier to live with. Optional are side-impact airbags mounted inside the seats. Standard on both base and GLS are door pocket liners, a trunk cargo net and sport seats with height adjustment.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio GL 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$181/mo for Cabrio GL
Cabrio GL
vs
$179/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 $18,500 you get a four-seat convertible with simple good looks, reasonably spry performance and premium sound. 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 1998, Cabrio GLS has a power top that makes life in sunny climes so much easier.
Volkswagen is making a few changes for 1998. Two trim levels are available: Base and new GLS. Both come with newly standard door pocket liners, a trunk cargo net and sport seats that feature height adjustment for both the driver and front passenger (driver only on Base model). Base models are decontented versions, eschewing air conditioning, power windows, heated exterior mirrors, cruise control and antilock brakes to attain a price thousands of dollars lower than the loaded Cabrio GLS. GLS models add fog lights, alloy wheels and leather interior trim (among other items) to the standard equipment roster. Buyers who must have ABS are forced into buying the pricey GLS model, since the system is not available on Base models.
Yes, the Miata is more fun to drive, and Mustangs are more stylish, 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 $18,500 (which includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and free scheduled maintenance during the first two years or 24,000 miles of ownership) we think this Volkswagen should appeal to those more interested in style than speed.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio.
5 star(57%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(19%)
2 star(10%)
1 star(0%)
42 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
I am a VW convert!!!
alecia, 05/18/2007
1998 Volkswagen Cabrio GL 2dr Convertible
I love this car! I have had convertables before, but never as fun as this one! The top is easy to put up and down (I have a manual one). Gas mileage is great. It handles highway speeds (80+) with no problems. I am not a girly girl but this is a "chick" car to die for. I will say the only draw back is THE CUP HOLDERS! I have spilt Starbucks more than once. My next new vehicle will be … a VW of some sort!! Commuters... this is the car of your dreams.
2.38 out of 5 stars
Fahrvegnugen, but....
Osedax, 09/25/2009
1997 Volkswagen Cabrio 2dr Convertible
Bought it used. Super fun to drive, but will never buy a VW again. Parts are incredibly expensive! Taken to the same VW ind. service dude who's been in business servicing VW's for 30 years. HE says they are great to 50K miles, then dump them--they break and are too expensive to service (but that's been good for him he admits!). Sage advice. I keep my cars a long time, and thus will … never buy a Cabrio (or any VW) again. Purchase at your peril.
2.5 out of 5 stars
Do not recommend
Cynthia, 09/27/2005
1997 Volkswagen Cabrio 2dr Convertible
From the day I drove it off the lot...lots of problems. I immediately had to replace the soft-top. Had an anti-freeze leak. The side panels have fallen off and glue will no longer keep them on! I have replaced the hubcaps so many times. The reflector light keeps falling off and I have to replace it for inspection. The driver's side interior door handle is busted. The rubber around the … antenna and windows is dry-rotting. The exhaust system has rusted out and I have to replace it this week. The muffler is hanging off! I bought this car used, but come on. I thought I was buying a high quality vehicle. I would never buy VW again.
4.5 out of 5 stars
just got it
Mike, 04/08/2009
1997 Volkswagen Cabrio Highline 2dr Convertible
Just got the Cabrio 97 convertable for the wife, at 125K miles, she loves it. I'm already doing work on it, and seen records of work from previous owner, which concerns me and the costs(online purchases are the way to go.) The side trims have come off, the cloth top is torn (heard the cloth is prone to that)..so got viynl online, which I heard takes awhile to install..10hours? For a 4 … cylinder, it runs nice and tight. I'm getting around 30mpg, more than the 24 stated. I have to get used to the reverse being in the same spot as 1st. Nice seats, but have problems with the back seat folding down completely..would be better for a dog and storage. High dash with low front seats. Fun to drive!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio, so we've included reviews for other years of the Cabrio since its last redesign.
1998 Cabrio Highlights
GL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $181/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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