2001 Volkswagen Cabrio Review
2001 Volkswagen Cabrio Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Germanic ride and handling, standard side airbags and ABS, glass rear window, exceptional warranty.
Cons
- Sluggish off-the-line power, dated styling, limited storage space.
What’s new
A top-of-the-line GLX trim level has been added to the existing lineup for 2001. All models get an anti "trunk entrapment" button to keep people from getting stuck in the cargo hold.
Edmunds says
A fun-in-the-sun ride. If it's good enough for Gidget, it's good enough for you.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio GL 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M) 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
$188/mo for Cabrio GL
Cabrio GL
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Volkswagen's Cabrio is good fun. A four-seat convertible with simple good looks, spry performance and premium sound, the Golf-based drop-top is the perfect summertime cruiser. Road feel is superb, and the thick four-spoke steering wheel falls readily to hand. At high speeds, 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 Cabrio's multi-adjustable seats are comfortable. All Cabrios come with a fixed integrated rollbar and a stout top, sporting six layers and latching tightly to the windshield header. Three trim levels are available for 2001: value-packed GL, mid-level GLS and high-end GLX. All three come with CFC-free air conditioning, ABS, an AM/FM stereo with CD changer pre-wiring, a glass rear window with defogger, side airbags and an anti-theft system. The GL has a vinyl top and a leather-covered steering wheel, while GLS models add power windows, power mirrors, heated seats, cruise control and a cloth top. Pop for the GLX, and you get all of the GLS' features plus a power top, leather seating, newly designed 14-inch wheels and foglights. For 2001, all Cabrios receive an anti-entrapment button that allows individuals to escape from the trunk.
All models are powered by the same 115-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that motivated previous-generation ragtops. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard and an automatic tranny is optional. Despite its 122 foot-pounds of torque, this inline four is no barnstormer and will feel downright sluggish underfoot if mated to the automatic. Nonetheless, the latest Cabrio is a solid, refined and comfortable ride, whether cruising at highway speeds or clipping apexes on your favorite mountain road. Capable underpinnings include MacPherson struts and an antiroll bar that controls front-end movement, while Volkswagen's own "independent track-correcting torsion-beam rear axle" keeps the Cabrio's hindquarters in line. This suspension is complemented by a perfectly weighted, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system that offers excellent turn-in and fantastic feedback.
Inside the Cabrio, you'll find classy chrome accents and an instrument panel that illuminates with indigo blue and red lighting. Climate and radio controls are within easy reach and have a logical layout. Front seats offer substantial bolstering, firm padding and a wide range of adjustments to satisfy drivers of all sizes. This is one of the few small cars we've driven recently that had front legroom to spare. The Cabrio imparts a sense of class and sophistication, and with a conservative price tag, a fantastic 2-year/24,000-mile new vehicle warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, two years of free roadside assistance and free scheduled maintenance during the first two years or 24,000 miles of ownership, we think this Volkswagen will appeal to those who appreciate a capable drop-top.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio.
5 star(31%)
4 star(43%)
3 star(19%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(5%)
42 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
Love this car!
kalba, 07/11/2011
2001 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I bought this car a year ago with 100,000 miles on it expecting that with mileage like that, it may need some maintenance and repairs. I have driven it about 17000 miles and all I have had to do is change the oil and give her a tune up. It really hasn't given me any major trouble and it is so much fun to drive. My advice would be to shop carefully and find one that appears to have been … well taken care of. I looked at at least 10 of these before I chose this one. It seems to be one of those cars that young drivers beat the heck out of and can't or don't take care of them properly so there are a lot of used/abused cabbies out there. But when you find a good one, grab it. You won't regret it
4.25 out of 5 stars
Buyer be mindfull it's 10 yrs old
catk2, 09/26/2011
2001 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I've had my car for 5 years just paid it off a year ago. Now the problems have started. Everything was wonderful, at first. 3 days before christmas the window fell down and i couldn't bring it back up.The cost to fix it was $500. My starter gets stuck sometimes i have not fixed it yet it will cost me $450.
Now this week my air went out and it cost me $650. Then the back window came off … the convertible and no one can just fix it, i need a new top and window which is going to cost me $1400. Very bad week. I love my car but its costing me a lot right now and i wonder what will break next?
3 out of 5 stars
Don't Buy This Car
Never Again, 11/29/2009
2001 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I'll never buy a Volkswagen again. Door handles, glove box, knobs falling off/melting, even though handles have been replaced 3 times. Ditto for random indicator lights and windows that go up and down whenever. Worst though, are the tie rods. First replaced when car was 3ish. Four years later, we're sitting in a hotel 4 hours from home waiting o/n for new TRs to be delivered tomorrow … b/c car is un-drivable - at a total cost of $1K for hotel, rental car and repair. And we'll have to drive back in a week to pick up the car once it's fixed. Car sits in garage 9 of 10 days and is used only for highway miles, so our driving not at fault. Our mechanics unanimously agree car is total crap.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Awesome!
Designs11, 10/18/2009
2001 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
This car is great! It gets great gas mileage, the CD player doesn't skip, the truck is pretty roomy for a small car, and easy to park/maneuver. I bought this car used, but it only had one owner who had all the routine maintenance preformed on time at a VW dealership, so I'm loving it!! There are no mechanical problems and it has almost 70k miles on it now. Great car for the money!! (And … it's cute!)
2001 Cabrio Highlights
GL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,600 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $188/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 2 years / 24,000 miles |
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