Used 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio Consumer Reviews
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99 vw CABRIO GLS, What A Fun Car!
toycollector, 07/26/2014
updated 08/03/2021
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible
19 of 20 people found this review helpful
I purchased this 99 VW Cabrio used some many years ago. I wanted a convertible and My Grand mother swore by VW. Lest we forget, she bought her VW's when Volkswagon was still Volkswagon. UPDATED REVIEW 08 04 2021 This 99 Cabrio is still running sweet. The only fault mechanically was the linkage to the transmission. It has a 5 speed manual and the linkage began to rust. I started having trouble getting in gear on 2nd and 4th. We found the problem, tried to clean it up and lubed it like crazy. OK VW's short falls The radio for this model is junk. It plays great, even the CD player still plays. But the plastic body is cracking and falling apart and the LCD screen has a wave of BLACK that will in a year or two make the LCD unreadable. THE paint is good, the clear coat sucks. Mine began peeling some years back. Of course to fix it the paint shop needs to repaint the entire cars for 4 grand. for about $20 bucks I used PlastiDip to cover the failing Clear Coat, and enhance the looks of the car. The window operators have a problem that VW knew about and never recalled. It's when you cannot open or close the window. The motor has relays on it than can fail. VW, like most of the car manufacturers, built on the cheap. They used plastic everywhere they could get away with. The door handles on the Cabrio are, of course, PLASTIC. My driver door handle wore the nub off that the handle hinges on and I couldn't open the door from the inside. I have repaired it twice now, but it would never have happened had VW not been so cheap with the parts in the car, especially this one. Not being able to get out, say a car on fire after an accident, could be a serious problem.. Not such a smart idea VW. Joys of the RIDE -- Love the convertible top. Had to change it out when the car was 18 years old. Did it myself. BOY what a job but works great now. Cabrio still as much fun as when it was new. The Cabrio is one of the most fun cars I have ever owned. Sure, there have been some bumps but all cars have them. There is no perfect manufacturer and they all are cutting corners to make money. Fix it and enjoy the ride. I have one of those FM transmitters that lets me listen to whatever music I care to while driving down the road with the top down. Even more exciting when the top is down and the moon is out. Wind blowing around you, with some good tunes. Best part of this story, this is a great, fun little car and, ITS PAID FOR, has been for many years. Still looks great, rides fantastic, the engine hums when tooling down the country roads. What more can you ask for, lol. and we can talk gas mileage, she still goes forever, literally, on a tank of gas. May be because of the manual transmission or the motor under the hood. No matter, it is my most economical car. I did some research one time about my Cabrio. Did you know the 99 model year of VW's were all redesigned, all EXCEPT the 99 Cabrio. The 99 Cabrio continued production on the 98 Cabrio chasis and body. The car was slated to end production in a few years and VW didn't want to spend any money on a redesign for this fine car. I guess if you understand big business then this is ok, but it seems to me no matter the life of the car, they should have changed at least SOMETHING. They are asking a lot of money for the product and we the customers are paying them for the latest. Seems some skulldugery going on there. But in the end the car is great, fun, exciting, fast enough, lol. Even with its VW radio self destructing, the radio sounds great, and what a ride. It is STILL a fun little car and I drive it as much as I can get away with wearing my ball cap, dark sunglasses, and a scarf around my neck, the end blowing in the wind. Ah If you can find a better thing in life, jump on it. I don't know how many of you still have your Cabrios, or if they have become fond memories of the past. I hope most of you are still enjoying this fun car. Its been around a long time and still holding its own. I'm pretty sure that at this time, it will be rather difficult to find another 99 Cabrio in good condition both body and mechanical for any kind of decent money. They are taking their turns in accidents and junk yards, being attacked by rust and what ever other falls on a car to shorten its life. If you are looking for a Cabrio and find one in great shape, Grab onto it and never let go. LOL You are going to love this car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
1999 VW Cabrio 2 Dr. GLS
cmartin, 07/31/2009
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Currently the owner of a second VW Cabrio and you would have thought I would learn my lesson. The car is cute, however I have realized that certain major & costly things go wrong with VW's - just a few examples: The window censors, the automatic roof motor, rotor & distributor moisture (which causes yearly replacement), cruise control malfunctions, and items within the interior to just fall off. While I love the exterior design I would never purchase another VW.
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forreal1, 07/03/2013
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
The reviews point towards a car that is fun to drive, good-looking (unique style), comfortable for even tall drivers, higher clearance than many convertibles, a/c and heater works, heated seats put out moderate amount of heat, good winter driving capability (if you choose to), good on gas and easy to park. I think these points are valid and are the experience of the majority of owners. For me, the problem was a leaking transmission, which turned into a replacement of the filter and fluid. This was the beginning of an expensive problem. Many transmissions don't like changing older fluid for newer fluid. It upsets the balance inside the transmission. Stay away from cars with trans work.
Very Dependable
C. Jones, 01/01/2003
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GL 2dr Convertible (midyear)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
The only notable problem has been the electrical window motors.
Summer Fun -
ChitownVWDriver, 02/11/2003
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible (midyear)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Great convertble - especially for the money. This, incidently, is also a very reliable winter car. The top is the sam six-layer cover used in higher end German cars and the front-wheel drive handling is fine in the snow.
Cute, reliable, and head-turning!
jessiebg, 12/04/2003
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible (midyear)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
What more could you ask for in a car? I've had my 1999 Cabrio GLS since I bought it new during the month the new body style was released! It's great for commuting and in just about all weather! Fun to drive-the power roof is great and soooo convenient-plus-the heated leather seats are awesome (picture little blonde me crusing down the PA turnpike in february, top down-car was filled with an entire room of Ikea furniture!-heat blasting--toasty seats on-quite a sight and a remarkably non-painful experience considering it was about 30 degs)! Also, with the heat on, the heated seats on, and the windows up, you can drive around with your top down in just about any weather!
I Love This Car
Tiah, 04/10/2003
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car is so awesome. I had wanted one for so long and after looking a bunch off lemons I found a real winner. Note to those who are looking to buy a cabrio. No matter where you buy it whether it be a dealer or private seller have an independent mechanic look at it. I looked at 6 before i found a good one. Its a young persons car and most young people don't take care of cars. Otherwise Great car.
Fun Ride
kamipost, 03/18/2002
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Great value for a convertable car.
Go Go Cabrio - Driver Found
Julie, 12/10/2008
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased my carbrio in the dead of winter 1999 & have driven it year round since with basic maintenance and care. Would like bigger better placed cup holders but love absolutely everything about my car so much I am finding it hard to find a suitable replacement for the future. I am nearing 100,000 miles & have required no major repair.
I love my Cabrio but...
Meg, 07/03/2009
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible (midyear)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my cabrio. It is so fun to drive and so cute, but I have had to replace my cluster twice, replace my tail pipe and I'm due to replace my whole muffler system. My power top is leaking in 2 places and I have to replace the hydrolic fluid every summer or pay over 1,000$ to fix the leaks. I had a bad sensor, my check engine light is always on and my ABS light is on. It is also rusting all over despite my waxing it multiple times a year! This car is costing me almost as much in repairs as I payed for it! It is also going to be very hard to sell because who wants a convertible with a top that doesn't work with check engine lights on and incorrect mileage because the clusters were replaced?
So Cute!
msmeow1966, 06/07/2002
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GL 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the Cabrio to have for the driving in the summer months (Explorer in the winter) and I absolutely love it! It could use a little more pick up on the engine. Overall, it is very comfortable, cute (love the roll bar), and practical to drive. The back seat is roomier than other convertibles and the VW handling is excellent.
GREAT car!
lovecabrio, 08/31/2009
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GL 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my cab with 62,000 miles on it and it is now at 115,000. I have only had to replace a few minor things, probably only totaling to $1,000. The A/C does not work, but I don't really use it anyways. It drives great in the snow, I have never had to purchase snow tires and it out-drives my Ford F-250. Minor leaks in heavy rain. I get nearly 30 mpg, I love this car.
Alex's Cabrio
SEASPAN, 08/08/2002
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible (midyear)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a fun affordable car especially for a young person to drive.
I love my VW!
Petunia, 10/30/2002
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Everyone else says that they have no pick up...they must be nuts! I have the zippiest car around. I like driving my car better than my mom's Jaguar XK8.
Needs improvement
Kind of pleased , 09/03/2003
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This vehicle drives like a dream. It has very little road noise. The heated seats tend to heat in spots causing hot spot on your rearend.
I love it!
Ann, 10/04/2005
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible (midyear)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I drive this car year round, sun, rain, snow, and ice, up and down the highways of the midwest. It has never let me down. It is a real trooper. It is even really good in the snow! Those Germans know what they are doing!
Underrated Performance and Reliability
horseman13, 11/25/2005
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GL 2dr Convertible (midyear)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
After 10,000 miles with my 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio, I am flabbergasted about the comments in regards to lack of power. This is the twenty-third car I have owned and I am so impressed with the solid handling and general performance. Consumer guide just flat missed this one when it came to their discussion of this machine's alleged lack of performance. My repair, I had to replace the rear muffler! BIG DEAL! What an incredibly fun car to drive.
1999 VW Cabrio
Barbara, 06/24/2008
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GL 2dr Convertible (midyear)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my dream car - red '99 Cabrio in 1998 from a VW dealership. I am a very good driver of this (5- speed) beauty and it's been garaged for most of its life.The exterior and interior look almost brand new.I did have the power failure of the lights. However, VW said that my VIN did not match its recall list.Everything that was described in the recall happened to my car in 2007, causing a dangerous situation while on an Interstate.In 2007, the power boost on the passenger side for the convertible top failed. Today, the driver side failed. Each repair cost me $1,700. I wanted this car to last me forever!
I love my Cabby
I love my Cabby, 12/25/2007
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible (midyear)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I read many reviews before buying my car, and chose to take the gamble. I bought it with the intention to have it last through the end of undergrad and grad school. I just graduated - it was a trooper and lasted! I have not had much trouble at all. I have replaced both the front and rear windows because they cracked (my own fault). It was very reasonable to replace the windows. The car, of course, does not have much power, but I still love it. I have even made it my own little SUV by adding a roof rack to it. I hope that VW makes a newer version in the coming years, so when mine eventually causes me problems due to old age, I can buy a new one!
9 years later
Gogi, 06/24/2009
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the 99 cabrio in 2000 for around $20,000. I have replaced brakes, tires, muffler, window washer blades. It now has 66,000 miles and I am trading it in for a newer car. The automatic roof broke, but I didn't have it repaired. It's easy to do manually. I loved the car. I didn't have any of those problems mentioned in other posts.
cab 99
steveie, 07/11/2004
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GL 2dr Convertible (midyear)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Cabrio is fun to drive but lacks in power. The inside and out is German perfection. The new style is the one to buy, SC
Has Been a Great Little Car
coolher2002, 01/30/2007
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible (midyear)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had relatively few problems with my 1999 Cabrio GLS. The only problem that I have had had as far as malfunctions go is what appears to be a short in the wiring system. The car's "service engine light" came on at about 50,000 miles. I took it in to the mechanic only to be told that nothing was wrong with the car, it is just programmed to go off so you will take it in an be serviced. The airbag light went on and I was told that it is a common problem as the sensors short out . I have yet to have it fixed.
Black VW Cabrio
lyn1, 06/30/2003
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible (midyear)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
VW 99 Cabrio- Drives well, excellent condition, Black exterior, Black leather seats
Drive Shaft
Andrew, 04/30/2008
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GL 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my 1999 little cab I bought it in 2005 with only 12000 km on the clock. Amazing! Also amazing was the fact that I had to replace the drive shaft at 50,000 km - hrrmph! Andrew
JUNK Continued
azcabrio1, 06/12/2004
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have replaced 2 wheel bearings, an axle, strut assembly and I had a dry rotted EGR vacume tube when the car only had 35k miles. The stereo doesn't sound good and there is no bass. I haven't been impressed with the dealer service. When my second gauge cluster died after 12 months and 1 day from my last replacement, I was told to call VW of North America and I did so. They accepted no responsibility for the quality of their parts and became very rude with me when I asked to speak to the rep's supervisor. Stay away from this car!!!!!
JUNK JUNK JUNK
azcabrio, 06/12/2004
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Never buy this car!! The market is horrible if you are unlucky enough to already own one. Germans can build a good driving car, but from my experience they don't know anything about electronics. In the 2 years I have owned this car I have had to replace the entire gauge cluster TWICE -- $400 each time. I have also replaced the alarm module, window pinch sensor, and cruise control relay. The leather wears out quickly...
Great Looks, Lousy Reliability
Carshoppingagain, 08/18/2005
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible (midyear)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
My first new car turned out to be quite a pain. I had troubles within the first 3 months (including top leaks) of owning her and it's only gotten worse. The seals around the top have had to be replaced three times (very expensive). I have a mystery trunk leak that renders it practically useless. Numerous electronic issues and the driver's side window appears ready to burn out next. I drove her cross-country from Florida to Oregon and had to spend over $1,000 to get her to pass Oregon emissions. Now, the auto top will no longer come down and my mechanic estimates a minimum of $1,000 to fix it. I'm giving up and shopping for a new car. No more VW's for me.
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio
J Fox, 09/30/2005
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible (midyear)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I will never buy another VW product. The convertible top operator has been replaced twice. The air conditioning has failed. The cloth top seams have delaminated requiring the whole top to be replaced. The electric window operators ocasionally malfunction. The car is 6 years old but has been driven less than 6,000 miles per year. It is a real lemon.
It looks better than it runs
kcmiami, 12/10/2003
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2dr Convertible (midyear)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I just spent $900 on repairs despite my car still being under the extended "gold" warrenty. There isn't even 25,000 miles on the car yet! My old Honda gave me much less trouble after 125,000 miles! The staff at the VW service department said they would never drive a VW.
Very Dissatisfied
Kristen, 11/17/2005
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GL 2dr Convertible
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 99' Cabrio in 2004 from a VW dealership. I paid $2,000 more for a 2 year warranty. In the past year, I have paid over $3,000 more for problems conveniently not covered by this warranty. Supposedly it was just inspected when I got it. Two weeks later, all 4 brakes, pads, etc went. This happened twice! The dealership said that I must have left the emergency brake on and didn't cover it either time, unbelievable! My car also had two different engine problems. The most recent problem is my passenger side door won't open. I am very dissatisfied with the whole thing. I am currently shopping for a Toyota now.
The Worst Purchase I Have Ever Made
jayzee, 05/03/2006
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GL 2dr Convertible
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Little did I know when I bought my Cabrio that I would be visiting the mechanic every 5 months thereafter. On three different occasions my bill for repairs has been approximately $1,000. With 72,000 miles on the car I have replaed the entire A/ C system, both seals for the convertible top, the power steering pump, hoses, etc...and now I'm looking at another $1,000 to fix my passenger side window which no longer works. I'm finished putting more of my money into this terribly unreliable car. I would never recommend it to anyone else. I'm shopping for a Honda.