Used 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio Consumer Reviews
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I love my Cabrio!
The only problem I have had is that the top is splitting at the seam! All the way across the back and to my dismay I discovered that it is glued!! That is crazy! I have it taped right now but I am going to find out if someone can sew up the seam. So far everyone has said that it won't work, but I'm going to try it anyway! I can't afford a new top(that is probably glued too!) That has been my only disappointment. I've not had any big repairs. It's great in the snow! I can get in and out of everywhere and if I could get another one, I'd upgrade to another one. I've got about 160000 miles on it and I hope it lasts for another 3 to 5 years!
My Cabbie loves my mechanic!
I love my Cabbie and she loves my private Mechanic. I will never trust a VW Dealer for the rest of my life and this will surely be the LAST VW I own. My Mechanic keeps her running. One door lock, two door handles, wheel bearings, vacuum pump, muffler, interior trunk release (VW permanently ruined this)and a dead radio. Did I mention she has 134,000 miles and keeps on running? She costs me quite a bit and I am thankful I have a good salary! Not looking forward to trading her in someday as she is a hoot to drive. "Baby Baby" hopefully will make it to 200,000 miles or by some miracle 250,000 miles. Caution: VW Cabrio....lovely to behold, lovely to drive but not lovely to maintain.
- GLX ConvertibleMSRP: $5,900289 mi away
- GLX ConvertibleMSRP: $2,9881,005 mi away
- GLX ConvertibleMSRP: $9,4801,115 mi away
I've already spent several thousand!
Had the car for 8 years and It's a lot of maintence. Those who haven't had problems are lucky. So far I've had to buy several hoses, my back drink holder broke, new catalytic converter, timing belt, new a.c. compressor, I was actually locked inside my car once (long story but true), and my key got stuck on the outside of the car, I had to call AAA and send it to get it fixed asap. I now need to get my tires aligned because I'm going out of tires like crazy. Also my windows won't roll down, if they do they don't roll back up. It's about $400 a piece. I don't know if I got a lemon, but I have spent several thousand dollars on this car.
Family of 3
I am only 5'3" and my husband is 5'6" with a 2 year old son so for us it is easy to get in and out of and fit comfortably in but my dad is 6'3" and he can get in and out but I wouldn't suggest this car for larger people. That being said we have no problem with a car seat fitting or using this as our only vehicle. The car has 200,000 miles on it and just regular maintenance is all I need. The electrical is only problematic because only the VW people seem to be able to fix it. That seems to be a problem with many cars these days.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Just love it
There are only a few things that I would change. First the power Windows button is too small. The cup holder is set to deep into the consol, which makes it hard to put a med. Size drink in there with the ashtray being directly above it. And sometimes I bump the control for the window wipers when I put in the key into the ignition
I LOVE THIS CAR!!!
I bought a used 2002 VW Cabrio GLX and have had it for five years - this car is awesome. I have only had it serviced at the dealer and have had no major issues with the car. I even bought the extended VW warranty - kind of feel it was a waste of money since I still haven't used it. If you buy a used one just make sure you get the service records - some VW's have no issues and some have a lot - beware of someone who hides service records - they are hiding problems. If you take care of your VW It will love you for years to come!
It rocks
I wanted a reasonably priced convertible that was relatively safe. The Cabrio rocks. No - its not a chick car. There is more room in the front seat than was in the Mustang Convertible, Mitsubishi Spyder, BMW Z3, and Audi TT. I didn't fit comfortably in any of those (I'm 6'3"). I have perfect leg room in my Cabrio. The body is rigid and the drive is peppy. OK the engine could be better, but its not bad for what you pay. Get the GLX, you will want all the features and the xtra cost isn't much.
Love It!
The Cabrio is the most quiet convertible on the market. A six layer top!! It has a more upscale and more classy feeling than other convertibles that try to be classy and end up corny. The Cabrio is not a barnstormer when it comes to speed; but it is justified power. The car is heavy! Very nice to drive, even with the top up.
Taking My Time To Get Where I'm Going...
Sure the car has it's drawbacks when it comes to speed...but who needs speed when you take your time to get where you're going? You can't help but feel relaxed in this car. It's fun to drive and flashy. I have red! What more do you need? It's too bad it got bad ratings from people that couldn't spring for the GLX model...power top, leather seats, rims...all the good stuff. Men look funny driving this car too...I just don't understand it. It's definately a chick only car!
Drivers Found
The cabrio is such a fun car and I recommend it to anyone who wants to have a good time while still being a little practical! Monsoon stereo sounds amazing. People are constantly asking me about my car and once your a cabrio owner, it's like you've joined a family. When someone else in a cabrio passes you, they always smile. (only they know how much fun it is) The cabrio is definitely the best kept secret in the affordable convertible market, as none of it's competitors can live up to it. No other convertiblecan match it's combination of safety (side airbags), practicality and fun. I love my car!
My Silver Cabbie!
I think overall this was the car for me. After test-driving and researching what seems like a million types of compact convertibles. This one was the most practical for me! I wanted to be able to drive my friends to the beach not just another person. This is my 3rd German car...my first was an Audi and my last car was a BMW. VW's are so cute and so much fun!!!
The Best car Ever!!! VW's Rule!!!
I've always been a VW owner, I've gone from the Golf to the cabrio, and I love it. Everyday I like it more and more. I've never had problems with nothing peeling, no noise, just a smooth fun ride. For those that want power, and expect power from a Cabrio, take a suggestion from me, buy the GTI...that's power...The Cabrio is to chill in not to speed in. If you speed in a cabrio you take the fun out seeing everyone admire your car. it's built for looks not for speed!!!!
Loving my Cabrio
This car is pure fun combined with VW reliability. The electric top allows me to put the top up or down at a stop light allowing incredible flexibility. I've also driven it on slippery roads up to ski. It performed without any trouble with only ugraded radials on the front. The heated seats are also a welcome treat on cold mornings.
I love this car
This car is the best. When I test drove it, I knew it was going to be the one. It's a small compact car perfect for zooming in and out of traffic and getting where you need to go.
Don't buy the Cabrio!
I do not think this is a great car to drive everyday. It is slow and feels like it is dragging. I have also had several problems with it. Part of the bumper fell off on the road, the ac stopped working, and the check engine light keeps going on. The interior arm rests on doors are peeling after being replaced once already. I take very good care of it I don't think it is made to drive everyday. I would not recommend anyone to buy this car. I feel like everything is going wrong for no reason at all.The service has been horrible as well.
Shockingly Terrible
Wow, where does one begin with a car as sub-par as this one? I have had this car for 4 1/2 years and only put 37,800 miles on it within that time AND STILL it is plagued with problems. From the electrical malfunctions, to the muffler falling off, to the interior coming apart, the transmission being completely worthless, the check engine light being perpetually on, serpentine belt being replaced, new tires, new battery, new air filters, CO2 something-or-other for my gas tank ... and on and on it goes. I am on a first name basis with my VW dealer (funny but also sad) because I am there literally, every month and I can't wait to dump this piece of junk that or drive it off a cliff.
Fun car
The 2002 VW Cabrio that I own was purchased with a salvage title and 150 k miles. It has been a lot of fun and I enjoy driving it but I pretty much stay within 50 miles of home. It looks great with a few hail marks and I repainted the top. All I all a fun car.
So much for German Engineering!
My wife purchased this car a few months before we met. It's been a fun little car to tool about town in. Handles well, gets excellent gas mileage (32 mpg in mixed city driving), and the convertible top is simple to operate. Unfortunately, the car is poorly built: Power windows don't operate properly, interior bits are falling apart, and the final straw: Total transmission failure at under 55,000 miles (5 speed manual.) Google "Self Machining Syndrome" to find out more about how some very important pieces of the drivetrain are held together with rivets! This goes for Golfs and Jettas too.
VW Never again
My wife always said she loved her VW. It was cute and the test drive was fun but the honeymoon was short lived. There were many problems with it over the years. Included were electrical issues, power Windows, chronic check engine light, air conditioner, on & on. Every time we got it back from the shop we were lucky if it would go 2 weeks before something else was needed. We had to keep a list so we could remember what to tell the service writer. VW dealer was to expensive for parts & labor and everything had to be done at the dealer. Last VW in our family if I have anything to say about it.
Disappointed
Currently, I have reported to NHSTA,BBB Autoline and the AZ Attorney Generals Office on the poor relaibility and defects of my 2001 (new) Cabrio G LX. This car has been in service over 37 days..fuel pumps, cruise control,ground defaults, wheel lugs, oil pan leak, rear brake problems. There has been continous major problems with this car...and other consumers in the service dept. waiting room,also have not experienced the dependalbility one is to expect when purchasing a new car.
Perfect car
My x had a 1997 Cabrio,nice!!! I purchased a 2002 one and the best VW yet.
More wrong then right
The Cabrio is a fun car. Granted, it's not fast or roomy, but it's been fun when it wasn't being repaired. Two trips to get the side mirrors replaced when they stoped defrosting. Two trips to get the exhaust rehung when the mid- muffler section fell off. A trip to fix the broken cd changer and another when the latch on the top failed. Yet another trip to have the interior door panels replaced. Engine stumbling has forced me to take it to the shop for the third time in a week. Even after all that I can still say I like the car. The lack of quality is the real bummer.
The VW Shaft
Drivers Wanted it should read Suckers Welcome.The cabrio quality is terrible.I have had it in the shop at least 4 X a year for something breaking on it a valve here, an odometer there,plus a bad transmission.I have had problems with dealer ships not honoring my cars warranties.VW customer service is unhelpful.The car had a transmission failure(stuck in 2nd gear) and the company would not set up for me to have a car to use while my car was in the shop,also they seemed not to care when I expressed to them the multiple problems that I have had with car or that I would make sure to go out of my way to not recommend their company and or products.
I wouldn't buy it if I could do it over
This is a really fun car, but the problems I've experienced are definitely not worth its fun. Numerous problems with the electrical system-- dash lights come on for no reason, I have to restart the car to get the ac to come on, and it doesn't always like to start on the first try. It has terrible acceleration, and can be uncomfortable on long trips, but it is a fun beach car.
Fun California Driving
I've loved my Volkswagen Cabrio. It's fun, easy to park, gets good gas mileage, and has a great sound system. It has all the things you look for in a sporty convertible.
Problematic
After falling in love with this convertible in the '80s, I dreamed of owning one. That dream has turned into a nightmare. Within the first 5 months, I had the Cabrio in and out of the dealership with a defective part that kept causing the car not to start. Then one morning in bumper-to-bumper traffic a wheel came off. This could have caused death or serious injury if I had been driving the speed limit. Now the transmission has just caused me to be stranded and returned to the dealership. These problems have all happened under 24K miles. The warranty runs out very soon, and I am debating on keeping this problem.
No Problem.
Knocking on wood here, don't want to spoil a good thing, but, this car has never seen a mechanic. Other than for scheduled services. I use synthetic oil and regular gas. You'll love It's PURRRR.
3rd one!
I have had 2002 and 2001 all get 22-24 mpg driving in suburbs near Boston. Find them on Craigslist for short money. Have a mechanic who knows Cabrios! Top down days are the best, between March and Nov. sometimes can make it to Dec. Being 5'3" having the seat height being adjustable is a good feature. The drive selection display is obstructed by the steering wheel. Handles really well in snow. The main issue is the fact on all 3 Cabrios, when it gets really cold, (under 10 degrees) the door handles don't work. No tension. The only way to get in is using the key in the lock, hold it down for 10 seconds or so, all 4 windows automatically go down! If need be, open the roof to climb in. I have a VW guy who specializes that is a Godsend! The check engine light is a PITA, vacuum hose at the moment. This model has the insulated roof which cuts down the wind noise. Wish they still made them, could use the update in technology. The top end convertible is the EOS, at 40K + out of budget at the moment.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Sun Fun
Be ready for a labor of love. These are fun to play with and having it loan free,even better. HOWEVER be ready to be paying someone to keep it on the road.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Careful
I purchased a 2001 GLX 5 speed and it gave me nothing but troubles, if you want a car that will be in the dealership more that you will be driving then purchase this car. I had it for only 5 months and got fed up with all of the electrical problems and the fact the VW does nothing to help correct the issue that I got rid of it. The car was great when it worked but I have heard too many stories about the Cabrio not running the way it should.
VW Lacks in Customer Service
This has been the worst built car I have ever owned. The transmission, a 5 speed, needed to be replaced at 35,000 miles. Since it was three months out of the time warranty, VW offered no customer support. This, along with numerous other minor problems, including the key lock breaking, check engine light coming on and off at different times, and many more, has led me to believe that VW's reputation for quality is only a myth. I will never buy a VW again and I will tell everyone I know not to buy a one.
I LOVE MY CABRIO!!!
What an awesome little car! This baby is lots of fun, great to drive and eye- catching cute! If you want one, get it now, because this is your last chance (it's being discontinued in favor of a beetle convertible)!
Hopefully You'll Think Twice About Getting One
After being rear-ended Feb 2006 in my '99 Cabrio, I decided that I wanted a "new" car. Unable to let go of the convertible but unwilling to pay big bucks, I purchased an on-the-lot dealership-certified '02 Cabrio. This was a big mistake. I have had more problems in the last six months than in all the years I had the '99 model. I only have one vehicle, it has been in the shop numerous times, it can take days for repairs, and some of the "repairs" were not covered under the warranty I purchased. I have spent more, complained more, and been more frustrated with this car than with any other. I have reached the point where I am willing to spend the money to get a reliable vehicle...no matter who makes it.
SOMETIMES I GO TOPLESS!
I just absolutely love my car! I cant believe they even described it as sluggish. When I first purchased the vehicle, I was worried it wouldnt hold up to the speed my Acura Integra offered, but my little Cabrio definetley has some serious pep. Dropping the top (going topless) makes driving a whole new experience. This is my first convertible and let me tell you, once you go topless you never go back!
cabrio
Fun to drive, excellent handling, easy to get around town, plenty of room inside.I bought this car to replace a BMW 318 and I am very happy with the choice.
love my vw!!
VW sells a vehicle equal in quality to much more expensive vehicles. I traded a 2001 Mercedes C240 for the Cabrio and like it much better. It doesn't have all the extra features but the acceleration is better and it's alot more fun.
Don't do it
Got this car because it's what I had wanted for some time; what a joke. With my foot flooring the gas pedal, it took a few seconds to pick up speed. I was getting in the way of the other drivers. Granted I hadn't test driven the car before buying it, so I do blame myself for getting saddled with a cheaply built, sluggish, low performance vehicle. It freely swayed from side-to-side with the wind and rattled over every bump in its path. I hated it after 2 days, within two months it was history. Now I'm riding in a Benz and have that "new car feeling." An important factor missing when driving the Cabrio.
Fun, Economical, Versatile Cabrio
I purchased my VW Cabrio GLX in May, 2002, in time for Spring/Summer/Fall 'top-down' days. The car has been a great investment. It's easy to transport a large box; I just put the top down - place the item in back seat - then put the top back up. The engine purrs like it will run forever. This car has been nothing but dependable. Gas mileage: 24.5 mpg in town / 30+ mpg on highway. I've not had repairs other than standard maintenance. The fit and finish of the leather interior show little wear in 6 years. Pluses: heated seats, power top, automatic transmission, power windows, door locks, remote keyless entry. With a timeless European look and German engineering, the car is a 10.
wish it was better
you know i waited and saved up for this car and wanted to love it. but i have had more problems than i care to list. yes i had the peeling doors replaced and the power window still sounds like broken glass on every bump. i have had the front seats replaced. now the check engine light came on and stayed on. and i was told it was a compter error and was $900 to fix- but it won't effect the running of the car. i think it is terrible that VW doesn't stand behind the product. this is great if you have another car to drive while its in the shop.
good car
an excellent car, especially for the money. Solid, fun, etc
Cabrio
Overall, the car is great, however, I've only had it for about a year and a half and have already had to put it in the shop a few times for minor problems (the radio volume did not go to soft.) If you're looking for a cute convertible that's good in the winter as well as the summer, the cabrio's a good choice
Don't buy one...you'll be sorry
My volkswagen has been in the shop 5 times in six months for repairs. The door handles peel, the steering wheel column makes a scratching noise, the airbag had to be fixed. Also, customer service for VW is very bad. No loaner cars, inability to fix a problem on the first try...or to order the appropriate part.
It's a Love/Hate relationship...
I wanted a cabrio for years and have truly enjoyed the vehicle. It's been great for both road trips and around town...very comfy, lots of fun, and plenty of zip for me. Performs extremely well at high speeds. However - I am less than satisfied with the A/C, peeling door handles, cup holders, and the locking/security system. I'm about to take the car in for the 3rd time to fix the A/C (leaking & blowing white powder), the 5th time for the locks (passenger door won't lock from inside), and the handles peeled within 4 mths of ownership. Very discouraging!! Especially in the Texas heat!!
Love my cabby
It is too late to buy a new cabby, they are out of production, glad I did not wait!
So Close
This is a good car that could be a great car. It is the best outfitted car in its price range. It handles well, and it's great fun. But VW dropped the ball by not offering this car with the 1.8T engine package. A word to reliability. The one issue that I have had was that the battery was not fully charged upon my taking delivery of the car. Which resulted in a few jump starts from Roadside Assistance. The dealership immediately resolved the problem.
great little car!
I have been very happy with my Cabrio GLX. It has been very reliable and is lots of fun to drive. I would happily buy the car again.
CabrioDog
It truly is a dog. And VW service is atrocious. What has gone wrong: catalytic converter; exhast hangers broke; driver's wind failed THREE TIMES; one tire (wheel) goes flat for no reason (even after replacing the tire). One of the more recent events was a violent shaking upon acceleration. The dealer replaced mass air flow sensor and some other electronic components. Got back on the road and he problem was still there. That is pure incompetence.
great little car
this is my second convertible i love this car !!!!! it drives great
Too expensive to keep it looking cute
The VW Cabrio is cute but frequently needs high cost bits and pieces replaced. The latest is over $260 for a plastic front grill which took several weeks to arrive at the dealership. The grill ws broken by the dealership because that was the only way for them to get to the broken hood latch. It is also very expensive to insure, even if it's just state minimum requirements. This high maintenance for its appearance and high insurance costs eat up any savings from the good fuel economy.
Love My Cabrio
I love driving my Cabrio. I have only had a few issues with its brakes and a few parts that have broken. VW's are expensive to repair, but it is a fun car and I wouldn't trade it.