1995 Volkswagen Cabrio 2.0 from North America

Summary:

The coolest, most reliable affordable Cabrio

Faults:

The cruise control refuses to engage, but if it does, it cut's of randomly.

Random electricity problems. It somehow seems to be caused by bad grounding to the taillights.

General Comments:

I live in Norway (North Europe), and brought the car all the way from Florida. The reason for this is the way the Cabrio differs from the European version, the Volkswagen Golf Karmann Cab. The Golf has smaller bumpers, no power windows, no air-condition, no cruise control and textile interior. (Leather and power windows were possible, but only as "extra" to a non affordable price.)

I really only got three drawbacks: 1. Speed was measured in Miles. (I almost killed a pedestrian first time I drove the car.:-)

2. No heating in the seat. Imagine how cold white leather is in -27 Celsius (-16 Fahrenheit.)

Besides that, the car performs remarkably well during winter. It heats up really quick, and the air conditioner easily removes dew from the windows.

3. No one seems to be able to repair the cruise control. Since this was no option in the European model, there are no spare parts, and no one who know how to assembly it.

The car is really fun to drive. It's fast and reliable (when you replace the grounding cable from the taillight), and you don't really need a mechanic. The car is easy to figure out if you just take the time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2004

1995 Volkswagen Cabrio 2.0 from North America

Summary:

This car keeps its value

Faults:

When I purchased this car, it was 8 years old, so I didn't expect everything to be in top notch condition.

The air conditioning needed to be charged, and the oil light came on for no apparent reason.

The driver and passenger seats were cracked from wear and tear, which is expected.

The brakes are a little sticky. But other than that, no major problems have arisen.

General Comments:

This is so adorable and fun to drive. It has more power than my other vehicles I've owned. The fact that it's a convertible makes it even better. Sliding around on the seats is sometimes annoying, but funny when it happens to someone in the back seat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th April, 2003

1995 Volkswagen Cabrio from North America

Summary:

Love it, love it, love it

Faults:

Leaking rooftop.

General Comments:

This car was given to me as a birthday gift. After putting in over $1500 to fix/replace necessary parts due to previous owner's neglect, I have to say I love this car and totally trust it for lenghty trips. It is very tight and handles both highways and NYC potholes!!! Fuel efficiency is a big plus. The cabin is very cozy for me and my two 120 lb dogs, but my 6'5" boyfriend hates that he has to "fold himself up", since it really is a chick car. In addition, the lack of glove compartment really kills me..Nonetheless, I am very satisfied with the Cabrio. I love the stares from people cooped up in their cars while I drive with the top down and wind blowing in my hair.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2003

7th Nov 2004, 11:20

I'm glad you love your Cabrio.

However, as far as being "chick cars", yes the majority of Cabrios are owned by females, but many men own them too.

(I have owned four and think they are great little cars)

I know one thing for sure, Cabrios are FUN cars.

12th Jul 2006, 09:17

Hey, I saw that you said you had a leaky roof.

I had that same problem with mine.

You may have to get the rubber seal fixed around the windshield. I did that and haven't had a leak problem since!

12th Jul 2006, 13:15

She posted that review over 3 years ago.

I would hope the leak was repaired by now!

1995 Volkswagen Cabrio from North America

Summary:

Great fun and handling, but not as reliable as expected

Faults:

Purchased car new, 1995. Have thoroughly loved driving it and now have 102,000 miles on it. Even with cost for repairs, I have been satisfied. Can't seem to give it up. However, don't really feel it is a reliable car for long distance driving.

Electrical problems are quite an annoyance, but can't see spending $1000.00 to fix rear windows.

These are problems I've had:

Electrical system:

Rear power windows go down while driving on their own. Cost to repair each is over 500.00. Must play with buttons to get them to stay up.

Dash lights only partly work.

Cruise control works only now and then and doesn't stay on when does work.

First time cruise control checked, was told nothing wrong. Second time, yes there is a problem, it's the cruise pump. Cost $300.00.

Altenator and battery replaced at 88k miles. $750.00.

Coil sparking, replaced coil, wires, cap and rotor. $500.00.

Both small metal "clips" (not the main big black ones) on the vinyl top that are somewhat hidden broke off. They are attached to a cable that runs through the top. Honestly didn't even know the one was there. Doesn't hinder use of top. Believe they are just a security device when top is down.

Interior has held up great. Top has also done well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th August, 2002

1995 Volkswagen Cabrio 2.0 4 cylinder gasoline from North America

Summary:

Volkswagen does the trick for me

Faults:

So far my cruise control refuses to engage (most of the time). When it does engage it will choose a random interval to cut off (I don't consider this to be a huge issue for me).

This car has power windows that can be rolled up or down using the key in either door lock - This feature rarely works properly from the driver's door. Typically the windows will "spasm" and jerk slightly until I give up and use the passenger keyhole.

Up to this point nothing horribly major has gone awry.

General Comments:

I totally enjoy driving this car.

I have always heard great things about Volkswagens; such as how they handle and control so well. So far, everything to this point has been true.

It's nice having a convertible without a leaky top.

It is surprisingly quiet inside even though it's a convertible. I love it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th October, 2001