With either transmission, get-up-and-go is adequate from a stop, and passing power is decent on the highway. The engine produces a hearty growl under acceleration and cruises quietly. Gas mileage is a definite plus: Expect to average about 25 mpg. Road noise is moderate and top-up wind noise surprisingly low. The body feels more solid than most convertibles, and those Cabrios that we've driven when nearly new have been devoid of squeaks. A Cabrio is stable at highway speeds and its ride is firm, but absorbent enough to soak up most bumps. You enjoy sprightly handling and firm, precise steering, as well as good grip on wet roads. Front power-window switches are on armrests, while rear-window switches are mounted oddly at the dashboard center. Otherwise, the dashboard is conveniently laid out, with the climate controls and stereo mounted high enough to make them easy to see and operate. Space is ample for adults in front, and the rear seat holds two adequately. Front seats are firm and supportive, but not wide enough to be comfortable for stout people. A Cabrio's top folds flatter than the old Cabriolet's, so it interferes less with rear visibility. With the top raised, rear side glass and a large rear window provide generally good visibility for a convertible. No glovebox is included, and trunk capacity is meager--a mere 7.8 cubic feet.

Value for the Money
If a sharp-looking, crisp-handling, solidly built convertible is on your shopping list, Volkswagen might be the place to look. Prices aren't so cheap, however, and because sales never reached high levels, not too many are on the market.