1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Harder to say and more obscure than a Rabbit, the 1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet is basically a Rabbit convertible with a new name that trills...
Harder to say and more obscure than a Rabbit, the 1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet is basically a Rabbit convertible with a new name that trills off the tongue with a strangely French lilt. Actually, Cabriolet is a French word for a horse-drawn carriage with a fold-down top, so it's the perfect name for this two-door convertible.
No longer drawn by horses, the 1985 Cabriolet is powered by a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 90-hp engine paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 3-speed automatic. It's not a racer by any means, but a perky around-town convertible to soak up the summer sun. Described as "cute" this 1985 Cabriolet offers front-wheel drive and basic standard features inside, such as a radio and bucket seats. Ostensibly seating four (if you have small legs in the back), it's a good car for cruising teenagers or college kids out for some carefree fun.
Drivers feel the 1985 Cabriolet is fairly spright, with decent acceleration and easy handling. Fuel economy can't be beat for 1985, with this convertible getting around 23/25 mpg. Some negative comments concerned the amount of costly repairs.
What owners say
"Owners of the 1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet generally appreciate the fun and zippy driving experience this classic convertible offers. Many enjoy its light handling, especially in twisty roads, and the nostalgic appeal of its boxy design and manual features. However, some owners noted drawbacks related to the car's age, mentioning issues like leaking from the convertible top and lack of modern conveniences such as power steering and ABS. Overall, drivers are happy with their purchase and enjoy the car's character, despite needing some work."
The car actually isn't an 85, it's an 82. Little discrepency i felt i needed to add in there. I just bought this car recently from my Grandfather, who did a complete restoration on the body, and repainted the car in a very bright shade of Red (not sure of the actual paint code, but it was very close to the original color). This car has your standard A2 watercooled engine; the 1.8 liter that powers many VW's from the 80's. Coupled up to to a 5-speed manual means great control, and surprisingly for a completely stock car, it gets up and goes; there's no power steering, so low speed manuvering is a bit hard, but once you're moving the car feels light and very nippy. It's not quick in a straight line, but it absolutely loves the twisty stuff. In a way that makes sense, considering it's based on the Rabbit, which itself is a Golf, and everyone knows what the Golf GTI was (and still is) like to drive. Build quality is solid, except for normal convertible caveats; the top leaks right around the windshield, so inclement weather is a problem sadly. But it doesn't really matter since this car only gets driven on sunny days with the top down, which is the point of a convertible anyway. Outside it looks like your typical 80's car; boxy, small headlights, and no real 'flash' to speak of. Interior is pretty much the same as every other Mk1 Rabbit/Golf, i.e. slightly spartan. The car does great on gas with that little 1.8, but it's still got enough power to help merging onto the highway. Fuel injection means no worrying about stalling out at traffic lights, or hesitation from a stop. As for fun factor, how can you not have a smile with the top down, wind in your hair, sunglasses on and tunage blasting. That's what convertibles do to you
February 20, 2009The car is being restored by me. Slowly i have invested almost two years into this vehicle. Everything is new on the vehicle but stock except the engine ECU. It has an MS1 installed. The suspension is stock modified for better grip and height control. It is very fast compared to the stock fuel system, and is very fun to drive.
November 29, 2011A car with 125000 miles needs some work but the driving of it makes it worth it. I am glad I bought it, just wish I had bought it yeas ago
September 11, 2007What owners say
The car actually isn't an 85, it's an 82. Little discrepency i felt i needed to add in there. I just bought this car recently from my Grandfather, who did a complete restoration on the body, and repainted the car in a very bright shade of Red (not sure of the actual paint code, but it was very close to the original color). This car has your standard A2 watercooled engine; the 1.8 liter that powers many VW's from the 80's. Coupled up to to a 5-speed manual means great control, and surprisingly for a completely stock car, it gets up and goes; there's no power steering, so low speed manuvering is a bit hard, but once you're moving the car feels light and very nippy. It's not quick in a straight line, but it absolutely loves the twisty stuff. In a way that makes sense, considering it's based on the Rabbit, which itself is a Golf, and everyone knows what the Golf GTI was (and still is) like to drive. Build quality is solid, except for normal convertible caveats; the top leaks right around the windshield, so inclement weather is a problem sadly. But it doesn't really matter since this car only gets driven on sunny days with the top down, which is the point of a convertible anyway. Outside it looks like your typical 80's car; boxy, small headlights, and no real 'flash' to speak of. Interior is pretty much the same as every other Mk1 Rabbit/Golf, i.e. slightly spartan. The car does great on gas with that little 1.8, but it's still got enough power to help merging onto the highway. Fuel injection means no worrying about stalling out at traffic lights, or hesitation from a stop. As for fun factor, how can you not have a smile with the top down, wind in your hair, sunglasses on and tunage blasting. That's what convertibles do to you
February 20, 2009The car is being restored by me. Slowly i have invested almost two years into this vehicle. Everything is new on the vehicle but stock except the engine ECU. It has an MS1 installed. The suspension is stock modified for better grip and height control. It is very fast compared to the stock fuel system, and is very fun to drive.
November 29, 2011A car with 125000 miles needs some work but the driving of it makes it worth it. I am glad I bought it, just wish I had bought it yeas ago
September 11, 2007No ABS No Power Steering No Traction Control Everything manual Thats why I love this car. A classic car that paved the way for hot Hatches Fun to drive and sticks to the road like a squashed toad! Built to last!
January 23, 2011Fun car to drive around, very zippy and the handling is great. It's basically a four seater go-kart, unless you have about 400 lbs worth of spare parts, tools, and such in the trunk and back seat, which it has right now. I like the boxy shape and the reliability of these cars. Perfect for a new driver learning standard.
January 8, 2011its in good condition has 50,000 miles on it blk with convertable top new tires there is some fading paint on the hood and right side of front corner panel.
April 16, 2008
