1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$14,070 to $14,070

Original MSRP

7.2
of 10

expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(18 reviews)
7.2
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
7/10
Technology
5/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
5/10
Form & function
10/10
Cost-effectiveness
8/10
1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet Test Drive Review summaryImage

The Volkswagen Cabriolet is a fun, cheap, but not particularly quick, convertible with a ton of potential.

The Volkswagen Cabriolet is often maligned as a “cheerleader’s car.” Cheerleaders must know a lot more about cars than the general public because these lightweight little convertibles are about the most fun you can have in the moderately-priced subcompact-car segment. VW had a reputation for building solid cabriolets from the time of the Beetle, and this car was a good extension of that history. Nimble, well-built, open-air cruising isn’t something 1987 was known for until this car came along.
7/10
The original Golf—Rabbit here in the States—was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign, he of the Alfa Romeo GTV, BMW 3200 CS, Lotus Esprit and Maserati Ghibli. For a subcompact, the design was groundbreaking, setting the tone for hot hatches for the next generation. Everything about these cars—from the body stampings to the final assembly—came from coachbuilder Karmann’s factory in Osnabrück, Germany, allowing them to avoid the quality issues that US-built Rabbits had when they first rolled out of VW's factory in Pennsylvania. The Cabby (as it's know by fans around the world) was an indication of just how fun these cars could be with a roof, as a hatchback, or even in pickup truck form.
CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Jun 22, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet

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User rating:
by Anonymous
Oct 15, 2013
I bought this car with 86,000 miles on it from someone who drove it ocasionally. It ran pretty good for a while but then the parts started going out one by one. The clutch cable streches for some reason, it has two of everything. two fuel pumps, two fuel filters, and they are a pain in the butt to find (as well as any other part for this car) because it is no longer in production. I called a VW dealership and they were surprised to hear this car is still out there. They had no parts for it. Any parts I bought i had to special order and wait for it to come in the mail. The back seats are allright, almost feel like a normal car but the front seats seemed a Little cramped. Shoved in there, the dash feels like it is "in your face" and the radio will turn on and stay on even when the car is off. I hated how low it sits because you hit a pot hole or bump it hits the bottom of the car, also even a Little bit of water (say after a rainy day) will get sucked up and damage the fuel pump that is right under the car on the passenger's side. Even inside its casing, i had to replace two pumps. The top will get stained by the sun or any other foreign particles and it is very hard to clean off. The fan seems to go out constantly as does the shifter. Sometimes while washing it, if enough water gets under the Hood it will sort of LOCK the clutch and you will not be able to move the car for a couple of days. The door handles on the outside break easily, leaving you locked out or forcing you to leave a window down. The locks on the doors may break also and it is virtually imposible to take the door apart. I wish the back Windows would roll down but they just roll down half way, thats the way they are made. It does look good though with the top down, looks like a completely different car. It scratched the itch of wanting a convertible, but i gotta say there were many times where i wanted to grab a hammer and make it cough up my money back. I am selling it tomorrow for way less than what i paid for it and I AM JUST HAPPY TO GET RID OF IT.Oct 15, 2013
by Anonymous
Jan 25, 2012
Even though I have problems with the car, that at times are very frustrating; I love this car too much overall to get rid of it. Problems: Leaky seal where windows and top meet; cant find a repair shop anywhere near me who will even look at any problems I have, they all say they dont want anywhere near a old vw that it is too much of a problem car and good luck finding a mechanic (thanks...really encouraging); slow acceleration Favorite Parts: Looks get 5stars all the way! for the age of the car I get really good gas mileage (23 around town); handles great; feel safe and in control driving; bonus: its a fun car to drive I would recommend this car to a friend as a weekend or going to the beach car (I live at the beach so it would be a short trip). But for an everyday car or for use on long trips, I would not recommend this car. Jan 25, 2012
by Anonymous
Oct 24, 2011
It fit me perfectly and was fun to drive. For work, it was extremely dependable every day with 100 mile commutes. The motor purred. I always felt safe and in control, as it handled well. Still gets looks everywhere it goes! I found it to be a very unique car-my lifetime car!Oct 24, 2011

1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet Pricing

Original MSRP
$14,070 to $14,070
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
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Volkswagen Cabriolet price trends

Trims & specs

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

See all trims (1)

Other years

1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet For Sale