For its final year in production, the Volkswagen Cabriolet was powered by a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine that generated 94 hp. It was linked to a five-speed manual overdrive transmission; a three-speed automatic was available as an option.
New for 1993 was leatherette upholstery in the Base (Standard) model and an upgraded audio system; a CD player was available as an option. In addition, the Carat trim package of the previous year was rechristened the "Classic" package for 1993.
Standard features included power windows, power steering, power brakes, power exterior mirrors, alloy wheels, sports suspension, and a driver's-side front airbag. In addition, leather seats and air conditioning were standard on the Classic trim package.
Drivers noted that the Cabriolet was fun, quick, and handled well, although reliability could be spotty. While the cars got good gas mileage, repairs could be expensive. The top was easy to lower and raise, one driver noted, while others pointed out that the car is considered to be very collectible.
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I had my cabby completely restored, by me, as a first time project. When it was finished it got about 40mpg on the freeway and close to 30 city. You got a classic looking car with a newer car driving experience. It felt like a go-cart and was easy and fun to drive. It always started for me and was incredibly reliable especially for being 20 years old. Professionals will charge a lot to have work done (like replacing the top) but I am a 20 year old woman and was able to do it myself for just a little over $200. It was just so easy to learn and to love. The car handled well, it felt like it just wanted to drive. Everywhere I went I was loaded with compliments, stares, smiles, and peoples reminiscing. That was probably my favorite, that people just loved it. It honestly was a perfect car and I wish I could have kept it forever.
note: It is very small and mine DID have an airbag, but it wouldn't have worked I am sure. Don't drive it if you are scared of dying I guess. I was always careful, but I know that 1993 safety was very different from car safety today. Also, whenever you needed to load anything up, you just threw the top down and threw it in! I moved twice without a rental truck :)Dec 12, 2012
by August B
Aug 31, 2010
1993 vw cabriolet 5 speed and alot of potencial H&R cup kit powder coated tear drops leather interior soon to be fully caged. fast for what it is. and def a panty dropper haha best thing about it 67000 miles Aug 31, 2010
by Kick'em M
Aug 11, 2010
handles better than a ford, good for driving A to B. NOT a chick magnet, electronics trouble, trunk is too small. low on horsepowe. sensitive steeing and has capabilitie to be a fun car to drive, but as it sits, it isnt. great gas mileageAug 11, 2010
User rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 12, 2012
I had my cabby completely restored, by me, as a first time project. When it was finished it got about 40mpg on the freeway and close to 30 city. You got a classic looking car with a newer car driving experience. It felt like a go-cart and was easy and fun to drive. It always started for me and was incredibly reliable especially for being 20 years old. Professionals will charge a lot to have work done (like replacing the top) but I am a 20 year old woman and was able to do it myself for just a little over $200. It was just so easy to learn and to love. The car handled well, it felt like it just wanted to drive. Everywhere I went I was loaded with compliments, stares, smiles, and peoples reminiscing. That was probably my favorite, that people just loved it. It honestly was a perfect car and I wish I could have kept it forever.
note: It is very small and mine DID have an airbag, but it wouldn't have worked I am sure. Don't drive it if you are scared of dying I guess. I was always careful, but I know that 1993 safety was very different from car safety today. Also, whenever you needed to load anything up, you just threw the top down and threw it in! I moved twice without a rental truck :)Dec 12, 2012
by August B
Aug 31, 2010
1993 vw cabriolet 5 speed and alot of potencial H&R cup kit powder coated tear drops leather interior soon to be fully caged. fast for what it is. and def a panty dropper haha best thing about it 67000 miles Aug 31, 2010
by Kick'em M
Aug 11, 2010
handles better than a ford, good for driving A to B. NOT a chick magnet, electronics trouble, trunk is too small. low on horsepowe. sensitive steeing and has capabilitie to be a fun car to drive, but as it sits, it isnt. great gas mileageAug 11, 2010
by Anonymous
Jan 10, 2010
I have owned mine 93 cab for over 3 years (bought in 2006). They are a great car to run around and have plenty of power what is a 1970's engine. Handling is improved considerably when good tyres are on all four corners.
Build quality is pure Volkswagen.
I have replaced bits but after 16 years that is to be expected. Paint is in great shape and no rust as the wax treatment was standard. Trick is to buy OEM parts where possible instead of genuine as VW are skilled at high part prices. Replaced the outer roof with original one lasting 14 years before some minor waer and holes were evident. Cost all up was AUD 1200.
Classic Mk1 design make it timeless, with many a positive comment and head turn as I drive past.
Cost of ownership is augmented by great fule economy and the car's lack of additional bits that fail in newer cars.
The car is a hoot drive with the top down. Plenty of acceleration and the car is excellent for a warm Australian summer's day road trip in the hills.Jan 10, 2010
by Anonymous
Aug 31, 2009
Drives like a rollerskate with understeer, that's what makes this gets exciting on the twisty bits.
Great fuel economy, 550kms on one 50 litre tank.
I got it running on E10 but it moves more swiftly indeed on premium unleaded.Aug 31, 2009
by Luke S
Aug 22, 2008
It has to many problems with the engine. It is just a good starter car. The car is fun to drive with the top down. Cheap for its kind. Solid car for getting from point A to point B. The best part of it is the convertable top so that is one of the only good things about it.Aug 22, 2008
by Shannon M
Jul 29, 2008
Great gas mileage but only 98 hp. Build quality is
alright but when running over rough roads the car
feels like its going to break into pieces. very loud
interior. relatively quick for something with little
power. The car is pretty good for short drives around
town but not real reliable on long trips.Jul 29, 2008
by Emma P
Jun 19, 2008
fantastic, sunshine hear we comeJun 19, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 18, 2008
absolutely loved this car real summer car.Jan 18, 2008
by Anonymous
Aug 31, 2007
The car is very fun to drive, though it needed alot of work when we got it, still we think it is worth it though!Aug 31, 2007
car died after going through a water puddle on several occassions started up about an hour later. winter timfe I was ppassing a car and drove through a cloud of the fine powder snow the car started missing almost died then took back off again. about a mile later I was passing a semi with alot of snow coming off it by the time I got to the front of the truck my car died hasnt started since. pumps work good have 45 pounds pressure at the fuel rail spark at the plugs turns over good just wont start.replaced cap, rotor, plugs
Just changed battery and alternator on it because of the same symptoms, however the car did run prior to the new items. Idles fine but rough shaking of alternator, (old alternator was grinding inside). As soon as I give a little throttle, engine dies.