1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
For 1990, the Volkswagen Cabriolet was available in three trim packages -- the base, Best Seller and Boutique. All were powered by a...
For 1990, the Volkswagen Cabriolet was available in three trim packages -- the base, Best Seller and Boutique. All were powered by a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine that generated 94 hp. It was linked to a standard five-speed manual transmission; a three-speed automatic was available as an option.
Standard features for the Base package were limited, but included power windows, power brakes, power steering, a driver's-side front airbag, an AM/FM/cassette audio system, a rear window defroster, and 14-inch wheels. The Boutique model added leather seats, among other features. Air conditioning was available as an option on all three models.
Many of these cars are still around today, though with high mileage, but generally drivers still find them fairly reliable, though "fit and finish" elements such as door handles, the shifter, and levers for pulling down seats are deteriorating, drivers note. Still, with routine maintenance (which can be expensive), the cars still have some life left in them, and are generally considered to be fun to drive.
The cooling fan is quite often known to go out. Dealer pricing for this part is as high as $355.00, while a person in a shop can get it wholesale for under $60.00. It takes less than an hour to put in and will make the Cabriolet run much cooler on those hot days.
What owners say
"Owners generally enjoy the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet for its fun driving experience, especially with the top down during summer. Many appreciate its classic styling and good fuel economy. However, some drivers reported challenges with performance, such as low horsepower and maintenance issues like a leaky roof and required repairs, which can be frustrating."
Once you replace the nasty original carb with the Webber twin choke (something you have to do if you want to keep it) its just a brilliant driving experience. built to last and 30 years after th Mk1 went on sale it still looks good. its never going to be an everyday car but for sunny summer sundays its perfect
June 26, 2008Parking in tight spots? You can park this car where no man has parked before! The handling is great. Appearance seems to hold up well after all these years (exterior/interior). Just a very enjoyable car to drive. First when purchased, notifed blind spot when top was up. But with any new car, got use to it.
June 26, 2011Good balance, awesome handling, pretty quick, love the euro styling and period correct, ie 80's mods. Of course this is modified with a 16v and coiliovers etc. Cheap to buy and maintain if you do the work yourself, lot of fun to drive.
May 15, 2009What owners say
Once you replace the nasty original carb with the Webber twin choke (something you have to do if you want to keep it) its just a brilliant driving experience. built to last and 30 years after th Mk1 went on sale it still looks good. its never going to be an everyday car but for sunny summer sundays its perfect
June 26, 2008Parking in tight spots? You can park this car where no man has parked before! The handling is great. Appearance seems to hold up well after all these years (exterior/interior). Just a very enjoyable car to drive. First when purchased, notifed blind spot when top was up. But with any new car, got use to it.
June 26, 2011Good balance, awesome handling, pretty quick, love the euro styling and period correct, ie 80's mods. Of course this is modified with a 16v and coiliovers etc. Cheap to buy and maintain if you do the work yourself, lot of fun to drive.
May 15, 2009Mk1 GTi only 49 built with Black trim. Recaro interior & leather with this model. BBS alloys, electric hood.
February 9, 2008IF you know German engineering, then you know that Volkswagen is nothing but good old fashioned German fun. Yes it takes a little getting used to the way things work and feel but once you meld with this little convertible the miles are fast and fun. Professor Porsche had a hand in development at VW. and it shows. The car is quick for having only 94 hp. It will accelerate with easy anticipation and is nimble and maneuverable at all speeds. And at 25 to 30 miles per gallon, Fahrvergnügen is the best way to describe it, It's simple driving pleasure. It's not designed for big Americans though. The cabin width is a bit tiny and the leg room isn't really designed for more than two people over 6 feet. (the back seat tends to be a little crowded with the front seats all the way back. Foot peddles are close together like most small euro cars. But for the average sized family (Mom, Dad, two kids) it's a fun and hard working machine. Parts are a bit costly and knowing a competent mechanic is a must. Other than that, regular oil changes and maintenance will provide thousands of miles of carefree enthusiastic fun.
December 28, 2007The preformance lacks. Low HP, decent torque though. Braking is okay too. Handling is great though. The car is built solid. Unibody frame makes it a great first car to wreck. The only complaint is the leaky top. One of a kind car. Everyone knows my car. The gas mileage is good enough to justify parking in the "Fuel Efficient" parking at Best Buy. Fun car though.
November 9, 2009Very low mileage, 54000 miles. Never in an accident. Drives easily. Roof leaks slightly. Needs some interior body work. New AM/FM radio and CD player. Car is fun to drive. Has original leather top for convertible. Used mostly to commute to train. Has tow package.
February 4, 2010my catylitic converter is rumbling and makes a rattling noise during acceleration, my clutch slips and it whines in reverse. i paid 1500 for the car( a jip i know) and 1700 in repairs. its a convertible that has a little torque to it, looks like a new car now that ive buffed it, going to run strong once i get the clutch in, all in all, i hate car repairs and costs in general, but on the distant bright side, they're alot of fun:)
May 27, 2009Beutiful car, k jet 8v quicker than the digifant in the mk2. A car with alot of character. Just wallows a bit. Takes larger engines from newer models.
May 17, 2008
