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1997 Volkswagen Cabrio Highline MT

All Volkswagen Cabrio 1E trims (1995–2002) → All Volkswagen Cabrio generations →
1997 Volkswagen Cabrio – front Unverified
Photo: 1998 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 1.8 Front by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the Cabrio (1E, 1995–2002); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: 1998 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 1.8 Front by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet Mk3 beige (1) by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet Mk3 beige (2) by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: VW Golf III Cabrio PF Seite by KarleHorn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: 1998 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 1.8 Rear by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio Highline MT is a 113-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $22,175 MSRP and is rated at 24 mpg combined.

It makes 113 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 122 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway (24 mpg combined).

The Cabrio measures 160.4 inches long on a 97.4-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,701 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeConvertible
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$22,175 ($44,903 *)
Engine
Engine Type2.0L SOHC I4
Displacement2 L
Horsepower113 hp @ 5,400 rpm
Torque122 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City21 MPG
Highway29 MPG
Combined24 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular gasoline
Tank Capacity14 gal
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front14-inch aluminum alloy
Wheels Rear14-inch aluminum alloy
Dimensions & Weight
Length160.4 in
Width66.7 in
Height56 in
Wheelbase97.4 in
Curb Weight2,701 lbs
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

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Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

No recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1997 Volkswagen CABRIO.

14 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1997 Volkswagen CABRIO

Owner Complaints

14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Volkswagen CABRIO (2 a fire). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System4
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Air1
Air Bags1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
May 15, 2013 · Electrical System, Electronic Stability Control (Esc) Fire
“IGNITION SWITCH FAILS TO RETURN FROM STARTER POSITION -- BURNING OUT STARTER. THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH 1997 A4 BUT WAS NEVER REPORTED/CARRIED OVER TO THE 1997 CABRIOLET. ALSO…”
Jan 15, 2008 · Electrical System
“WHILE DRIVING MY VW CABRIO HOME LAST NIGHT THE HIGHLIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS, HEATER FAN AND RADIO ALL SUDDENLY WENT OFF AND THE ABS FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED THE CAR OFF THE ROAD AND THE LIGHTS…”
Sep 23, 2005 · Air Bags
“CAR: 1997 VW CABRIO: AT 92.890 MILES, THE AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON. VW DETERMINED, THIS WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CLOCKSPRING (RESISTANCE TOO HIGH). AIRBAG IS NOT FUNCTIONING WITHOUT CLOCKSPRING. *NM”
Jul 18, 2005 · Exterior Lighting
“1-2) I FOUND THE FOLLOWING RECALL FOR THE VW JETTA. THE DEFECTIVE HAZARD AND TURNSIGNAL PORTION OF THE RECALL HAS HAPPENED TO MY 1997 VW CABRIO HIGHLINE SINCE 2001 GETTING WORSE EACH YEAR. SEE BELOW…”
Nov 13, 2003 · Structure
“THE CONVERTIBLE TOP RIPPED OPEN ON THE SEAM WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *LA”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1997 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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