Introduction
A convertible has been part of the Volkswagen lineup since the late '50s, when a drop-top Beetle built by Karmann was first offered. Its replacement, though based on a Rabbit, was given its own model name, Cabriolet. The introduction of the current version saw the another name change, to simply Cabrio. For 1997 Volkswagen offers a lower-priced variant of what is still the least-expensive European convertible sold in America. Two distinctive features of the Cabrio are its integrated roll bar and its convertible top, which is one of the most weatherproof soft-tops offered by an automaker. VW's sales fortunes have been on the rise recently, putting to rest rumors of the company's departure from the U.S. market.
