The VIN number is a 17 digit number (for cars made in 1981-present), and it is located on the drivers side dash. It should be viewable through the winshield. On a 2001 Volkswagen Cabriolet, the first digit will begin with a 1, 3, 9, or W, depending on where the car was manufactured. The tenth digit will be a 1 (standing for 2001) for the year the car was manufactured. If you can find these digits on your car, you have found the VIN number.