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1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet

US · Minicompact Cars

The 1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.

Engine
1.8L 4-cylinder (FFS)
Transmission
Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Economy
20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) combined
Generic outline for this body type. An illustration, not a photograph.
Specifications at a Glance

Key Figures

Units:
Engine / Powertrain
1.8L 4-cylinder (FFS)
Combined Economy
20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) combined
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
Automatic, Manual
Market: US·Switch units to convert the figures shown.
Compare 1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet ↗

Engine

Engine
SpecificationValueSource
Engine1.8L 4-cylinder (FFS)
Displacement1.8 L
Cylinders4
Fuel typeGasoline

Transmission and drivetrain

Transmission and drivetrain
SpecificationValueSource
TransmissionVaries by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Gears3 to 5
DrivetrainFWD

Fuel economy and range

Fuel economy and range
SpecificationValueSource
Combined20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)
City19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km)
Highway22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km)

Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.

Trims and configurations

2 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 7, 2026.

  • 94V065000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

    A CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK ADJACENT TO A SEAM WELD IN THE REAR OF THE TANK.

    Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE VEHICLE WITH A SPECIALLY DESIGNED TOOL FOR THE PRESENCE OF A TANK CRACK, AND REPLACE THE FUEL TANK IF THE DEFECT IS PRESENT.

    Reported April 8, 1994. View on NHTSA

  • 91V201000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

    A CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK ADJACENT TO A SEAM WELD IN THE REAR OF THE TANK.

    Remedy: CHECK VEHICLE WITH A SPECIALLY DESIGNED TOOL FOR THE PRESENCE OF A FUEL TANK CRACK, AND REPLACE FUEL TANK IF DEFECT IS FOUND.

    Reported November 18, 1991. View on NHTSA

Data sources

  • EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data
  • NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data

Source checked: October 21, 2026

Data verified: October 22, 2026

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

Related vehicles

  • 1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
    23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km)

  • 1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
    25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the 1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet have?

1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.

What is the fuel economy of the 1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet?

Combined fuel economy is 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.

Is the 1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?

Drivetrain: FWD.

Are there recalls for the 1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 7, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.