For the Volkswagen Cabriolet's final year of production, the previous year's Carat trim package was rechristened the Classic trim package. It included as its standard features leather seats, air conditioning, power windows, power steering, power brakes, power exterior mirrors, alloy wheels, sports suspension, and a driver's-side front airbag.
The Cabriolet was powered by a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine that generated 94 hp. It was linked to a five-speed manual overdrive transmission; a three-speed automatic was available as an option.
Drivers noted that the Cabriolet was fun, quick, and handled well, although reliability could be spotty. While the cars got good gas mileage, repairs could be expensive. The top was easy to lower and raise, one driver noted, while others pointed out that the car is considered to be very collectible.