The 1991 Volkswagen Cabriolet was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that generated 94 hp. It was linked to a five-speed manual overdrive transmission, which was standard for all '91 Cabriolet trim packages. A three-speed automatic transmission was available as an option.
The Cabriolet came with a cloth top and plastic rear window. Trim packages included the Base, Carat, and the Etienne Aigner package, which was new for 1991 and available only for the German market. Standard features for the Base model included a driver's-side airbag, power brakes, power windows, power heated mirrors, and a AM/FM/cassette stereo system. The Carat trim package added leather seats, among other options.
Generally drivers considered the '91 Cabriolet a "fun" car to own and drive, probably largely because of that drop top, which was its big appeal. While the quality of the car was considered to be good by drivers, they did note that repairs can be expensive.