1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet

Perhaps as a gesture of peace between the Germans and the French, Volkswagen got rid of the English-language Rabbit convertible and renamed it the French-tinged Cabriolet.  Based on a Rabbit frame, the 2-door 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet was perky, friendly, and nimble like its prior animal namesake, but the new name conferred a more stylish and sophisticated image.

But really, there aren't many bells and whistles here and no changes from 1986.  The 1987 Cabriolet ran on a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine, and could reach a whopping 90-horsepower.  No, not breaking any records, but the handling and steering were precision German-made and so the Cabriolet was zippy and fun.  Cloth bucket seats and an AM/FM since the 1987 Cabriolet was meant for cruising with friends, who needs anything but good tunes and decent seats for that?  A 5-speed manual was standard, giving you abotu 23/25 mpg.  An optional 3-speed auto tran was available, but not nearly as much fun in a convertible.