A sporty little subcompact made for fun and flitting about the sunlit streets is what you'll find in the 1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet. Though considered a cute little chick car, drivers of both sexes love its open air freedom, solidity, performance, and reliability.

Available as either the Base, Bestseller, or Boutique trims, the surprisingly roomy Cabriolet has room for four or five (small people, that is) and enough zip in the 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 90-hp engine to make it a great playmobile. A roll bar helps with safety. Plain on the inside and out, with few amenities (air con, cruise control, and leather seats are all optional), the 1989 Cabriolet makes up for it with nimble steering and handling

The 1989 Cabriolet is incredibly durable, say owners, and maintains its look and performance for many years. One thing drivers love, aside from the convertible feature, is the fine cornering and easy handling that makes driving a Cabriolet a snap. They complain about a below average sound system and the lack of extras.