The Brazilian-made 1989 Volkswagen Fox saw no changes from the previous year. Four trims were offered, including the base two-door coupe, a two-door GL Sport sedan, a four-door GL sedan, and a 2-door wagon, all powered by a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 81-hp engine and four-speed manual transmission. Equipped with no airbags, no ABS brakes, no air conditioning, and no power accessories, the 1989 Fox was not big on comfort, but made up for it in performance, practicality, and price. Plus it was pretty fast, packing the right amount of torque to carry heavy loads or make it up hills.

With room for four, the '89 Fox makes a good budget family car. Owners say the rear legroom can get cramped, so it probably fits children best. Air conditioning and a cassette player were options, and with the GL models you could get a sunroof as well. That's about as far as it went, though, in terms of luxuries.

Accessories don't seem to bother owners, however, who love their 1989 Volkswagen Foxes because they are so durable and dependable. The car handles expertly and tightly, like many Volkswagens, and is speedy without putting a crimp in your wallet. Drivers make a point to mention how fun it is to drive and how easy it is to park because of its size. The Fox is also easily modifiable if you can find the sometimes scarce and costly parts. Aside from the cramped backseat, other negative comments point out the lack of options, the plain exterior, and the difficulty in finding a knowledgeable mechanic.