1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet
US · Minicompact Cars
The 1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- 1.8L 4-cylinder (FFS)
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L 4-cylinder (FFS) | |
| Displacement | 1.8 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 3 to 5 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
2 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 8, 2026.
94V065000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
A CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK ADJACENT TO A SEAM WELD IN THE REAR OF THE TANK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE VEHICLE WITH A SPECIALLY DESIGNED TOOL FOR THE PRESENCE OF A TANK CRACK, AND REPLACE THE FUEL TANK IF THE DEFECT IS PRESENT.
Reported April 8, 1994. View on NHTSA
91V201000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
A CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK ADJACENT TO A SEAM WELD IN THE REAR OF THE TANK.
Remedy: CHECK VEHICLE WITH A SPECIALLY DESIGNED TOOL FOR THE PRESENCE OF A FUEL TANK CRACK, AND REPLACE FUEL TANK IF DEFECT IS FOUND.
Reported November 18, 1991. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 22, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 22, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 22, 2026
Data verified: October 23, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet
Gasoline
1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) - 1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet
Gasoline
1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet have?
1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet?
Combined fuel economy is 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 8, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.