Used 1990 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
Used Jetta for sale
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Keeps going and going
ratman, 09/28/2003
1990 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Got the car with 135k on it. Now its got 165k. It has got me threw highschool and now i'm starting college and it is still going. Its burning a little oil and the tranny leaks out a quart every 1000 miles and it only holds 2 quarts. I ran it dri before i figured out this and it started sounding like a space ship but it lived. It does pretty good off road for fwd. She look preety bad but I don't care. Ran over a ciderblock once and nothing broke except my exhaust spring clamp. No rust under the vehicle and shes been threw lots of PA and NJ winters. Also it has a truck bed for a trunk. For such a small car the trunk is huge.
Jetta Diesel
Diesel Dan, 04/19/2002
1990 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
After owning over 30 cars in various condition and age this has been my favorite. Acceleration is not a strong point. The car rides great but cornering could be better. Any Jetta/Golf from 86-92 has these woes: The outside door handles WILL break but they are very easy to replace (1 screw). If you don't properly seal the antenna at the fender rain water WILL LEAK ONTO the FUSE BOX causing electrical problems. (SEE OTHER REVIEW). The diesel engine is famous for longevity. The engine noise and diesel smell will grow on you after awhile...Regular oil and coolant changes are essential for the diesel engine.
Good reliable car
Yes-Jessica, 04/20/2002
1990 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Hi VW owners, I've had my Jetta for 12 years now. It has almost 150,000 miles on it and I've never had any problem with it. Very cheap on maintenance costs. Had to replace the air conditioner on it about 4 years ago and muffler & tires. Its been a very reliable car and now I'm going to get another VW. Moving up to the Passat!
Ultimate commuter
tuck, 06/11/2009
1990 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 16V 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought mine with 130k on the clock and I now have 180k. I have driven the snot out of this car and it just keeps coming back for more. I redline it, corner it hard, shift hard, brake hard, etc. and it loves it. The Recaro seats are great, the motor's powerband is fun and it is quite economical despite the way that I drive it. A/C has not worked since I bought it. Heater core also went out. Headliner sagged so I cut it out. I average 26 - 29 mpg (calculated by hand). The MFA registers 32 mpg.
16V
sixteenvalve, 09/16/2004
1990 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 16V 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Fast, fun to drive, very stable in corners. Drives smooth, has plenty of power and is very comfortable to drive in all day long. I have had it 3 years and put many miles on it, 65,000 so far. I never have had any big problems and I do all the work myself.
They don't make 'em like they used to...
JettaLover4Ever, 10/17/2004
1990 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My '90 Jetta has been a great, great car, plain and simple. Built in Germany when that still meant something good, it's lasted me 5 happy years, from 140K thru 180K miles and STILL going strong - can't bear the thought of parting with it soon. It's let me down only twice - once the fuel pump broke, the other the alternator. Fantastic sporty handling, fun to drive, peppy 1.8 motor, great fuel economy, that trademark giant trunk, solid build quality and real character - not to mention mechanics straight- forward enough that I can work on it myself when maintenance is needed. This is a true driver's car - if you can find one to buy, it's highly recommended.
My first car / everlasting love
shamarcus, 07/06/2007
1990 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Since this was my first car, I am a little biased toward the Jetta. I will try to base my review on my feelings during the early years of ownership when I was in college. The car was FUN - GREAT TO DRIVE. I had the 5sp manual. It had great torque for a 1.8L engine. Fuel economy averaged 24mpg/29mpg. I drove my car hard from day one like a young mad man. I bought it with ~97k miles and donated it with ~183k miles on Dec 2005. I was sad to let her go. The engine was bulletproof. I was hard on wear and tear parts such as brakes and suspension because I drove hard. Considering the hard life up to 150k miles the car was reliable. Previous owner took car of all of the early bugs.
I love this car!
kyle34s, 06/20/2004
1990 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car for 250 bucks, replaced the exhaust which rusted out for 250, and am now looking at another one which is identical for parts, as it was in a minor accident before i got it. It has 225,000 miles on it and it keeps up with most cars. The only other thing i have replcaed mechanically is the front brake pads and rotors and the right front strut froze up and i replaced that. This is a great car and i hope i never have to give it up.
Coolest car in the world
vdubster, 05/23/2005
1990 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car for $1,200 w/108,000 miles on it, and it runs great. I have 2 1/4 catback exaust, cold air intake, racing seats, short shifter, grant steering wheel, but that's about it. I finish a 1/4 mile at about 85-90 mph, its ok .
Excellent value for the dollar
VW for Life, 10/29/2002
1990 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 90 Jetta has 163,000 miles on it and runs like new! This car has given back many times over what I paid for it.. It still has the original clutch, and I've only had to replace minor things: All four door handles at one time or another, brakes, tires, the usual. Preventive maintenance goes a long way with these cars. The A/C stopped working long ago. The 90 Jetta is one of the last years these cars were built in Germany, and the quality shows. You take care of this car and will not let you down. In closing, the 1990 Jetta is a fantastic car and I recommend it highly.
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