1990 Volkswagen Jetta Review
1990 Volkswagen Jetta Review

Volkswagen Jetta model years
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Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2dr Coupe and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$155/mo for Jetta GL
Jetta GL
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1990 Volkswagen Jetta.
5 star(72%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
18 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Keeps going and going
ratman, 09/28/2003
1990 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2dr Coupe
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.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Jetta Diesel
Diesel Dan, 04/19/2002
1990 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel 4dr Sedan
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.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Good reliable car
Yes-Jessica, 04/20/2002
1990 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
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!
4.88 out of 5 stars
Ultimate commuter
tuck, 06/11/2009
1990 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 16V 4dr Sedan
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.
1990 Jetta Highlights
Sedan
GLI 16V
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $176/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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