1990 Volkswagen Beetle review from North America

Oil cooler seals were leaking when I bought the car.

Incorrect muffler installed by previous owner caused hesitation upon acceleratin. I installed a new, German muffler, which corrected this problem.

I replaced my 1965 VW Beetle which served reliably as my daily driver for two years with this 1990 Mexican built VW Beetle as it had some features that I felt would make it a little nicer as a daily driven car such as intermittent wipers and a more powerful heater.

I have driven the car all over the city and on several long journeys. It has been very reliable. It feels unbreakable. I do not change the oil or adjust the valves nearly as often as I should, but it doesn't seem to matter.

I do have a few complaints. The Mexican Beetles are geared differently than the German models and there is nearly no sound insulation or carpeting, making for a pretty loud highway car. I am probably going to change the gearing and am installing Dynamat and a carpet set this weekend, which sould help things.

Also, the Beetle has enough room for four adults. And no more. It's really just a capsule designed to carry 4 people and luggage. The Mexican Beetles came with Golf front seats which makes the cabin feel a blit claustrophobic compared to earlier Beetles with lowback seats. Still, I am 6'0" and have plenty of room and it is actually one of the more comfortable cars I have driven-seats are good, driving posistion is just about perfect.

Other positive notes include suprising cornering power, good stability at speeds (it'll see 93mph), good fuel mileage. It is fun and all the engine seems to require is privacy.

Besides the noise complaint, about the only other thing I really wish is that they had made the rear window open, like a hatchback, as it would allow easier access to the rear luggage area and longer objects to be carried.