1991 Volkswagen Jetta GL from North America - Comments

The dash in my Jetta has about 3 vertical cracks in it that stretch from the defroster vents to the steering wheel. This is the first Jetta that I've ever seen with any mentionable cracks in the dash.

Everything in my Jetta rattles or creaks a little. The headliner tends to creak over large bumps, and the dash and door pouches rattle when the car is in drive setting still.

The black plastic areas on the bumpers, fender wells, door trim, etc take treatment at least three times a year to keep looking black instead of gray.

After the windshield was cracked by a rock in the hands of the previous owner, the new windshield was improperly reinstalled. The weatherstripping now traps water at the bottom slowly creating small rust places in the Cal-area below the windshield. This is the only corrosion on the car.

This Jetta handles exceptionally for a car from the early 90s.

Most passengers complain about front leg room and compliment about the rear leg room while riding in my Jetta.

The seats are to die for - very supportive in the front and rear.

The passive safety belts are a pain to those unaccustomed, however the addition of the lap belt (88-90 had no lap belt) is a comforting feature.

The body has no corrosion (except for that caused by a faulty re-installation of the windshield) and the paint looks terrific.

The 91/92 bumper style looks exceptionally well compared to the 85-90 style from this generation Jetta.

I was in an accident in my previous '89 Jetta, rear ended by a lunatic going 45 MPH who never touched his brakes. I walked away without a scratch and the cabin was not intruded by glass, metal, etc. These Jettas are very safe cars.

I had a '92 Jetta and was also rear-ended by somebody going 45-50 mph who never touched his brakes. My car was totalled, but I walked away from the accident. An incredibly safe car.

I have sold VW's on and off for the last ten years. In between I've sold Audi and Ford. In addition my family have solely driven VWs since 1987. You would therefore expect me to wholly wax lyrical about VAG. I do, up until 1996. After this the quality of minor components such as electric windows and engine sensors has been compromised resulting in poor reliability in many models. I find this upsetting as up to this point VAG made fine if somewhat dull and expensive cars. (MK2 Golf excepted). I drive a 1996 Passat Diesel, (the last of the ugly, reliable ones), and to date have covered 152,000 miles with only routine maintenance. The car still returns 50mpg and only refused to start once after the starter eventually died along with the battery after being left standing outside for a month in very cold weather. VW, please bring back reliability and forget about tacky chrome grills! and P.S. Fords still handle that little bit better!