1990 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg from North America - Comments

Where do I begin. Upon buying this car used back in 1999 the AC was already out.

The suspension needed to be replaced with new springs and two tires needed replacement. This was expected being a 9 year old car, but things only got worse.

In the first winter the speedometer went dead. It only works when it's above 50 degrees outside.

The power steering went also went out.

The battery needed replacement.

The alternator also needed replacement.

The muffler has been replaced twice.

The car generally bogs down now at speeds above 40 mph. This is a dangerous condition especially when merging onto highways. I don't know what the problem is and the mechanics don't either. It can't make it up steep hills at all.

Just recently the light switch on the car went dead. This should never happen in a car. I could only use my brights for a week. I have a part time job at night so this was horrible.

My drivers side, side-mirror has fallen out and is being held in place with super glue.

Just two days ago my drivers side door handle snapped off. This is the second handle this has happened to. Only the front passenger door has no problems. The door handle design on this Jetta is so bad. I think the manufacturers must have been on crack to make the actual lever the size of a tooth pick. If you live anywhere where the weather freezes do not even think about getting this car.

Cold weather operations are also unreliable. I don't know how many times now the car has not started on a cold day even with a new battery.

There is another serious problem involving highway driving. If I take my Jetta on the highway for over a half an hour and turn the car off at a gas station or whatever it will not start. It takes at least another half an hour to sit before it will start. I have learned to keep the car running when getting something to eat or using the bathroom because if I shut it off I will be stuck for over a half an hour. The Volkswagen dealership does not know what to do about this.

If the car is working it handles pretty well.

For being a 12 year old car it still looks great. The factory paint is almost untouched and after a good wax it looks new.

I am a student and this is my first car. I will NEVER buy another Volkswagen product again. I know a used car will have some problems, but this is ridiculous. By calling this car a lemon, I am giving it a compliment. It's much much worse.

Is anybody looking to buy a Jetta? I have one for sale.

You bought a 9 year old car with 110,000 miles on it, What did you think you were getting? I've had my '90 Jetta for 13 years now, works great and other than normal, occasional, problems its been good to me.

I've had my 1991 Jetta since summer of 99'. It currently runs well, but I feel like I've done way more than my share of repairs to it. In the three years I've owned it, I've replaced the radiator, alternator, two batteries, CV shafts, muffler, and lots of little stuff like door handles, mirrors etc. This will be the LAST volkswagon I will ever buy. If you're thinking of getting one, don't bother!

I bought a 1990 jetta because thier cheap to maintain, parts are easy to find, two words, wrecking yard,

My red 1990 Jetta (Christine) is in the shop right now having the starter, flywheel, and radiator replaced, and I am also having the valve cover replaced because it is leaking. My car has been in the shop 11 days, and it is costing me about 1,000-though this is including some costs for general maintenance, like a tune up, and belts and hoses. I have been losing my mind!

Basically, I needed a new car. Oh well, I guess it is cheaper than actually buying a new one. : (The car only has 126,000 miles on it.

I really do think the car is great... until something goes wrong, which is at least once a year, and usually quite expensive. My car has attitude. I guess in the end, I can't complain too much... for the most part she's always gotten me where I need to go.

In October 2002 I bought a 1991 Jetta GL. The car's 1.8 liter engine has been replaced by a 1.6 diesel. All I can say is I love my Jetta, the car is very easy to service, and most importantly it returns excellent MPG. I am a student in Ireland, and my "tank" as my friends fondly call it is my only mode of transport, I have also had problems with my door handles, but my mechanic told me to grease the handle.

My car never gives trouble starting as it has a manual transmission, the automatic VW gearboxes are prone to failure of the inhibitor switch causing starting problems. This was a common problem on my old '79 Golf auto (Rabbit in the US) but replacing this component solved the problem.

I hope my suggestions/comments are of help to somebody. My only message is that the Jetta in my opinion is 10/10 all 'round (except the doorhandles). And my advice is buy diesel, they are indestructible!

I bought a 91 jetta gl about a year ago and I to have had constant problems. Radiator, power steering, the brakes went out entirely due to a switch dying, lights died..etc...etc.

But it drives wonderfully (you know when it's driving) goes FAST without much effort, good breaking...etc.

For a car with 170,000 miles on it it's not so bad. I'd buy another VW... but only a newer one.

You can't expect an old car with over 100,000 miles on it to be problem free.

I have a 1990 Jetta, Gl. it has 219,140 miles on it. original engine, trans, suspension basically everything original except a few things. it's got the 1.8 and it hauls on the highways! I love my jetta and would suggest buying one to anyone. I've had it for about 3 years and never had any major problems wit it!

I have owned my 1990 Jetta for six years now and have 389,000 km. It is the original motor and trans. It uses about 1 litre of oil between oil changes. I have changed the clutch, drive axles, 1 battery. The shame is it looks a bit rough, but it will not die. I get a 30 mpg around town and 38 on the highway. Its as reliable as an anvil. It has had some issues, but what car doesn't. I'd buy another one tomorrow if this one died.

I have a camper '89, and due to starting problems, have been advised to replace the inhibitor switch. Can anyone please tell me where this is located and what it looks like?

I bought a 1990 VW Jetta last summer. I love this car. Besides it burning a little oil, this car is a champ. I have had to replace tires and the battery but this is no big deal for a car that is 19 yrs old. When she dies I will most likely get another VW. wonderful gas mileage. I live in WI. and I have never had a problem with it starting in the winter and lord knows we get very cold winters here. One thing I can say is the wipers are temperamental I have to turn them off otherwise they just stop where ever they feel they don't set themselves at the lower part of the windshield like other cars do. But overall I love the car The burning of the oil and the wiper just give it character.

The Jetta I'm working on is a piece of crap.

Knowledge is power.

Get a manual, if not for yourself, for your mechanic. Better to start out with a mechanic who doesn't need a VW manual, then you can read up on stuff you can do yourself.

That, and they do things 'weird' at VW, that a domestic or Japanese import mechanic might not be able to interpret correctly.

20+ years of driving mk2 jetta/golfs, and 89-92s mostly use Digifant, which, when sensors fail over time, will make the car run poorly.

It's a love-hate thing. This was the last of the 'simple' cars, before the computers really took over. 85-90 Jettas are German made, 91-92 Mexico, and Golfs, North America and Mexico. While most of the parts are the same, I tend to prefer the German-assembled variants.

Then again, folks, how many 85-92 cars out there are even still running, let alone desirable?

I was given a 1991 Jetta GL from a neighbor who wanted to get rid of it 8 years ago. I wish I still had it. The thing would not die. When I got it, it had over 200k on it, when I finally traded it in, it had almost 400k on it. lovely car. Although she had some minor issues from time to time: I had to replace both front axles and there was a problem with the seal on the distributor cap. Other than that, she never let me down. I am now seeking another one.

I have had my 1990 1.8 manual Jetta for over 8 yrs. now. and I love every minute of it. Yes I have replaced ; Radiator, alternator, windshield, going on my second tranny, needs front end work, opened the exhaust, 2 door handles work. no radio. But, can; still do 120 if I need it, get over 30 mpg in town and close to 40 mpg highway (love that fifth speed). This car will not quit. I will do my best to refurbish and keep it running. Yes I would buy more VW's. Ich bin ein VW.