1991 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8 from North America

Summary:

A great all around, sporty gas saver

Faults:

I changed:

The heater core, exhaust system, muffler, both front axles, radiator, belts, hoses, starter, battery, alternator, A/C unit, fuel filter, clutch plate, head gasket, emergency brake cable, serviced transmission, replaced rotor, spark plugs and wires, water pump and timing belt, passenger side front wheel bearing.

General Comments:

Overall, I say it was not the fault of the manufacturer, but the previous owner. Once I changed out the neglected parts, it runs solid.

It's good on gas and dependable, handles very well and feels sporty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st January, 2012

1991 Volkswagen Jetta GL from North America

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

That car was a BEAST!

First car, and it was easy to fix IF it broke down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st March, 2010

1991 Volkswagen Jetta from North America

Summary:

All I expected and more

Faults:

Master-cylinder had to be replaced.

Cord for speedometer needed to be replaced.

Needed a new fuse for the horn/door chime.

General Comments:

Great car for your first car on the road; incredibly reliable.

The seats were comfortable and easy to maneuver as I wished.

Slightly harder to bring up to high way speeds, but once reached they were easy to maintain. The highest speed I managed to reach was 170km.

Tight, for seventeen year old car anyway.

Solid body; very little rust.

Easy on gas.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th March, 2008

1991 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8L from North America

Summary:

Great car for the value

Faults:

The only thing that ever really went wrong with the car is that the moldings on the doors fell off very easily. Needless to say a little caulking fixed that problem in no time. The door handles do jam up a bit, but that's because the car is 16 years old.

General Comments:

I bought this car wrecked in 2006. With help from my Dad I fixed it, and put it on the road. In the year I have owned it I have had no major qualms about the car. It is VERY reliable, and rides like a dream. The seats, and upholstery are amazingly comfortable. Everything is designed perfectly with both driver, and passenger in mind. The A/C still makes the driving compartment an ice box in the summer. Gas mileage is a little less than what I'd expected from a Jetta, but for the value I'll take it. A great driving car that I run down the highway regularly, and put lots of stress on without ever hearing a complaint back from it. I really do love this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th June, 2007

1991 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8L from North America

Summary:

Outstanding

Faults:

Regular maintenance:

Timing Belt ($13), Wheel Cylinders (2 X 14$), Transmission Filter & Fluid ($35)

Other:

Hydraulic Tappet Noise/"Lifters" (Replaced three noisy ones (with used) for $20CAD. Temperature sensor (ECM) (9$), Temperature sensor (Radiator) ($12), Windows roller (rear Not Yet replaced), Door handles Jammed (removed and lubricated/repaired $FREE), Suspension bushing ($25), that's it.. all cheap!

General Comments:

I have had a lot of used cars, none have been as tough as this one. I bought this car for $200!

My oil pressure is way up (29psi @ 2000 RPM, warm), and so is the engine compression (145 psi, cold) : At 330,000 KMS!

I would Drive it anywhere. This car is cheap on gas!

This is a good car for anyone on a budget, who doesn't mind getting there hands dirty to get their car up to specs. After maintenance was performed, I have been driving problem free for 10 months now!

Usually cars of this age have been neglected, and so they appear to have a lot of problems... (Engine noise, reliability problems, etc... But get a repair manual, take your time, and with a very little bit of money, the 1991 Jetta can be brought back to life!

One maintenance is performed, VERY reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th March, 2007

9th Mar 2007, 14:28

I did a quick touch-up and safety of an 89 Jetta GL auto for a friend, the same time I was fixing up a 90 Passat GL for myself. Boy did I make a mistake. I sold him the Jetta for $1200 and kept the Passat. He's driven his for 2 years now, having only needed to do the fuel filter... me on the other hand have had to change the ISV, O2 sensor, throttlebody, power window computer, brakelines, rear calipers in the same 2 year span... Life lessons I guess!

11th Mar 2007, 11:57

I have a 1991 Jetta GL and will not start. I know the problem is the safety seat belt (where it has to be buckled to start the car) but the wires are loose so I cannot start the car. I was wondering if anyone knows how to fix this. please email me at snaber@vcn.com or reply on here and I will check back.