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1989 Volkswagen Fox Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$7,545 to $9,095

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(2 reviews)
1989 Volkswagen Fox Preview summaryImage

The Brazilian-made 1989 Volkswagen Fox saw no changes from the previous year. Four trims were offered, including the base two-door coupe, a two-door GL Sport sedan, a four-door GL sedan, and a 2-door wagon, all powered by a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 81-hp engine and four-speed manual transmission. Equipped with no airbags, no ABS brakes, no air conditioning, and no power accessories, the 1989 Fox was not big on comfort, but made up for it in performance, practicality, and price. Plus it was pretty fast, packing the right amount of torque to carry heavy loads or make it up hills.

With room for four, the '89 Fox makes a good budget family car. Owners say the rear legroom can get cramped, so it probably fits children best. Air conditioning and a cassette player were options, and with the GL models you could get a sunroof as well. That's about as far as it went, though, in terms of luxuries.

Accessories don't seem to bother owners, however, who love their 1989 Volkswagen Foxes because they are so durable and dependable. The car handles expertly and tightly, like many Volkswagens, and is speedy without putting a crimp in your wallet. Drivers make a point to mention how fun it is to drive and how easy it is to park because of its size. The Fox is also easily modifiable if you can find the sometimes scarce and costly parts. Aside from the cramped backseat, other negative comments point out the lack of options, the plain exterior, and the difficulty in finding a knowledgeable mechanic.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
Sometimes our content pages are the result of a team effort. As with all CarGurus editorial, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 1989 Volkswagen Fox

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User rating:
by Gram E
Jun 13, 2013
I am the proud owner of a 1989 Volkswagen Fox GTS, That model comes with a 5-speed instead of a 4 speed transmission. The car has never left me stranded. The car is a 2 door and yes it is a 1.8L 4 cylinder with a factory 5 speed transmission, I have put a TT tuning 270 cam into it, a moddified Audi 200 Turbo intake manifold, Switched the CIS-E to Digifant fuel injection. The VW Fox wasnt the first fox. In North America and Australia, the 80 was sold as the Audi Fox for model years 1973–79. so a little history lesson.Jun 13, 2013
by Anonymous
Oct 23, 2010
Very sturdy, excellent little car. In tune with what had first made VW great... cheap, honest transportation. Excellent suspension takes bumps, rail road tracks and pot holes beautifully. Very fun to drive, much like the classic Beetle or MK I Rabbit / Golf. Brazilian-designed-and-made but German through-and-though. Bought my white VW Fox for only $650. Car is more-than-a-bargain, since $650 won't get you a parts car, these days, much less an intact, functioning car. Running a little rich, so I'll have to tune it up. Still, runs every time. Sure, not the fastest car, if you are into speed. But she'll do 70 mph easily enough on the express way, and seems to wanna go faster (speedo says "120 mph" as maximum speed). I've always loved the sweet smell of the horse hair stuffing used in VW seats up until recently. This car feels like a VW through-and-through. Simple, cheap, honest transportation. Super gas mileage! Reminiscent of earlier air-coolers, but with the advantages of water-cooling. A/C was the only added feature available on these things, so don't buy one if you're looking for a sissy, posh ride. Rack-and-pinion steering has no power assist. There are no power windows. The Fox was never available in North America or Europe with automatic transmissions, so it's 4 or 5 speed stick only. Car is no-frills, but it's sturdy, well-made and runs well.Oct 23, 2010

1989 Volkswagen Fox Pricing

Original MSRP
$7,545 to $9,095
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
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YoY price change
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Trims & specs

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (7)
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