1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI Overview

Based on the popular Golf hatchback, the two-door Volkswagen GTI came with a choice of two engines in the 1990 model year. The base engine was a 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder powerplant that generated 105 horsepower, while the GTI 16V trim package came with a 2.0-liter double-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine that goosed horsepower up to 134. Both versions of the GTI came with a five-speed manual overdrive transmission as standard equipment; an automatic transmission was not available.

Standard features for the GTI included power brakes, power steering, bucket seats, alloy wheels, a rear window defroster, foglights, and a tachometer. The GTI 16V added Recaro seats and 15-inch wheels, among other features.

Generally, drivers like the GTI because they considered it a fun car to drive, and it has proven especially popular with aftermarket fans who like to trick the car out with additional parts.