1991 Volkswagen Vanagon Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Written by CarGurus Editorial Team

Published August 9, 2022

$14,680 to $27,490

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Overview

The Volkswagen Vanagon for 1991 was virtually unchanged from the previous year's model. Several different trim packages were available for...

The Volkswagen Vanagon for 1991 was virtually unchanged from the previous year's model. Several different trim packages were available for 1991, including the standard Vanagon, the Vanagon GL, the GL Camper, the Carat, the Multivan, and the limited-edition Wolfsburg Edition. All versions of the Vanagon were powered by a 2.1-liter water-cooled four-cylinder engine that generated 90 horsepower and included the Digifant fuel-injection system.

A four-speed manual transmission was standard, while a five-speed manual was standard on trim packages that included VW's Synchro all-wheel-drive system. A three-speed automatic transmission was optional. The rear-wheel-drive vehicle was also equipped with rack and pinion steering, power-assisted brakes, and front and rear independent suspension.

Standard features for the Vanagon included front bucket seats, a rear window defogger, a padded instrument panel, a sliding side door, and a lockable glove box. The Vanagon GL added deluxe front seats, power heated mirrors, a rear window wiper, carpeting, and air conditioning, while the GL Camper added a stove, sink, refrigerator, storage cabinets, and folding stow-away tables.

The Carat added such features as the power door locks, privacy curtains, and power front windows, while the Multivan added a rear clothes locker and a two-person sleeping loft, among other features.

Generally, drivers agreed that the Vanagon was fun to drive, and cited its handling, roominess, durability, and versatility as positive points. However, many drivers also noted that the vehicle often needed frequent repairs, which could be expensive.

What owners say

4.7

3 reviews

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by Ryan D

M-y beautiful Vanagon. I had always wanted a vanagon. (these are the best years to get 1986-1991) Mine was a 91Carat. It was alpine white, automatic, deluxe model (carat package) I bought it sight unseen from the original owner for $4,000.00 ( a wonderful deal) this van was in mint condition except the engine needed a rebuild. When I went to pick it up in Edmonds, I started it up and the thing came alive. It sounded like a mac truck. It was smoking live a chimney and all i could smell was coolant! I was nervous to drive it home the 25 or so minute drive on the freeway. But i made it home and I tore the original 2.1 water boxer out and rebuilt it but made it bigger ofcourse, the 2.1 automatic is way underpowered. I made it into a 2.3L. The power increase was slightly noticeable on the freeway but that is about it. I eventually sold it for almost 3X what I paid for it. I miss it a lot.

July 23, 2008

by Anonymous

We love or 1991 Carat. Just back from 10 days camping down the coast. Roomy enough for camping gear and biking stuff we had a blast. The van is fun to drive and works out great for a couple on the road. We put in a Tiico engine for better speed up hills and better MPG. Highly recommend it. 208,000 mile and plan on racking up many more.

May 19, 2010

by Anonymous

Overall this van is pretty reliable and easy to drive. It has good visibility and seats 7 comfortably. It is a great runaround car for kids and dogs etc. for the beach or weekend touring. Also, it has a cargo rack rooftop, hitch, interior pop-up table, bench seat conversion to queen size bed, and an add-on screened-in tent for the sliding door opening. Not equipped like the full camper but a lot more affordable if you're a VW enthusiast or want a collectible vw to drive on the weekend...1991 is the last year these were made.

July 1, 2011