1994 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Volkswagen Jetta sedan was available in two new models for 1994. The Jetta GLS was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generated 115 horsepower, while the Jetta GLX came with a more powerful 2.8-liter V6 engine that pumped out 172 horsepower. The standard Jetta GL was also available. All versions came with a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, while a four-speed automatic was available as an option.
Standard features for the Jetta GLS were beefed up a bit, when compared to previous versions of the Jetta, and included power brakes, power steering, power windows, power door locks, air conditioning, cruise control, and an anti-theft alarm system. The GLX added a leather-trimmed steering wheel, a rear spoiler, alloy wheels, and anti-lock brakes. Dual airbags were standard across the line.
Overall, drivers' impressions of the 1994 Volkswagen Jetta were positive, with its handling, fuel efficiency, roominess, and reliability cited as positive points. A number of drivers also pointed out that the Jetta was a fun car to drive. However, some drivers reported quality-control issues with the car, and noted that repairs could be expensive.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1994 Volkswagen Jetta
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by Lester M
May 05, 2011
The car was totally stock, a lower model GL. It drove and handled as well as the best small cars of that time. It was made in Mexico and had excellent build quality. It held up well over the four years we owned it. The paint never had any issues, even though it was never garaged. It wasn't particularly fun to drive but it was very satisfying and confidence inspiring. In short it was well suited for it's intended purpose. It was roomy and had a large trunk. There were two major things wrong with it. The Automatic Seatbelts, (pre-airbag, the last year the Jetta was so equipped) and the three spoke steering wheel where the spokes were never quite where they felt comfortable.May 05, 2011
by David M
Jul 03, 2010
This was my first brand new car, and my first of now four Volkswagens. I loved the design, fit and finish. A manual transmission in the Jetta made it fun to drive, but with a 1.8L 4, it just didn't have the get-up-and-go to which I was used (to be fair, I traded a 1985 Pontiac Parisienne [V8] for the Jetta).
For the first time (If I recall correctly), VW surpassed Volvo in safety for the first time that model year, and the car held its value when time to trade four years later.Jul 03, 2010
by Austin S
Mar 31, 2010
well it gets 36 to 40 mpg and can excellareate up and over 120 mph it doesnt even shake the clutch is amazing i would say only get a standard, the style of the make is awsome! if you could choose a color ith would be blue with a metallic tinge, have fun driving! Mar 31, 2010
User rating:
by Lester M
May 05, 2011
The car was totally stock, a lower model GL. It drove and handled as well as the best small cars of that time. It was made in Mexico and had excellent build quality. It held up well over the four years we owned it. The paint never had any issues, even though it was never garaged. It wasn't particularly fun to drive but it was very satisfying and confidence inspiring. In short it was well suited for it's intended purpose. It was roomy and had a large trunk. There were two major things wrong with it. The Automatic Seatbelts, (pre-airbag, the last year the Jetta was so equipped) and the three spoke steering wheel where the spokes were never quite where they felt comfortable.May 05, 2011
by David M
Jul 03, 2010
This was my first brand new car, and my first of now four Volkswagens. I loved the design, fit and finish. A manual transmission in the Jetta made it fun to drive, but with a 1.8L 4, it just didn't have the get-up-and-go to which I was used (to be fair, I traded a 1985 Pontiac Parisienne [V8] for the Jetta).
For the first time (If I recall correctly), VW surpassed Volvo in safety for the first time that model year, and the car held its value when time to trade four years later.Jul 03, 2010
by Austin S
Mar 31, 2010
well it gets 36 to 40 mpg and can excellareate up and over 120 mph it doesnt even shake the clutch is amazing i would say only get a standard, the style of the make is awsome! if you could choose a color ith would be blue with a metallic tinge, have fun driving! Mar 31, 2010
by Marc-Anthony Düb Werks F
Jan 21, 2010
the performance with a 1.8 8v it'sucks,the handling correctly but the big trouble this car is the floor!!! About that, you can swap a few motor; a vr6 2.8 12 or 24 valve(5 or 6 speed), 1.8t(5 or 6 speed) 2.0 8v, g60 the corrado engine( 1.8l 8v with a supercharger) 2l 16v(passat engine), 1.8 16v(scirocco engine)Jan 21, 2010
by Terry M
Nov 30, 2009
This Car Is the Best ever. Awesome to get me Back an forth to work and getting Groceries and For long car rides It handles like a charm. well for a 1994 It is the cats ass in cars ok.Nov 30, 2009
by Scott T
Oct 17, 2009
Fairly fast and maneuverable, but was already 10 years old when I got it. Idled way too low (around 5,000 RPMs) and stalled on me quite a few times. Had power locks but not power windows, AC didn't work. Had a power moon/sunroof but only opened halfway and seemed to leak a bit. Trunk also had a small leak. Only had it for about 18 months and put way too much into repairs.Oct 17, 2009
by Martin G
Jan 06, 2009
-Les portes et ailes ont été dépouillé de leurs moulure et lissé.
-Le pare-choc avant a été complètement transformé a partir de deux pare-choc d'origine.
-La calandre avant a été remplacé par une calandre européen
d'origine de 1998 importé directement d'allemagne.
-Les bas de caisse ont été gonflé de 3 cm a partir de bas de caisse d'origine et mouler aux ailes avant et arrière.
-Les roue son des Alesio de 16 pouces d'italie peint la même tinte que la carrosserie.
-Le pare-choc arrière a été lissé et modifié.
-Une légère modification a été fait au couvert de valise.
-Le toit a été peint en noir satiné.
-La carrosserie a été repeint d'uréthane en blanc albâtre de Mercedes-Benz.
-Les couvert de miroir ainsi que les poignée on reçu la teinte de la carrosserie.
Plus de 500hr de travaux on été fait sur cette auto par moi même.
Il reste quelque modification au moteur a effectuer et l'intérieur a refaire. Jan 06, 2009
by Spencer G
Sep 19, 2008
They like that it can hold all of us and its convenient when going places but it has no acceleration and will max out around 120 or so but after 85 it feels really scary and unsafe. it also isnt much better than an SUV when it comes to gas milage. average of 19.Sep 19, 2008
by Timothy W
Aug 17, 2008
handles great and is pretty quick off the start. i put a cold air intake in it. got new rear tires and new brake pads. going to buy and very nice exhaust for it called ANSA. this car is extremely fun to drive it feels like a gokart on how it handles Aug 17, 2008
by Steven S
Jun 23, 2008
Good on gas. FUn to drive.Jun 23, 2008
by Lorne G
Jun 12, 2008
She was my little v8 killer, ate 'em for lunch. Lowered, sport tuned suspension Eibach/Blisteins, absolutely glued to the road. Black on Black of course silver Konig split spoke 16 inch wheels 17s where too heavy, hurt 0-60 times. Modified cold air intake, cat back exhaust system. chipped, spent hours dialing in the cams, matched porting on the head, short shift kit, cross drilled rotors all four corners, braided steel brake lines. Got totaled by a Ford Taurus ( f**** drunk driver)Jun 12, 2008
by Patricia M
Jun 03, 2008
Une chance que mes frères connaissent bien les volks parce que ça
m'aurait coûté pas mal plus cher. bref, je n'ai pas "monté" ma jetta,
mais c'est une volks, coupé carré comme je les aime.
il parait qu'avec un ptit vr6 ça marche pas mal.
la mienne est blanche, mais celle sur la photo est celle d'un gars sur
internet, vous devriez voir le moteur :O.Jun 03, 2008
by Willhelm O
May 20, 2008
Volkswagens are very well engineered in general and the jetta is no exception.
having had few problems with it in its only 85000 miles, the problems i have had
were mostly because of mechanics without brains... or mechanics trying to rip us off.
it has quite decent handling and the performance it has for a 4 cylinder car with front wheel drive and weighing in at around 3500lbs GVW is really good.
May 20, 2008
by Paul K
Apr 29, 2008
I hate this car, but it just won't die. I now use it as my 'truck'. It's unreliable, but not to the point where you can't drive it. It's has so many problems I want somebody to steal it, but it's paid for and it just keeps workingApr 29, 2008
by Schalk K
Apr 15, 2008
branch+freeflow fitted, racing pistons and cams, engine overhauled, lenso mags 17", 0-100 in under 6secsApr 15, 2008
by Daniele P
Apr 07, 2008
this car is amazing. I love my jettaApr 07, 2008
by Matt K
Jan 23, 2008
not fast at all, but a 2.slow will last you well over 200k miles with even the slightest bit of
care. Great first car, and they're easy to get a hold of. Parts are easy to find as well as the
engine and body were used for years. My GL was at 237k when I got rid of it, and the engine
still ran great. It went on to bigger and better things. Great gas mileage too!Jan 23, 2008
by Willhelm O
Jan 01, 2008
Volkswagens are very well engineered in general and the jetta is no exception.
having had few problems with it in its only 85000 miles, the problems i have had
were mostly because of mechanics without brains... or mechanics trying to rip us off.Jan 01, 2008
by Colin R
Jan 01, 2008
This trusty old Vento was with me for many years - I bought it when it was barely 3 years old, and drove it forever! It brought all three of my children home from the maternity ward over the years - I have good memories of this one! It was a 1.8 injection engine, and it never missed a beat.....think the only work ever done was for a couple of exhausts!Jan 01, 2008
by Rob T
Dec 17, 2007
was okay i guessDec 17, 2007
by Devin K
Dec 01, 2007
Loved the car overall was slow but with some FI they can be pretty quickDec 01, 2007
by Anonymous
Nov 28, 2007
great car!!!!! 2.8l motor is ferocious and you can upgrade to 2.9l. i hear the gear box is a bit week though. im getting mine hopefully by next week. got 290000km on it unfortunately.factory could have put 16" rims on it, 15" just does not cut it. bbs rims would be the one your looking for Nov 28, 2007
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1994 Volkswagen Jetta Pricing
Original MSRP
$13,515 to $20,365Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
