1988 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Boxy, safe, but loads of fun, the 1988 Jetta offered a variety of models that varied in engine power and standard features. The Carat was...
Boxy, safe, but loads of fun, the 1988 Jetta offered a variety of models that varied in engine power and standard features. The Carat was the luxury model, featuring the recently introduced 1.8-liter, 16-valve, 4-cylinder, 123-hp engine and 5-speed manual transmission. Features that were options on other models, such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, and cruise control, were standard on the Carat. The sporty GLI also used the same 123-hp engine and 14-inch wheels. The 4-door base and GL sedan had the 8-valve 1.8-liter engine upgraded to 100 and 105-hp respectively, with a diesel option. A 2-door coupe also carried this engine.
Sporty and fast is how the 1988 Jetta is often described by owners. While it is a great commuter car or city car due to its excellent handling, maneuverability, and fuel economy, its engine power and road-hugging cornering make it fun to drive on the highways or back roads as well. Owners also think it is fearless in the snow, and one of the Jetta's strong suits is the general feeling of confidence and safety while inside. The roomy seating for four and large trunk are also mentioned.
While some drivers say they've never had to do any major repairs, especially on the durable engine, others are disappointed with the 1988 Jetta's maintenance problems and costly parts. Many agree this depends on whether you have a Jetta manufactured in Germany or Mexico, with the former being preferred. Other drawbacks include poor acceleration from a standing stop, some body roll due to its light weight, a clunky automatic transmission, and problems with peeling paint.
What owners say
"Drivers generally have a mixed view of the 1988 Volkswagen Jetta. Many appreciate its handling and reliability, especially when well maintained, even calling it their 'baby.' However, some also mention that it requires cosmetic work and tuning to improve performance and handling. Despite its age, those who take care of it find it dependable and fun to drive, although a few have encountered significant reliability issues as their vehicles aged."
This car looked like crap, but she always started and only let me down 1 time when the rivets holding the ring gear onto the diff let go and blew a hole the size of a quarter in the bellhousing of the trans. Other than that it had 150,000 miles on it and was dependable transportation.
October 28, 2009Bought the base 8 valve 5spd. two years ago for $500 with almost 170,000 miles. It was a friend's so I had already replaced some things like the radiator, timing belt, tie rod and some other stuff. I beat it and didn't do much to it myself because it was a local go getter car. Now I need it for school so I replaced front end bushings, ball joints, axles, tires, struts and shocks and aligned it. It ROCKS! It only cost me $500 to do all that because I am a retired mechanic with excellent parts sources. This car went through hell and it is nice again. I drive it easy now because I like it so much. Handles awesome even with stock alignment specs. Is pretty quick for the 8 valve but it is great with fuel, better than 30 MPG. IT IS A SLEEPER. Looks so basic and boxy you'd never know how much fun they are to drive...high "tossability" index. AC works great even though it was converted to R134a. Unfortunately the trans just went with 178K. I thought it was only the diff. bearings but the ring gear is chewed....oh well, junk yard time. I just want that close ratio 5spd the car had...the secret to its acceleration with only 105 HP.
February 1, 2010The body style of the jetta has changed little over the years. the performance factor was normal. I drove this car and put a lot ofmiles on it. This was the last car i owned before joining the military. It handled well in the snow.
October 18, 2009What owners say
This car looked like crap, but she always started and only let me down 1 time when the rivets holding the ring gear onto the diff let go and blew a hole the size of a quarter in the bellhousing of the trans. Other than that it had 150,000 miles on it and was dependable transportation.
October 28, 2009Bought the base 8 valve 5spd. two years ago for $500 with almost 170,000 miles. It was a friend's so I had already replaced some things like the radiator, timing belt, tie rod and some other stuff. I beat it and didn't do much to it myself because it was a local go getter car. Now I need it for school so I replaced front end bushings, ball joints, axles, tires, struts and shocks and aligned it. It ROCKS! It only cost me $500 to do all that because I am a retired mechanic with excellent parts sources. This car went through hell and it is nice again. I drive it easy now because I like it so much. Handles awesome even with stock alignment specs. Is pretty quick for the 8 valve but it is great with fuel, better than 30 MPG. IT IS A SLEEPER. Looks so basic and boxy you'd never know how much fun they are to drive...high "tossability" index. AC works great even though it was converted to R134a. Unfortunately the trans just went with 178K. I thought it was only the diff. bearings but the ring gear is chewed....oh well, junk yard time. I just want that close ratio 5spd the car had...the secret to its acceleration with only 105 HP.
February 1, 2010The body style of the jetta has changed little over the years. the performance factor was normal. I drove this car and put a lot ofmiles on it. This was the last car i owned before joining the military. It handled well in the snow.
October 18, 2009Mk2s kick ass! I really wanted a GTi, but I really like this Jet.
February 8, 200820 year old car, if well taken care of, handles beautifully. It's my baby!
May 18, 2008its pretty trashy all around, it really needs some cosmetic work. i dont really care for that kind of stuff... well at least not right now. im more concerned with performance and handling. still needs a bit of tuning in those depts. but that takes $$ i dont have much of.
March 1, 2008
