1989 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
An ideal commuter car, family sedan, or first-time car due to its affordability, dependability, and good gas mileage (37/44 mpg), the 1989...
An ideal commuter car, family sedan, or first-time car due to its affordability, dependability, and good gas mileage (37/44 mpg), the 1989 Volkswagen Jetta is a racer at heart. Its never-say-die engine is energetic and responsive, and drivers say they're surprised how easily it leaves other much faster cars behind.
A 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 100-hp engine powered the 2-door sedan and base four-door in the 1989 Jetta. The four-door GL and luxury model Carat upped the output to 105-hp. Cruise control, air conditioning, cassette player, and power windows and locks were all standard on the Carat. The real racer was the GLI, with the 16-valve 1.8 engine at 123-hp. Wolfsburg editions, named after the VW Germany factory, were available with both the GL and GLI trims.
The GLI seems to be a favorite among 1989 Jetta owners because it is much faster than its boxy exterior implies. Tight handling and sturdy engineering leaves drivers feeling safe and many report how well the Jetta holds up even after an accident. Durability seems to be its hallmark. The large, practical trunk is always a big selling point, particularly with families and college students. Recaro racing-style seats in the GLI are very supportive. Owners do complain about poor acceleration and engine power, lack of headroom for people over 6' tall, and problems with water leaking through faulty door linings.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1989 Volkswagen Jetta appreciate its reliability, performance, and fun driving experience. Many reviewers enjoyed the vehicle's spirited handling, good gas mileage, and roominess. However, some mentioned issues with maintenance, such as rust and engine problems, alongside a lack of appealing aesthetics."
it was an 1.6td with 70bhp. Not much, but in those years it was pretty much for an 1600cc diesel engine. One of the best cars in the 80' ies It keeps going and going.....
December 25, 2007This was my second car. I bought it new right off the show room floor. It was white with a black pinstrip down the side. It was a GLI so it came with the Recaro seats, a little spoiler on the rear deck, and 120 hp. I kept it for seven years, till I traded it in on my 1996 Audi. It was always very reliable and a fun, fast drive. It was pretty roomy and the cloth/velour seats kept their shape till I traded it in. My only complaint was that it did have a nagging starting problem which I later found out was due to an incompetent mechanic at the dealer's (didn't connect the 4th cylinder spark plug wire). I let it go with 114,000 miles, but it had plenty of life left. I kept it stock but the body style did lend itself to after market modifications. I always enjoyed it and probably would have kept it longer had I not seen the A4 at the showroom.
January 1, 2008Fine daily driver, reliable but parts need replacing over time and record keeping essential to good maintenance. Rust had held off gamely but now showing at windshield wiper base, bottom of side glass, and just below the plastic body side guards. Typical Jetta weakness of front height ride and bouncy ride totally changed with HP bits. All polyurethane bushings, lowered progressive springs, Bilsteins HD shocks, front and rear sway bars, body brace, 205-50 15" wheels and Toyo Proxes 4 tires. Slotted discs, Hawk pads, K&N, Carat manifold and Corrado exhaust, FlowMaster, TT tuning chip, VW Motorsports steering wheel, Pioneer stereo, Alarm system
March 2, 2014What owners say
it was an 1.6td with 70bhp. Not much, but in those years it was pretty much for an 1600cc diesel engine. One of the best cars in the 80' ies It keeps going and going.....
December 25, 2007This was my second car. I bought it new right off the show room floor. It was white with a black pinstrip down the side. It was a GLI so it came with the Recaro seats, a little spoiler on the rear deck, and 120 hp. I kept it for seven years, till I traded it in on my 1996 Audi. It was always very reliable and a fun, fast drive. It was pretty roomy and the cloth/velour seats kept their shape till I traded it in. My only complaint was that it did have a nagging starting problem which I later found out was due to an incompetent mechanic at the dealer's (didn't connect the 4th cylinder spark plug wire). I let it go with 114,000 miles, but it had plenty of life left. I kept it stock but the body style did lend itself to after market modifications. I always enjoyed it and probably would have kept it longer had I not seen the A4 at the showroom.
January 1, 2008Fine daily driver, reliable but parts need replacing over time and record keeping essential to good maintenance. Rust had held off gamely but now showing at windshield wiper base, bottom of side glass, and just below the plastic body side guards. Typical Jetta weakness of front height ride and bouncy ride totally changed with HP bits. All polyurethane bushings, lowered progressive springs, Bilsteins HD shocks, front and rear sway bars, body brace, 205-50 15" wheels and Toyo Proxes 4 tires. Slotted discs, Hawk pads, K&N, Carat manifold and Corrado exhaust, FlowMaster, TT tuning chip, VW Motorsports steering wheel, Pioneer stereo, Alarm system
March 2, 2014Nice winter beater with heated seats, power windows, jacked suspension.
January 2, 2008Head gasket was gone on this vdub when I bought if for $400 and 550,000kms on it. Replaced gasket and it ran very well not using a drop of oil between changes. Sold it for $1000 10 months later.
March 5, 2008had a short shift kit and an intake...had to spend to much to get them and the ext. paneling was coming off.
November 13, 2007
