1990 Volkswagen Golf Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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For 1990, the Volkswagen Golf came in 2- and 4-door GL hatchback versions, as well as a sportier GTI trim package that included a tad more power. The GL hatchbacks came with a 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that generated 100 hp, while the GTI's 4-cylinder engine was goosed to 105 hp. All three versions came with a 5-speed manual transmission, which was standard. A 3-speed automatic was available as an option on the GL trim packages.
Standard equipment for the 1990 Volkswagen Golf was minimal and included power brakes, bucket seats, a tachometer, and a rear-window defroster. Options included air conditioning, cruise control, a manually operated sunroof, a cassette player, and tilt steering (airbags were not available).
Drivers' comments about the Golf were generally positive, with the car's reliability and gas mileage proving especially popular. Some drivers cautioned about the automatic transmission, however, as well as the car's electrical system.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1990 Volkswagen Golf
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by Ashton L
Mar 04, 2011
always been a dream car. worth it to own. lots of space inside and lots of fun. one of the classic cars that car lovers should own or at least drive. old enough to have its quirks so best for the tinkererMar 04, 2011
by Michael L
Oct 01, 2009
For its age it still looks good. Off course it looks like an old car. But vw but the hammer on the head with this car. Golf will always be synoym with VW. Good ol runner with few errors. buy oneOct 01, 2009
by Sam M
Aug 25, 2009
Performance - goes well with a few mods
Build Quality - pretty good, usual wear and tear items!
Appearance - old skool cool
Cost of Ownership - 40-75 miles to a tenner depending how you drive
Fun Factor - extremely, slammed on coilovers so handles like a go kart, has a nice sound thanks to a full scorpion stainless exhaust systemAug 25, 2009
User rating:
by Ashton L
Mar 04, 2011
always been a dream car. worth it to own. lots of space inside and lots of fun. one of the classic cars that car lovers should own or at least drive. old enough to have its quirks so best for the tinkererMar 04, 2011
by Michael L
Oct 01, 2009
For its age it still looks good. Off course it looks like an old car. But vw but the hammer on the head with this car. Golf will always be synoym with VW. Good ol runner with few errors. buy oneOct 01, 2009
by Sam M
Aug 25, 2009
Performance - goes well with a few mods
Build Quality - pretty good, usual wear and tear items!
Appearance - old skool cool
Cost of Ownership - 40-75 miles to a tenner depending how you drive
Fun Factor - extremely, slammed on coilovers so handles like a go kart, has a nice sound thanks to a full scorpion stainless exhaust systemAug 25, 2009
by Francis G
Sep 18, 2008
GTI parts bolt straight on. Easy to work on by the home mechanic. Cheap parts due to CITIGOLF. Well built. Going up in value. So easy to fix when it goes wrong. No electric rubbish. Very much fun to drive. Cheep insurance, well recommended sorted little car big thumbs upSep 18, 2008
by Tasha R
Sep 18, 2008
love my car to bits, they are a good car as long as u get one that has been looked after properlly!! got min on 33k which for 17yr old car!! amazin!! wouldnt have anything else!! all i can say is tht if its a old car, u have to expect problems!!Sep 18, 2008
by Steve M
Jul 31, 2008
Bought this car of a mate, it was the 1.8 4x4 Syncro model so it was a very rare model, handling was fantastic (stuck to you like a fat lass at a nightclub!) and the performance wasn't bad.
Only problem was when I had to replace the exhaust it was a special one and VW had to order one from Germany at £600!!!!Jul 31, 2008
by Jason H
Jul 18, 2008
Not very much to say about this motor, i had the 1.8 driver with the full gti big bumper kit in dark metallic blue. drove ok but the dash is horrible and the gearbox seemed to be out of a chieftan tank. outside though its an ok looking motor and has plenty of potential for modification.Jul 18, 2008
by Jon B
Mar 19, 2008
I loved this car, it looks amazing, my particular car was in mint condition, new hood etc. the age of the car meant that some of the electrics were dodgy, the heater was temprementel! It didnt do winters or cold weather very well, and it seemed not to like fuel, everytime i tried to put some in, it would spit it right back out all over me, which was a nightmare! However, when the nice days came, you forget all of that, and it transforms into an awesome car! Amazing handling, and everybody looks at it and admires it! I was forced to sell, but i really want one again, i loved it!Mar 19, 2008
by Ash W
Feb 12, 2008
This was a great car, it would start first time every time, I got 40mpg and it did 216000 miles before I got rid of it. Interior was timeless and built to last, I would have another one of these cars tomorowFeb 12, 2008
by Garo K
Jan 08, 2008
this car is indestructible! Almost 18 years old, and only 76,000 miles. No rust either! Easily beats new cars off the lights, brilliantly responsive. Jan 08, 2008
by El R
Jan 03, 2008
The mk1 was the prototype, the mk2, the real thing! Retro kool with some modern luxuries!Jan 03, 2008
by Elliot R
Dec 26, 2007
car has a 2.9 vr6 conversion from an early corrado rolling road tested at
198 bhp, sound and performance was awesome but lack of power
steering and an engine that wieghed a ton on the front wheels made the
steering a little heavy!!! loved taking the car to shows and regret selling
it!!Dec 26, 2007
by Anonymous
Nov 25, 2007
Diesel version Great car to drive solid and reliable drove it for5 yearsNov 25, 2007
1990 Volkswagen Golf Pricing
Original MSRP
$8,695 to $8,995Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
