1990 Volkswagen Passat Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Prior to the arrival of the Touareg SUV in 2004, the Passat was Volkswagen's biggest car. Both sedan and wagon versions were available, in a single trim level, called the GL. Power was provided by a 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 4-cylinder engine that generated 134 hp. It was coupled with a five-speed manual overdrive transmission, which was standard. A four-speed automatic was available as an option.
Standard features, which were minimal, included air conditioning, a rear-window defroster, power disc brakes, a tilt steering wheel, bucket seats, and 14-inch wheels. Options included power windows, power door locks, leather seats, a sunroof, anti-lock brakes, and a cassette player.
Generally, drivers were impressed with the Passat. Even older models, like the 1990 version, with high mileage appear to be holding up well. One driver from the North appreciates the way the front-wheel-drive Passat handles in the snow. The Passat's smooth ride, its overall roominess, and good gas mileage were also cited as positive points. About the only negatives were the automatic transmission, which one driver noted could be "quirky" at times, and the relatively high cost of repairs.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1990 Volkswagen Passat
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by Will F
Feb 28, 2011
love the five speed tranny and its amazing acceleration. the 2.0 litre is very suprising as far as performance, it spanked my old eclipse in a race... this little think flew past me like i was sittin still in third gear Feb 28, 2011
by László B
Aug 25, 2008
18 years, 255 000 km, a nose of a pig, 137 HP, top speed at around 210-220 km/h,
very comfortable inboard, nice sunroof, JVC/HAMA/home-made 4.1 audio (cassette,12 box CD changer, mp3/flac/ape/wma whatever player) :)
great 16' BBS wheels , with Continental SportContact tyres (195/45), vw passat 1.8 engine with Golf GTI DOHC 16V, K-Jetronic valve-gear
what can I say, I love her :) Aug 25, 2008
by Joel F
Jun 09, 2008
Be prepared to dig into your pockets if you own one of these, bought the car for $1200, had it for 3 years, put about $6000 in repairs, sold it for $300, definately lost out on this one. Jun 09, 2008
User rating:
by Will F
Feb 28, 2011
love the five speed tranny and its amazing acceleration. the 2.0 litre is very suprising as far as performance, it spanked my old eclipse in a race... this little think flew past me like i was sittin still in third gear Feb 28, 2011
by László B
Aug 25, 2008
18 years, 255 000 km, a nose of a pig, 137 HP, top speed at around 210-220 km/h,
very comfortable inboard, nice sunroof, JVC/HAMA/home-made 4.1 audio (cassette,12 box CD changer, mp3/flac/ape/wma whatever player) :)
great 16' BBS wheels , with Continental SportContact tyres (195/45), vw passat 1.8 engine with Golf GTI DOHC 16V, K-Jetronic valve-gear
what can I say, I love her :) Aug 25, 2008
by Joel F
Jun 09, 2008
Be prepared to dig into your pockets if you own one of these, bought the car for $1200, had it for 3 years, put about $6000 in repairs, sold it for $300, definately lost out on this one. Jun 09, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 09, 2008
New brakes, New slave cilinder runs good.Apr 09, 2008
by Hristo S
Mar 20, 2008
Actually this car is 1987 VW Passat 2.2 i, but on this site the lowest year was 1990 :( ..this is one of the first Passat's AKA VW Passat 1, and it's Limousine Luxurious Edition...117 hp, 5 cylinders, really magnificent car...sorry we had to sell it ;(
Mar 20, 2008
by Heinrich O
Mar 17, 2008
crap crap crapMar 17, 2008
by Karl W
Feb 23, 2008
Badboy-grille, Rieger RS front bumper, 17' Kosei alloys, adjustable lowering kit, strutbrace, stainless exhaust, K&N open-air intake. Feb 23, 2008
by Anonymous
Nov 16, 2007
I purchased a 1990 GL Wagon earlier this year. After a tune up and some new tires it is a great car. Enough power to zip through everyday traffic. Plenty of room for the family and the two dogs. I was surprised by all the features for a car in this class from 1990. Nov 16, 2007
by Robert B
Nov 06, 2007
good towing car thats about itNov 06, 2007
What users have asked
super rich fuel mixture
Hi, I have a 90 Passat with the 2.0L DOHC and recently installed a K&N OE replacement filter wich did wonders for fuel economy and performance but then i had issues with my cateletyc converter. I wanted to get a little more performance out of it so my dad and I tokk the cat out emptied all the baffles so it is completely hollow now and then we put it back on. i noticed a drop in fuel econemy but the car was running fine and it sounded great and it did just what i wanted it to do with performance. now for the issue, ive noticed with winter coming as the temp drops below 50 F the car is idling super high and not dropping until i drive for 20 minutes or so ive also notice my fuel econemy plumit. ive checked the plugs and they show small amounts of carbon deposites and a strong smell of fuel. my exaust also smell very rich. so i was wondering if i opened the system up to much or i forgot to adjust something for the more open system. -- thanks in advance
247 views
oil for b3 passat
I have a 90 passat and currently using 10w-40 oil but seem to be losing oil pressure after the car gets up to temp ... i was just wondering which oil i should be using
895 views
90 passat 2.0L head
so the timing belt broke on my 90 passat with a 2.0L and ima need a new head so if anyone knows where i could get one cheap that would be great
139 views
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1990 Volkswagen Passat Pricing
Original MSRP
$14,770 to $15,885Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy