1990-1992 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Both the Golf hatchback and the Jetta's 2-door and 4-door sedans had been restyled in 1985, adding more interior space. For 1990, the Golf/Jetta lineup consisted of 2- and 4-door Golf hatchbacks models in GL trim, plus the sporty GTI model. Volkswagen's Jetta line consisted of 2-door and 4-door sedans in GL, Carat, and GLI trim levels. The entry-level Golf GL and Jetta GL models were powered by a 100-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder. Slotted above the GL models were the Jetta Carat 4-door sedan and Golf GTI 8V 2-door hatchback, both with a 105-horsepower 1.8-liter. The two flagship models were the Jetta GLI and the GTI. For 1990, only the GLI came equipped with the 16-valve, twin-cam 2.0-liter engine. It delivered 134 horsepower, and came only with a 5-speed manual. Both of the 1.8-liter engines could be mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. Rounding out the lineup was the Jetta GL Diesel, available only as a 4-door with a 5-speed manual.