1990-1994 Volkswagen Corrado Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Volkswagen Corrado. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Volkswagen Corrado.

1990-1994 Volkswagen Corrado Review

Volkswagen launched its front-drive, hatchback sports car for 1990, in a single Corrado G60 price series with a supercharged version of the 4-cylinder engine used in the Golf/Jetta. Billed as Volkswagen's "first full-blooded sports car," Corrado succeeded the Scirocco, which left VW's lineup after 1988. Corrado measured 6.3 inches shorter than the Scirocco, but nearly three inches longer in wheelbase. Two inches wider, it weighed some 450 pounds more. The 1.8-liter supercharged engine produced 158 horsepower, driving a 5-speed manual transmission. Automatic was not available in the Corrado's opening season. Dubbed "G-Charger," the engine had a crankshaft-driven supercharger shaped like the letter G. Based on the Golf/Jetta platform, Corrado got standard 4-wheel disc brakes, with antilocking optional. VW-designed multispoke 15-inch wheels were standard. Corrados seated four. An "active" rear spoiler extended automatically when the car reached 45 mph to reduce aerodynamic lift. As speed dropped below 12 mph, the spoiler retracted again. Standard equipment includes power steering, air conditioning, an antitheft cassette stereo, central locking, power windows and mirrors, and a 65/35 split folding rear seat. Motorized front shoulder belts were installed, with separate manual lap belts. Only a handful of options were offered.

Year to Year Changes

1991 Volkswagen Corrado: A 4-speed automatic transmission became available this year, and wider (205/50VR15) tires were installed on new BBS alloy wheels. Leather upholstery and a theft-alarm system also joined the options list.

1992 Volkswagen Corrado: Little change took place for 1992, but the supercharged engine would not be around much longer. During the 1992 model year, Volkswagen replaced it with a V6, adapted from the Passat.

1993 Volkswagen Corrado: Halfway through the 1992 model year, Volkswagen had dropped the supercharged engine and installed a V6 in its Corrado coupe. The grille and front spoiler were restyled at the same time, complete with fog lamps, and the name changed to Corrado SLC. Cylinder banks in the V6 engine were only 15 degrees apart. This narrow-angle design allowed valves for both cylinder banks to be housed in a single cylinder head. Traction control became standard, limiting wheelspin on slippery surfaces. The front suspension was redesigned, and new 5-spoke wheels were used. Air conditioning became CFC-free, and the stereo now turned off with the ignition. Standard equipment now included antilock brakes, an electronic differential lock, alarm system, and velour interior.

1994 Volkswagen Corrado: Only a few changes came in the Corrado's final season in the U.S. market. The optional 4-speed automatic transmission lost its manually selected Normal and Sport modes, in favor of an adaptive dual-mode system, as on the new Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. Electronic controls continuously monitored the driver's style, altering shift points accordingly. Side-impact protection was improved, to meet 1997 federal standards. The standard speed-activated rear spoiler now raised at 55 mph, but still retracted when speed fell below 12 mph.

1990-1994 Volkswagen Corrado Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Visibility

Handling/roadholding	Rear-seat room

Antilock brakes	Road noise

Cargo room	Entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

As a rule, superchargers make power available more quickly at lower engine speeds, but the early Corrado does not really show its muscle until 3000 rpm or so. That makes it feel weak off-the-line, and a bit tardy when a surge of power is needed around town. Highway response, however, is outstanding. Volkswagen claimed 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.5 seconds with a 5-speed and 7.7 for automatic, though both figures appeared optimistic. High weight kept fuel economy down, and the engine demanded premium fuel. With the V6, Corrado became the sports car that it should have been from the start. Strong at low speeds, the V6 stays robust as revs rise, with no untoward rush of power. A Corrado averaged 20.3 mpg in hard city/highway driving. Volkswagen's manual transmission suffers from long shift throws, and early versions could be obstructive. Corrado's ride is firm, but not harsh, and even more absorbent in its 1993-94 form. A taut suspension provides excellent balance in turns, checks undue body lean, and combines with grippy tires for one of the best-handling front-drive cars of its vintage on the road. Power steering is fluid, quick, and properly boosted. The solid structure minimizes rough-road shakes and rattles. Ergonomics are appealing and workmanship is thorough. Road noise is abundant, though the V6 is fairly quiet. Front seats are supportive without being confining, though on the firm side. Front head room is adequate, with generous leg room. The rear seat has more room than most sport coupes, but is still too small for adults, except on short trips. Cargo space is ample. Gauges and controls present no difficulties. Rearward visibility is impaired by a high tail and a rear spoiler that deploys automatically.

Value for the Money
Corrado is fun to drive on winding roads, but so are the stylish Mazda MX-6 and Ford Probe. Rather expensive when new, Corrado was well equipped and relatively practical for a sport coupe--but not a good value. Similar money can buy better performance. Still, a lot of early-VW fans swear by these "driver's" coupes.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Volkswagen Corrado	Rating

Performance	7

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	3

Steering/Handling/Braking	7

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	3

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	2

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	4

Total:	40

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1990-1994 Volkswagen Corrado Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Dashboard lights: The key binds in the ignition switch preventing it from fully returning to the run position which causes the ABS warning light to stay on. (1993-94)

Engine stalling: The engine may not start because of a broken contact inside the power supply relay for the engine control computer. (1990-94)

Oil consumption: The correct amount of oil for the VR6 engine was reduced from 6.3 qt. to 5.8 qt. and the owners manual should have been corrected to reflect this. (1990-94)

Radiator: There was a voluntary recall to replace the radiator fan, which could fail or come off and damage the radiator. (1993-94)

Tire wear: Premature rear tire wear (cupping and feather edging) is due to too much positive toe on the rear axle requiring installation of a specially machined stub axle to reduce the toe. (1990-94)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$440

Alternator	$350

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$995

Brakes	$245

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$405

Constant Velocity Joints	$895

Exhaust System	$325

Radiator	$395

Shocks and/or Struts	$880

Timing Chain or Belt	$235

NHTSA Recall History

1990: If engine is operated continuously in overheated condition, coolant pressure will rise to a level at which heat exchanger could leak, allowing hot coolant to escape into passenger compartment.

1990-91: Fuel filter housing could deform, resulting in loosened fuel pump that can cause reduced fuel flow to engine.

1990-92: Fuel hose attached to distribution rail on engine may shrink, allowing fuel to leak.

1992-93: Wiring harness in engine compartment may have been routed too close to sheetmetal edge; wiring can become damaged during normal vehicle operation, resulting in electrical short.

1992-94 w/VR6 engine: Coolant system component can malfunction, causing coolant temperature and pressure to increase significantly and, over time, cause leakage of coolant.

1993-95 Corrado: Due to improper material, radiator-fan motor shaft can wear, become noisy, and possibly seize.

1990-1994 Volkswagen Corrado Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
Corrado G60	$1,600-2,100	$1,100-1,400	$200-300

1991
Corrado G60	$1,900-2,500	$1,300-1,700	$300-400

1992
Corrado G60/SLC	$2,300-2,900	$1,700-2,100	$400-600

1993
Corrado SLC	$2,800-3,500	$2,100-2,600	$600-800

1994
Corrado SLC	$3,400-4,200	$2,700-3,300	$900-1,100

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1990-1994 Volkswagen Corrado Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door coupe

Wheelbase, in.	97.2

Overall Length, in.	159.4

Overall Width, in.	66.5

Overall Height, in.	51.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	2808

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.5

Seating Capacity	4

Front Head Room, in.	37.0

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.7

Rear Head Room, in.	35.0

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	31.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

A supercharged 4-cylinder engine powered all early Corrados, producing 158 horsepower. During 1992, Volkswagen switched to a 2.8-liter narrow-angle V6, making 178 horsepower. Only a 5-speed manual transmission was offered in 1990, but subsequent Corrados could have an optional 4-speed automatic.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

Supercharged ohc I4	1.8 / 109	158	166	5-speed manual: 20/28 4-speed automatic: 19/27	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

ohc V6	2.8 / 170	178	177	5-speed manual: 18/24 4-speed automatic: 18/25	5-speed manual: 20.3 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Germany

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1994 Volkswagen Corrado Review:

Volkswagen Corrado

Volkswagen Corrado Road Test

Volkswagen Corrado Reliability

Volkswagen Corrado Prices

Volkswagen Corrado Specs & Safety

Volkswagen Corrado Photos

Volkswagen Corrado Full Review