Volkswagen Cabriolet 1988-93

     This is a version of the Rabbit, Volkswagen's most famous car next to the original Beetle.  The Cabriolet is basically a convertible version of the Rabbit, and was the sole remaining member of that line after 1985.  The Cabriolet has a driver's side airbag, but the primary saving feature of the Cabriolet is the strength of its body, which is far better than most cars of its size and weight.  The weak point of the Cabriolet is its engine, a poor 94-horsepower 4-cylinder; fuel economy is good, but power is lacking. Handling is very responsive and the ride is better than most people expect from such a car.  The front seats have a lot of legroom, but the steering column and dashboard hang a bit low and can lead to some knee bumping.  Rear seat space is only slightly less than in front. 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

94 hp I-4 Convertible

$5,076

G, A

260 kg

1.07 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

94 hp I-4 Convertible

242/23

67/7

55

42

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Volkswagen Corrado 1990-94

     This is a rare beast, being a Volkswagen sports coupe.  It was the replacement for the Scirocco, and had a short-lived career ending in 1994.  Antilock brakes are an option from 1990-93 models, and standard after that.  Like most sports coupes, handling is precise and the ride correspondingly harsh.  Manual transmission versions are a bit annoying for drivers new to the Corrado, since the reverse gear is not in the same place as a normal manual shift and takes some getting used to.   Engines have a lot of power in proportion to the Corrado's weight and performance is good.  Trunk space is very limited, and the back seats seem to be not meant for adults.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

158 hp I-4 Sports Coupe

$5,356

G, A

235 kg

1.29 tons

1+3

2

Headlights

Open

178 hp V-6 Sports Coupe

$5,456

G, A

235 kg

1.34 tons

1+3

2

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

158 hp I-4 Sports Coupe

333/32

92/9

65

70

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

178 hp V-6 Sports Coupe

359/35

100/10

65

79

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Volkswagen EuroVan 1990-94

     This is Volkswagen's fourth generation minivan, in the tradition of the original MicroBus. It is known as the T4 everywhere except North America.  It has more powerful engines than earlier Volkswagen minivans, but coupled with the high weight of the EuroVan, this does not lead to sterling performance.  Acceleration is slow, as is passing power.  Handling is sluggish and can be unresponsive.  The EuroVan is available with a permanent 4WD system called SyncroDrive, using a viscous coupling unit as a center differential to distribute torque to the rear wheels. Since this differential takes up a lot of room on the underside, the spare tire is moved from the underside to the rear of the EuroVan on a hinged bracket. The cargo floor is built on several levels, making loading of cargo somewhat difficult, especially if the item is large. 

     There is a lively industry converting EuroVans into compact campervans. These conversions were done primarily by Winnebago in the US.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

83 hp I-4 Minivan

$7,112

G, A

1.04 tons

1.74 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

108 hp I-5 Minivan

$7,238

G, A

1.04 tons

1.8 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

113 hp I-5 Minivan

$7,258

G, A

1.04 tons

1.81 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

138 hp VR6 Minivan

$7,384

G, A

1.04 tons

1.87 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

201 hp VR6 Minivan

$7,698

G, A

1.04 tons

2.03 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov*

Com Mov*

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

83 hp I-4 Minivan

141/27

39/8

76

37

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

108 hp I-4 Minivan

173/33

48/9

76

48

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

113 hp I-4 Minivan

177/34

49/10

76

50

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

138 hp VR6 Minivan

207/40

58/11

76

61

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

201 hp VR6 Minivan

272/52

76/15

76

90

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*If not equipped with SyncroDrive, reduce off-road speeds by 50%, but reduce price by $125.

 

Volkswagen Fox 1987-93

     This was Volkswagen's least expensive model at the time.  Though marketed by Volkswagen, it was actually built in Brazil by VW's factory there.  The Fox went through its lifetime with very little modifications; the front end was slightly redesigned in 1991, and air conditioning became standard in 1992.   The engine is quite weak, and the only saving grace is the light weight of the Fox, and due to the amount of work the engine is doing, gas mileage is not that great either.  Handling is quick and precise, and the ride is firm but comfortable.   Seats up front are comfortable except for tall people, and back seat space is very limited.  The Fox is not available in an automatic transmission version.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

81 hp I-4 Coupe

$4,960

G, A

295 kg

970 kg

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

81 hp I-4 Sedan

$4,860

G, A

295 kg

985 kg

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

81 hp I-4 Wagon

$5,060

G, A

440 kg

1.02 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

81 hp I-4 Coupe

230/22

64/6

50

36

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

81 hp I-4 Sedan

227/22

63/6

50

36

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

81 hp I-4 Wagon

220/21

61/6

50

36

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Volkswagen Golf/Jetta 1994-98

     These vehicles are basically the same car; the Jetta is the sedan, and the two hatchbacks are called the Golf.  In either case, you get engines that range from the very underpowered to quite lively, and excellent gas mileage, especially the diesel-powered version.  The automatic transmission versions shift promptly, but not very smoothly, making the driver think he's going over a bump.  Road noise is substantial, but this version does not have the prominent thumping associated with earlier versions of the Jetta and Golf.  Handling is comparable to a low-end sports car, very surefooted, but not handling bumps well. 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

90 hp I-4D 2-Door Hatchback

$5,656

D, A

325 kg

1.14 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

115 hp I-4 2-Door Hatchback

$5,784

G, A

325 kg

1.2 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

172 hp V-6 2-Door Hatchback

$6,064

G, A

325 kg

1.34 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

90 hp I-4D 4-Door Hatchback

$5,569

D, A

320 kg

1.17 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

115 hp I-4 4-Door Hatchback

$5,697

G, A

320 kg

1.23 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

172 hp V-6 4-Door Hatchback

$5,977

G, A

320 kg

1.37 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

90 hp I-4D Sedan

$5,556

D, A

305 kg

1.2 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

115 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,684

G, A

305 kg

1.26 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

172 hp V-6 Sedan

$5,964

G, A

305 kg

1.4 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

90 hp I-4D 2-Door Hatchback

220/21

61/6

55

27

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

115 hp I-4 2-Door Hatchback

264/25

73/7

55

51

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

172 hp V-6 2-Door Hatchback

346/33

96/9

55

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

90 hp I-4D 4-Door Hatchback

215/21

60/6

55

27

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

115 hp I-4 4-Door Hatchback

258/24

71/7

55

51

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

172 hp V-6 4-Door Hatchback

338/32

94/9

55

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

90 hp I-4D Sedan

210/20

58/6

55

27

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

115 hp I-4 Sedan

252/24

70/7

55

51

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

172 hp V-6 Sedan

330/32

92/9

55

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Volkswagen Passat 1990-94

     This is a good car saddled with (in earlier models) a bad automatic transmission, shifting roughly, late, and balky.  Later models (1993 or later) have a far better automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and with purpose.  The 4-cylinder engine lacks low-end torque and does not do well in acceleration from low speed or in maneuvers such as passing that require sudden bursts of speed, but the V-6 cures this problem.  The ride can get a bit rough on hard bumps, but the suspension is top-notch, and you can do things with the Passat that consumer cars are not really designed for.  The power steering does not assist enough at low speeds (especially in things like parking) but gets better the higher the speed at which you are traveling.  The interior is roomy unless you are a large person; tall people will find plenty of room front and back.  The sedan's trunk is huge.  Antilock brakes are optional, but it was a common option and versions of the Passat with it are easy to find.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

134 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,946

G, A

325 kg

1.43 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

172 hp V-6 Sedan

$6,134

G, A

325 kg

1.52 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

134 hp I-4 Wagon

$6,146

G, A

525 kg

1.45 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

172 hp V-6 Wagon

$6,334

G, A

525 kg

1.54 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

134 hp I-4 Sedan

258/25

72/7

70

60

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

172 hp V-6 Sedan

326/31

91/9

70

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

134 hp I-4 Wagon

255/25

71/7

70

60

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

172 hp V-6 Wagon

322/31

90/9

70

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Volkswagen Passat 1995-97

     This Passat of this time period uses the same engines as the version of the Golf/Jetta described above, but in a heavier car such as the Passat, they do not perform as well.  The suspension is softened and the frame and body stiffened, for better handling and performance in crashes.  In a typical Volkswagen quirk, the switches for the front power windows are on the door armrests, but the switches for the rear power windows are on the dashboard.  Due to the position of the passenger side airbag, this version of the Passat does not have a glove box, but there are numerous compartments in the doors, in the center console, and in the backs of the front seats to take its place. 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

90 hp I-4D Sedan

$5,786

D, A

325 kg

1.42 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

115 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,914

G, A

325 kg

1.48 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

172 hp V-6 Sedan

$6,194

G, A

325 kg

1.62 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

90 hp I-4D Wagon

$5,986

D, A

525 kg

1.45 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

115 hp I-4 Wagon

$6,114

G, A

525 kg

1.51 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

172 hp V-6 Wagon

$6,394

G, A

525 kg

1.65 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

90 hp I-4D Sedan

180/17

50/5

70

27

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

115 hp I-4 Sedan

218/21

61/6

70

51

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

172 hp V-6 Sedan

290/28

81/8

70

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

90 hp I-4D Wagon

177/17

49/5

70

27

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

115 hp I-4 Wagon

214/21

60/6

70

51

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

172 hp V-6 Wagon

285/28

80/8

70

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Volkswagen Vanagon 1988-91

     This is Volkswagen's third generation minivan; it is known as the Vanagon in North America, and the T3 in other parts of the world.  It comes in a wide variety of configurations and trim levels, from a basic passenger/cargo van to a mini camper that has less seats but a folding top that can be raised and accouterments such as a toaster oven, sink and water tank, and bed.  The Vanagon has the Volkswagen trademark of the time, underpowered engines, and both gasoline and diesel versions.  They are slow and slower, respectively.  The engine is mounted in the rear of the vehicle. The Vanagon has poor aerodynamics, a large, flat front, and this, coupled with the sheer amount of work the weak engines are doing, make for poor fuel economy.  Handling is sluggish and unresponsive, and the lack of power steering along with the Vanagon's weight makes steering difficult under the best of circumstances.  The steering wheel annoyed some, being more like a bus than a consumer vehicle.  The cargo floor has several levels, making loading difficult. The Vanagon is available with a permanent 4WD system called SyncroDrive, using a viscous coupling unit as a center differential to distribute torque to the rear wheels. Since this differential takes up a lot of room on the underside, the spare tire is moved from the underside to the rear of the Vanagon on a hinged bracket.

     Power finally came to the Vanagon many years after manufacturing ceased, in the form of the Oettinger WBX6 aftermarket modification/refit.  This replaced the engine with a 3.2-liter VR6 165-horsepower engine or a 3.7-liter VR6 180-horsepower engine, along with an automatic transmission and an upgraded cooling system. However, the resulting vehicle is still underpowered compared to its weight.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

49 hp I-4D Minivan

$6,294

D, A

840 kg

1.71 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

55 hp I-4 Minivan

$6,322

G, A

840 kg

1.72 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

56 hp I-4D Minivan

$6,328

D, A

840 kg

1.72 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

59 hp I-4 Minivan

$6,342

G, A

840 kg

1.73 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

69 hp I-4D Minivan

$6,388

D, A

840 kg

1.75 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

76 hp I-4 Minivan

$6,428

G, A

840 kg

1.77 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

89 hp I-4 Minivan

$6,488

G, A

840 kg

1.8 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

90 hp I-4 Minivan

$6,494

G, A

840 kg

1.8 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

95 hp I-4 Minivan

$6,522

G, A

840 kg

1.81 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

112 hp I-4 Minivan

$6,608

G, A

840 kg

1.85 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

165 hp VR6 Minivan

$6,868

G, A

840 kg

2.21 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

180 hp VR6 Minivan

$6,942

G, A

840 kg

2.24 tons

1+6

2

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov*

Com Mov*

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

49 hp I-4D Minivan

92/18

25/5

76

14

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

55 hp I-4 Minivan

100/19

28/5

76

24

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

56 hp I-4D Minivan

102/20

28/5

76

17

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

59 hp I-4 Minivan

106/20

29/6

76

26

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

69 hp I-4D Minivan

118/23

33/6

76

20

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

76 hp I-4 Minivan

129/25

36/7

76

34

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

89 hp I-4 Minivan

144/28

40/8

76

39

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

90 hp I-4 Minivan

146/28

40/8

76

40

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

95 hp I-4 Minivan

153/29

42/8

76

42

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

112 hp I-4 Minivan

174/34

48/9

76

50

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

165 hp VR6 Minivan

210/40

58/11

76

73

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp VR6 Minivan

224/43

62/12

76

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*If not equipped with SyncroDrive, reduce off-road speeds by 50%, but reduce price by $125.