A close friend’s trio of Mk2 Jettas defined our high school years in the late ’90s. His first, a 1988 GL in a striking blue, identical to the one pictured, became a legend in its own time. This 5-speed manual was our chariot of mischief, enduring countless hours of “Rally Mode” on the freshly-graveled streets of our town. Picture this: headrests jacked up, tires spitting gravel, and me navigating turns while he relentlessly floored the gas pedal. That Mk2 Jetta absorbed every bit of punishment, begging for more. It also excelled at “rollback burnouts,” clutch-popping spectacles that often left us choking on tire smoke and laughter. Sadly, its reign ended tragically when his sister T-boned a Suburban, sending the SUV on its side and the Jetta to its grave.
His second Mk2, a blue 2-door automatic, was less memorable. Aside from its questionable “rainbow” headlights and a single exhilarating run to 100mph on the highway, it lacked the character of its predecessor. It soon made way for the coveted GLI.
The 1991 black GLI, however, was a constant source of frustration. Despite having significantly fewer miles than the ’88 GL, it suffered a relentless string of mechanical failures. Brake caliper lockups, a cylinder head rebuild, and failing transmission synchros plagued its short life. It was a stark contrast to the rugged reliability of the original GL.
The Mk2 Jetta, especially the 8V variants, epitomized simple, unadulterated driving fun. Based on my experience, the Mk2 Jetta, particularly the robust ’88 GL, earns a solid recommendation. They are truly enjoyable cars.
