USA Model Summary for 1989 VW Vanagons


Six models of the Vanagon were built for model year 1989. These were:

Prices shown in individual descriptions are MSRP figures from actual window stickers and other reference sources. Where a range of prices is shown, this depicts the range of MSRPs found. The price ranges are not an attempt to indicate a selling price range. These varied prices are likely the result of mid-year price changes from VW.

Colors available

Pastel White

Flash Silver Metalic

Dove Blue Metallic

Titian Red Metallic

Wolfram Grey Metallic

(Not all colors available on all models.)

Distinguishing features

There is only one exterior features to distinguish an '89 from the '88 model year. The '89 has black window trim while the '88 had chrome inserts in the window molding. The 1989 has carryover features from 1988 including:
  • 2 Black plastic front grills (common to 1986-1991)
  • Rectangular primary headlights, separate square high beam lights (common to 1986-1991)
  • Large VW logo in center of upper front grill
  • Large VW logo in center of rear hatch
  • Black plastic vents at the rear of the rear side windows
  • The 1989 GL Vanagons had black aero styled bumpers without matching rocker panels and black outside rearview mirrors.
  • The Carat model included rocker panels to match the aero styled bumpers. These bumpers and rocker panels are metalic grey. Carat models came with body colored outside rearview mirrors.

The 1989½ Wolfsburg Edition continued with features and layout similar to 1987½ and 1988½ Wolfsburgs. It featured body-colored rocker panels and matching aero styled body colored bumpers and outside rear view mirrors.

Categories key

Passenger vans Passenger vans

Syncros Syncros

Full campers Full campers

Partial campers Partial campers

Wolfsburgs Wolfsburg editions

1989 Vanagon GL

Previous passenger vanSee all passenger vansNext passenger van    $??,???
Standard Features:
  1. Drivetrain

    2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine
    Digifant fuel injection
    90HP @ 4800RPM, 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM
    4 speed manual transmission
    Rear wheel drive
    Electronic ignition
    Dynamic oil pressure system
    Thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fan

  2. Suspension, wheels, steering

    Independent front & rear suspension
    Power assisted brakes, 10.9" front solid disks, 9.9" rear drums
    Power assisted rack & pinion steering
    Steel belted radial tires, size 185/R14C
    14" steel wheels, 5.5" wide
    Aero wheel covers

  3. Exterior, body

    (Not available in Wolfram Grey Metallic)

    Dual outside mirrors
    Sliding side door
    Sliding side windows
    Opening wing windows
    Tinted glass
    Electric rear window defogger
    Intermittent front windshield wipers
    Black aero-styled bumpers

    Wheelbase:

    96.9"

    2.46 meters

    Front track:

    62.4"

    1.585 meters

    Rear track:

    61.8"

    1.57 meters

    Length:

    179.9"

    4.57 meters

    Width:

    72.6"

    1.844 meters

    Height:

    75.9"

    1.93 meters

    Ground clearance:     

    6.3"

    16 cm

    Turning circle:
    (curb-to-curb)

    35.8 ft     

    10.91 meters

  4. Interior

    Padded instrument panel
    Speedometer with trip odometer
    Tachometer
    Fuel level gauge
    Coolant temperature gauge
    Digital LCD clock
    Illuminated vanity mirror
    Illuminated lockable glove box
    Deluxe front bucket seats with fold-down adjustable armrests
    Two passenger center bench seat with fold-down armrests
    Three passenger rear bench seat
    Grey velour upholstery with a small squares pattern
    Full carpeting
    Cloth inlays in door panels

    Cargo capacity:

    Behind rear seat:

    49.7 ft3

    1.408 meters3

    Rear seat down:

    92.9 ft3

    2.633 meters3

    Rear seat down, center seat removed

    201 ft3

    5.696 meters3

  5. Miscellaneous

    15.9 Gallon fuel tank
    18 MPG EPA city estimate
    19 MPG EPA highway estimate

Optional Features:

    3 speed automatic transmission (reduces EPA MPG to 17-city, 18-hwy)

    $???

    Air conditioning with outlets in front & rear

    $1,030

    AM/FM cassette radio with anti-theft feature

    $???

    Rear window wiper with intermittent feature

    $190

    Power heated side rearview mirrors

    $190

    Power package with power front windows & door locks including side door and rear hatch

    $470

    Cruise control

    $225

    Alloy wheels, 5-spoke, 14" x 6" wide, with 205/70 R14 tires

    $???

    Weekender package (rear seats folds into bed, cushion over engine)

    $305

    4 speaker radio prep

    $215

    Metallic Paint

    $390

1989 Vanagon GL Syncro

Previous passenger vanSee all passenger vansNext passenger van    Previous syncroSee all syncrosNext syncro $20,560
Standard Features:
  1. Drivetrain

    2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine
    Digifant fuel injection
    90HP @ 4800RPM, 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM
    5 speed (4 + low) manual transmission
    Full time All Wheel Drive
    Electronic ignition
    Dynamic oil pressure system
    Thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fan

  2. Suspension, wheels, steering

    Independent front & rear suspension
    Power assisted brakes, 10.9" front solid disks, 9.9" rear drums
    Power assisted rack & pinion steering
    Steel belted radial tires, size 205/70 R14
    14" steel wheels, 5.5" wide
    Aero wheel covers

  3. Exterior, body

    (Not available in Wolfram Grey Metallic)

    Dual outside mirrors
    Sliding side door
    Sliding side windows
    Opening wing windows
    Tinted glass
    Electric rear window defogger
    Intermittent front windshield wipers
    Black aero-styled bumpers

    Wheelbase:

    96.7"

    2.46 meters

    Front track:

    61.7"

    1.57 meters

    Rear track:

    61.4"

    1.56 meters

    Length:

    179.9"

    4.57 meters

    Width:

    72.6"

    1.844 meters

    Height:

    78.3"

    1.989 meters

    Ground clearance:     

    8.3"

    21.08 cm

    Turning circle:
    (curb-to-curb)

    35.8 ft     

    10.91 meters

  4. Interior

    Padded instrument panel
    Speedometer with trip odometer
    Tachometer
    Fuel level gauge
    Coolant temperature gauge
    Digital LCD clock
    Illuminated vanity mirror
    Illuminated lockable glove box
    Deluxe front bucket seats with fold-down adjustable armrests
    Two passenger center bench seat with fold-down armrests
    Three passenger rear bench seat
    Grey velour upholstery with a small squares pattern
    Full carpeting
    Cloth inlays in door panels

    Cargo capacity:

    Behind rear seat:

    49.7 ft3

    1.408 meters3

    Rear seat down:

    92.9 ft3

    2.633 meters3

    Rear seat down, center seat removed

    201 ft3

    5.696 meters3

  5. Miscellaneous

    18.4 Gallon fuel tank mounted above transmission
    16 MPG EPA city estimate
    16 MPG EPA highway estimate

Optional Features:

    Air conditioning with outlets in front & rear

    $1,030

    AM/FM cassette radio with anti-theft feature

    $???

    Rear window wiper with intermittent feature

    $190

    Power heated side rearview mirrors

    $190

    Power Package, includes: power front windows and power door locks including side door and rear hatch

    $470

    Cruise control

    $225

    Alloy wheels, 5-spoke, 14" x 6" wide

    $365

    Weekender package (rear seats folds into bed, cushion over engine)

    $305

    Locking rear differential

    $???

    4 speaker radio prep

    $215

    Metallic Paint

    $390

1989 Vanagon GL Camper

Previous full camperSee all full campersNext full camper    $??,???
Standard Features:
  1. Drivetrain

    2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine
    Digifant fuel injection
    90HP @ 4800RPM, 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM
    4 speed manual transmission
    Rear wheel drive
    Electronic ignition
    Dynamic oil pressure system
    Thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fan

  2. Suspension, wheels, steering

    Independent front & rear suspension
    Power assisted brakes, 10.9" front solid disks, 9.9" rear drums
    Power assisted rack & pinion steering
    Steel belted radial tires, size 185/R14C
    14" steel wheels, 5.5" wide
    Aero wheel covers

  3. Exterior, body

    (Not available in Flash Silver Metallic)

    Dual outside mirrors
    Sliding side door
    Sliding side windows
    Opening wing windows
    Tinted glass
    Electric rear window defogger
    Intermittent front windshield wipers
    Black aero styled bumpers
    Pop-top roof with cargo carrier

    Wheelbase:

    96.9"

    2.46 meters

    Front track:

    62.4"

    1.58 meters

    Rear track:

    61.8"

    1.57 meters

    Length:

    179.9"

    4.57 meters

    Width:

    72.6"

    1.844 meters

    Height:

    80.9"

    2.05 meters

    Ground clearance:     

    6.3"

    16 cm

    Turning circle:
    (curb-to-curb)

    35.8 ft     

    10.912 meters

  4. Interior

    Padded instrument panel
    Speedometer with trip odometer
    Tachometer
    Fuel level gauge
    Coolant temperature gauge
    Digital LCD clock
    Illuminated vanity mirror
    Illuminated lockable glove box
    Deluxe front bucket seats with fold-down adjustable armrests & swivel bases
    Two passenger rear bench seat (folds into bed, cushion over engine)
    Grey velour upholstery with a small squares pattern
    Removable carpeting
    Cloth inlays in door panels
    Flow through ventilation with air exits at the rear of rear-side windows
    110VAC electrical outlet
    Circuit breaker
    Electrical cable
    LPG stove
    LPG tank
    Sink & water storage tank
    Fire extinguisher
    Clothes locker/ 3 door closet
    Overhead storage cabinet
    Fluorescent light
    Privacy curtains
    Removeable screen for hatch door
    Skylight
    LPG/110VAC/12VDC refrigerator
    Two store-away tables

    Cargo capacity:

    Behind rear seat:

    49.7 ft3

    1.408 meters3

  5. Miscellaneous

    15.9 Gallon fuel tank mounted under center of van
    18 MPG EPA city estimate
    19 MPG EPA highway estimate

Optional Features:

    3 speed automatic transmission (reduces EPA MPG to 17-city, 18-hwy)

    $???

    Air conditioning with outlets in rear only

    $1,030

    AM/FM cassette radio with anti-theft feature

    $???

    Rear window wiper with intermittent feature

    $190

    Power heated side rearview mirrors

    $190

    Power package with power front windows & door locks including side door and rear hatch

    $470

    Cruise control

    $225

    Alloy wheels, 5-spoke, 14" x 6" wide, with 205/70 R14 tires

    $???

    4 speaker radio prep

    $215

    Metallic Paint

    $390

1989 Vanagon GL Camper Syncro

Previous syncroSee all syncrosNext syncro    Previous full camperSee all full campersNext full camper    $??,???
Standard Features:
  1. Drivetrain

    2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine
    Digifant fuel injection
    90HP @ 4800RPM, 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM
    5 speed (4 + low) manual transmission
    Full time All Wheel Drive
    Electronic ignition
    Dynamic oil pressure system
    Thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fan

  2. Suspension, wheels, steering

    Independent front & rear suspension
    Power assisted brakes, 10.9" front solid disks, 9.9" rear drums
    Power assisted rack & pinion steering
    Steel belted radial tires, size 205/70 R14
    14" steel wheels, 5.5" wide
    Aero wheel covers

  3. Exterior, body

    (Not available in Flash Silver Metallic)

    Dual outside mirrors
    Sliding side door
    Sliding side windows
    Opening wing windows
    Tinted glass
    Electric rear window defogger
    Intermittent front windshield wipers
    Black aero styled bumpers
    Pop-top roof with cargo carrier

    Wheelbase:

    96.7"

    2.46 meters

    Front track:

    61.7"

    1.57 meters

    Rear track:

    61.4"

    1.56 meters

    Length:

    179.9"

    4.57 meters

    Width:

    72.6"

    1.844 meters

    Height:

    82.1

    2.09 meters

    Ground clearance:     

    8.3"

    21.08 cm

    Turning circle:
    (curb-to-curb)

    35.8 ft     

    10.91 meters

    Curb weight

    4100 lbs

    1860 kg

  4. Interior

    Padded instrument panel
    Speedometer with trip odometer
    Tachometer
    Fuel level gauge
    Coolant temperature gauge
    Digital LCD clock
    Illuminated vanity mirror
    Illuminated lockable glove box
    Deluxe front bucket seats with fold-down adjustable armrests & swivel bases
    Two passenger rear bench seat (folds into bed, cushion over engine)
    Grey velour upholstery with a small squares pattern
    Removable carpeting
    Cloth inlays in door panels
    110VAC electrical outlet
    Circuit breaker
    Electrical cable
    LPG stove
    LPG tank
    Sink & water storage tank
    Fire extinguisher
    Clothes locker/ 3 door closet
    Overhead storage cabinet
    Fluorescent light
    Privacy curtains
    Removeable screen for hatch door
    Skylight
    LPG/110VAC/12VDC refrigerator
    Two store-away tables

    Cargo capacity:

    Behind rear seat:

    49.7 ft3

    1.408 meters3

  5. Miscellaneous

    18.4 Gallon fuel tank mounted above transmission
    16 MPG EPA city estimate
    16 MPG EPA highway estimate

Optional Features:

    Air conditioning with outlets in rear only

    $1,030

    AM/FM cassette radio with anti-theft feature

    $???

    Rear window wiper with intermittent feature

    $190

    Power heated side rearview mirrors

    $190

    Power package, includes: power front windows and power door locks including side door and rear hatch

    $470

    Cruise control

    $225

    Alloy wheels, 5-spoke, 14" x 6" wide

    $365

    Locking rear differential

    $???

    4 speaker radio prep

    $215

    Metallic Paint

    $390

1989 Vanagon Carat

Previous passenger vanSee all passenger vansNext passenger van    $??,???
Standard Features:
  1. Drivetrain

    2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine
    Digifant electronic fuel injection
    89HP @ 4800RPM (SAE net), 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM
    4 speed manual transmission
    Rear wheel drive
    Electronic ignition
    Dynamic oil pressure system
    Thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fan

  2. Suspension, wheels, steering

    Independent front & rear suspension
    Power assisted brakes, 10.9" front solid disks, 9.9" rear drums
    Power assisted rack & pinion steering
    Steel belted radial tires, size 205/70 R14
    14" 5-spoke alloy wheels, 6" wide

  3. Exterior, body

    Paint choices: Vesuve Grey Metalic (silver), Orly Blue Metalic, and Bordeaux Red Metalic (burgundy)
    Power heated side rearview mirrors, painted to match body color
    Sliding side door
    Sliding side windows
    Opening wing windows
    Tinted glass
    Electric rear window defogger
    Rear window wiper with intermittent feature
    Intermittent front windshield wipers
    Metalic grey aero style bumpers & rocker panels
    Front spoiler with brake cooling inlets

    Wheelbase:

    96.9"

    2.46 meters

    Front track:

    62.4"

    1.58 meters

    Rear track:

    61.8"

    1.57 meters

    Length:

    179.9"

    4.57 meters

    Width:

    72.6"

    1.84 meters

    Height:

    75.9"

    1.93 meters

    Ground clearance:     

    6.3"

    16 cm

    Turning circle:
    (curb-to-curb)

    35.8 ft     

    10.91 meters

  4. Interior

    Padded instrument panel
    Speedometer with trip odometer
    Tachometer
    Fuel level gauge
    Coolant temperature gauge
    Digital LCD clock
    Illuminated vanity mirror
    Illuminated lockable glove box
    Deluxe front bucket seats with fold-down adjustable armrests
    Two rear-facing removeable seats behind front bucket seats
    Storage trays between front seats & rear-facing seats
    Three passenger rear bench seat with Weekender Package (seat folds into bed, cushion over engine)
    Folding side table
    Fluorescent light
    Privacy curtains
    5 cupholders
    Light grey velour upholstery in a small pinstripes pattern
    Full carpeting
    Cloth inlays in door panels

    Cargo capacity:

    Behind rear seat:

    49.7 ft3

    1.408 meters3

    Rear seat down:

    92.9 ft3

    2.633 meters3

    Rear seat down, rear-facing seats removed

    201 ft3

    5.696 meters3

  5. Miscellaneous

    15.9 Gallon fuel tank mounted under center of van
    18 MPG EPA city estimate
    19 MPG EPA highway estimate

Optional Features:

    3 speed automatic transmission (reduces EPA MPG to 17-city, 18-hwy)

    $???

    Air conditioning with outlets in front & rear

    $1,030

    AM/FM cassette radio with anti-theft feature

    $???

    Power front windows

    $???

    Cruise control

    $225

1989½ Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Limited Edition

Previous passenger vanSee all passenger vansNext passenger van    Previous Wolfsburg editionSee all Wolfsburg editionsNext Wolfsburg edition    $??,???
Standard Features:
  1. Drivetrain

    2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine
    Digifant fuel injection
    95HP @ 4800RPM, 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM
    4 speed manual transmission
    Rear wheel drive
    Electronic ignition
    Dynamic oil pressure system
    Thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fan

  2. Suspension, wheels, steering

    Independent front & rear suspension
    Power assisted brakes, 10.9" front solid disks, 9.9" rear drums
    Power assisted rack & pinion steering
    Steel belted radial tires, size 205/70 R14
    14" alloy wheels, 6" wide

  3. Exterior, body

    Paint choices: Vesuve Grey Metalic (silver), Orly Blue Metalic, and Bordeaux Red Metalic (burgundy)

    Power heated exterior mirrors, painted to match body color
    Sliding side door
    Sliding side windows
    Opening wing windows
    Tinted glass
    Electric rear window defogger
    Intermittent front windshield wipers
    Rear window wiper with intermittent feature
    Metallic grey aero styled bumpers
    Metallic grey rocker panels
    Front spoiler with brake cooling inlets

    Wheelbase:

    96.9"

    2.461 meters

    Front track:

    62.4"

    1.585 meters

    Rear track:

    61.8"

    1.57 meters

    Length:

    179.9"

    4.57 meters

    Width:

    72.6"

    1.844 meters

    Height:

    75.9"

    1.93 meters

    Ground clearance:     

    6.3"

    16 cm

    Turning circle:
    (curb-to-curb)

    35.8 ft     

    10.91 meters

  4. Interior

    Padded instrument panel
    Speedometer with trip odometer
    Digital LCD clock
    Fuel level gauge
    Coolant temperature gauge
    Illuminated vanity mirror
    Illuminated lockable glove box
    Deluxe front bucket seats with fold-down adjustable armrests
    Two rear-facing removeable seats behind front bucket seats
    Storage trays between front seats & rear-facing seats
    Three passenger rear bench seat with Weekender Package (seat folds into bed, cushion over engine)
    Light grey velour upholstery in a small pinstripes pattern
    Full carpeting
    Cloth inlays in door panels
    Folding side table
    5 cupholders
    Fluorescent light
    Privacy curtains

    Cargo capacity:

    Behind rear seat:

    49.7 ft3

    1.408 meters3

  5. Miscellaneous

    15.9 Gallon fuel tank mounted under center of van
    18 MPG EPA city estimate
    19 MPG EPA highway estimate

Optional Features:

    3 speed automatic transmission (reduces EPA MPG to 17-city, 18-hwy)

    $???

    Air conditioning with outlets in front & rear

    $1,030

    AM/FM cassette radio with anti-theft feature

    $???

    Power front windows

    $???

    Cruise control

    $225

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