USA Model Summary for 1991 VW Vanagons

Return to the home page


Seven models of the Vanagon were built for the US market for model year 1991. 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.

Click to view the brochure Dealer brochure

Colors available

Pastel White

Flash Silver Metallic

Orly Blue Metallic

Bordeaux Red Pearl Metallic

Tornado Red

(Not all colors available on all models.)

Distinguishing features

While year-to-year changes to Vanagons have been slight since 1986, there are even fewer differences between the 1990 & 1991 models than usual. I don't know of any specific differences than can distinguish a 1990 from a 1991 except the VIN and new paint color choices. Some have said that VW didn't sell any 'real' 1991 models (that VW just sold 'carryover' 1990s) in the USA, but that is incorrect. 1991 models have VINs that indicate the 1991 model year and VW printed a new 1991 Vanagon brochure.

The '91 continued to have black window trim like the '89 & '90 models. The 1991 has additional carryover features from 1990 including:

The 1991 GL, Carat & Multivan Vanagons had metallic silver aero styled bumpers with matching rocker panels and body colored outside rearview mirrors. As in 1990, there was no 1991 GL Syncro model. The Syncro choices were limited to the base Vanagon and the fully equipped Vanagon GL Camper Syncro.

Categories key

Passenger vans Passenger vans

Syncros Syncros

Full campers Full campers

Partial campers Partial campers

Wolfsburgs Wolfsburg editions

1991 Vanagon

Previous passenger vanSee all passenger vansNext passenger van    $14,360 - $14,575

Standard Features:

  1. Drivetrain

    2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine
    Digifant electronic fuel injection
    90HP @ 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 185/70 R14C
    14" steel wheels, 5.5" wide
    Chrome hub caps

  3. Exterior, body

    Paint choices: Pastel White or Flash Silver Metallic
    Black metal bumpers with plastic end caps
    Dual outside mirrors
    Sliding side door
    Sliding side windows
    Non-opening front wing windows
    Electric rear window defogger
    Intermittent front windshield wipers

    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 edge on instrument panel
    Speedometer with trip odometer
    Fuel level gauge
    Coolant temperature gauge
    Analog clock
    Vanity mirror
    Illuminated lockable glove box
    4 speaker radio prep with antenna
    Auxilliary rear heater
    Front bucket seats
    Two rear-facing removeable seats behind front bucket seats
    Three passenger rear bench seat with "Weekender" feature
         (seat folds into bed, cushion over engine)
    Grey tweed upholstery
    Rubber floor mats
    Storage area under rear seat
    Driver's door storage bin

    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:

1991 Vanagon Syncro

Previous passenger vanSee all passenger vansNext passenger van    Previous syncroSee all syncrosNext syncro    $17,995 - $18,225

Standard Features:

  1. Drivetrain

    2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine
    Digifant electronic fuel injection
    90HP @ 4800RPM (SAE net), 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM
    5 speed (4 + low) manual transmission
    Full time All Wheel Drive
    Locking rear differential
    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 185/70 R14C
    14" steel wheels, 5.5" wide
    Chrome hub caps

  3. Exterior, body

    Paint choices: Pastel White or Flash Silver Metallic
    Black metal bumpers with plastic end caps
    Dual outside mirrors
    Sliding side door
    Sliding side windows
    Non-opening front wing windows
    Electric rear window defogger
    Intermittent front windshield wipers

    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"

    1.99 meters

    Ground clearance:     

    8.3"

    21 cm

    Turning circle:
    (curb-to-curb)

    35.8 ft     

    10.91 meters

  4. Interior

    Padded edge on instrument panel
    Speedometer with trip odometer
    Fuel level gauge
    Coolant temperature gauge
    Analog clock
    Vanity mirror
    Illuminated lockable glove box
    4 speaker radio prep with antenna
    Auxiliary rear heater
    Front bucket seats
    Two rear-facing removeable seats behind front bucket seats
    Three passenger rear bench seat with "Weekender" feature
         (seat folds into bed, cushion over engine)
    Grey tweed upholstery
    Rubber floor mats
    Storage area under rear seat
    Driver's door storage bin

    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:

1991 Vanagon GL

Previous passenger vanSee all passenger vansNext passenger van    $16,820 - $17,490

Standard Features:

  1. Drivetrain

    2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine
    Digifant fuel injection
    90HP @ 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 R14C
    14" steel wheels, 5.5" wide
    Full aero-styled wheel covers

  3. Exterior, body

    Paint choices: Pastel White, Tornado Red, Orly Blue Metallic, or Bordeaux Red Pearl Metallic (burgundy)
    Metallic silver aero-styled bumpers & rocker panels
    Body colored, heated power outside mirrors
    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

    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
    4 speaker radio prep with antenna
    Air conditioning with outlets in front & rear
    Fresh air vents in rear passenger area (4)
    Auxiliary rear heater
    Deluxe front bucket seats with fold-down adjustable armrests
    Two passenger center bench seat with fold-down armrests
    Three passenger rear bench seat with "Weekender" feature
         (seat folds into bed, cushion over engine)
    Three-point seatbelts for rear outboard seating positions
    Grey velour upholstery with a small squares pattern
    Full carpeting
    Cloth inlays in door panels
    Storage area under rear seat
    Driver's door storage bin

    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 mounted under center of van
    18 MPG EPA city estimate
    19 MPG EPA highway estimate

Optional Features:

1991 Vanagon GL Camper

Previous full camperSee all full campersNext full camper    $21,410 - $21,730

Standard Features:

  1. Drivetrain

    2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine
    Digifant electronic fuel injection
    90HP @ 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 R14C
    14" steel wheels, 5.5" wide
    Full aero-styled wheel covers

  3. Exterior, body

    Paint choices: Pastel White, Flash Silver Metallic, Orly Blue Metalic, or Bordeaux Red Pearl Metallic (burgundy)
    Black aero-styled bumpers
    Body colored, heated power outside mirrors
    Sliding side door
    Sliding side windows with screens
    Opening wing windows
    Tinted glass
    Electric rear window defogger
    Rear window wiper with intermittent feature
    Intermittent front windshield wipers
    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"

    1.84 meters

    Height:

    80.9"

    2.05 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
    Digital LCD clock
    Fuel level gauge
    Coolant temperature gauge
    Illuminated vanity mirror
    Illuminated lockable glove box
    4 speaker radio prep with antenna Air conditioning with outlets in rear only
    Fresh air vents in rear passenger area (2)
    Auxiliary rear heater
    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
    Storage area under rear seat
    Driver's door storage bin
    Two store-away tables
    Sink & water storage tank
    LPG/110VAC/12VDC refrigerator
    LPG stove
    Clothes locker/ 3 door closet
    Overhead storage cabinet
    Fluorescent light
    Privacy curtains
    Removeable screen for hatch door
    Two person overhead sleeping loft
    110VAC electrical outlet
    Circuit breaker
    Electrical cable
    Fire extinguisher
    LPG tank
    Skylight

    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:

1991 Vanagon GL Camper Syncro

Previous syncroSee all syncros    Previous full camperSee all full campers    $26,085 - $26,475

Standard Features:

  1. Drivetrain

    2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine
    Digifant electronic fuel injection
    90HP @ 4800RPM (SAE net), 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM
    5 speed (4 + low) manual transmission
    Full time All Wheel Drive
    Locking rear differential
    Cruise control
    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 R14C
    Alloy wheels, 5-spoke, 14" x 6" wide

  3. Exterior, body

    Paint choices: Pastel White, Flash Silver Metallic, Orly Blue Metallic, or Bordeaux Red Pearl Metallic (burgundy)
    Metallic silver aero styled bumpers
    Body colored, heated power outside mirrors
    Sliding side door
    Sliding side windows with screens
    Opening wing windows
    Tinted glass
    Electric rear window defogger
    Rear window wiper with intermittent feature
    Intermittent front windshield wipers
    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"

    1.84 meters

    Height:

    82.1"

    2.09 meters

    Ground clearance:     

    8.3"

    21 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
    Power door locks including side door and rear hatch
    4 speaker radio prep with antenna
    Air conditioning with outlets in rear only
    Fresh air vents in rear passenger area (2)
    Auxiliary rear heater
    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
    Two store-away tables
    Sink & water storage tank
    LPG/110VAC/12VDC refrigerator
    LPG stove
    Clothes locker/ 3 door closet
    Overhead storage cabinet
    Fluorescent light
    Privacy curtains
    Removeable screen for hatch door
    Two person overhead sleeping loft
    110VAC electrical outlet
    Circuit breaker
    Electrical cable
    Fire extinguisher
    LPG tank
    Skylight

    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:

1991 Vanagon Carat

Previous passenger vanSee all passenger vans    $18,460 - 18,735

Standard Features:

  1. Drivetrain

    2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine
    Digifant electronic fuel injection
    90HP @ 4800RPM (SAE net), 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM
    4 speed manual transmission
    Rear wheel drive
    Cruise control
    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 R14C
    14" 5 spoke alloy wheels, 6" wide

  3. Exterior, body

    Paint choices: Pastel White, Tornado Red, Orly Blue Metallic, or Bordeaux Red Pearl Metallic (burgundy)
    Body colored, heated power outside mirrors
    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 silver 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
    Power door locks including side door and rear hatch
    4 speaker radio prep with antenna
    Air conditioning with outlets in front & rear
    Fresh air vents in rear passenger area (4)
    Auxiliary rear heater
    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" feature
         (seat folds into bed, cushion over engine)
    Folding side table
    Power front windows
    Fluorescent light
    Privacy curtains
    5 cupholders
    Light grey velour upholstery in a small pinstripes pattern
    Full carpeting
    Cloth inlays in door panels
    Storage area under rear seat
    Driver's door storage bin

    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
    17 MPG EPA city estimate
    18 MPG EPA highway estimate

Optional Features:

1991 Vanagon MultiVan

Previous partial camperSee all partial campers    $20,840 - 21,155

Standard Features:

  1. Drivetrain

    2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine
    Digifant electronic fuel injection
    90HP @ 4800RPM (SAE net), 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM
    4 speed manual transmission
    Rear wheel drive
    Cruise control
    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 R14C
    14" 5 spoke alloy wheels, 6" wide

  3. Exterior, body

    Paint choices: Pastel White, Orly Blue Metallic, or Bordeaux Red Pearl Metallic (burgundy)
    Body colored, heated power outside mirrors
    Sliding side door
    Sliding side windows with screens
    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"

    1.585 meters

    Rear track:

    61.8"

    1.57 meters

    Length:

    179.9"

    4.57 meters

    Width:

    72.6"

    1.844 meters

    Height:

    80.9"

    2.055 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
    Illuminated vanity mirror
    Illuminated lockable glove box
    4 speaker radio prep with antenna
    Air conditioning with outlets in rear only
    Fresh air vents in rear passenger area (4)
    Auxiliary rear heater
    Deluxe front bucket seats with fold-down adjustable armrests
    One passenger rear facing seat behind driver's seat
    Two rear-facing removeable seats behind front bucket seats
    Storage trays between front seats & rear-facing seats
    Three passenger rear bench seat with "Weekender" feature
         (seat folds into bed, cushion over engine)
    Folding side table
    Power front windows
    Power door locks including side door and rear hatch
    Fluorescent light
    Privacy curtains
    5 cupholders
    Light grey velour upholstery in a small pinstripes pattern
    Full carpeting
    Cloth inlays in door panels
    Removeable screen for hatch door
    Two person overhead sleeping loft
    Rear clothes locker

    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: