1988 This is the Model Guide for the model year 1988. Please see the Color Guide for more information on colors. For additional mechanical info, please see the Engines and Transmissions section for specific dates of installation, models, and codes used. See the Brochure Rack for brochures for these, and many other VWs, in this model year and others. Additional technical details and photographs are available.

A2Resource > Model Guide > 1988

General:

Across the model line, the cars receive a facelift with "big doors", meaning the front doors no longer contain quarter glass, new trim, called "fat" trim, which is a fairly plain, 2.5" strip of bump trim on the body crease in the door (becuase of this, the GTI loses the side badges as well). It is also clipped to the body instead of glued. A new grille is used, with 3 slats instead of 7. A new signal stalk type (commonly referred to as "big" stalks) is used, starting at the beginning of the production year (7/87). A safety recall is issued due to the new stalks not designating "Resume" on cruise control-enabled cars. "Res." is written on stalks built after 10/87. All remaining 8vs are now Digifant. Upshift light made obsolete early in the model year (10/87 and after). New rear badging has a centered VW logo (with no "Volkswagen" script, and a new style font. Last year of USA-built models, but some escape the factory as 1989 model year cars.

Golf, Golf GL, Golf GT:
Engines: 1.8l 100hp RV engine, Digifant injection system 1.8l 105hp PF engine, Digifant injection system
Changes from last year: New engine (100hp Digifant). Diesel only available in Canada. Last year of Golf GT, but some USA-built models exist as 1989 model year cars. Passive restraint standard on Golf GL. Fully carpeted trunk standard. Golf GL gains front 15mm and rear 20mm stabilizer bars. Base model Golf returns: only in 2-door no passenger side mirror no tachometer no door pockets no wheel trim rings no stabilizer bars bare plastic under-dash trays black vinyl door panels dark gray Golf GT-style cloth/vinyl seats a very limited selection of exterior colors (Marine Blue and Alpine White).	Options available on Golf: radio prep Air Conditioning sunroof power steering Options available on Golf GL: radio prep Air Conditioning sunroof power steering cruise control split rear seat and fully carpeted trunk Options available on Golf GT: radio prep Air Conditioning sunroof power steering cruise control split rear seat and fully carpeted trunk height adjustable driver's seat Additional options available Golf models: AM/FM stereo radio AM/FM stereo radio with six speakers (AKTIV) cassette storage box automatic transmission California emissions floor mats

GTI 16v:
Red stripes only on top side of bumper, vs. top and bottom in previous GTIs (now just like GLI)	Options: radio prep air conditioning sunroof power package, including windows, locks, mirrors cruise control AM/FM Stereo cassette with 6 speakers (AKTIV) cassette storage box floor mats California Emissions

Jetta/Jetta GL:
Engine: 1.8l 100hp RV engine, Digifant injection system
Changes from last year: Passive Restraint (door-mounted shoulder belts and knee bar) are made standard on Jetta GL Diesels only available in Canada	Options: radio prep sunroof A/C power steering power package (windows, locks, mirrors) (GL only) cruise control (GL only) alloy wheels (GL only) metallic paint (GL only) 105hp Digifant engine (100hp engine with manual transmission before January, 1988) (GL only) AM/FM Stereo cassette with 6 speakers (AKTIV) cassette storage box AM/FM radio automatic transmission California emissions

Jetta Slalom (Canada only):
Based on the Jetta, the Slalom was a special model made to celebrate the Olympics. alloy wheels body color mirrors and rear spoiler, large front spoiler sport steering wheel delay dome light vanity mirrors, lighted on passenger's side height adjustable driver's seat ski sack 6 speaker AM/FM stereo cassette (AKTIV) power/heated mirrors special gray/red interior trim available in Orly Blue Metallic LP5Z and Black Metallic LP9V (colors only available on this model this year, also abvailable in Alipne White L90E, and Silver Gray Metallic LD7V)		Options: automatic heated front seats cruise control A/C power steering power windows (4 door model only)

Jetta Carat:
Engine: 1.8l 105hp PF engine, Digifant injection system
Changes from last year: Now available in the USA. AM/FM stereo cassette radio with 6 speakers (AKTIV) and cassette storage box standard Sport seats standard	Options: Sunroof Different Alloy wheels Automatic transmission California emissions

Jetta GLI (Canada only):
Engine: 1.8l 105hp PF engine, Digifant injection system
No changes from last year. Last year of the 8 valve GLI in the Canada.	Options: Automatic transmission Air Conditioning Sunroof Cruise Control Power mirrors power windows, locks, and mirrors package AM/FM stereo cassette radio with cassette holder ski sack metallic paint

Jetta GLI 16v (GTX 16v in Canada):
No changes over last year.	Options: radio prep Air Conditioning sunroof power package California emissions

Jetta Trophy 16v (Canada only):

Additions over Jetta GTX 16v: power mirrors, body color rear spoiler, body color sunroof power windows power steering ski sack leather wheel and brake handle special exterior trim Midnight Blue Pearl LC5V (color exclusive to this model)