1996 Volkswagen Golf Review | Edmunds.com
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1996 Volkswagen Golf

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Volkswagen Golf Features and Specs

Features & Specs

  • Engine 1.9 L Inline 4-cylinder
  • Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
  • Transmission 5-speed Manual
  • Horse Power 90 hp @ 3750 rpm
  • Fuel Economy 34/44 mpg
  • Bluetooth No
  • Navigation No
  • Heated Seats No
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Review of the 1996 Volkswagen Golf

  • Info is not yet available.

  • Safety

  • Pros

    Excellent road manners, roomy interior, fun to drive.

  • Cons

    Some controls and symbols difficult to decipher, staid styling, underpowered four-cylinder engine, short standard features list.

  • What's New for 1996

    Last year's two-door Golf Sport and GTI VR6 models become a separate nameplate called simply the GTI. Meanwhile, Volkswagen trims down the remaining Golf lineup, leaving only the four-door GL hatchback for 1996. Upgrades include a smoother shifting automatic transmission, new cloth upholstery, the addition of a glovebox, retractor locking seatbelts (for more secure child-seat installation), easier-to-use height adjustment for the front belts, a central locking switch on the dash and a warning tone to remind you that you've left the headlights on. Additionally, VW removes the Roman numeral "III" designation from the Golf's exterior badging and adds Catalina Blue as an exterior color.

What Others Are Saying

Customer Reviews

  Average Consumer Rating (22 total reviews)  |  Write a Review

Fun for a big guy

by on
Vehicle: 1995 Volkswagen Golf

I bought is car to run errands and bang around in saving my primary vehicle from those lovely people who ding your doors and scrap your bumpers. I wanted something very small but big enough for me to fit in. Well this car is small , fun to drive around the city and as for me ,a 6 foot guy, I got 6 inches of head room. It is like my own little street legal Go-Kart. Now I want a new one!!!



Think it is great

by on
Vehicle: 1995 Volkswagen Golf

I am the third owner of my 95 golf lll gl when I got the car it had 165,000 miles on it ... I have had it now 4 yrs and put about 80k miles on it myself. Yes I have had some Major repairs, but considering the shape I got it in, really was BASIC maintenance. It has its quarks, and in time you learn to "love" them ... Wish I was able to get the car new instead of being the third owner ... I would with out doubt recommend this model and yr to any one looking for a car - even used!



Volkswagen does not dissapoint!

by on
Vehicle: 1995 Volkswagen Golf

I have had this car for four and a half years and I can safely say that it has not disappointed. The interior is spacious and can comfortably seat four male adults. I'm an average sized guy (5'9'', 165 lbs.) and I can sit in the car on a long ride with no problems. The City does not have too many options, so if you're looking for more creature comforts, I'd suggest the GLS or GLX models. The 8V motor provides plenty of power in second and third gear. Its gas mileage is great and as long as you keep up with routine maintenance, the cost to keep it running top notch is virtually zero! I replaced the head gasket at 108,000 miles and tossed some other mods onto it, and it's been great.



It's a great vw

by on
Vehicle: 1995 Volkswagen Golf

When I bought my VW I was looking for a car I could drive 365 days a year, as my Mustang GT could not be driven safely in snow. I did not know what type of vehicle I wanted, as I buy new and run them as long as economically and practically possible. 130,000+ miles later I'm still happy with it. It's well built, nice to drive and has had better than average maintenance costs. Although it's getting time for a new vehicle, when I do trade it in or sell it I will always remember it as a great car.



Bad choice

by on
Vehicle: 1995 Volkswagen Golf

this cars body side moldings fell off twice.shocks are very bad.ac system went out and my engine just blew out of nowhere.this is the worst car i've ever had.i will not even drive another if i was a race car driver and vw sponsered me!



Hot

by on
Vehicle: 1995 Volkswagen Golf

I just bought this car and I love it! I have always wanted a Golf, and now I have one. It needs LOTS of work, but it is still the best car I've ever had, including my Jetta.


Full 1996 Volkswagen Golf Review

What's New for 1996

Last year's two-door Golf Sport and GTI VR6 models become a separate nameplate called simply the GTI. Meanwhile, Volkswagen trims down the remaining Golf lineup, leaving only the four-door GL hatchback for 1996. Upgrades include a smoother shifting automatic transmission, new cloth upholstery, the addition of a glovebox, retractor locking seatbelts (for more secure child-seat installation), easier-to-use height adjustment for the front belts, a central locking switch on the dash and a warning tone to remind you that you've left the headlights on. Additionally, VW removes the Roman numeral "III" designation from the Golf's exterior badging and adds Catalina Blue as an exterior color.

Talk About The 1996 Golf

Gas Mileage

EPA-Rated MPG

  • 34
  • cty
/
  • 44
  • highway
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Other Golf Years

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