1997 Volkswagen Golf Consumer Reviews

Hot Hatch!

Written by: metri91 on 08/15/2007

Vehicle

1997 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr K2 Hatchback

Review

This is a sweet car to drive. Of course it has aftermarket exhaust and a new stereo system and non-stock wheels, but it's very fun to drive. Gas mileage has averaged around 31 mpg. You won't be disappointed if you're looking for a cheap, easy-to-upgrade, fun-to-drive car.

Favorite Features

Smooth-shifting manual transmission. Fast AC.

Suggested Improvements

None I can think of right now.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great econo car!

Written by: Golf Driver on 03/28/2007

Vehicle

1997 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr GL Hatchback

Review

Great little car with a zippy engine and nimble suspension for a stock car. The large cargo area makes it perfect for someone who wants to be able to haul their stuff around while still getting 30mpg. Unlike most imports the Golf has a very solid and safe feel. Don't let the numbers fool you, the 0-60 times may not be much to brag about but this car realy shines in the 45-100 range (as with most German cars) allowing the driver to pass slower freeway traffic with ease. Although this isn't my first car, I'd recomend it to any parent or child as a car to put on their list. The undated styling is another reason why the mk3 Golf is a great used car.

Favorite Features

Exterior looks, moonroof, large cargo area, 30mpg, room for 4 tall adults.

Suggested Improvements

American sized cup holders. Higher quality seats. More power. 4 wheel disc brakes. Higher quality electronics (door locks, power windows, sun roof, guages, etc.)

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

i'm tired of calling for a tow truck!

Written by: bp on 03/27/2007

Vehicle

1997 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr GL Hatchback

Review

Even with all scheduled maintenace and oil changes, so much unscheduled maintenance for issues that prevent the car from going. Ignition coil and ignition wires (x2). Starter motor and solenoid. Distributor. Radiator. Have also had to replace wiper motors, door lock cylinder, o2 sensor, coolant flange (coolant leaking), valve head gasket (oil leaking). The list goes on and on. I don't even want to count the number of times I have had to sit and wait for a tow truck. I'll never buy another VW again. Ever.

Favorite Features

Love the hatchback. Good space utilization for a small car. All controls very easy to locate and reach. Fun to drive, when it is running.

Suggested Improvements

Improve reliability. Use better adhesive for door bumpers. Improve electronics. Improve gas mileage.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

A Good Car, Minus the Molding

Written by: jenni on 07/26/2006

Vehicle

1997 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr Jazz Hatchback

Review

I love this car. It is ffun to drive and comfy. Plus it has a good sound system. The only drawback is the parts started falling off around six years into the vehicle.

Favorite Features

The radio, body style, and moonroof.

Suggested Improvements

It should have better molding and interior parts - i.e. seat levers, etc.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

'97 VW Golf GTI

Written by: Tom on 06/28/2006

Vehicle

1997 Volkswagen Golf 2 Dr GL Hatchback

Review

If you are looking for a fun, comfortable (for 2 people), cool, and somewhat sporty car, a GTI is it. Having a VR6 makes this even more of an enjoyable experience. I am behind my VeeDub 100%! I've had it for about 100,000 miles and plan on having it for another 100,000! Good luck in your car buying!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Report inappropriate post

I love This Car

Written by: Stephy on 06/22/2006

Vehicle

1997 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr GL Hatchback

Review

I got my 1997 Volkswagen Golf four months ago and I love it. It's fun to drive! Plus it gets great gas mileage. It has a lot of get up and go.

Favorite Features

Just the car!

Suggested Improvements

The cup holders don't let you have big cups.

4 out 6 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

I love my vdub

Written by: Taryn on 04/19/2006

Vehicle

1997 Volkswagen Golf 2 Dr GL Hatchback

Review

All I really need to say is drive the car and then you would just get it. Its performance is great, wonderful and they are only getting better. I have an older one but it still runs like new. Saying that it is fun to drive is an understatement with this car. I find unnecessary trips to take now just so I can drive, even with the gas prices. I might not travel far for work and errands, but this car gets GREAT! It gets great gas mileage! It's only a 2.0L which is part of it, but even so I think that it is wonderful on gas. Its build quality is strong and you can't expect anything less from German engineering. I have always loved VW's and now it is crazy love. I would NEVER trade it for anything else! DRIVER FOUND.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

It's the little things...

Written by: rambler22 on 06/12/2005

Vehicle

1997 Volkswagen Golf 2 Dr GL Hatchback

Review

I'm 3 years into owning my 97 Golf, having bought it with 24k miles, I can say that its the little things that drive you crazy. Now at 75k+, engine is still a tiger, it's zippy and fun to drive with enough pickup to blow off slow pokes on the highway - still, I'd be hard pressed to ever buy VW again - within a year of buying, seized power locks, dead rear wiper, no intermittant wiper up front. Many obnoxious little repairs and electrical bugs = Serious pain in the butt. Cute and utile, but doesnt hold up well here in the Upstate NY Arctic!

Favorite Features

Cute, perky, distinctive, beats a Civic with it's Euro styling and sensibility, but you'd better care more about image than comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Seats are wretched, suprisingly bad in the snow, door locks and wipers are nearly useless, lots of electrical gremlins.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

1997 Volkswagen Golf

Written by: Tanzannia on 02/01/2005

Vehicle

1997 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr GL Hatchback

Review

I bought my 97 Golf brand spanking new. I loved my little love bug at first. The first year I had it...there were transmission problems. Gas milage is great. I have has my Golf for over 7 years and yes it has put me down more times than I have fingers. I know many people love their VW...finally you meet someone who doesn't...my outside paneling came off within the first 2 years. My check engine light stays on and the dealership doesn't know why. It is drama getting an emission. Recently my emergency brake is now retarded. I cant park on hills...And I took good car of this car...anyoneconsidering this car...think again..I should have gone with Toyota!

Favorite Features

The sun roof that no longer works! Or maybe the driver's side lock that came out after 3 years!

Suggested Improvements

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great little bargin

Written by: jagang78 on 07/27/2004

Vehicle

1997 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr GL Hatchback

Review

Although not the cheapest and for the money do don't get what you might get in others it was 7k well spent. 3 years down the road and my 97' Golf is still going strong and approaching the 100k mile mark. It's power is undoubtedly lacking, but on freeways it's really unoticable. Comfortable, fun to drive, frugal and distinct. Only real problems you might have is finding a place to get it serviced and the extra money that will cost you. It comfortably sits 4, 5 is a squeeze and trunk room isn't all that great, but if you're looking for more then you're probably not looking for this car. Nice, fun and frugal to drive. Golf is a good choice.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive. Great on Gas. Small size means fits almost anywhere.

Suggested Improvements

More powerful engine would have been nice, and some of the quality of interior and exterior parts leaves to be desired.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post