1997 Volkswagen Golf Review
Fuel Economy
24 mpg
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
The long history of it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr GL Hatchback
Review
I bought my Golf new in May '97. Kept it simple by NOT having power door locks, air conditioning or auto trans. I now have 203,125 miles on the odometer, and everything is working great. I have had some minor trim problems years ago, but resolved by non-vw bodyshop. I've had the front and rear brakes done once each (wear and tear) and I'm now on my second complete muffler replacement. I have not experienced any of the wiper/door lock failures, though locks freeze up easy. driving is manageable in snow but not great. I'm still on the same clutch. I regularly have VW maintenance @ 5000mi to take care of it and performs better on 91 octane gas. Is is fun? Got caught doing 113mi/hr in a 50 zone.
Favorite Features
Passing ability in 2nd and 3rd gear. fuel economy, moon roof, optional premium sound system.
Suggested Improvements
moon roof leaks a bit (shows some slight roof material stains), if your trim is falling off get a bodyshop to permanently stick it on - not VW. In cold climates keep lock de-icer handy. Suggestion for all German Car Makers (VW, BMW, AUDI): offer the 2.0L AWD Diesel models readily available in Germany
Rubber moldings and then all that jazz
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr Jazz Hatchback
Review
Good little car. Excellent mileage an easy 32 mpg with no effort, comfy, saucy. Only needs regular upkeep, but then there's those disappearing rubber moldings, get some good glue. Sound system is really nice. A/C, when working, is good. All kinds of space for carrying things. Suspension excellent. A tight little car with very few squeaks but a paucity of quality when it comes to interior plastic (knobs i.e. seat, radio, cup holder is laughable) I'll keep it for a few more years.
Favorite Features
Mileage 32 mpg, Comfort, style, sound system
Suggested Improvements
All plastic, more mileage
This engine won't die!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr GL Hatchback
Review
After having my first VW at age 17, I went to a new VW at age 22. The Golf was an affordable first car and now, after three kids, I can't get this car to quit. The engine is true VW form as it goes as long as the electronics will let it. The zippiness is a blast on curvy hills. The time in the shop was plenty (two clutch cables, new transmission, and alarm system malfunction) in the first 3 years and then, nothing but regular maintenance for 7 years. Now the seats and door locks are failing, but it still gets 29 mpg after 11 years, 135,000 miles and moving 3 states. As much as we want a new car, this one could keep the gas bills down for years to come.
Favorite Features
Handling and responsive acceleration. Closing the door feels solid and not tin can-like.
Suggested Improvements
Definitely cup holders need work. The one that could fit a large coffee is behind the console and broke after a few years.
Good basic transportation
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr GL Hatchback
Review
Bought this from a friend last year and has been a surprising delight to own. I have both an older BMW 7 series and Porsche 944. I enjoy driving this day to day so much that the other cars pretty much stay parked. It's tight, nimble and can cruise for hours at 85 mph while sipping between 30-32 mpg. I'm six foot three and have no problem fitting in even with the moon roof! It is almost 11 years old and after having it detailed, look like brand new.
Favorite Features
Simple design, tight but comfortable suspension. Easy to maintain and a very cost effective drive.
Suggested Improvements
Make cruise control and electric windows standard.
Great Economical Car with Zip
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr Jazz Hatchback
Review
Living in Seattle, it's great to have a car this size to park downtown. The gas mileage is very good too, and as a third owner I've been impressed to have very little go wrong. Valve head gasket is a rubber piece whose integrity lessens over time and the leaking oil compromises the coolant flange, so they'll often go together, but with any car this old rubber pieces will wear. I have had those go, but everything else is solid, and I've been happy to stop buying cheap cars to spend a little more with reliable results. Room enough for snowboarding gear (with seats down), and decent room for 4 (or 5 in a pinch). I love the stick-shift - it makes merging so easing which is useful in a city.
Favorite Features
Hatch. Zip.
Suggested Improvements
Cupholders only accomodate 12 oz. size coffee cups, and you can't open the ashtray (I use for change) with a drink in the holder. Molding on doors have all fallen off (though only about $50 to remount - still annoying). Glove box bangs the knees of passengers when open. All very minor.
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