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Used 1997 Volkswagen Golf

Consumer Rating
(38)
1997 Volkswagen Golf
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1997 Highlights

The Golf's 2.0-liter inline four engine is fitted with a redesigned cylinder head, resulting in smoother power delivery. Other changes include the addition of a cargo area light, a new high-mounted brake light and open-door warning reflectors for all doors. Memory Red is a new exterior paint choice. Later in the model year, Volkswagen releases special-interest K2, Trek and Jazz versions of the Golf. The K2 targets winter enthusiasts, and as such comes with the buyer's choice of skis or a snowboard; a roof rack to carry said gear; heated front seats, windshield washer nozzles and exterior mirrors; special cloth upholstery; silver-faced gauges; and an eight-speaker cassette stereo. The Golf Trek targets mountain bikers, and it comes with a 21-speed mountain bike and a bike rack for the roof; alloy wheels; sport seats; special cloth and carpeting; a leather-wrapped steering wheel; silver-faced gauges; and foglights. Finally, the Jazz is solely for those who fancy a Golf with a sound system, six-CD changer, velour upholstery and alloy wheels baked right in. Curiously, none of these special models are eligible for the basic GL model's optional antilock brakes.

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Pros

  • Excellent road manners, roomy interior, fun to drive, availability of upscale features.

Cons

  • Some controls difficult to decipher, staid styling, weak four-cylinder engine, can't get ABS on K2 model.
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Features & Specs

GL 2dr HatchbackJazz 4dr HatchbackTrek 4dr HatchbackGL 4dr HatchbackK2 4dr Hatchback
MPG2424242424
SeatingN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Transmission5-speed manual5-speed manual5-speed manual5-speed manual5-speed manual
Fuelgasgasgasgasgas
Horsepower115 hp @ 5400 rpm115 hp @ 5400 rpm115 hp @ 5400 rpm115 hp @ 5400 rpm115 hp @ 5400 rpm
See all Used 1997 Volkswagen Golf features & specs

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

  • Frontal Barrier Crash Rating

    OverallNot Rated
    Driver3/5
    Passenger3/5

  • Side Crash Rating

    OverallNot Rated

  • Side Barrier Rating

    OverallNot Rated
    DriverNot Rated
    PassengerNot Rated

  • Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings

    Front SeatNot Rated
    Back SeatNot Rated

  • Rollover

    RolloverNot Rated
    Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
    Risk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
  • Side Impact Test
    Not Tested
  • Roof Strength Test
    Not Tested
  • Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
    Not Tested
  • IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
    Not Tested
  • Moderate Overlap Front Test
    0
    0

Top Consumer Reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1997 Volkswagen Golf

(38)

Consumer Rating

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I love my vdub
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.
First Car
This was (and still is) my first car that I got in high school. I got it with 68,000 miles in 07 and have put on about 30,000 since then. Even with only 4 cylinders I have no problems getting up to speed on the highway and passing people. The gas mileage is ok around town but between 50-75 it really rocks. The interior was cheaply made, and there are a lot of cheap plastic pieces, but at 15 years old I'm not surprised that most of it is deteriorating. The biggest problem I had was with an intermittent speedometer, but I plan on running this car into the ground. If you can find one, you will not be disappointed.
Last of the bad designs?
Overall, the Golf III is a decent car. The body rigidity has held, so no squeaks or strange noises from the depths of the dash. However, the locks freeze solid VERY EASILY and this causes your key to bend in unnatural ways. Also, they obviously cut corners in numerous places - the battery died after two years (a cell in the battery died - it couldn't be jumped). Also, the spark plugs coked-up 20K miles early - no warning, just died. Dealer "service" consists of numerous checks for $200-$300. To actually fix/replce something costs extra - not at Honda though. For Hondas, that price includes scheduled part replacement. Could be a dealer-specific issue, though.
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Used 1997 Volkswagen Golf Overview

The Used 1997 Volkswagen Golf is offered in the following submodels: . Available styles include GL 2dr Hatchback, Jazz 4dr Hatchback, Trek 4dr Hatchback, GL 4dr Hatchback, and K2 4dr Hatchback.

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