Used 1997 Volkswagen Golf Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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I love my vdub
Taryn, 04/19/2006
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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
cao12, 01/20/2012
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
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GKnight17, 04/01/2002
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
This engine won't die!
3stateVW, 06/26/2008
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Great car!
Emelio, 02/15/2018
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The millage on my manual transmission1997 VW Golf GL odometer, reads 181,377...I bought it used from a dealer in 1999 ,it had 36,000 miles. During the years it needed little repair, mainly maintenance such as changing the ignition coil once, the PCV valve and the breather house; the battery and the windshield wipers were replaced under normal maintenance .Oil change every 3000 miles.Now I change it every 4000 miles.It gave me many years of pleasant rides.Last year I charged the AC with cooling agent since I drove for years without AC! Recently I replaced its ignition switch, struts and suspension springs, lower support arm assy's and sway bar links then I installed new door handles and a new Sony 5100BT radio. It did not cost that much.I just cannot part with it ,it brings back too many memories.I drive it to work during the weekdays and will have the engine rebuilt when time comes.It's been a great car for me...
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- Technology
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- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Rubber moldings and then all that jazz
DSullivan, 07/23/2008
1997 Volkswagen Golf Jazz 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Who needs cup holders
zigzag, 10/27/2002
1997 Volkswagen Golf Trek 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had my trek for over 3 years now and will keep it until VW fixes power windows in newer GTI's. The only real problem with car was dealership i bought it from (Dick Dean) Car drives like a dream, can haul my two large dogs nice with seats folded down. time. If I had the heated seats and the VR6 could keep car forever.
a fun to drive car w/ a reliability issu
plfdc, 08/17/2003
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I got all what I was hoping for in terms of sportiness and accessibility. I carpool w/3 children, yet I am not assiciated with the minivan crowd. This is an excellent car in that respect, driving on curvy mountain roads is awesome in this car. There is lots of power and the ride is really precise. Also there is enough room for all 4/5 of us and our equipment. Gas mileage is 31 mpg in suburban stop-and-go driving. Repairs are a problem though: radiator fan, starter motor, door lock, airbag, trunk release, ignition switch, all failed in the past year. I hate this car when I take it to the shop, but love it when I don't!
great car
blenz, 08/29/2003
1997 Volkswagen Golf Trek 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Small things that have gone wrong have cost me a total of $15 because I fixed them my self. the timing belt is easy to get to and change and only cost $20 from Ovals motorsports. The drivers door lock broke at around90000 and cost $6 in parts and 1 hr on a saturday to fix the new part is much beefer and of better quality. Overall quality is equal to or better than toy or honda.
Suburban drivers, eat your heart out!
jazzy, 10/06/2003
1997 Volkswagen Golf K2 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After driving a gas-guzzling sports car with rear-wheel drive, it's nice to have this utilitarian fuel- efficient car. The K2 is a nice choice due to the heated seats, and the engine is peppy, especially with a K&N filter. It does most things really well, including snow(who needs chains?) road trips (great gas mileage, sunroof) zippy power, great sound system, reliable engine, etc. Just an all-around fun option-packed little car.
1997 Volkswagen Golf
Tanzannia, 02/02/2005
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
Good car but time 2 move on
skredberry, 10/13/2003
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought new 1996. Issues: transmission ground wire, dash replaced w/in 1st month. Went through 3 trans due to rupture mixing coolant/tranny fluid. Battery power surge, 3rd set of plug wires, ignition coil arching ceased engine while driving. Think I got it all fixed now.
It's the little things...
rambler22, 06/12/2005
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
Woo Hoo K2
Onid, 12/06/2003
1997 Volkswagen Golf K2 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had this car since I bought it new and after 85000 miles my first repair was a $300 alternator. It is reliable and good car and I plan on having it until it melts around me.
Golf K2- So fun to drive
Timmybung, 02/23/2004
1997 Volkswagen Golf K2 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just purchased a '97 Golf GL (K2 Edition) and so far I love it. Great fun to drive, corners great, enough zip to get me moving. Fit & finish at 87,000 miles is still very good.
A Good Car, Minus the Molding
jenni, 07/26/2006
1997 Volkswagen Golf Jazz 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Great little bargin
jagang78, 07/27/2004
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
I love This Car
Stephy, 06/22/2006
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Wow...
atovar, 02/28/2012
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
While this is not the most appealing car it has been incredibly reliable. 15 years old and the only thing I've had to fix since acquiring it 6 years ago was a oil pressure sending unit for $60! My 2001 Jetta was a disaster of a car...constantly breaking down. The VW's of the 1990's are amazingly reliable vehicles.
Great econo car!
Golf Driver, 03/28/2007
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Hot Hatch!
metri91, 08/16/2007
1997 Volkswagen Golf K2 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Good basic transportation
dalton, 05/19/2008
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
piece of garbage
COLLECTOR, 11/30/2002
1997 Volkswagen Golf K2 4dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Replaced headgasket at 96,000KM. One week later (today), IT'S GONE AGAIN!!!! The car is very comfortable, a good thing to know while you are waiting for Klaus to come with the towtruck.... Overdesigned, and very complicated, I think that this design quality is the real reason why Germany lost the war...
i'm tired of calling for a tow truck!
bp, 03/27/2007
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Efficient transportation
Anonymous, 12/08/2010
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I inherited this car with 31,000 miles on it, in practically mint condition. Aside from precautionary maintenance,new belts,replace brake fluid,etc , the car has performed perfectly. I now have 41,000 miles on it.The car gets about 30-35 mpg, has good acceleration on the highway, and cruises easily at 70 mph. Plenty of space inside.
Great first car
vw_574, 09/26/2012
1997 Volkswagen Golf K2 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 63,000 miles on it in May of 2011 and I had never driven a manual car before then. This car is easy to leave how to drive manual, and is very fun to drive because it hugs corners. Although it does lack power, it is still a great car and if you can find one with low miles I would highly recommend buying one for yourself.
Good car but a litte expensive.
Raff79, 05/10/2002
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car for about 2 years now.It is fun to drive but much needs to be inproved.The interior was laid out well, all except for the useless cup holders in the center console and exccesive road noise. Under powered with only average gas mileage.The best highway mileage I got was 30 mpg with an average of 28, city is a little above 20.Not good for a compact car. Power windows should have been standard on all models.Haveing a four door and no pw really sucks. Last but not least, beware of repair costs.Think expensive German car when you think VW, not cheap to maintain, VW/Audi parts.Also affects insurance premiums.
The long history of it
Smitty, 03/16/2009
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
LOVE MY VINNIE THE VW
cms, 05/25/2002
1997 Volkswagen Golf K2 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a phenomenal drive. I feel very safe in it even though it is a small car and it handles well on all terrain.
Great care
HazeK, 07/14/2002
1997 Volkswagen Golf K2 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Such a surprise! This quiet little car is so much fun to drive, with plenty of room inside! Great get-up-and-go! Hope you have as much fun in yours as we do in ours
Great German Engineering!
Ralph54, 07/26/2002
1997 Volkswagen Golf K2 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My K2 is such a fun a useful car. It great for taking a quick trip to the supermarket or taking a road trip w/ lots of friends. One of the best cars I've ever owned! Serviced regularly and never had a problem with the car.
First Car
canusa, 09/29/2002
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my first car. I bought it in 1999 as a VW Assured vehicle with 56,000 miles on it. It has only needed to go to the shop once in the three years that I have had it.
still happy with it
Sam247, 12/06/2002
1997 Volkswagen Golf K2 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got it new in 97, the car is running very well, 5 yrs, 133K miles...changed water pump at 80K under warranty, clutch and Oxygen sensors at 123K miles. Otherwise, given how hard I drive my VW it is very impressive how she's holding up. Amazing what regular scheduled maintenance does! If you need to drive 110MPH, this car will do it and feel stable...in the snow it is great. With the 5speed manual transmission it feels pretty zippy.
Great Economical Car with Zip
jtripper22, 02/24/2008
1997 Volkswagen Golf Jazz 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
This car is.... ok
jenmo, 03/03/2003
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car a couple years ago with only 19K miles on it. We've since added another 30K. It was a wonderful car at first, but lately things have been going wrong. Thedash lights coming on for no reason. The trunk pop button only works periodically. The rear defrost works occasionaly. The driver's side lock cylinder just came out of the door, and the VW Repair person told me that it's a common problem. Also, one of the rear brake shoes broke in half due to a bad bearing. It still runs fine, but I'm getting tired of having to fix all the little things that go wrong. Next time, I'm buying a Honda or Toyota.
1997 K2 Golf
junebug, 02/09/2004
1997 Volkswagen Golf K2 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent Mechanically, have had one problem; a power steering hose.
'97 VW Golf GTI
Tom, 06/28/2006
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Rusty, unreliable and unimpressive fuel mileage
Graeme, 03/04/2022
1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this piece of junk around 6 months ago, I’ve replaced the throttle body gasket, fuel pump, alternator belt and the entire ignition system. This car averages like 19.8mpg, can barely squeak out 500km in this thing. Classic VW airbag light has been stuck on since I purchased it, hatch won’t open from the back so I have to literally open it from the glove box, once my left blinker burnt out, i found out that somewhere in my car I have a live circuit and now I cannot even have my left and right blinker without having an open circuit kill my battery. Thankfully whoever owned this thing last stored it in his garage because if he didn’t the only thing left would be the roof
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- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
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Reliable, Sporty, and Fun!
rcruz321, 05/10/2002
1997 Volkswagen Golf K2 4dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purcahsed this car back in December of 1996 and it has been so reliable! I currently have 65k miles and NEVER had a problem with the vehicle. I've cared for it with normal maintenance but nothing beyond that. Its scrappy around town and handles like a true german car. No complaints (knock on wood). I highly suggest this car!