Used 1996 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 GTI, so we've included reviews for other years of the GTI since its last redesign.
the real deal by : Jason Himo
mrvr6, 12/08/2008
1995 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Well I must say I only owned this car for a few months and I enjoy it a lot especially that I'm only 20 years old. Its pretty much for Young guys who enjoy whipping it hard shifting gears blasting down the freeway. The engine of the vr6 is not only a strong engine but a engine that sounds like a g35 on those lines, quite unique and impressive for a stock car with no modifications on the engine.
A whole lotta little car...
Mr.VW, 04/20/2002
1995 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just an awesome car! Fast, roomy, reliable, and fuel efficient. I pulled trailers, waverunners and cars with mine. Lots of power in the VR6. Durable too. I put 70k miles on in just less than 2 years before it was totalled. I only had to replace the ignition coil.
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MetalHead, 08/26/2008
1995 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My VR6 172 HP 2-door has been a load of fun. The torquey 6 cylinder moves the car at low rpm easily and without the need to rev (Japanese) the motor but still tops-out @ 130 mph. Highway driving is FUN. I have been the original owner of my GTI. Maintenance costs have been about $3000 over the 198,000 miles I've driven the car. Items replaced: (2) wheel bearings $300 ea., (1set) shocks $200 I replaced, (2) water pumps $350 ea., (2) sets of breaks $150 ea. I replaced (easy job), (1) muffler $375 I replaced, (1) fuel pump $180 I replaced (super easy job), (3) emission devices $275 I replaced, and a variety of other small items $300. Bottom line, I would buy another VW GTI VR6.
Don't Buy a German Car made in Mexico
VW owner, 05/07/2002
1995 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The VR6 has good power and torque. Clutch is smooth. However, I will not recommend this car. A lot of stupid expensive quirky things go wrong with this car. 1)power window regulators go bad 2)central locking system freezes up in the winter, it effects the power doors, gas filler door, and trunk lid 3) sunroof freezes up, don't bother fixing it it will malfunction again 4)gauge cluster will eventually malfunction, i.e. tachometer&lights, replacement cluster cannot be set to correct mileage 5)electric system,factory alarm will come on mysteriously 6)tie rods, CV joints, axles, and steering components don't last long.
VR6s Rule
Max Vertical, 11/07/2002
1995 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for six year (bought '95 new leftover) and have only had one minor problem which was covered under the original dealer warranty. The vehicle has 146,500 well cared for miles and has been garaged for its existence. The brakes (pads only) were replaced within the last year and rotars did not need to be cut. I upgraded the suspension to bilstein and put an upper strut tie bar which helped to reduce some roll. I love this car.
Happy-Owner?
the the the, 09/25/2002
1995 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
There is a reliability issue with this car. Luckily I purchased extended warrenty (10 model year and 100,000 miles...Most of it was covered by the warrenty so it was not too bad. I replace the springs and shocks because the orginal factory equipment sucks. When you take turns or corners at moderate speed there is severe bodyroll. With the new springs and shocks the car handles so much better...and it looks great. The engine is solid, no problems at all. If you are buying a used one, go get it checked out by a trust worthy VW mechanic and buy a good extended warrenty.
Best car ever owned
MyFirstFord, 11/15/2002
1995 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I put over 110K miles on this car in 3 years. Onlythings that I ever had to do was replace the ingnition coil, and the passenger door regulator for the power windows.
What a Great Purchase
MarkHammond, 09/20/2003
1995 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 98000 miles onit.It now has over 165000 on it has only broken down once.I drive the hell out of this car,some would say it borders on abuse,but it just keeps kicking ass.It doesn't take a lot of money to turn this quick car into a downright fast car.Reliable,fast and fun..what more could you ask for in a car?
Fun with lots of Potential.
StuntJake7, 07/06/2005
1995 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car real cheep for $2800.00 It needs some work done to it. i guess its a common thing for VW to lose the function of their Window Motor, I had this problem. The engine is super strong and very fast. It get great gas milage for the power it has. One reason why i picked the GTI is becasue I mountain bike and if you fold down the rear seats you can easilly fit 2 mountian bikes in the rear. There is Plenty of room in this car. and comes with a MPG gauge as well as a outside Temp. and many other fetures. thanks JAKE
Electrical and other problems
nomorevws, 12/17/2007
1996 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car and think it is fun to drive. It looks so cute and gets a lot of comments, even now that it has 100,000 miles on it. Unfortunately, it has taken a lot of money to keep it running. The brakes needed replaced entirely, costing over $1000, at 60,000 miles. The license surround broke the day I bought it. The exhaust needed replaced twice in 4 years. It had a persistant oil pressure problem that couldn't be figured out by numerous shops. Warning lights come on when it gets wet and shops can't seem to fix it. The car nearly caught fire when the electrical system melted, costing about $2000 to fix. The water pump, thermostat, and harmonic balancer just quit. I won't buy another VW.
mpg commuter
modern commuter, 10/13/2008
1996 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I needed a good commuter for my new job which requires I commute 100 miles per day round trip. I decided on a 96 GTI 2.0 because MPG is as important as being fun to drive. It turns out I am averaging 30-32 MPG. I was lucky to find an unmodified, well maintained w/ an almost new interior for it's 13 year/123,000 age. I love this little car, I find myself not wanting to drive my 06' SS/SC. The 2.0 engine mated to the 5 speed is wonderful, the car is as tight (structurally) as a new car. I cruise at 70-80 mph without any drama. I more pleased than I expected I would be and parts are cheap. I high recommend 2.0 GTI's for anyone looking good MPGs, excellent hauling space and a fun daily driver!
Lower your expectations
Ravi, 03/28/2009
1996 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As much fun as my car is to drive, I've had ongoing problems since purchasing it as a 2nd owner initially with 95,000 miles. I have invested $$ to keep the car up to par, but to no avail as minor and major issues keep cropping up. Repairs as well as parts can be expensive so beware if you are financially strapped. It's unfortunate that Volkswagen which wrote the book on quality has now lost that winning formula.
1996 GTI 5 speed - awesome car
jennP, 09/22/2009
1996 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 GTI (5 speed)last year (2008)with approx 95k miles on it. I love this car! She won't quit! Had one problem with her where she died on the road: turns out with the ac on full blast (soon after starting) in high heat of South FL, blew the coil circuit. VWs are notorious for electrical problems as they age, but they are usual suspects as with any car: coil/coil circuit (ie...wiring), ignition switch, spark plugs (do not use platinum 4 prongs-they don't last). If you do a little research to pinpoint the usual problems - you'll be able to get her in prime shape inexpensively (VW Depot in FL are the best).
always in the shop
kaceyb23, 07/01/2002
1996 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
There is no car, for the price, that is so much fun to drive in my opinion. Unfortunately every time I start it up I'm scared that something is going to fall off. Over $7000 in repairs in less than 2 years. No, I'm not kidding. Fun but costly. BUY THE WARRANTY!!!!
GTI VR6 is great car
DrJeff, 10/06/2002
1996 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my VR6 new. It is an absolute blast to drive. Never had a single problem with it except a stubborn electric passenger window. 50,000 miles now. Would buy another Volkswagen in a heart
Excellent VW
James Vergara, 07/30/2003
1996 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The GOlf GTI VR-6 is a great and fun car. Fast, easy to manuever and economical.
GTI VR-6
fred bowden, 09/19/2003
1996 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i think this car is fun in every way. it is fast, nice looking, good handleing.
Great Car
John Benson, 12/28/2003
1996 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my GTI VR6 in June of 1996 and it has been great. The performance, handling and acceleration are exceptional. Throaty engine roar sounds like a race car. 91,000 miles and still going strong. Cargo capacity is excellent, especially w/ seats down. Contoured Seats add to the driving experience, expecially when cornering but can be tough on long hauls. Mileage could be stronger but that is the tradeoff for the V6 power. A fast, fun versatile hatchback I recommend in a heartbeat.
A Great Deal
VWenthusiast, 05/04/2004
1996 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but great experiences with this car. In the three years of ownership I have not had one problem with this car. Very reliable and is a thrill to drive every time I get in it.
GREAT CAR
Cpages2, 06/08/2004
1996 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned about 5 cars since I was 16 and this is the best so far. It is very reliable and has never let me down. I bought with with 82,000 miles and I am now at 93,000 and I have had no mechanical problems whats so ever. The car is a blast in the rain and in dry conditions. The only complaint I have is the stereo goes into lock mode if you un hook the battery. Then it took me forever to get teh code from the dealer and it ended up not working. I just went aftermarket but it was still a pain.
Great Car
poepoe, 06/21/2004
1996 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is a awsome little car, fun to drive and with a sound system it is amazing!!!!!
First Car
Court24, 03/23/2007
1996 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2002. I absolutely love VWs, always wanted one.I have had a continuing throttle problem, and transmission proble. Ceiling upholstery is falling. Very recently spent $500 to replace ignition - the key would not turn at all in the ignition, I actully had to have it towed twice to a car repair shop for this problem. Car is very fast for a 4 cylinder. Nice sporty European car - get many looks. I actually love this car. I considered buying a new GTI - but I am now too old for the youthful sports car. The problems that I have with this car have nothing to do with design - but age. FYI - my car only has 82000 miles on a 11 year old car.
speed racer
jimmythecalf, 07/10/2002
1996 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second VW. I have owned it for it's entire life and have only had minor problems with it, most of which were covered under the warranty. The one disappointment was the radio. I liked the security feature it had, but I had to have it replaced three times. Several VW dealerships I spoke to knew this radio was a lemon, but could offer me only expensive alternatives. I finally replaced it with an aftermarket in dash CD player which is not so great, but it works and it's loud. On the whole, I am happy with my car and I highly recommend VWs.
vws are money pits
mdgiff1, 02/09/2004
1996 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
i have owned my gti 4cyl for about 3 years. I have slowly watched it detereorate. ABS suddenly stopped working dash accessory lights blink or short out. Coolant and power steering won't stop leaking despite repairs. Can't drive 30 miles in the rain without it breaking down at least twice, despite repairs. Repairs are COSTLY! I can't even change my own spark plugs or wires due to design. It has about 113,000 mi and I can't wait to get rid of it. Consider this a warning to anyone considering buying one of these.