Used 1997 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 GTI, so we've included reviews for other years of the GTI since its last redesign.
Buy It Unless You Are Broke
GTIUNV, 03/08/2007
1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
All I am going to say is 170,000 miles of FUN! That is right, 170,000 miles and all it took was regular maintenance. If you buy it you will need to put money in it (don't buy it if you are broke). Maintenance is pricey, but you can do most of it yourself. BTW, this is one of four VWs I have had.
Fun to drive
slimsalmon, 03/11/2008
1997 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car from 19K miles to 240K. Overall this car is extremely fun to drive and handles exceptionally. The drive train is solid and at 240K miles my car still doesn't show any signs of weakness or burn any oil. I still haven't needed to replace the clutch or do any transmission work either. The dash and controls are built well and aren't cheap and plasticy like many cars that came out during that time. However, there has been a TON of stuff that needs constant attention outside the main drive train which seemed like it was built so cheaply it was designed to fail.
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See all 0 listingsElectrical 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.
5 Years of Fun
TAN1848, 06/28/2002
1997 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5 Years of fun so far. Nothing to report bad but the body has begun to start making creaking sounds. Thier is 55,000 on the OD and it is time for the timing Belt replacement, Tires and Hoses. I have heard that power steering may become problem in future?
don't get this car!it happens everywhere
John7000, 08/15/2002
1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car brand new in Bangkok Thailand and after 30000km just when the car is out of warranty, it start to fall apart. We never drive it hard because of the traffic and then the transmission fail (140,000bath to fixed which is about $3,200), and then the abs fail every month, electrical gone nut.....we have to service it every months!!!
Fun Car to Drive
VW GTI, 09/05/2002
1997 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is great to drive, the handling is great. The biggest complaint I have with the VWs is the electrical. This is my third VW and everyone of them has had electrical problems, nothing that's to troulesome, just annoying. The rear wiper is flimsy, the side molding came off, again just annoying. Also, like other VWs with abs brakes mine has malfunctioned. Would I recommend the vehicle, easily 'yes'.
Still fun to drive after 5 years!
johnincary, 09/07/2002
1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second GTI, after 92 GTI 16v. Compared to old GTI this one is much better in every way, except that is's heavier. The VR6 is still very fun to drive and stealthy looking as always - attracting no attention so fast driving is still possible. I have no mechanical problems to report. Do get 16" wheels and tires and better suspension - this car needs firmer suspension - everything else on it is fine.
GTI's are fun for everyone!!!
Billy Miller, 04/17/2002
1997 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very dependable car, fun to drive, pleasing to the eye, and everyone else seems to love it too! I've had a few minor problems, but never anything major.
Pretty Nice GTI
Good til Caught FIRE, 12/24/2003
1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 Driver's Edition 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased it new 5 years ago and I loved it (91,000 miles). It's sporty, quick in comparison to other cars in it's class ('97). Nice standand features. Fun to drive. Biggest draw back... the engine caught fire and was a total loss !!!
Fast, fun & frugal
username1, 01/17/2004
1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased from a friend. After fixing some neglected items, (Brakes, shocks, plugs) the car runs and drives very well. A speedy economy car that catches unsuspecting pick-up, SUV and Minivan drivers by surprise with outstanding in class acceleration, brakeing and cornering. The ride is firm and sporting, perfect for this cars mission. Sporty and practical.
VW's have a following
Mr Tim, 04/10/2004
1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 Driver's Edition 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
VW's have a huge following for one very important reason. they are great cars. Get in one, and as soon as you turn on the engine you will notice something different. the car gives a little feed back. This is the 2nd GTI VR6 I have had, and my 5th VW in all. All my other VW's have been flawless as well. Do your maintenance, avoid the high prices for repairs by the dealers, and you will love your VW for a long long time. This GTI has 145,000 Miles on it. It has the original clutch, timing chain, everything. I am 27, which means I bought this car when I was 22. So no this car has not been babied.
I'll Never Sell this Car
Chris, 06/26/2006
1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 Driver's Edition 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car to death. I bought it brand new from the dealership and I've driven it only on real nice days in the summer. This car has great power, handles very well and is a real head turner with its bright blue color. I've only experienced minor problems with it but who doesn't with any car.
114k and still running strong (sort of!)
ercdvn01, 04/16/2003
1997 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for a little over three years and I have put close to 70K on it since then. I had to get a new cat back exhaust around 50K. The only thing since then was a timing belt, tune up, and wheel bearings at 112K. My latest problem and the biggest so far is that my reverse is totally shot! I can't complain too much about the car I have been pretty rough with it over the past three years and it has held up pretty good. I just wish it had more power!!!
Never get bored to drive a GTI
allinthegame, 05/09/2003
1997 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had the car for 4 yrs now. got it used with 20k on it. always fun to drive. I like the feel of the car. feel like driving a real car. Only thing I dont like is the spares are expensive. Always dependable, no major problems, I can take the car anywhere without thinking about whats going to happen to the babe...
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.