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1996 Volkswagen Golf

Used 1996 Volkswagen Golf

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4.1
rating
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1996 Volkswagen Golf Exterior: 0
1996 Volkswagen Golf Lifestyle: 1
Lifestyle (3)
1996 Volkswagen Golf Lifestyle: 2
1996 Volkswagen Golf All Media: 1

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2025
1996
Fuel Economy
20 - 38 combined mpg
Horsepower
90 - 172 hp
Engine
3 engines available
Engine Options
  • 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
  • 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel
  • V6, 2.8 Liter
Cargo Volume
17 cu ft
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1996 Volkswagen Golf Overview

1996 Volkswagen Golf Pricing

1996 Volkswagen Golf pricing starts at $2,419 for the Golf GL Hatchback 4D, which had a starting MSRP of $14,435 when new. The range-topping 1996 Golf GTI VR6 Hatchback 2D starts at $2,474 today, originally priced from $20,110.

Original MSRP
KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
GL Hatchback 4D
$14,435
$2,419
$15,660
$2,169
$16,425
$2,313
$20,110
$2,474

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 1996 Volkswagen Golf models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.

Golf Consumer Sentiment

Owners give this generation Volkswagen Golf (1993-1999) a 4.1 out of 5 rating, which is higher than most, and 84% recommend it. These figures are based on 131 consumer reviews, like these:

What Owners are Saying About the 1996 Volkswagen Golf

"Would buy again without a second thought"

"I got this car with a little under 40K on it and at 48K I had to do some basic repairs because it as is per the norm. Other than that this car has been outstanding. Have only had to do your basic repairs without any major issues. I had to replace the clutch cable about 3 years ago and at 10 years old it needs a new gear shifter and bushings, but that has been the only issue in the 6 years I have owned it. Repairs would be expensive, but going to VW ONLY shops helps a lot. They aren't the cheapest for parts, but since they don't need many repairs it isn't an issue. This car handles like it was glued to the ground (believe me, I have run it like a rally car and it takes whatever I give it). While I would like a little more power out of it, for what it does have it is a little bullet! I love this car and will drive it until I have to push it and then I will buy a new one!"

"Reliable vehicle"

"Very powerful engine, body is strong type with a few and the interior is moderate."

"Great value - fun to drive"

"I've driven this car 100K fun miles in past 8 years. Needed typical wear & tear repairs (muffler, struts, brakes, etc.) but nothing major and car never stranded me. Parts & repairs generally cheap compared to other vehicles. Zippy car to drive. I average 30mpg and have amazed people with what can fit in the back when seats are down. Would buy again in a heartbeat!"

Overall 1996 Volkswagen Golf Quality

User sentiment suggests the overall quality of the 1996 Volkswagen Golf is above average for its class. Owners rated the 1996 Volkswagen Golf quality a 4.2 out of 5.

1996 Volkswagen Golf Reliability

The 1996 Volkswagen Golf receives an average consumer rating of 4.1 overall and a 4.4 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.

Favorite 1996 Golf Features

According to drivers of the 1996 Golf, here are some of its best features:

  • Engine overall, strong body, Polo 5 speed gear box
  • Engineering
  • MPG, reliability, fun to drive manual tranny
  • Best gas economy, safe for family, very roomy.
  • Fun to drive, great gas mileage!

1996 Volkswagen Golf MPG by Trim

1996 Golf TDI Hatchback 4D - city 34 MPG - hwy 44 MPG

1996 Golf GTI Hatchback 2D - city 20 MPG - hwy 28 MPG

1996 Golf GL Hatchback 4D - city 20 MPG - hwy 28 MPG

1996 Golf GTI VR6 Hatchback 2D - city 17 MPG - hwy 24 MPG

1996 Golf Safety

NHTSA Safety Rating

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 1996 Volkswagen Golf front-side driver crash test rating is 3 out of 5 stars. The front-side passenger crash test rating is 3 out of 5.

1996 Volkswagen Golf Safety Features

  • Child Door Locks
  • Child Seat Anchors: Not available
  • Driver Airbag
  • Passenger Airbag
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1996 Volkswagen Golf
KBB.com Consumer Reviews

4.1
Consumer Rating
Based on 131 Consumer Reviews
Write a Review
83%Recommend this vehicle
5
50%
5
50%
4
28%
4
28%
3
12%
3
12%
2
6%
2
6%
1
4%
1
4%
Value
4.3
Performance
4.4
Quality
4.2
Comfort
4.4
Reliability
4.4
Styling
4.4

Trending Topics in KBB.com Consumer Reviews

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1996 Volkswagen Golf Styles

Style
TDI Hatchback 4D
GL Hatchback 4D
GTI Hatchback 2D
GTI VR6 Hatchback 2D
See Full Specs for All 1996 Volkswagen Golf Styles
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1996 Volkswagen Golf Depreciation

A 1996 Volkswagen Golf has depreciated $149 or 8% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $1,593 and trade-in value of $499.

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1996 Volkswagen Golf
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1996 Volkswagen Golf Annual Depreciation

Year
Vehicle Depreciation*
Resale Value
Trade-In Value
2022
$73
$1,742
$717
2023
$34
$1,708
$678
2024
$118
$1,590
$490
Now
+ $3
$1,593
$499
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2-Year Forecasted Depreciation

*Depreciation for the last 12 months of the private party resale value.

1996 Volkswagen Golf Depreciation

Annual Depreciation is an estimation of what your vehicle's value might be over time based on an average of similar vehicles. Estimations are calculated by comparing Kelley Blue Book Private Party Values of vehicles similar to yours over time, as well as forecasts from Manheim Auction data comparing current and projected auction values against current Kelley Blue Book Private Party and Trade-In Values. This is not a guarantee of actual depreciation. Local weather conditions, market factors and driver performance will also impact your vehicle's actual depreciation.


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Specifications

Dimensions, Weights & Capacities

Curb Weight
2650 lbs.
EPA Passenger
88.0 cu.ft.
EPA Total Interior
105.0 cu.ft.
Fuel Capacity
14.5 gallons
Front Head Room
39.2 inches
Front Leg Room
42.3 inches
Max Seating Capacity
5
Minimum Ground Clearance
4.8 inches
Overall Length
160.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room
53.8 inches
Trunk or Cargo Capacity
17.0 cu.ft.
Turning Diameter
32.8 feet
Wheel Base
97.4 inches
Width with mirrors
66.7 inches

Exterior

Alloy Wheels
Available
Moon Roof/Sun Roof
Available
Number of Doors
4 doors

Fuel Economy

City
34 mpg
Highway
44 mpg
Combined
38 mpg

Mechanical

Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission Type
Manual
5 speed
Available
Recommended Fuel
Diesel

Performance

Horsepower
90 @ 3750 RPM
Torque
149 @ 1900 rpm
Engine
4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel

Warranty

Basic
2 years / 24000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / Unlimited miles

Entertainment

  • CD Player

Interior

  • Power Windows
  • Tilt Steering Wheel

Seating

  • Leather Seats

Technology

  • Cruise Control

1996 Volkswagen Golf Safety

1996 Volkswagen Golf Safety Technology

  • Child Door Locks
  • Child Seat Anchors: Not available
  • Driver Airbag
  • Passenger Airbag
Not Available

Crash Test Rating

Provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Driver Front
3.0
Passenger Front
3.0

Compare to Similar Vehicles

Used 1996
Volkswagen Golf
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Hyundai Accent
Used 1998
Chevrolet Cavalier
See Details
Price
$2,169
$2,072
$1,947
$2,331
Consumer Rating
4.1
4.6
4.1
4.2
Fuel Economy
City 34/Hwy 44/Comb 38 MPG
City 31/Hwy 38/Comb 34 MPG
City 25/Hwy 30/Comb 27 MPG
City 20/Hwy 30/Comb 24 MPG
Fuel Type
Diesel
Gas
Gas
Gas
Seating Capacity5455
Basic Warranty
2 years or 24000 miles
3 years or 36000 miles
5 years or 60000 miles
3 years or 36000 miles
Horsepower
90 @ 3750 RPM
79 @ 6000 RPM
103 @ 5800 RPM
150 @ 5600 RPM
Engine
4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel
4-Cyl, 1.3 Liter
4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter
4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
FWD
FWD

1996 Volkswagen Golf Rankings

More Volkswagen Golf News & Information

General
Last Call: 8 Discontinued Cars in 2021

Ben Stewart October 01, 2021
Compact Car
VW Discontinues Golf for U.S.

Here lies the Volkswagen Golf: 1974-2021. Volkswagen announced today that production of the practical hatchback with several sporty variants ended…

Sean Tucker January 21, 2021
Compact Car
2018 Volkswagen Golf Revised

Unveiled in full U.S. spec at the New York Auto Show, the revised 2018 VW Golf family benefits from a…

Bob Nagy April 11, 2017

FAQs

Is 1996 a good year for a Volkswagen Golf?

Owners of the vehicle give it 4.1 out of 5 stars. To find out if the 1996 Golf is the right car for you, check out the pros and cons, trims, specs and options at Kelley Blue Book.

Is the Volkswagen Golf 1996 a good Hatchback?

Owners of the vehicle give it 4.1 out of 5 stars. To find out if the 1996 Golf is the right car for you, check out the pros and cons, trims, specs and options at Kelley Blue Book.

What is the MPG for a 1996 Volkswagen Golf?

The 1996 Volkswagen Golf gets 34 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway.

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