Kelley Blue Book


HomeVolkswagenVolkswagen Golf
1997 Volkswagen Golf

Used 1997 Volkswagen Golf

Expert (N/A)
4.1
rating
Consumer
Write a Review
Save this car
1997 Volkswagen Golf Exterior: 0
1997 Volkswagen Golf Lifestyle: 1
Lifestyle (6)
1997 Volkswagen Golf Lifestyle: 2
1997 Volkswagen Golf Exterior: 0

View All Media

2025
1997
Fuel Economy
19 - 24 combined mpg
Horsepower
115 - 172 hp
Engine
2 engines available
Engine Options
  • 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
  • V6, 2.8 Liter
Cargo Volume
16.9 - 17.5 cu ft
Next Steps: Shopping for this car?

1997 Volkswagen Golf Overview

1997 Volkswagen Golf Pricing

1997 Volkswagen Golf pricing starts at $2,450 for the Golf GL Hatchback 4D, which had a starting MSRP of $14,830 when new. The range-topping 1997 Golf GTI VR6 Hatchback 2D starts at $2,630 today, originally priced from $20,210.

Original MSRP
KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
GL Hatchback 4D
$14,830
$2,450
$16,820
$2,462
$20,210
$2,630

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 1997 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 1997 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 1997 Volkswagen Golf Quality

User sentiment suggests the overall quality of the 1997 Volkswagen Golf is above average for its class. Owners rated the 1997 Volkswagen Golf quality a 4.2 out of 5.

1997 Volkswagen Golf Reliability

The 1997 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 1997 Golf Features

According to drivers of the 1997 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!

1997 Volkswagen Golf MPG by Trim

1997 Golf GL Hatchback 4D - city 21 MPG - hwy 29 MPG

1997 Golf GTI Hatchback 2D - city 21 MPG - hwy 29 MPG

1997 Golf GTI VR6 Hatchback 2D - city 17 MPG - hwy 23 MPG

1997 Golf Safety

NHTSA Safety Rating

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 1997 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.

1997 Volkswagen Golf Safety Features

  • Child Door Locks
  • Child Seat Anchors: Not available
  • Driver Airbag
  • Passenger Airbag
  • Rear Side Airbag
  • Front Side Airbag
More About How We Rate Vehicles
Advertisement

1997 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

Advertisement

1997 Volkswagen Golf Styles

Style
Price
Combined Fuel Economy
Horsepower
Engine
Cargo Capacity
Torque
0-60
Curb Weight
GL Hatchback 4D
$2,450
24 MPG
115 @ 5400 RPM
4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
16.9 cu ft
122 lb-ft
N/A
2525 lbs
GTI Hatchback 2D
$2,462
24 MPG
115 @ 5400 RPM
4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
17.5 cu ft
122 lb-ft
9 seconds
2564 lbs
GTI VR6 Hatchback 2D
$2,630
19 MPG
172 @ 5800 RPM
V6, 2.8 Liter
17.5 cu ft
173 lb-ft
9 seconds
2800 lbs
See Full Specs for All 1997 Volkswagen Golf Styles
Advertisement

1997 Volkswagen Golf Depreciation

A 1997 Volkswagen Golf has depreciated $104 or 5% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $1,815 and trade-in value of $762.

Login or create a new account to see your vehicle depreciation forecast data.

Historical
historical solid line
Forecast
forecast dash line
1997 Volkswagen Golf
Compare up to 3 vehicles by logging in.

1997 Volkswagen Golf Annual Depreciation

Year
Vehicle Depreciation*
Resale Value
Trade-In Value
2022
$248
$1,919
$943
2023
$115
$1,804
$739
2024
+ $38
$1,842
$791
Now
$27
$1,815
$762
Lock Icon

Unlock Forecast

2-Year Forecasted Depreciation

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

1997 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.


Is this information helpful?
Learn More About 1997 Volkswagen Golf Depreciation

Already Own This Car?

Specifications

Dimensions, Weights & Capacities

Curb Weight
2525 lbs.
EPA Passenger
87.6 cu.ft.
EPA Total Interior
104.5 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
16.9 cu.ft.
Turning Diameter
32.8 feet
Wheel Base
97.4 inches
Payload Capacity
925 lbs.
Width with mirrors
66.7 inches

Exterior

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

Fuel Economy

City
21 mpg
Highway
29 mpg
Combined
24 mpg

Mechanical

Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission Type
Manual
5 speed
Available

Performance

Horsepower
115 @ 5400 RPM
Torque
122 @ 3200 rpm
Engine
4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter

Warranty

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

Entertainment

  • DVD Entertainment System
  • MP3 Player
  • CD Player

Interior

  • Power Windows
  • Tilt Steering Wheel

Seating

  • Leather Seats
  • Dual Power Front Seats
  • Power Driver's Seat

Technology

  • Cruise Control
  • Navigation System

1997 Volkswagen Golf Safety

1997 Volkswagen Golf Safety Technology

  • Child Door Locks
  • Child Seat Anchors: Not available
  • Driver Airbag
  • Passenger Airbag
  • Rear Side Airbag
  • Front Side 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 1997
Volkswagen Golf
Used 2000
Honda Civic
Used 1999
BMW 3 Series
Used 2004
Kia Spectra
See Details
Price
$2,450
$2,462
$2,332
$2,320
Consumer Rating
4.1
4.6
4.6
3.8
Fuel Economy
City 21/Hwy 29/Comb 24 MPG
City 27/Hwy 33/Comb 30 MPG
City 20/Hwy 30/Comb 24 MPG
City 19/Hwy 27/Comb 22 MPG
Fuel Type
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Seating Capacity5555
Basic Warranty
2 years or 24000 miles
3 years or 36000 miles
4 years or 50000 miles
5 years or 60000 miles
Horsepower
115 @ 5400 RPM
106 @ 6200 RPM
138 @ 6000 RPM
124 @ 6000 RPM
Engine
4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter
4-Cyl, 1.9 Liter
4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
RWD
FWD

1997 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 1997 a good year for a Volkswagen Golf?

Owners of the vehicle give it 4.1 out of 5 stars. To find out if the 1997 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 1997 a good Hatchback?

Owners of the vehicle give it 4.1 out of 5 stars. To find out if the 1997 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 1997 Volkswagen Golf?

The 1997 Volkswagen Golf gets 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Also from Volkswagen

  • 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio
  • 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  • 1997 Volkswagen Passat
Advertisement