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1996 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Volkswagen made a few minor tweaks to its GTI lineup for 1996, though no major changes were implemented for the model year. The two-door GTI came in two versions -- a base GTI with a 115-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, and a more aggressive, and better equipped GTI VR6 trim package, which came with a 2.8-liter double-overhead-cam V6 that pumped out 172 horsepower. Both versions were linked to a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic was available as on option on the base GTI model.
New features for 1996 included a central locking system, new cloth seats, a glovebox, and an audio alarm to notify drivers if the headlights were left on. Other standard equipment for the GTI base model included bucket sport seats, power windows, power brakes, power steering, power heated mirrors, a power sunroof, air conditioning, dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels, traction control, an anti-theft alarm system, and an AM/FM/cassette stereo system. The GTI VR6 added cruise control, a tilt steering column, and optional leather seats.
The GTI's reliability, handling, performance, and cargo space received high marks from drivers. As far as the car's mechanical components are concerned, some drivers have reported no problems, while others noted that as the cars grew older and gained mileage, they've begun to deteriorate, requiring expensive repairs.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1996 Volkswagen Golf GTI
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by Nart H
Nov 24, 2011
Performance -great acceleration , braking great also , bad handling
Build Quality - tough need some paint and repair
Appearance - both interior and exterior styling are great
Cost of Ownership - short gas mileage , maintenance is low
Fun Factor - fun to drive powerfully not good in rush time
Nov 24, 2011
by Jonathan S
Sep 24, 2010
perfect handling through sport suspension; nice acceleration and impressiv braking power; unfortunately rust on tailgate, nice sound, color of the car is brilliant black and It has a sunroof and electric windows, also it has an alarm system. fuel consumption of 8 liters per 100 kilometersSep 24, 2010
by David N
May 20, 2010
The mk3 gti is like that uflt girlfriend that you are embarrassed to show your friends. She's plenty of fun and knows how to show you a good time. But gawd is she ugly. Cheap and easy to maintain though. May 20, 2010
User rating:
by Nart H
Nov 24, 2011
Performance -great acceleration , braking great also , bad handling
Build Quality - tough need some paint and repair
Appearance - both interior and exterior styling are great
Cost of Ownership - short gas mileage , maintenance is low
Fun Factor - fun to drive powerfully not good in rush time
Nov 24, 2011
by Jonathan S
Sep 24, 2010
perfect handling through sport suspension; nice acceleration and impressiv braking power; unfortunately rust on tailgate, nice sound, color of the car is brilliant black and It has a sunroof and electric windows, also it has an alarm system. fuel consumption of 8 liters per 100 kilometersSep 24, 2010
by David N
May 20, 2010
The mk3 gti is like that uflt girlfriend that you are embarrassed to show your friends. She's plenty of fun and knows how to show you a good time. But gawd is she ugly. Cheap and easy to maintain though. May 20, 2010
by Alexander M
Dec 22, 2009
My first car, bought it cheap, put some money into it, then gave it to my mom. Perfect car to start with, last long, built on good material, does not break down as often as other cars. A car to recommendDec 22, 2009
by Tyler S
Dec 10, 2009
Performance - Fast: quick response, aggressive acceleration and strong power band.
Build - Its a VW so you're looking at some work naturally. But most of the work is easy and fun.
Appearance - not the most beautiful car in the world but works better than a truck or standard sedan (Hatchbacks are the way to do it.)
Cost of Ownership - Installed right axle boot, and new heater core but the parts were cheap, its labor you're looking at for these cars.
Fun Factor - VWs are a blast and you'll never forget how much fun you had with one.Dec 10, 2009
by Tim C
Feb 28, 2009
Yes... that's factory paint. I had a choice between Arrest-me-Red and an undisclosed shade of Green... I chose Green. For it's day, it had quite a bit of power. 172 hp is nothing now, but more power just gets you into trouble faster. It's been reliable considering how it's treated. And' it's a total blast to drive. It's capable of 30mpg on the highway, but at the track, I get about 8.Feb 28, 2009
by Kurt D
Feb 24, 2009
Quick little motor, especially with the k and n air filter, handles the bends really well on the twisty stuff. I use the car mainly for work and the fuel consumption for me is 33-35 mpg which is really good.Feb 24, 2009
by Marinus G
Sep 11, 2008
I love everything about my car, It comes from the best Autohouse in the world and is by far the best looking generation. Yes I drive a 1996 Volkswagen Golf MK3 GTi 2.0i 8v. Black in colour, 5 Doors and in Mint condition. Original Alloy wheels. The only dislike I have is for the small bump next to the rear number plate, can hardly see it but I know its there and it hurts.Sep 11, 2008
by Alex B
Aug 01, 2008
performance 2.8 ltr v6 is great good acceleration nice raw sound ,handling bit twitchy at high speed top speed 150mph,184 bhp,good solid car that looks great and fun car to drive,but in london fuel ranges from 15mpg but on lovely devon roads,lol bout 33 mpg,when getting a vr6 get 96 or later coz earlier model tend to blow up.Aug 01, 2008
by Gavin W
Jul 11, 2008
Quite quick, not fast but lots of low down torque. Always get over 40mpg on runs and even had 46 on one tankfull!
Build quality excellent, 85k no squeaks, rattles, everything works and it drives like new!
Looking quite old now but still quite smart.
Servicing by myself, good fuel economy, even insurance costs are ok.
Great fun on twisty roads, much better than i ever thought it would be! Much more composed than my other mk2 golof gti!Jul 11, 2008
by Paul B
Jul 06, 2008
This car really deseved 3 1/2 stars as the only thing wrong with it was the stodgy performance. Other than that I did over 100k miles in it and it never let me down. VW service costs were fairly high so opted for a family frind on that front but all in all a good car. I had it in dragon green rather than this red monstrosity.Jul 06, 2008
by Josiah A
Jul 05, 2008
Overall, I've enjoyed my GTI. It struggled with electrical gremlins for a substantial amount of time but any car with over 180k miles will have its fair share of quirks.
Jul 05, 2008
by Amer B
Mar 31, 2008
I am absolutely in love with my GTI, no other words can explain how much I love driving it and it just looks like a $1,000,000 to me.Mar 31, 2008
by Scott L
Mar 03, 2008
Quite a nice looking car, and pretty quick at 150bhp. Can easily produce 180bhp if you throw the cash at it! Amazing build quality and very solid. A little fat, standard suspension should be upgraded asap! Comfortable, pretty fast, quite good mpg = ideal daily. Unfortunatley this car will never be super rapid (unless you stick a turbo on it) and isnt a skyline beater... If you want silly fast look elsewhere.Mar 03, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 20, 2008
Small car, big engine! Best car that I have ever owned.Feb 20, 2008
by Hingle M
Dec 04, 2007
bulletproof motor, owned for half a year now and couldnt be any happierDec 04, 2007
by Seb L
Nov 22, 2007
Nice balance of power and handling.
chiped, full custom exhaust, lowered with FK suspension, stage 1 clutch, front and rear strut brace, MK4 hood/grille/headlights with WRX hood scoop, nice sound system, on BBS rims. I also have a big skid plate that covers the hole engine bay (those pot holes wont take away my oil pan)Nov 22, 2007
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1996 Volkswagen Golf GTI Pricing
Original MSRP
$16,425 to $20,110Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
