A sporty little hatchback whose plain exterior masks its agile and fun performance, the 1988 Volkswagen Golf did little to alter its front-wheel drive 2- and 4-door hatchbacks. Sold as a base 2 door, the GL 2, or a 4 door, the 1988 Golf got a bit of a power boost on its 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder engine, from 90 to 100 hp. As always, the Golf featured a standard 5-speed manual transmission or optional 3-speed automatic. Few interior features adorned the 1988 Golf. Its purpose was strictly utilitarian, rather than comfort. Though it sat four, without a cassette player or air conditioning, it might make for a long and stuffy ride in the summer. The cassette and air were options, along with a sunroof (not in the base model), but power accessories were not offered on the 1988 hatchbacks, except for the performance-oriented GTI. The Volkswagen Golf is a great car for people on a budget. Its price is affordable, it's easy on gas consumption, and it costs little to maintain, mostly because there are so few repairs that owners mention. The 1988 Golf is considered dependable and practical, but it also can be a lot of fun to drive. Its zippy engine and precise steering and handling give this compact hatchback an edge on the road, and it also confidently handles snow and other bad weather. Some drivers say they have driven their Golfs hard, with very little effect on the durable engine. Minor complaints concern road noise, rattling, and the car's implicitly unexciting style.