1987 Volkswagen Golf Reviews, Pricing & Specs

With stylistic similarities to the Rabbit, but a size more in keeping with the Jetta, the Volkswagen Golf is a pretty roomy hatchback geared towards budget-conscious drivers or first-time buyers looking for a car that will get them around reliably without costing time or money.

In the 1987 Volkswagen Golf, four trims were offered in two types of hatchback, either a 2 and 4-door Golf GT or a 2 and 4-door Golf GL. The 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine in the 1987 Golf hits 90-hp and does not need much coaxing to get up to ticket-worthy speeds. The GT trims get the old GTI engine (as it got an upgrade this year) which is tuned to reach 102-hp. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, with an option for a 3-speed automatic. A 1.6-liter diesel is also available, rated at 52-hp, though in 1987, the turbo version of this was discontinued.

What accounts for the popularity of this plain-looking wallflower? It's affordable and great on gas. Add to this its nimble handling and surprisingly perky engine that handles city and highway driving easily, if not always the best on hills. Owners say it's pretty easy to work on for the average person, and usually needs few major repairs. What's even more incredible about the Golf is how long it lasts without showing the effects of too much wear and tear. Some minor annoyances are a tendency towards body roll and the scarcity of VW parts on the market.