1988 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
A holdover from 1987, the 1998 Volkswagen GTI gets some new racecar-inspired seats to let drivers feel even more in control, but otherwise...
A holdover from 1987, the 1998 Volkswagen GTI gets some new racecar-inspired seats to let drivers feel even more in control, but otherwise the double-cam 1.8-liter, 123-hp engine and 5-speed transmission remain intact.
Though this 2-door hatchback has seating for five, the rear seat can be slightly punishing on adult legs, and really the GTI is designed for solitary drivers who are racers at heart, searching for that adrenaline rush on the highway as they leave other compacts behind. Though somewhat plain on the outside (and inside too, with air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a cassette player all options rather than standard), its meek subcompact looks are all a pretense for what lies under the hood. Longer than the Golf on which it is based, and a bit front heavy (causing some body roll), its overall light weight, sports suspension, performance tires, and lack of power steering give drivers both the action and feel of a sports car. All this wrapped up in a budget car that's easy and inexpensive to modify.
Do owners have anything bad to say about the 1988 GTI? Not really. Some mention a rattling in the engine, others the aging interior, but overall most owners love their GTI for its speed and instant acceleration that they claim leaves many more high profile cars in the dust.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1988 Volkswagen Golf GTI have a strong appreciation for its fun driving experience and good performance, especially for a car of its era. Many drivers enjoyed how it handled and its relatively quick speed, particularly with modifications. However, some owners expressed concerns about build quality and reliability issues, mentioning that parts wore out prematurely and certain features, like air conditioning, were lacking or problematic."
The car is not that fast, yes even VW guys know that. The 16V was a rocket for its day, and the 8v was peaky and it made it peppy but a scion tc is very stout competitor for this hot rod of the 80's. It was my very first car and I loved it, once I didnt have to drive it everyday I stripped it out, but recaro racing seats in it and a roll cage. intake header, exhaust and cam made the 8v a pretty stout motor for the 2,000lbs german rod. It could handle, it sounded mean, it could more than keep up with japanese competiors and it got 30mpg. Then my step brother flipped it...
September 14, 2009Golf 1.8 GTi in green,2 door,fun to drive
January 6, 2008The 16v. 2dr hatch red. Has a fair amount of power 120hp. Its a dub. everything can be upgraded and other things can be discarded. Form over function for these older ones. This one was about $400 bucks. Needed a motor.
May 31, 2010
