transmision wont shift
my volkwagen golf automatic transmission wont shift. It is on park position and wont shift to drive.
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1997 Volkswagen Golf Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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In 1997, Volkswagen followed a trend among automakers toward specialization by designing three new Golf trim packages that appealed to specific market segments. For instance, the new Golf Trek was geared toward mountain bike enthusiasts, and came with a Trek mountain bike, a roof-mounted bike rack, special cloth seats and instrument gauges, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and foglights. The Golf K2, designed to appeal to winter sports enthusiasts, included special upholstery and gauges, an upgraded stereo system, and came with either skis or a snowboard. The Golf Jazz, geared toward music enthusiasts, came with special upholstery and an upgraded sound system with a CD changer.
All these specialized versions were based on the Golf GL hatchback, with its 115-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, which was standard. A four-speed transmission was optional.
Also available in the Golf lineup for 1997 were the GTI and GTI VR6. The GTI came with the same 115-hp 4-cylinder engine that was in the GL, but with an expanded list of standard features, including a sunroof, air conditioning, and anti-lock brakes. The GTI VR6 received a more powerful 172-hp, 2.8-liter V6 and an upgraded list of standard features.
Drivers were impressed with the 1997 Volkwagen Golf's dependability, styling, fuel economy, and roominess, though many noted a wide range of mostly minor (and often annoying) problems with the car.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1997 Volkswagen Golf
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Caitlyn T
Nov 02, 2011
ohtay so I could go on and on about this and that but I don't feel like typing that all
about. I've moderately modded the car to my tastes and for some performance
options. The bottom line is, if you own a Volkswagen you love a Volkswagen and I
love mine
so there :)Nov 02, 2011
by Frederick T
May 03, 2011
Press the gas in gear, it goes. Hit the brakes and it stops thanks to drilled Brembo discs. Turn the wheel, and it turns. Tune up last April and now overdue, but has good torque and pulls smothly to at least 115mph. Body has typical dings and dents, nothing serious. Fully owned, easily goes 330 to 350 miles on a full tank. The car has a lively spirit, fun.May 03, 2011
by David H
Oct 11, 2010
Performance: Good, Auto box put the power down well. Brakes were good and strong, handling was predictable like all Golfs are.
Build Quality: Very Good.
Appearance: Very nice.
Cost of Ownership: Suprisingly good on petrol, but I found it more expensive to insure than I was expecting.
Fun Factor: Good Fun, Almost as good as the GTIOct 11, 2010
User rating:
by Caitlyn T
Nov 02, 2011
ohtay so I could go on and on about this and that but I don't feel like typing that all
about. I've moderately modded the car to my tastes and for some performance
options. The bottom line is, if you own a Volkswagen you love a Volkswagen and I
love mine
so there :)Nov 02, 2011
by Frederick T
May 03, 2011
Press the gas in gear, it goes. Hit the brakes and it stops thanks to drilled Brembo discs. Turn the wheel, and it turns. Tune up last April and now overdue, but has good torque and pulls smothly to at least 115mph. Body has typical dings and dents, nothing serious. Fully owned, easily goes 330 to 350 miles on a full tank. The car has a lively spirit, fun.May 03, 2011
by David H
Oct 11, 2010
Performance: Good, Auto box put the power down well. Brakes were good and strong, handling was predictable like all Golfs are.
Build Quality: Very Good.
Appearance: Very nice.
Cost of Ownership: Suprisingly good on petrol, but I found it more expensive to insure than I was expecting.
Fun Factor: Good Fun, Almost as good as the GTIOct 11, 2010
by Christine O
Jul 19, 2010
If kept well it will not need any body fixes- I haven't needed any
Interior is boring but functional
Gas mileage is good, not great but it is an older car
Small car, easy to park
Gets up and goes!
Jul 19, 2010
by Nicklas J
Jul 17, 2010
A half fun car which is economic to drive and so on. It lacks horsepower and doesn't accelerate very good. The car is not only cheap to drive but it is also very cheap to own because it's a small car!Jul 17, 2010
by Anonymous
Apr 21, 2010
its fast and the body looks nice and with a nice turbo on it the engine roars nice rims and has heated seats. put it on a track and it is gone. and it is so fun to drive you should get it.Apr 21, 2010
by Josh C
Jan 22, 2010
Everything breaks all the time. I love my VW. This past week it was a Radiator, Water Pump, and Heater core. Now I drive with no heat... My heated seat still works so my ass is nice and toasty. VWJan 22, 2010
by Nate D
Oct 04, 2009
2.slow liters of pure unadulterated dogging. The GTI type interior only rubs salt in the wound. The 5 speed is nice although my clutch is on the way out and I suck with a stick. Reverse gear has a reputation on ABAs and it does meet up to it's reputation by regularly making you think you just wrecked your tranny.Oct 04, 2009
by Janne V
Sep 21, 2009
Car performance is unique! Best stearing, brakes, handling.. "top Speed", Cheap to use. Best city car ever made. German quality! Doesnt need much to job, it looks good and its good to drive, very good sound also. Buy it and try!! :DSep 21, 2009
by Mikepam L
Sep 21, 2009
perfomance is not very well -the good built quaily-the acceleration is so so the machine is very cool because is sport compact the gas mileage isis very good - his it need repair is rattle -the style in the interior is very good and bautifulSep 21, 2009
by Daniel S
Sep 02, 2009
Performance - acceleration, braking, handling
Build Quality - has it needed repairs? squeaks/rattles
Appearance - both interior and exterior styling
Cost of Ownership - gas mileage, maintenance
Fun Factor - is this car fun to drive?Performance - acceleration, braking, handling
Build Quality - has it needed repairs? squeaks/rattles
Appearance - both interior and exterior styling
Cost of Ownership - gas mileage, maintenance
Fun Factor - is this car fun to drive?Performance - acceleration, braking, handling
Build Quality - has it needed repairs? squeaks/rattles
Appearance - both interior and exterior styling
Cost of Ownership - gas mileage, maintenance
Fun Factor - is this car fun to drive?Sep 02, 2009
by Roman M
Aug 06, 2009
All round family car, for Europe standards
low maintenance, great engine, solid finish, reliable, cheap to run, fun for kids, great drive for a old car, yust love it, and its allways there to start and run as hell....My golfAug 06, 2009
by Andrés H
Jun 20, 2009
It´s a nice car, as fast as you press the gas, you can feel secure inside car and once you go speed you dont want to slow down, it sticks to the asphalt. It´s very comfortable. You want it!Jun 20, 2009
by Kyle B
Jun 16, 2009
it is a grat car the only problem i have is finding the tools to fix it volkswagen uses special tools so you have to buy there tools or pay them to fix what ever is wrong with your carJun 16, 2009
by Kieran H
Feb 20, 2009
Ok, so this is my first car, I've had it for a year, and it was 10 years old when i got it, but its never caused me any problems. My views on each bit of the car:
Performance- need to really put your foot down otherwise it really won't move. Never keen on over using the brakes, tend to go for engine braking, but did very well in the snow.
Build Quality- well other than bits i've tinkered with (exhaust which always falls off) its all fine. Does tend to vibrate alot at 70mph though.
Cost - pretty average, obv a new car wld b cheaper except when it came to insuranceFeb 20, 2009
by Gediminas P
Feb 07, 2009
Na ka aš galu pasakyt... Tobula mašina :D VW Golf 1.8l. 8v, 66kW, 4 ratai, 2
varomieji... sexy spalva ir sąlyginai gera magė. Vairuoti grynas malonumas, nes
nesudrožta :) ir šeip, pavydėt galima tokio automobilio :D vokiška kokybė :D tai
reiškia daug remonto, bet jis pigus ;) Feb 07, 2009
by Dan K
Jan 24, 2009
Ok so this golf is actually my dad's but i'm insured on
it. Its green and is extremely slow. it's a diesel and I
put some new speakers in it so at least it the music
sounds ok. Would only recommend if your bothered
about your fuel cost.Jan 24, 2009
by Glenn M
Nov 14, 2008
Solid, reliable German engineering with looks that age well with time. Good performance whilst maintaining superb fuel economy. Spare parts readily available and not to expensive. Change oil every 10,000 miles and these cars are good for 300,000, all in all a superb family hatchback, this is my 5th Golf and I love them.Nov 14, 2008
by Azaduhi V
Jul 27, 2008
Solid, reliable, awesome on gas. Only the antenna is in the wrong place, but they fixed that in the later models. It's been pretty inexpensive to own this car. I've owned it for 4 years now. Acceleration and braking are great. It drives very well in the snow. I would absolutely recommend it to a friend!Jul 27, 2008
by Thom F
Jun 22, 2008
great solid german motor, mechanics great, body and paint not so greatJun 22, 2008
by Nathan H
May 13, 2008
Overall a good car, it's nice to drive and handles well. Doesn't sway too much while cornering at higher speeds. Some low-profile tires on 17" rims would greatly benefit the handling of the car. May 13, 2008
by Matt L
Apr 30, 2008
its ok, does the jobApr 30, 2008
by Johny K
Apr 23, 2008
What more can I say, its a VR6! Apr 23, 2008
by Joyce F
Apr 17, 2008
drove this baby into a house at 90km/h. had it not been for the solid german craftmanship, sincerely doubt that i would still be here! just some bruising from the seat belt and 4 stitches in my head because it went through the sun roof. oops!!Apr 17, 2008
by Rob C
Apr 14, 2008
Clean Euro style. A dream on smooth roads. Nightmare in the city. Euro bumpers, rebar, core support, wheel arches, door moldings.
Apr 14, 2008
by Suzi D
Apr 12, 2008
Wow what a great car, VR6 is a must own for VW lovers, and very affordableApr 12, 2008
by Nathan W
Mar 30, 2008
has +235k miles on and hasn't always had the easiest life. trans is on the way out, cv shafts clicking (not good), catylact converter is clogged, and has rust :( but looks ok from bout 10 feet away :)~Mar 30, 2008
by James P
Mar 27, 2008
Understated black on black, leather interior with heated recaros, ltd edition detailing...
Rare enough to make it prime target for thievery.
Had the car just 9 weeks before it was spirited away in the night and stripped to a shell.
Exact same spec as my mum's old car, which I wrote off when rear ended by a 911!Mar 27, 2008
by Nicolas S
Mar 21, 2008
After that, you definitly go back with a japaneseMar 21, 2008
by Kevin P
Mar 19, 2008
its quick, its green, its the snot rocketMar 19, 2008
by Ann B
Mar 10, 2008
WANT IS COME A GET IT FIVE SPEED STANDARD AND FUN TO DRIVE!Mar 10, 2008
by Chris B
Mar 05, 2008
Probably the most entertaining car I've ever owned. Not the fastest, most comfortable, most sophisticated, best braker or best handler but the most entertaining overall.Mar 05, 2008
by Kay L
Mar 04, 2008
This was my third car. It was a VR6 but don't be fooled by it's name, all the speed it should have had was destroyed by the lump of an engine. It was great to drive and very reliable.Mar 04, 2008
by Jon K
Feb 04, 2008
Volkswagen reliability is superb, I drove this car up to 360,000kms before I sold it and it still got 39mpg and not a drop of oil between oil changes (4000kms). Feb 04, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 26, 2008
116000+ miles and is now starting to have mechanical issues.
Sun roof track bracket break easy.Jan 26, 2008
by Maarten B
Jan 11, 2008
Great car but low on powerJan 11, 2008
by James B
Jan 01, 2008
The VR6 is a good car but an absolute killer on fuel. My car is stock standard.Jan 01, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 06, 2007
My 1997 Golf, when running right is a joy to drive. Lots of power,
handles great, never gets hot even in the middle of summer with the
AC on and the car loaded with people. However, this is the 2nd one
I've had that had the 4 speed automatic transmission that shifted
hard. This one shifts hard from 1st into 2nd, and I mean hard enough
to jerk your head back. The other one downshifted hard from 2nd into
1st to where you'd spill your coffee. Both had low miles (under
100K).
So, I love it and I hate it. I'm gunshy about the automatic
transmission and if I buy another it will definately not be an
automatic. The rest of the car is worderful.Apr 06, 2007
What users have asked
1997 VW Golf 'Limp Mode" Automatic Transmission Problem
My 1997 VW Golf Automatic Trans will go into 'Limp Mode' where it only will let you drive in 3rd or reverse. The Trans shop checked out the problem to be the #3 silenoid. He tests it and said it "Ohm's Out" just fine. Any suggestions what could cause this to happen. The Transmission shop thinks the tranny is fine but that it is an electrical problem..... Hopefully one of you Guru's out there has experienced this problem and solved it without replacing the whole Tranny!
2173 views
How to remove the back seats of a Golf Mk3 Cabrio?
Hello! I've recently run into a small issue which regards the trunk lock of my Golf Cabrio which I can't open, but that isn't my main issue, it is that I can't access the lock lever for the back seats. So, I need to get to the trunk lock but I can't because I can't go through the back seats. So how do I disassemble it? The bottom part of seat is easy to remove, it was just a few allen keys. I've looked online but I've had issues regarding finding anything about it, so hopefully someone here will be able to help.
64 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1997 Volkswagen Golf?Compare this car
1997 Volkswagen Golf Pricing
Original MSRP
$13,470 to $14,850Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
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: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
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: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
CD changer: 6 · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in cargo area
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent