1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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For 1998, a remote keyless entry system was added as a standard feature to the Volkswagen GTI, which was available in two versions -- the base GTI and the higher-performance GTI VR6. While the GTI base model was essentially unchanged from the previous year, the VR6 trim package was upgraded, receiving a number of features that had been included on the limited edition VR6 Driver's Edition available the previous year. Those features included 15-inch alloy wheels, a special seat fabric, silver-faced instrument gauges, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake.
The base GTI was equipped with a 115-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the GTI VR6 upped the ante with a 2.8-liter double-overhead-cam V6 engine that pumped out 172 horsepower. Both engines were linked to a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic was available as an option on the base GTI model.
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 and a tilt steering column. Leather seats were optional on both versions of the GTI.
The GTI's interior, fuel economy, and reliability were among the features drivers enjoyed about the car. Most drivers noted that they have had few problems with their cars, other than normal wear and tear and maintenance issues.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Sam k
Nov 14, 2014
This vehicle is a great car, fun , lots of power and for the most part very reliable , started up every time since I had it . These are know for rust but if you have a good welder you can remedy that and bring the car back to almost original condition . fun fun fun is all I can say
Ive had 6 of these .Nov 14, 2014
by Anonymous
Aug 08, 2013
This is my First car and its perfect for me. I recommend this car to almost anyone who is looking for a fun and practical first car. Or if you looking for a fun every day driver, that gets mpg. But if you really like this car and the way it handles but you want a little more luxury I would recommend you to purchase a Mk4 gti Vr6.Aug 08, 2013
by Michael E
Nov 26, 2012
1998 VW MK3 VR6
This car was very fun to drive and had a deep exhaust note that i will never forget. The experience is difficult to put into words, but driving this car made the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Dont get me wrong it was no race car, it never even went down the track, but having never owned or even driven a car with the force and power this beast of a vr6, it gave me chills. Next will be the r32, but not just yet.
This car had:
Neuspeed P-Flow Chip
Neuspeed Downpipe
Neuspeed Cat Back Exhaust
Custom 18" rims/tires
BMW Sytle Angel Eyes Halo Headlights w/ Eyelids
Euro Style Debadged grill, w/ vr6 Emblem Insert
Euro Style License Plate
she is no longer with us. my friend flipped it w/ me in a passenger. were both fine, somehow.Nov 26, 2012
User rating:
by Sam k
Nov 14, 2014
This vehicle is a great car, fun , lots of power and for the most part very reliable , started up every time since I had it . These are know for rust but if you have a good welder you can remedy that and bring the car back to almost original condition . fun fun fun is all I can say
Ive had 6 of these .Nov 14, 2014
by Anonymous
Aug 08, 2013
This is my First car and its perfect for me. I recommend this car to almost anyone who is looking for a fun and practical first car. Or if you looking for a fun every day driver, that gets mpg. But if you really like this car and the way it handles but you want a little more luxury I would recommend you to purchase a Mk4 gti Vr6.Aug 08, 2013
by Michael E
Nov 26, 2012
1998 VW MK3 VR6
This car was very fun to drive and had a deep exhaust note that i will never forget. The experience is difficult to put into words, but driving this car made the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Dont get me wrong it was no race car, it never even went down the track, but having never owned or even driven a car with the force and power this beast of a vr6, it gave me chills. Next will be the r32, but not just yet.
This car had:
Neuspeed P-Flow Chip
Neuspeed Downpipe
Neuspeed Cat Back Exhaust
Custom 18" rims/tires
BMW Sytle Angel Eyes Halo Headlights w/ Eyelids
Euro Style Debadged grill, w/ vr6 Emblem Insert
Euro Style License Plate
she is no longer with us. my friend flipped it w/ me in a passenger. were both fine, somehow.Nov 26, 2012
by Tina E
Apr 08, 2010
this car shocked me i thought it wud be really slow but acceleration is not too bad!!
it looks great and is so comfortable!!
and the best thing about it the reason i still got it is it trouble free motoring!!!Apr 08, 2010
by Ahmed M
Feb 22, 2010
I love that my car puts a smile on my face every time i put
my foot on the gas. She is my morning coffee. Vr6 engine is
the best sounding engine ever created period!!! Real men
drive stick shift!! And women who drive stick shift is SOo
sexyFeb 22, 2010
by Larry P
Dec 11, 2009
torquey v6 in a hatchback, sicckk. reliability not so good. 177 hp 170 ft. lb. torque. very fun car to drive. repairs can be expensive. 23 mpg on average. fun to cruise at 90 mph. capable of reaching 550 hpDec 11, 2009
by Stephen F
Nov 16, 2009
like the speed, hate changing the oil, needs better
body work, and some points on the car rust easily, its
fairly cheap to maintain as long as you get one that
wasn't driven too hard, and it drives very easyNov 16, 2009
by Cosden L
Oct 04, 2009
Wonderful engine, and very very very very durable.
The appearance is lacking beetity but is very
functional and is not disgusting. The powerful VR6
is perfect for backroad cruising, highway driving,
and yes, racing. Wonderful car in general. DO NOT
GET THIS CAR (GTI VR6) AFTER 2002!!! 2003
models and up are known to have major problems
and are a hassle. GET THIS CAR.Oct 04, 2009
by Tyler R
Sep 19, 2009
It seems to be a great family car. a little under powered for picking up the kids from school. VER VERY top heavy being that it sits so high. and the damn belts make sooo much noise. and thats about all
Sep 19, 2009
by Dave J
Jul 22, 2009
what a classic.build quality well before its time.wiked on performance without all
the bumf.easy to repair no special tools or computer "£80 to plug in then tell you a
load of bull that is required when new plugs will fix it.superb on motorway at
100mph,fast accelerating round town.good fun to driveJul 22, 2009
by Kadie G
Jul 07, 2009
BEST car ever.. one of the best made VW engines ever. The engine is small for a 6 cylinder (compared to american cars) but mighty. Very roomy inside and HUGE back seat windows. I have over 160,000 miles and still races off the start.Jul 07, 2009
by Elvir A
Jun 19, 2009
You take care of it and it will take care of you more or less.
Performance is pretty good especially if its manual shift, its quick at accelerating, braking with my car is pretty good also because I got newer drilled/slotted disk brakes, handeling is also good. Its a 1998 so ofcourse I had to do some repairs but nothing majore, had problems with the secodary air pump. Appearance, I can look at my car all day and not get bored of it haha its that good for me, but others might not agree. Gas Mileage it pretty good, when gas was down to about $1.50 I could fill up my tank for $20 dollars and drive it all week and I do a lot of driving, 50+ miles a day. Sometimes I just can't wait to get out of the house to drive my car, its that fun.Jun 19, 2009
by Raul G
Jun 09, 2009
Good Car, quite problematic with some sensor stuff and gear box if you force it, but really good driving and engine sound.
The sound is just incredible, it can make a ferrari let you pass in a freeway just hearing your engine. With a K&N high air flow filter is better.Jun 09, 2009
by Brett H
Sep 26, 2008
Don't have a picture of mine up yet but I love it! The inside is in like new condition. The sound system is amazing! It cost close to $4000, the sound system I mean. Many upgrades, very quick. Fun car to drive as a stick. Designed beautifully. I love this car.Sep 26, 2008
by Rob S
Sep 05, 2008
I like my car for many spectacular reasons: It looks like a grocery getter, but performs like a sportscar; It is terribly comfortable; It is the brightest of silvers; It has way more room than you might think; I may be one of the few straight men to drive it, no offense.Sep 05, 2008
by Drews A
Aug 13, 2008
the gas milage of the VR6 is not very good but otherwise its an amazing car pushing over 200 hp. it sticks to the road and corners like a dream. its geared low being that its a euro spec model so it drives at a high rpm but in the end it is an amazing car and i recomend it to everyoneAug 13, 2008
by Claire S
Jul 02, 2008
Best VW out there. Exhilerating to drive, hugs curves, can stop on a dime. To me its a gorgeous vehicle, but its an acquired taste. Only issue is the typical VW rust spots. Bought it used expecting to have a few of the usual issues with it; over 10,000 miles later it hasn't let me down once. Jul 02, 2008
by Xolani D
Jun 24, 2008
keeps dissappointing meJun 24, 2008
by David T
Jun 16, 2008
I love my babyJun 16, 2008
by Don Z
Jun 11, 2008
This one was a real sleeper. Traded it for the Passat. Big mistake - should have kept it!Jun 11, 2008
by William S
Jun 10, 2008
i absolutely would die to drive one of these bad boysJun 10, 2008
by Andy G
May 09, 2008
currently under construction.... getting some go-fast-goodies installed ;)May 09, 2008
by Doug M
Apr 09, 2008
I LOVE this car. Mine needs a little work, but it drives great, gets decent fuel economy for a 6 cylinder and is very fun to drive. My cold air intake makes it sound mean as hell, but it could use a little help in the handling department for the power it makes.Apr 09, 2008
by Nathan P
Mar 27, 2008
When I puchased the car in 2006, I was looking for a replacement for the 1995 Honda Civic EX that I had been driving until the engine blew. Minus both electirc windows going out due to a fraying wire (a problem common on MkIIIs and IVs), the car has held up really well. Some abuse from me in the snow caused the main coolant pipe to let go, and a series airborne expeditions saw the bearings go, but nothing really caused by anything other than good old teenage abuse.
It handles better than my previous car (which had 17" AA tires), and loads more torque and power. While it definately isn't the fastest car I've driven, the cost of operating it is enough to off-set those set-backs. It takes a little searching to find some reputable aftermarket companies with parts for it, but when you do, there are loads of things to get for it.Mar 27, 2008
by Tom W
Mar 20, 2008
nice car, sweet euro styling to it, deep sound for a 4 cylinder and not real ricy. i enjoy driving this car. it is fun to drive yet needs more powerMar 20, 2008
by Jamie E
Feb 22, 2008
brought this when i turned 30 to make me feel better and it did until i get the garage billsFeb 22, 2008
by Rikki B
Feb 05, 2008
This was good at its time,
gotta b good 4 sound's i had a full alpine set up 6 door speeker's,2 6\9's and 8 tweter's + amp. nice sound !Feb 05, 2008
by Matti L
Feb 01, 2008
2.3 V5 engine
Recaro seats
16" BBS wheelsFeb 01, 2008
by Ian H
Jan 30, 2008
The one i drove was a highly modified version by a company who new what they were doing, blueprinted big bore engine with race cam and head, straight through Janspeed exhaust.
Went like stink, sounded like the devil farting but only did about 3 mpg!!!Jan 30, 2008
by Matt S
Jan 25, 2008
Its a volkswagen.Jan 25, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 21, 2008
Bought it in 2000 with 14000 miles at 90,000 tranny went!! went to European motors in Los Angeles and it lasted exactly the 12,000 miles warranty yes the 2nd tranny went out as well, RIGHT!!! I have been driving a stick for almost 30 years so what can i say to this,.
The first time i went to the dealer and they offered me $2500.00 as a trade in on a new one, I laughed. Never again will i buy this German car made in Mexico, What a freaking JOKE. Buy all the extended warranties you can!!!Jan 21, 2008
by James Z
Jan 15, 2008
overall great little car!Jan 15, 2008
by Erik S
Jan 09, 2008
I owned this car for a while after first getting my license. Even with the standard 12V 2.8L V6 the performance was impressive, but after adding some Neuspeed Components, including a 8PSI Supercharger, the performance went to sports car territory. This was probably my most favorite car of all time. I would LOVE to have another one today!Jan 09, 2008
by Kenny I
Jan 08, 2008
As a standard Golf GTi, it handles like shxt and too heavy for the stock 150BHP engine.
Since I had it I've changed the whole suspension system to a coilover kit, chipped it to 200 bhp and with a sport cat conversion.
Now the car handles like a dream which you can feel when it starts to slide and can be easily corrected instead of ending in a ditch. Also with the Sport Cat (+10 bhp) & 200 bhp Revo Chip it can now pull this heavy lump with great respond time.
All in all, I'm still keeping it until I'm totally bored of it and it's still in my good books.Jan 08, 2008
by Anonymous
Oct 14, 2007
i love this car since they first came out, i could not afford it then so when i got a little older i was able to purchase it. i taught myself to drive manual, and loved it ever since. Oct 14, 2007
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1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI Pricing
Original MSRP
$17,170 to $20,735Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
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 · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent