1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
For 1998, a remote keyless entry system was added as a standard feature to the Volkswagen GTI, which was available in two versions -- the...
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.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI have positive feelings about their cars, particularly praising their performance, fun driving experience, and durability. Many enjoy the acceleration and handling after modifications, while some have noted that stock models can feel heavy. On the downside, issues like rust and maintenance challenges with specific parts emerged frequently, which some owners found frustrating."
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.
September 26, 2008I 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.
April 9, 2008Wonderful 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.
October 4, 2009What owners say
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.
September 26, 2008I 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.
April 9, 2008Wonderful 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.
October 4, 2009what 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 drive
July 22, 2009As 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.
January 8, 2008This 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.
August 8, 2013I 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 sexy
February 22, 2010i 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.
October 14, 2007This one was a real sleeper. Traded it for the Passat. Big mistake - should have kept it!
June 11, 2008I 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!
January 9, 2008
