1994-1998 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta Full Review

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Volkswagen Jetta and Golf. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Volkswagen Jetta and Golf.

1994-1998 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta Review

Redesigned Golf and Jetta models appeared in California first and then made their way to the rest of the country by 1994. All except the earliest production 1994 models came with standard dual airbags, replacing the door-mounted automatic front shoulder belts. The sole engine for 1993 and '94 Golfs was a 115-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Most Jettas got that engine too, but the top-line GLX model got a 172-horsepower V6. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on all Golfs and Jettas, and a new 4-speed electronic automatic was optional, except on the GTI.

Year to Year Changes

1995 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf: Joining the Golf/Jetta family for 1995 is the hot new Golf GTI VR6, plus two other Golf models. The new GTI comes standard with the 172-horsepower 2.8-liter V6 engine, teamed with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. An electronic 4-speed automatic is optional. Also, all Golfs and Jettas get height-adjustable manual front seatbelts with emergency tensioners, side impact door beams that meet 1997 federal standards, and daytime running lights.

1996 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf: A dashboard-mounted glovebox, absent since it was displaced by a passenger-side airbag during the 1994 model year, returns on all models. Also, the seatbelts now have emergency locking retractors that eliminate the need for locking clips with child safety seats. In addition, a new dashboard switch for the central locking system can lock and unlock all doors and the trunk. Last year's Golf Sport model has been renamed GTI, but is not to be confused with the GTI VR6, which also comes as a 2-door hatchback, but is powered by the 2.8-liter V6 rather than the base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder.

1997 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf: Volkswagen's economical diesel-powered Jetta TDI and new GT models made their U.S. debut. In May, two late-arriving specialty models were also released--the Golf Trek and Jetta Trek--both equipped to appeal to young "Gen-Xers" and others caught up in the mountain-bike craze. The TDI features VW's 90-horsepower, 1.9-liter direct injection diesel, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The combo produces eye-popping fuel economy of 40 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway. The new Jetta GT includes many of the sporty touches of the top-line GLX, such as alloy wheels, rear spoiler, and fog lamps. The interesting new Trek models start out as GL models and add the following: roof-mounted bicycle rack, Trek mountain bicycle, special cloth seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, sport instrument gauges, delay-off interior lights (Jetta) floormats, cargo net, roof-mounted whip antenna, dark-tinted taillight lenses, foglights, and alloy wheels.

1998 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf: Optional on both the Golf and Jetta are seat-mounted front side airbags. Also, the Golf GTI gets red interior trim accents, silver-faced gauges, and 7-spoke alloy wheels. VW continued selling this generation Golf/Jetta into 1999 until new models were ready.

1994-1998 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes (optional)	Engine noise

Acceleration	Road noise

Passenger and cargo room

Steering/handling

Maneuverability

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

The 4-cylinder models have adequate acceleration from a standing start and lively passing power with either transmission. The 4-speed automatic downshifts promptly, providing adequate power for passing, but lacks smoothness. Naturally, acceleration is a bit friskier and fuel economy is better with the standard 5-speed manual. We averaged 23.8 mpg with the automatic and 26.5 mpg with the 5-speed. The GTI VR6 and GLX Jetta models with their 2.8-liter V6 deliver very impressive acceleration, but be prepared to pay extra. Unlike their predecessors, the current models don't suffer the constant thumping from the suspension and tires. Road noise is still prominent at highway speeds and the exhaust is too loud when cruising at 60-65 mph. Like the previous models, these third-generation Golf and Jetta models have sporty handling for family cars. The steering is firm, and the tires grip well when taking turns at high speeds. The dashboard has a functional layout, with all controls mounted high for easy operation while driving. Since they ride on the same 97.4-inch wheelbase as the preceding models, interior space is about the same. All body styles have ample cargo space and the Jetta's trunk is huge when compared to the car's compact size.

Value for the Money
Our only reservation with these delightful subcompacts is Volkswagen reliability and high prices. Otherwise, they are an excellent choice that is a little out of the norm.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Volkswagen Jetta GL	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	6

Ride Quality	4

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	4

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	5

Total:	44

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1994-1998 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Climate control: If ventilation knobs become hard to operate or no air is being directed to the floor vents, it is possible the air distribution flaps have malfunctioned. (1994)

Engine stalling: If the engine occasionally loses power, stalls, or stumbles, the problem may be vibration of the mass airflow sensor. (1994-95)

Hard starting: Intermittent no-start or stalling condition is often due to the #3 relay. No trouble codes are stored in computer. (1993-96)

Poor drivability: Magnetic interference can cause drivability problems if the shielding for the oxygen-sensor wiring is damaged. (1994)

Rough idle: Backfires due to faulty plugs dislodge the idle control damper from the rear of the VR6 engine causing rough, or no idle. (1994-98)

Suspension noise: A dull clunking noise from the front end may be due to too much free play in the upper MacPherson strut bearings. (1994-95)

Tire wear: Cupping of the rear tires may be caused by too much positive rear toe, which is corrected by replacing the rear-axle stub shafts. (1993-96)

Water leak: Leaks at the bulkhead should have been corrected during predelivery inspection. (1994)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$640

Alternator	$660

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$720

Brakes	$210

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$530

Constant Velocity Joints	$845

Exhaust System	$485

Radiator	$585

Shocks and/or Struts	$410

Timing Chain or Belt	$110

NHTSA Recall History

1994-95 w/V6 engine: Improper material was used in manufacturing radiator-fan motor shaft for VR6 engine, causing shaft to wear and become noisy; shaft could seize, rendering fan motor inoperative and eventually causing engine to overheat and stall.

1994-95: Jack could collapse during use.

1994-95: Misrouted rear brake line could be damaged by chafing, which may result in leakage and diminished braking in one circuit.

1994-96: Bolts securing front hood latch can loosen over time, causing disengagement of hood striker from latch and possible unexpected opening of hood.

1997-98 Jetta: If the vehicle is driven with a rear flat tire, the fuel-tank filler neck can wear, causing a fuel leak and possible fire.

1994-1998 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1994
Golf	$1,500-2,000	$1,000-1,300	$200-300
Jetta	$1,600-2,100	$1,100-1,400	$200-300
Jetta GLX	$1,900-2,500	$1,300-1,700	$300-400

1995
Golf	$1,600-2,300	$1,100-1,500	$200-300
Golf GTI	$2,500-3,100	$1,800-2,300	$500-700
Jetta	$1,700-2,200	$1,100-1,500	$300
Jetta GLX	$2,200-2,800	$1,600-2,000	$400-500

1996
Golf	$2,000-2,600	$1,400-1,800	$300-400
Golf GTI	$2,600-3,300	$1,900-2,400	$500-700
Jetta	$2,100-2,600	$1,500-1,800	$400-500
Jetta GLX	$2,500-3,100	$1,800-2,300	$500-700

1997
Golf	$2,300-2,900	$1,700-2,100	$400-600
Golf GTI	$3,000-3,700	$2,300-2,800	$700-900
Jetta	$2,400-3,000	$1,700-2,200	$500-600
Jetta GLX	$3,000-3,600	$2,300-2,800	$700-800

1998
Golf	$2,700-3,300	$2,000-2,500	$600-700
Golf GTI	$3,500-4,200	$2,800-3,400	$900-1,100
Jetta	$2,800-3,500	$2,100-2,600	$600-800
Jetta GLX	$3,600-4,300	$2,900-3,400	$1,000-1,200

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1994-1998 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door hatchback	4-door hatchback	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	97.4	97.4	97.4

Overall Length, in.	160.5	160.5	173.4

Overall Width, in.	66.7	66.7	66.7

Overall Height, in.	56.2	56.2	56.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	2511	2577	2647

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	17.5	16.9	15.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	14.5	14.5	14.5

Seating Capacity	5	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.2	39.2	39.2

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.3	42.3	42.3

Rear Head Room, in.	37.4	37.3	37.4

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	31.5	31.5	31.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

The basic engine for Golf III and Jetta III models is an overhead-cam 2.0-liter engine that provides 115 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 122 pound-feet at 3200 rpm. The GTI VR6 and Jetta GLX use VW's unique new 2.8-liter V6, which made its debut in the 1993 Passat GLX. It cranks out 172 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 173 pound-feet of torque at 4200 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on all Golfs and Jettas, with a new 4-speed electronic automatic an available option. Beginning in 1997, VW's 90-horsepower, 1.9-liter direct injection turbodiesel, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission arrived to power the Golf/Jetta TDI models. The combo produces eye-popping fuel economy of 40 mpg in the city, 49 mpg on the highway.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc I4	2.0 / 121	115	122	5-speed manual: 23/30 4-speed automatic: 22/28	5-speed manual: 26.5 4-speed automatic: 23.8

ohc V6	2.8 / 170	172	173	5-speed manual: 19/26 4-speed automatic: 18/24	5-speed manual: 21.4 4-speed automatic: 20.3

Turbodiesel ohc I4	1.9 / 116	90	149	5-speed manual: 40/49	5-speed manual: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1998 GTI	1998 Jetta

Front Impact, Driver	--	3

Front Impact, Passenger	--	3

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Mexico

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1994-1998 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta Review:

Volkswagen Golf/Jetta

Volkswagen Golf/Jetta Road Test

Volkswagen Golf/Jetta Reliability

Volkswagen Golf/Jetta Prices

Volkswagen Golf/Jetta Specs & Safety

Volkswagen Golf/Jetta Photos

Volkswagen Golf/Jetta Full Review