Volkswagen Golf III
The Volkswagen Golf III (1993–1999): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 18 versions in the United States and Canada.
Model codes: 1H
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,020–4,340 mm RDW | – | 4,074 mm |
| Width | 1,700–1,740 mm RDW | – | 1,694 mm |
| Height | 1,400–1,440 mm RDW | – | 1,422–1,428 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,480–2,500 mm RDW | – | 2,471–2,474 mm |
| Front track | 1,464–1,516 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Rear track | 1,428–1,494 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | 999–1,213 kg RDW | – | – |
| Mass in running order | 1,099–1,313 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,525–1,770 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 1,000–1,300 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 500–600 kg RDW | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 4–5 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 2–4 RDW | – | – |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 481–510 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 2,407–2,492 L EPA | – |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 156–225 km/h RDW | – | 165–224 km/h |
| Torque | 125–240 Nm ASTRA | – | 125–245 Nm |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 195/50R15, 185/60R14, 175/65R14, 195/60R14
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, de), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 66.0% (65.4–66.6) | 69.2% | 21,634 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 45.9% | 41.6% |
| Brakes | 45.3% | 36.4% |
| Tyres | 28.4% | 31.2% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 27.7% | 17.1% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 25.9% | 18.6% |
| Lights and electrics | 24.2% | 28.8% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
238 complaints for model years 1993–1999. 10 crashes · 8 fires · 10 injuries
- Electrical system 45
- Engine 31
- Locks and latches 20
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 18 versions of the Volkswagen Golf III
Show all 18 versions
United States 11 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2003CLKUP | 1.9 L | Diesel | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 33 MPG (7.1 L/100 km) EPA | 192 g/km |
| 1999–2003 | 1.9 L | Diesel | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | 38 MPG (6.2 L/100 km) EPA | 166 g/km |
| 1998–2002 | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | 24 MPG (9.8 L/100 km) EPA | 230 g/km |
| 1998–2002 | 2.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | 19–21 MPG (11.2–12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 263–291 g/km |
| 1996–2000(FFS), CLKUP · CLKUP | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 251 g/km |
| 1999CLKUP | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 251 g/km |
| 1996–1997(DSL,TRBO) | 1.9 L | Diesel | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | 37–38 MPG (6.2–6.4 L/100 km) EPA | 166–171 g/km |
| 1993–1997(FFS) | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | 23–24 MPG (9.8–10.2 L/100 km) EPA | 230–240 g/km |
| 1995–1997(FFS) | 2.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 291 g/km |
| 1993–1995(FFS), CLKUP | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 251 g/km |
| 1993–1994(FFS), 2MODE CLKUP · (FFS), CLKUP | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
Canada 7 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995–2002Compact | 2.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.3–12.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 260–285 g/km |
| 1996–2000Compact | 1.9 L | Diesel | 4-speed automatic | 7.1–9.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 192–259 g/km |
| 1995–2000Compact | 1.9 L | Diesel | 5-speed manual | 6.1–12.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 165–340 g/km |
| 1995–1999Compact | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.3–11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 237–274 g/km |
| 1995–1999Compact | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 9.7–10.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 223–244 g/km |
| 1995–1997Compact | 1.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.8 L/100 km 5-cycle | 248 g/km |
| 1995–1997Compact | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 9.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 216 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.