VW Golf III: Classic of the future?

The VR6 is iconic, but even the standard versions are becoming increasingly rare

VW Golf III (1991-1997)

Photo by: Volkswagen

By: Roland Hildebrandt

Published by: Brian Potter

Feb 2, 2025 at 3:27am ET

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Sometimes the best stories come from taking a look at one's own past. I got my driving licence in 1996 in a purple Golf. My mum's black Golf GL three-door with 90 PS provided my first everyday experiences (and bumps).

That was almost 30 years ago. Recently, while looking for cheap youngtimers on the relevant used car markets, I came across the following offer: VW Golf CL, model year 1993, 60 PS from 1.4-litre engine, three doors, white, almost no extras and a two-spoke steering wheel without airbag. Very similar to the cover picture above. Should you buy one? Buy it and let it mature in your garage.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf III Generation

Volkswagen Golf III (1991-1997)

Because let's be honest,: many of the five million Golf IIIs built are no longer seen on German roads. The predecessor, yes, it is popular because it is indestructible. And the successor with the number 4 also has its fans, because it is of really high quality. But the three-cylinder Golf seems to be becoming more and more of a wallflower.

Sure, the VR6 or the Cabriolet have achieved cult status and have their fans. But a completely mundane Golf III as a CL or GL with 60, 75 or 90 PS? Just disappear! Admittedly, VW is partly to blame. Although it was launched 34 years ago, the Golf III looks too modern, but also too arbitrary. (Incidentally, the design was largely the work of future Mini designer Gert Volker Hildebrand). The look, with its large lights at the front and rear, is a real development from the first two Golfs.

On the other hand, the Golf III is neither visually nor measurably as light as its predecessors. Nothing under a tonne is possible here. No wonder the 60 PS engine needs almost 17 seconds to accelerate to 62 mph. Inside, the tram-like appearance does not cause any emotional outbursts.

VW Golf III (1991-1997)

Early cockpit of a VW Golf III still without airbag

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In addition, the workmanship is not as good and the car is more prone to rust than the Golf II. Incidentally, this was not a "Lopez effect" as the "Wolfsburg strangler" only came to VW in 1993. Water-soluble paints are more to blame (as was later the case with Mercedes) and possibly the idea that a Golf doesn't necessarily have to last 25 years.

So should you buy a normal Golf III now? There are two arguments for it: The ubiquitous two-seater Golf was no longer cheap. And as mentioned at the beginning, a whole generation had their first driving experience in a Golf III. So they are quick to bring up: "Do you remember?", "My first car was one of these", "I grew up in one of these", "My father/mother/uncle/grandfather had one of these".

More Golf history:

Rallye G60 16V: The rarest Golf ever!

Volkswagen Scirocco I (1974-1981): The stylish Golf brother turns 50

50 years of the Golf: VW shows original model and rare EA 276 study

The VW Golf Mk1 will soon be 50 and it's already a legend

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