Volkswagen Golf/GTI
23 MPG The 1998 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is EPA-rated at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 652 gallons, $2087 a year in fuel, or $0.139 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1985–1998 run it averages 25.4 MPG, falling by 4.3 MPG over 7 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.109 | $1087 | $1630 | $2174 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.130 | $1304 | $1957 | $2609 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.139 | $1391 | $2087 | $2783 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.152 | $1522 | $2283 | $3043 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.174 | $1739 | $2609 | $3478 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.196 | $1957 | $2935 | $3913 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.217 | $2174 | $3261 | $4348 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 1997 | 27.7 MPG | 24.3 | 33 | $2517 | 350 | 3 |
| 1996 | 27.7 MPG | 24.3 | 32.7 | $2533 | 353 | 3 |
| 1992 | 24 MPG | 21.5 | 27.5 | $2600 | 371 | 2 |
| 1991 | 24 MPG | 21.5 | 27.5 | $2600 | 371 | 2 |
| 1990 | 24 MPG | 21.5 | 27.5 | $2600 | 371 | 2 |
| 1985 | 27.3 MPG | 24.5 | 31.5 | $2463 | 344 | 4 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Volkswagen Golf/GTI ranks 128 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Pontiac G6 (23.1), BMW 318ti (23.5), Daewoo Lanos (23.5), Infiniti G20 (23.5), Kia Sephia (23.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 387 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Golf/GTI get?
The 1998 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is rated at 23 MPG combined by the EPA — 20 city and 27 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 25.4 MPG, ranging from 22 to 38 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Golf/GTI cost in fuel per year?
At 23 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 652 gallons — roughly $2087 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.139 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1998 model is $2725.
Has the Volkswagen Golf/GTI become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 27.3 MPG in 1985 to 23 in 1998. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Volkswagen Golf/GTI efficient for its class?
It ranks 128 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 3.6 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.