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1996 Volkswagen Jetta

Used 1996 Volkswagen Jetta

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3.9
rating
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1996 Volkswagen Jetta Exterior: 0
1996 Volkswagen Jetta Lifestyle: 1
Lifestyle (6)
1996 Volkswagen Jetta Lifestyle: 2
1996 Volkswagen Jetta All Media: 1

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2025
1996
Fuel Economy
20 - 38 combined mpg
Horsepower
90 - 172 hp
Engine
3 engines available
Engine Options
  • 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
  • 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel
  • V6, 2.8 Liter
Cargo Volume
15 cu ft
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1996 Volkswagen Jetta Overview

1996 Volkswagen Jetta Pricing

1996 Volkswagen Jetta pricing starts at $1,667 for the Jetta GL Sedan 4D, which had a starting MSRP of $15,535 when new. The range-topping 1996 Jetta GLX Sedan 4D starts at $2,506 today, originally priced from $21,035.

Original MSRP
KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
GL Sedan 4D
$15,535
$1,667
$16,725
$2,040
$16,760
$2,427
$21,035
$2,506

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 1996 Volkswagen Jetta models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.

Jetta Consumer Sentiment

Owners give this generation Volkswagen Jetta (1996-1999) a 3.9 out of 5 rating, which is higher than most, and 77% recommend it. These figures are based on 303 consumer reviews, like these:

What Owners are Saying About the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta

"Reliabe, Nice Looking and Confrotable"

"I am the original owner and I love it! It is super reliable. The only down side it that I broke the vent and then the sun roof went out, later the cup holder broke, but as far as being reliable, this car is awesome! Never brakes down. I am reaching 230K and only once I had to change the clutch/transmission. No major jobs needed aside form that. I hate to get rid of it, because it's so confortable and plush inside."

"264K miles and counting"

"Bought the car new in '96. The best thing I can say about the car is that it runs well after 264,000 miles. It still gets 30+ mpg regardless of how I drive it. The electronic gadgets started dying off around 150K miles. No more cruise control, automatic cabin lights when the door is opened, or alarms when the lights are left on. However, the A/C still works and the heater can still roast me out of the car if set to high. With that many miles, most of the broken items are not worth fixing. I've replaced the starter, fixed a couple water leaks, and performed general maintenance. That's about it. Nothing major has ever gone wrong... hope I didn't just jink it."

"Great Jetta"

"I own a 98' Jetta and I love the supreme handling and performance. The brakes are very good (even the rear drum type) and road grip is awsome. The A/C is very cold & Heat is very hot. A/C had to be replaced when car reached 9yrs. old. That still not bad. Power windows on left side stop working after 7yrs. Now over 162k miles with no other problems. It's the most reliable car on the road; it requires little to no maintenance and engine never burns oil. I recommend this car to evceryone who loves to drive!"

Overall 1996 Volkswagen Jetta Quality

User sentiment suggests the overall quality of the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta is above average for its class. Owners rated the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta quality a 4 out of 5.

1996 Volkswagen Jetta Reliability

The 1996 Volkswagen Jetta receives an average consumer rating of 3.9 overall and a 4.1 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.

Favorite 1996 Jetta Features

According to drivers of the 1996 Jetta, here are some of its best features:

  • Super fun to drive, reliable, great mileage & cute
  • Gas milage, dependability, looks, comfort, fun.
  • Fun to drive, reliable, very comfortable,
  • Dependable
  • Gas mileage, performance upgrades, parts are easy

1996 Volkswagen Jetta MPG by Trim

1996 Jetta GL Sedan 4D - city 20 MPG - hwy 28 MPG

1996 Jetta GLS Sedan 4D - city 20 MPG - hwy 28 MPG

1996 Jetta TDI Sedan 4D - city 34 MPG - hwy 44 MPG

1996 Jetta GLX Sedan 4D - city 17 MPG - hwy 24 MPG

1996 Jetta Safety

NHTSA Safety Rating

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta front-side driver crash test rating is 3 out of 5 stars. The front-side passenger crash test rating is 3 out of 5.

1996 Volkswagen Jetta Safety Features

  • Child Door Locks
  • Child Seat Anchors: Not available
  • Driver Airbag
  • Passenger Airbag
More About How We Rate Vehicles
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New Volkswagen Jetta Deals and Incentives

APR

4.9% APR | 60 months

Get 4.9% APR for 60 months on a new 2025 Jetta.

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LEASE

$269 /mo | 36 months | Due at Signing

Lease a new 2025 Jetta for $269 per month for 36 months with $2999 due at signing.

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CONDITIONAL

$38200 Total Cash

2025 Jetta.

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See All Current Jetta Deals

1996 Volkswagen Jetta
KBB.com Consumer Reviews

3.9
Consumer Rating
Based on 303 Consumer Reviews
Write a Review
88%Recommend this vehicle
5
39%
5
39%
4
30%
4
30%
3
16%
3
16%
2
10%
2
10%
1
6%
1
6%
Value
4.0
Performance
4.2
Quality
4.0
Comfort
4.1
Reliability
4.1
Styling
4.1

Trending Topics in KBB.com Consumer Reviews

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1996 Volkswagen Jetta Styles

Style
Price
Combined Fuel Economy
Horsepower
Engine
Cargo Capacity
Torque
Curb Weight
GL Sedan 4D
$1,667
23 MPG
115 @ 5400 RPM
4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
15 cu ft
122 lb-ft
2657 lbs
GLS Sedan 4D
$2,040
23 MPG
115 @ 5400 RPM
4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
15 cu ft
122 lb-ft
2723 lbs
GLX Sedan 4D
$2,506
20 MPG
172 @ 5800 RPM
V6, 2.8 Liter
15 cu ft
173 lb-ft
2954 lbs
TDI Sedan 4D
$2,427
38 MPG
90 @ 3750 RPM
4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel
15 cu ft
149 lb-ft
2679 lbs
See Full Specs for All 1996 Volkswagen Jetta Styles
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1996 Volkswagen Jetta Depreciation

A 1996 Volkswagen Jetta has depreciated $31 or 2% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $1,245 and trade-in value of $378.

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1996 Volkswagen Jetta
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1996 Volkswagen Jetta Annual Depreciation

Year
Vehicle Depreciation*
Resale Value
Trade-In Value
2022
$176
$1,276
$449
2023
+ $10
$1,286
$437
2024
$17
$1,269
$392
Now
$24
$1,245
$378
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2-Year Forecasted Depreciation

*Depreciation for the last 12 months of the private party resale value.

1996 Volkswagen Jetta Depreciation

Annual Depreciation is an estimation of what your vehicle's value might be over time based on an average of similar vehicles. Estimations are calculated by comparing Kelley Blue Book Private Party Values of vehicles similar to yours over time, as well as forecasts from Manheim Auction data comparing current and projected auction values against current Kelley Blue Book Private Party and Trade-In Values. This is not a guarantee of actual depreciation. Local weather conditions, market factors and driver performance will also impact your vehicle's actual depreciation.


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Specifications

Dimensions, Weights & Capacities

Curb Weight
2657 lbs.
EPA Passenger
88.0 cu.ft.
EPA Total Interior
103.0 cu.ft.
Fuel Capacity
14.5 gallons
Front Head Room
39.2 inches
Front Leg Room
42.3 inches
Max Seating Capacity
5
Minimum Ground Clearance
4.8 inches
Overall Length
173.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room
53.8 inches
Trunk or Cargo Capacity
15.0 cu.ft.
Turning Diameter
32.8 feet
Wheel Base
97.4 inches
Width with mirrors
66.7 inches

Exterior

Alloy Wheels
Available
Moon Roof/Sun Roof
Available
Number of Doors
4 doors

Fuel Economy

City
20 mpg
Highway
28 mpg
Combined
23 mpg

Mechanical

Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission Type
Manual
5 speed
Available

Performance

Horsepower
115 @ 5400 RPM
Torque
122 @ 3200 rpm
Engine
4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter

Warranty

Basic
2 years / 24000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / Unlimited miles

Entertainment

  • CD Player

Interior

  • Power Windows
  • Tilt Steering Wheel

Seating

  • Leather Seats

Technology

  • Cruise Control

1996 Volkswagen Jetta Safety

1996 Volkswagen Jetta Safety Technology

  • Child Door Locks
  • Child Seat Anchors: Not available
  • Driver Airbag
  • Passenger Airbag
Not Available

Crash Test Rating

Provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Driver Front
3.0
Passenger Front
3.0

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See Details
Price
$1,667
$1,586
$1,610
$1,663
Consumer Rating
3.9
4.3
3.7
3.8
Fuel Economy
City 20/Hwy 28/Comb 23 MPG
City 26/Hwy 34/Comb 29 MPG
City 25/Hwy 35/Comb 29 MPG
City 20/Hwy 29/Comb 23 MPG
Fuel Type
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Seating Capacity5555
Basic Warranty
2 years or 24000 miles
3 years or 36000 miles
3 years or 36000 miles
3 years or 36000 miles
Horsepower
115 @ 5400 RPM
98 @ 6000 RPM
132 @ 6000 RPM
125 @ 5500 RPM
Engine
4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter
4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
FWD
FWD

1996 Volkswagen Jetta Rankings

More Volkswagen Jetta News & Information

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FAQs

Is 1996 a good year for a Volkswagen Jetta?

Owners of the vehicle give it 3.9 out of 5 stars. To find out if the 1996 Jetta is the right car for you, check out the pros and cons, trims, specs and options at Kelley Blue Book.

Is the Volkswagen Jetta 1996 a good Sedan?

Owners of the vehicle give it 3.9 out of 5 stars. To find out if the 1996 Jetta is the right car for you, check out the pros and cons, trims, specs and options at Kelley Blue Book.

What is the MPG for a 1996 Volkswagen Jetta?

The 1996 Volkswagen Jetta gets 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

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