The Golf Mk4 was first introduced in August, 1997, followed by a notchback version (VW Bora or, in North America, again VW Jetta) in August, 1998 and a new Golf Variant (estate) in March, 1999. There was no Mk4 derived Cabriolet, although the Mk3 Cabriolet received a facelift in late 1999 that comprised bumpers, grill and headlights similar to those of the Mark 4 models. New high-performance models included the 3.2L VR6 engined four-wheel-drive Golf R32 introduced in 2004, a 2.8 L four-wheel drive Golf VR6 4Motion version available succeeding the Mk3 VR6 which used a 2.8 L VR6 and only had front-wheel drive, as well as the famous 1.8T (turbo) 4cyl. that is shared between Audi and VW models.

As of 2008, certain variants of the Golf/Bora Mk4 are still in production in Brazil, China, and Mexico. Revised versions of the Mk4 are currently on sale in Canada marketed as the City Golf and City Jetta. The two models are VW Canada’s entry-level offerings. They received a significant freshening for the 2008 model year, including revised headlamps, taillamps, front and rear fascias, sound systems, and wheels. Both models are offered only with the 2.0 L SOHC 4-cylinder gasoline engine, rated at 115 hp. They are the only entry-level offerings with an optional 6 speed automatic. The production of Golf Mk4 for the US market ended in 2006.