2001 Volkswagen Golf Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.29/5 Average
58 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

All Golf models get clear side marker lights, trunk entrapment buttons, new cupholders and head protection airbags. Golf GL and GLS get higher-quality interior fabrics and the GTI benefits from a new 16-inch wheel design, optional 17-inch wheels, and multi-function steering wheel controls.

Pros:
  • Fun to drive, comfortable ride, high-quality interior materials, solid construction, lots of standard goodies, practical hatchback design.
Cons:
  • Some controls hard to decipher, handling could be crisper, CD player should be standard.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 58.00
  • Not Buying VW Again - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    My experience with my VW Golf has been less than great. I received atrocious customer service at the dealership where I bought my car and only OK customer service at other dealers in San Diego. Anyway, as for the car itself, it handles well WHEN IT WORKS, but the faulty brake light switch would prevent me from buying another VW. Its failed ONCE PER YEAR for each year Ive owned the car, with a cost of $125 per repair. The brake light switch causes the car to get stuck in park. This is a known defect for Golfs manufactured around 2001! Why wont VW fix this problem? I have had other repairs, but this is the most irritating. I will buy a Toyota next time.

  • Perfect Car for me - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    Bought this car used with 80K miles on it and I was amazed at how smooth the engine and clean it was (inside, outside, and engine bay). These TDIs are easier upgradable and Ive added about 30HP and 100 ft-lbs of torque for under $500. My performance has greatly improved and my fuel economy is still 48 MPG mixed city/hwy. Most importantly, this car is amazingly reliable and is an easy car to maintain yourself. I love this car

  • Sweet Vehicle - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    This is a great car. It is very fast. Only small things have gone wrong (Brake lights, etc). They were easy fixes. Actually, the plastic junk seems to break easy too. My dome light switch broke off. Anyways, this car looks amazing with some good rims and tinted windows. Ive had Toyotas, Hondas, and Fords, but my next car will definitely be a VW. I love em.

  • great family / sporty car - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    This golf is a sporty, fun car and also handles family needs. Although it is not huge, it holds up to four people w/good headroom and a large hatch area. We often choose it for family road trips over my wifes midsize SUV. The turbo engine is great, easily rivals honda for vibration free power and has much better torque for city driving. I thought the base suspension was comfortable but too soft so I switched out the springs and shocks for GTI-style handling. Also, the interior is very well done for a car in this price range and it is very quiet on the highway.

  • My first VW - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    Pretty nifty car compared to the Corolla I came out of. Bought used certified. I think the dealership didnt actually do the inspections they were supposed to: I found most of the problems myself but they were all fixed under the warranty. Anyways, great little car with lots of umph in 5th at hwy speeds, fantastic maneuverability, great traction in the snow. A few squeaks and rattles that are irritating, but oh well. I wish the electronics were easier to set for individuals though.

  • Its a TEN - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    Great build quality and solid as a rock. Smooth and rapid acceleration, often outpacing other gasoline engines as I enter the freeway. Zero vibration and little noice. Cruising on the interstate, you cant even hear the engine! I generally cruise effortlessly at 85- 90 MPH. I commute in SoCal and do 100+ miles per day, so appreciate the the fuel economy. But my former car was an Audi, so I didnt want to feel like I was going down *too* far on the foodchain. This car is fun to drive, highly economical, but not an *economy* (cheap) car.

  • "Best car Ive ever owned" - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    Cant wait to get another one. This model type IV is made right up to 2004, so there are tons of used ones soon to be available in the coming years. My next one will be a silver GLS 2.0 8v 2dr 5 speed leather, heated seats (Maine) and a full 32% window tint. Lowered 1.5" with custom wheels or Audi replicas.

  • Junk in the Trunk - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    People... Save yourselves! I went with a VW Golf because of their historically good track record. Let me tell you, history did not repeat itself here. The dealership I purchased the Golf from forgot to install a block heater (which is required for our cold winters). I have had the radio replaced twice, difficulties with the windshield wipers hoses, passenger window falls, heater fan replaced, and most recently the airbag indicator light has malfunctioned. Not only has the car been a piece but the dealership I have had to deal with has been very difficult. I think that car sales are boosted by a clever marketting scheme.

  • Third VW - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    This is my third Volkswagen and I love the little things you get with a VW. these nice touches include the spring loaded grab handles, soft to the touch dash boards, turn signal side indicators, sunroofs with a dial, 8 speaker sound systems, upscale dash lighting, heated seats, cool key, etc etc..

  • lots of miles, lots of fun - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    I purchased this car used in 2003 with approx. 28,000 miles on it and I just turned 218,450. I would have to say it has been a good experience overall. Most of the maint work has been done with a local VW independent garage and they really know their stuff. I usually get 29 to 33 MPG depending on the season. (Mi. resident) Most of my repair work has been related to front suspension because of Mi. bad winter roads. I still have the original clutch and exhaust system, and have used synthetic oil with oil changes between 6-10,000 miles. I never owned a car for this long, but I find its a blast to drive. Ill be looking for a good deal on a 4door GTI for my next ride.

Volkswagen Golf Reviews By Year:
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