Overview & Reviews

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the world's most successful and beloved compact cars. Here in the United States, the two- and four-door hatchback's enticing combination of practicality, comfort, refined road manners and an upscale, roomy cabin make it an appealing choice for new and used car shoppers. The last three generations (including one in which it was known as the Rabbit again) have been fairly similar, representing a constant evolution in terms of design, engineering improvements and feature availability. Anyone searching for a more practical and/or upscale alternative to a traditional compact sedan would be wise to check it out.

Current Volkswagen Golf
Redesigned for 2015, the current Volkswagen Golf is, in keeping with tradition, a subtle evolution. Modest changes to styling and dimensions disguise a significant overhaul under the skin, where VW's engineers have lightened and modernized the Golf. It gets improved engines and a redesigned interior with even better materials quality and a more eye-pleasing design.

The Golf is available in two- and four-door hatchback body styles and there are four major trim levels: Launch Edition, S, SE and SEL.

A new 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder serves as the Golf's base engine. It produces 170 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. The Launch Edition is only available with a five-speed manual transmission, while the S can be optioned with a six-speed automatic. The SE and SEL are only offered with the automatic. You can also get a diesel-powered four-cylinder engine for the Golf (TDI). This turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel makes 150 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automated manual transmission known as DSG is optional. Expect the TDI's fuel economy to be in the high 30-mpg range in combined driving.

The Launch Edition (two-door only) only comes with a manual transmission. Standard features include air-conditioning, hill-hold assist, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch touchscreen audio interface and iPod connectivity. The S is available in either body style and features alloy wheels, cruise control, premium vinyl upholstery and VW's Car-Net emergency telematics system. The SE trim is only available as a four-door with the automatic transmission and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers, a sunroof, heated front seats, a rearview camera and a premium audio system. The SEL features 18-inch wheels, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, sport front seats, a power driver seat and a navigation system.

The TDI models are four-door only. The Golf TDI S includes all of the Golf SE features but substitutes 16-inch alloy wheels. The Golf TDI SE adds 17-inch wheels, while the TDI SEL is appointed identically to its gasoline SEL counterpart.

Option highlights include bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, ambient interior lights, front and rear parking sensors and a forward collision warning system.

In reviews, we've found that the front seats are very comfortable but although the rear ones are roomy, they're somewhat low, making them best for smaller passengers. As expected, the cabin is trimmed with class-leading materials, and most controls are easy to use. On the road, the 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder engine provides brisk acceleration, while the TDI continues to offer an impressive combination of performance and high fuel economy. The Golf rides comfortably over ruts and potholes and feels secure when going around turns. Still, more demanding enthusiasts will notice an abundance of body roll and likely feel that the steering is too light and not as communicative as some more sporting rivals. For them, there is always the high-performance Golf GTI.

Used Volkswagen Golf Models
For 2010, the Volkswagen Golf name returned, marking the first year for the redesigned sixth-generation model. It was produced until 2014. The compact hatchback was again available in a two- or four-door body style. Changes were limited to minor equipment shuffling until 2014, this generation's final year, when that two-door body style was dropped and the 2.5L model could no longer be had with a manual transmission.

Base Golfs were powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual was standard (until its final year) and a six-speed automatic was optional. Standard equipment included air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and an auxiliary audio jack. The Golf TDI model featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel with 140 hp and a robust 236 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual was standard and VW's six-speed dual-clutch automated manual (DSG) was optional. EPA-estimated combined fuel economy was an impressive 34 mpg. The TDI trim also featured a sport-tuned suspension, Bluetooth connectivity, an upgraded stereo and an iPod interface. A navigation system and xenon headlamps were optional.

In reviews, this Golf stood apart from other entries in the compact class thanks to its higher overall level of refinement, upscale interior, composed ride quality and subdued yet classy styling. Should you be shopping for a Golf from this generation, we strongly recommend the TDI model because of its higher level of equipment, better performance and superior fuel economy. The 2.5-liter engine is powerful for the class, but fuel economy suffers for it.

Previous to this, there was the fifth-generation model, which VW named the Rabbit. Should you be interested in a used Golf, it's important to keep this in mind.

Introduced midway through the 1999 model year and sold up until mid-2006, the fourth-generation Golf sported clean lines, an impressive standard features roster and the availability of turbodiesel power -- a rarity in any segment, let alone the economy car sector. In keeping with tradition, three body styles were available: a two-door hatchback, a four-door hatchback and a convertible (sold as a separate model under the Cabrio name).

Enjoyable to drive thanks to its responsive chassis, this Golf also offered a variety of engines. The GTI could be had with a 2.8-liter six-cylinder "VR6" engine (a compact, narrow-angle V6, which made up to 200 hp) or a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The turbo-4, or 1.8T, as it was called, made either 150 or 180 hp, depending on the year; the 150-horse version was available on the standard four-door Golf in 2000 and 2001.

Known as the TDI, the Golf's diesel offering consisted of a 1.9-liter turbodiesel inline-4, initially rated for 90 hp and capable of returning nearly 50 mpg on the highway. Golf TDI models sold from 2004-'06 had an updated version of the 1.9-liter that delivered 100 hp. Late in the model run, the limited-edition high-performance R32 was offered, sporting a 3.2-liter 240-hp VR6, all-wheel drive and tasteful body accents; it was sold only as a 2004 model.

Most folks shopping the used Volkswagen Golf market within these years, however, will probably be looking at the volume-seller Golfs (the GL and GLS trim levels), most of which were powered by an outdated two-valves-per-cylinder 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. With just 115 hp -- compared to the 125-150-hp ratings of most peers -- and below-average fuel mileage, this power plant offered the worst of both worlds. Buyers looking at '99 models should note that both third- and fourth-generation Golfs were sold that year. Horsepower is the same, but the engines in the new Golfs had an upgraded cylinder head design for better low-end response.

If possible, we suggest looking for a fourth-gen Golf with either the 1.9-liter TDI or the 1.8-liter turbo instead. Note that Golf TDIs are relatively easy to find on the used car market, while four-door Golf 1.8T models may be hard to come by because of their short, two-year run. If you want the turbocharged 1.8-liter engine, you're more likely to find it in the two-door GTI.

Generally, our editors found this Golf to be a likable vehicle to drive. Compared to other economy cars or hatchbacks of the time, the VW Golf stood out because of its long list of standard features, high-quality cabin materials and generally fun-to-drive nature. Downsides included a high price when new (now largely negated by depreciation), the aforementioned 2.0-liter engine and mediocre reliability.

The third generation of the VW Golf ran from 1993 to mid-1999 and sported a more cohesive design than past models, with monochromatic bumpers that blended into the body and a strong character line chiseled into the profile. The 115-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 was the volume engine, while the GTI offered the VR6, a narrow-angle 2.8-liter V6 that provided a thrilling 172 hp. Golf TDI models were offered intermittently during this generation, as VW had difficulty getting its 90-hp turbodiesel four-cylinder to meet U.S. emissions regulations. Although fun to drive, this generation of the Volkswagen Golf was notorious for spotty electrical problems. Notably, '93 Golfs can be hard to find, as a strike at the assembly plant limited sales to California and the New England states.

Spanning the years 1985-'92, the second generation of Volkswagen's Beetle replacement had a busier version of the previous Golf/Rabbit's basic styling. Power ranged from a 1.6-liter, 52-hp diesel to a 2.0-liter, 131-hp 16-valve inline-4 as seen in the GTI. Most Golfs from this era had a 1.8-liter four-cylinder. Initially, the 1.8-liter was listed at 85 hp, but it was later re-rated for 100. As this generation generally wasn't known for ultimate longevity, chances are slim of finding a choice example in the used car market.

User Reviews:

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  Good Car, but not the best. - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By willelm - August 6 - 5:53 pm

  My wife lovesthe VW Golf, which is good because I just sort of like it. Its the perfect size for her and she loves the way it drives, but I wish that we had gotten the turbo. Some things seem very weak, even fragile, like the door handles and cup holders. The important things though are solid, like the steering and brakes.

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  Great design; hopefully reliable too - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By JY - July 30 - 9:56 pm

  Its a delight to drive this vehicle. Nimble yet smooth and quiet (on par with our 07 BMW 3-series except accel). Very comfortable and beautiful cabin. Not quite as sporty as our MINI Cooper S, but much more pleasant. We also tested Accord, Fit, Fusion, Jetta, Impreza. Each has merits but cant equal Golfs nimbleness, road manners, cabin quality. Gorgeous cloth seats nicer than Jettas leatherette. Turbo lag starting from stop. Electric steering maybe a hair less responsive than 09 Golf? Neither bothersome, tho. Unlike reports from years past, a/c easily tamed 99-degree heat. Its day 2 so cant report reliability (fingers crossed) and fuel economy. Confident about resale value, tho.

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  Love our TDI Golf - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By xxdoty - July 25 - 10:00 am

  We researched vehicles for 7 months before deciding on the Golf! Hardly any car met our critera: good fuel economy, reliable, in the low $20s, side curtain airbags (this was a biggie which most cars dont offer) and fun to drive. The Golf met all these plus we got heated seats and a sunroof thrown in! Were VERY happy with our purchase and also received a $1000 customer loyalty rebate from VW because we currently own a 2000 Jetta which we love. The VW rear hatch bike rack is great(rather than a roof mounted rack) since we do tons of mountain biking. Oh by the way, were planning on buying the materials to make our own biodiesel fuel soon :)

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  Love the Golf - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By Rickss77 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Fun to drive and great on gas. Looking forward to moving up to another VW.

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  Stylish and cheap - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Diego - July 16 - 12:40 am

  Since I bought the car I had a great experience using a VW product. The car drives excellent, has a great steering sensation, not so much power but with the 5 speed tranny still gets a good speed. Brakes and shocks had a great feeling, and the fuel economy is great, even with the A/C on, and the equipment is fine. Changed engine due to flooding, but any other major problem

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  Happiness = Golf TDI - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By TDI_BUFF - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my new TDI yesterday in Las Vegas and drove home to Salt Lake City with a smile plastered on my face the whole way. I chose the GL model and sacrificed the sunroof and alloy wheels on the GLS, but it was well worth the $2000 savings, in my opinion. I decided on the Golf because of the many safety features and other standard equipment not available on other cars in $17,000 price range - Civic, Altima, PT Cruiser, Legacy, etc. The mileage with the TDI is icing on the cake!

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  Dont get any Volkswagen - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By No more Volkswagen - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I got this Golf because I liked its interior and exterior style and some fancy features. I had real fun for the first year. But everything turned bad in the second year. The motor of my driver side window broke one day. I could not roll my window up. The window even fell down completly after half hour of the incident. When I turned to car to the dealer, they knew the problem and fixed both sides. But why dont they recall all cars to fix the problem. The same problem also finds in my friends AUDI A4 and GTI. Within a months, I got two recall letters from dealer regarding fuel coil problem and the child seat thing. Too many little problems.

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  My first VW! - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By dmo - July 4 - 2:23 am

  After searching all the other cars in its class I decided the Golf was in a class of its own. So far I have had the car for a month and a half. I love the styling and drivablility. I have put 4200 miles on it going to work and a long road trip and it has been phenomenal. All driver controls are nice and trip computer was awesome on the road trip. I am getting better mileage than what is average and I drive it like it is supposed to be driven not babying it at all. So far couldnt ask for a better car. The only thing I have added since buying is the adjustable arm rest. I am 6 ft and 230 lbs and the car fits me fine

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  My 2nd update. - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By 2fastdre - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I put another 16K miles on my TDI since we last spoke and I am still happy (although I did go through 2 unpleasant experiences). I had the front window problem: well, my window basically fell into the door when I was going about 70mph on the highway. The linkage broke (as VW vaguely warned) and nothing was holding it in place. They replaced both linkages with no questions. I had an EGR problem: the car would not start one morning - it would crank but no fire. Had to tow to dealer and they had to replace the EGR valve. For detailed info on EGR go to tdiclub website, but it basically got stuck in an open position and it prevented oxygen from entering. Warranty is great.

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  Fun for a while... - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By carrdrivr - June 20 - 3:47 am

  Fun with utility thanks to its hatchback nature, but it does fall short in a few ways that may be a deal breaker for some. Road noise - It may be the result of being a small hatch or the fact that there seems to be no sound insulation, but the interior of this car is loud. When I say loud, I mean very loud. Driving over concrete or rough pavement will make you plead for mercy. Quality: The soft materials are nice but the construction is lacking. Interior rattles abundant, loud engine noises, suspension squeaks and creaks, thin paint (chips constantly). Comfort: Nice sport seats but uncomfortable on long drives. Deal Breaker: 25mpg (hwy+city) in a small car (VW can do better).