What kind of car is a VW Golf?
The Volkswagen Golf (listen ) is a compact car produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across seven generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – such as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada (Mk1 and Mk5), and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico (Mk1).
Is a golf front wheel drive or rear wheel drive?
The original Golf Mk1 was a front-engined, front-wheel drive replacement for the air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Volkswagen Beetle. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling models, with more than thirty million built as of June 2013.
What makes a Volkswagen Golf a reliable daily driver?
Smooth handling and great fuel economy are just some of the things that make the Volkswagen Golf a dependable daily driver. But as it racks up mileage, damaged or worn-out parts may keep it from performing the way it used to.
What kind of transmission does the Volkswagen Golf have?
Giving drivers some under-hood choice, two transmissions are offered in the Golf. You can get a standard six-speed manual, which is what my tester is fitted with, or you can spend an extra $800 for the available eight-speed automatic.
What kind of people drive a VW Golf?
VW drivers are… VW drivers are disproportionately likely to be male, aged between 40 and 59, and live in Wales. Their political views are typically slightly right wing, and they're most likely to work in business, construction or finance.
Why are GTIS so popular?
3 It's Affordable, Reliable, And Efficient The sheer numbers of Golf GTI's, from every generation, that are still in daily service today is a glowing testament to the superior build quality that Volkswagen has poured into its fiery little creation, making sure that it lasts.
Is VW Golf prestigious?
DETROIT — Volkswagen's Golf snagged the North American Car of the Year on Monday, arguably the most prestigious award among the many in the auto world, in what was perceived as a surprise win over Ford's completely redone Mustang.
Is a Volkswagen Golf considered a sports car?
“A Volkswagen Golf GTI is considered a sports car. To car insurance companies, this is considered a higher risk vehicle. As most sports cars are designed for speed, insurance carriers associate them with more claims. To protect themselves, insurance carriers charge a higher rate.
Why do people love VW Golfs?
The VW Golf is one of the most popular family cars in the UK. That's because it does most things very well - it's comfortable, practical and its engines are both economical and refined. The Golf is considered to be a somewhat premium rival to regular hatches like the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.
Are GTIs good cars?
Volkswagen GTI Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Volkswagen GTI Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 34th out of 36 for compact cars. The average annual repair cost is $791 which means it has higher than average ownership costs.
Is VW considered premium?
Volkswagen is a German producer of premium but not luxury cars. Its parent company, Volkswagen Group, does own a long list of luxury vehicle and supercar brands, including Bugatti and Lamborghini.
Which model of golf is best?
Here Are The Best And Worst Volkswagen Golf GTI Models Over The Years4 Worst: 1993-1999 Golf GTI Mk 3.5 Best: 2009-2013 Golf GTI Mk 6. ... 6 Best: 2000-2006 Golf GTI Mk 4. ... 7 Best: 2015-present Golf GTI Mk 7. ... 8 Best: 2007-2009 Golf GTI Mk 5. ... 9 Best: 1985-1992 Golf GTI Mk 2. ... 10 Best: 1983-1984 Rabbit GTI Mk 1. ... More items...•
What is the luxury version of Volkswagen?
AudiAudi is one of VW's luxury brands and operates with some independence from its parent from a head office in Ingolstadt, Germany.
Why is a VW Golf called a Golf?
Many of Volkswagen's most famous models are named after winds. The Golf refers to the Gulf Stream, Jetta is German for "jet stream," Passat means "trade wind," the Scirocco is named after Sirocco, a Mediterranean wind, and the Polo references polar winds.
What is a Rabbit car?
To recap, the VW Golf was originally called 'Rabbit' in America because Volkswagen believed that the association with the sport of golf might hamper sales of the car (even though we know the car isn't named after the sport – as per this recent article we released).
Where are VW Golf made?
Wolfsburg, GermanyVolkswagen cars are now built all across the globe, but Golf, Rabbit, and GTI models are still made in the company's home town of Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen cars come from a manufacturing company based in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany.
Is a GTI a good investment?
Volkswagen released the Golf GTI Clubsport S with one objective: to make it the best Golf GTI there has ever been. It succeeded, and the car still wears that jewel-encrusted crown almost three years on. Even the new TCR-badged final hurrah falls short.
Do VW GTI hold their value?
A Volkswagen Golf GTI will depreciate 28% after 5 years and have a 5 year resale value of $26,038. The chart below shows the expected depreciation for the next 10 years. These results are for vehicles in good condition, averaging 12,000 miles per year. It also assumes a selling price of $36,004 when new.
What is Golf GTI known for?
Fact 1: GTI engine with four cylinders This started out in 1976 as a 110 PS injection engine, but now the new Golf GTI 01 unit has more than double the power – a mighty 245 PS! The Golf 1 already went from 0 to 100 km/h in an impressive 9.2 seconds, while the needle on the speedometer stopped moving at 182 km/h.
What does GTI stand for?
Grand Touring InjectionWhat does Volkswagen GTI stand for? GTI stands for Grand Touring Injection. Volkswagen uses for its direct fuel injection system. Over 40 years ago, GTI technology was first deployed in the 1976 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Is the Volkswagen Golf a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Golf both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're think...
Is the Volkswagen Golf reliable?
To determine whether the Volkswagen Golf is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's li...
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Volkswagen Golf is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Golf a...
How much should I pay for a 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
The least-expensive 2021 Volkswagen Golf is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arriv...
What are the different models of Volkswagen Golf?
If you're interested in the Volkswagen Golf, the next question is, which Golf model is right for you? Golf variants include TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L...
Most helpful consumer reviews
The view of this car really depends on what you had before. It is a decent car, but it has a big problem: its predecessors. I currently have one of these which I got in exchange for a 2017 Golf 1.8T, that's why I can't help but compare it with its previous version which I loved very much.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Volkswagen Golf vs. Honda Civic
While the Volkswagen Golf's style is buttoned-down and conservative, like a classic navy blue suit, the Honda Civic is more like bejeweled pink pajamas. You love or hate the way the Civic looks, but it grabs attention either way. But aside from the styling, the Civic is superior in almost every objective way.
Volkswagen Golf vs. Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 hatchback boasts sleek styling, interior sophistication and entertaining driving dynamics. Plus, an available all-wheel-drive system gives the Mazda an added benefit in regions where rain and snow regularly occur. You do, however, get more overall utility from the Golf. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Mazda 3.
Volkswagen Golf vs. Subaru Impreza
Of this trio of competitors, the Subaru Impreza best matches the Volkswagen Golf's emphasis on function over form. It's got plenty of cargo space, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in poor weather. Compared to the Impreza, the Golf is a little more fun to drive, but neither car will wow you like the Mazda 3 can.
Is the Volkswagen Golf a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Golf both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Golf has 17.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability.
How many stars does the 2021 Golf have?
The 2021 Golf earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ), but the last version that was evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS) wasn't named a Top Safety Pick.
How much MPG will the 2021 Golf get?
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG. The EPA estimates the 2021 Golf will earn 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with the standard stick-shift transmission. With the optional automatic, it has ratings of 29 mpg city and 33 highway.
How long is the warranty on a VW?
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage. Volkswagen provides an above-average limited warranty, but its powertrain protective is below average compared with Honda and Toyota. VW does include two years of regularly scheduled maintenance, though. Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles.
What is the touchscreen on a Golf?
The Golf's infotainment system delivers lazy response times to your inputs, but standard features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB connectivity are strong counterpoints to that shortcoming. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard, and it boasts menu buttons running along the edges of the display as well as a physical volume knob.
Is Volkswagen Golf a one size fits all?
Volkswagen has essentially turned the regular Golf into a one-size-fits-all shopping experience. The only tough decision buyers face is whether to stick with the standard manual transmission or spend an extra $800 on the optional eight-speed automatic. Those who don't know how to play the three-pedal shuffle will obviously choose the latter, but people who want maximum engagement will appreciate the manual. Other than that and a handful of dealer-installed accessories, the Golf is easy to outfit.
Is the boxy golf as eye catching as the compact golf?
And it offers a surprisingly roomy interior along with a large cargo hold. The boxy Golf isn't as eye-catching or feature-laden as many compact rivals, but overall it's much more gratifying than meets the eye and an Editors' Choice winner.
Does the Golf have a turbocharger?
The Golf's turbocharged inline-four engine provides the right amount of power to adequately propel this small hatch and it's refined and reliable. Around town, the Golf never wants for power. Only when attempting high-speed passing maneuvers on the highway does the driver notice the engine runs out of breath.
What is the turbocharged golf?
The Golf's turbocharged inline-four engine provides the right amount of power to adequately propel this small hatch and it's refined and reliable. Around town, the Golf never wants for power. Only when attempting high-speed passing maneuvers on the highway does the driver notice the engine runs out of breath. Unlike its sportier fraternal twins, the zippy GTI and the burlier Golf R, the regular Golf boasts a compliant ride that won't grow tiresome during long drives or on rough pavement. This doesn't mean that it's a slouch around corners. It hugs the road tightly and imparts an athletic feel to the driver that encourages back-road antics. The Golf's steering is unerring and uncharacteristically quick for this class. This responsive helm is one of the features that makes this affordable, utilitarian car so enjoyable to drive.
How much MPG does a 2020 Golf get?
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG. The EPA estimates the 2020 Golf will earn 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with the standard stick-shift transmission. With the optional automatic, it has ratings of 29 mpg city and 35 highway.
How long is VW warranty?
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage. VW has revised its warranty package for 2020. Although the updated warranty is shorter, the company now provides two years of complimentary maintenance. Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles. Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles. Complimentary maintenance is covered for 2 years ...
What is the touchscreen on a Golf?
The Golf's infotainment system delivers lazy response times to your inputs, but standard features such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and USB connectivity are strong counterpoints to that shortcoming. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard, and it boasts menu buttons running along the edges of the display as well as a physical volume knob.
Is the 2020 Volkswagen Golf a one size fits all?
Volkswagen has essentially turned the regular Golf into a one-size-fits-all shopping experience. The only tough decision buyers face is whether to stick with the standard manual transmission or spend an extra $800 on the optional eight-speed automatic. Those who don't know how to play the three-pedal shuffle will obviously choose the latter, but people who want maximum engagement will appreciate the manual. Other than that and a handful of dealer-installed accessories, the 2020 Golf is easy to outfit.
Does the 2020 Golf have adaptive cruise control?
While the VW hatch no longer offers adaptive cruise control, it does come with some common driver-assistance equipment.
Is the Golf R tiresome?
Unlike its sportier fraternal twins, the zippy GTI and the burlier Golf R, the regular Golf boasts a compliant ride that won't grow tiresome during long drives or on rough pavement. This doesn't mean that it's a slouch around corners.
How many transmissions does a Golf have?
Giving drivers some under-hood choice, two transmissions are offered in the Golf. You can get a standard six-speed manual, which is what my tester is fitted with, or you can spend an extra $800 for the available eight-speed automatic.
What is included in the 2020 Golf?
Standard equipment is fairly generous and includes driver aids like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Does the Volkswagen Golf have adaptive cruise control?
Unfortunately, Volkswagen does not offer adaptive cruise control, lane-centering tech or automatic high beams. To get these goodies, and more, you have to step up to the sporty GTI, which, to be fair, is a superb little hot hatch, but it costs thousands more than the humble Golf. Another disappointment is the instrument-cluster screen. A simple white-on-black affair, it looks like it was ripped from an old-school graphing calculator and is totally out of place in the 21st century. Flanking that display is a quartet of analog gauges that are crisp and attractive.
Is the Volkswagen Golf drowsy?
The Golf's styling is a little drowsy, but this car's looks should age well. Craig Cole/Roadshow. It's not going to win any accolades for groundbreaking design, and nobody will confuse it with some souped-up sports car, but what the Volkswagen Golf lacks in emotional appeal, it more than makes up for in other areas.
Engine Misfire
Engine misfire is a recurring issue reported by many drivers of the 2016 Golf. Affected owners report their vehicles would shudder and exhibit signs of decreased engine performance despite having less than 3,000 miles on the odometer.
Interior Accessories Problems
Some units of the 2015 Golf have had problems with their interior accessories. These include an illuminated door ajar indicator due to a faulty door latch, a malfunctioning media screen, and an outdated navigation map.
Fuel Pump Failure
Fuel pump failure has been a common problem in some 2010 Volkswagen Golfs. Owners of the affected models have noticed loss of power and poor acceleration due to a degraded high-pressure fuel pump.
Transmission Issues
Shifting problems have been common in many 1990-2006 and 2010-2011 Volkswagen Golfs. Owners who drive high-mileage Golfs report having trouble shifting gears, as their vehicles drive like they’re stuck in neutral. Some have noticed that their vehicles would rev extremely high and vibrate excessively.
Power Window Failure
Drivers of some 1996-2006, 2010, and 2012 Golf models report that their windows wouldn’t roll up or down due to a faulty window regulator. This part usually fails due to a detached cable, an overheated window motor, and extremely cold temperatures. Replacing a defective power window regulator can cost anywhere between $50 and $250 plus labor costs.
Premature Brake Wear
The rear brakes in some 1998-2001, 2003-2006, 2010, and 2012 Golfs have been reported to wear out prematurely. This can be caused by several factors, such as frequently driving at high speeds, sudden braking, hauling heavy cargo, failing to flush the brake lines, failing to use lower gears, and driving with warped rotors and calipers.
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
A clogged or damaged MAF sensor may cause the vehicle to experience several drivability issues.
Overview
What's New For 2021?
- With VW preparing to switch to a GTI-and-Golf R lineup, the 2021 model year marks the end of the regular version in the U.S. It glides out bringing a smattering of newly standard features. The list includes 16-inch wheels, passive hands-free entry and push-button start, leatherette upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- Volkswagen has essentially turned the regular Golf into a one-size-fits-all shopping experience. The only tough decision buyers face is whether to stick with the standard manual transmission or spend an extra $800 on the optional eight-speed automatic. Those who don't know how to play the three-pedal shuffle will obviously choose the latter, but people who want maximum engage…
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
- The Golf's turbocharged inline-four engine provides the right amount of power to adequately propel this small hatch and it's refined and reliable. Around town, the Golf never wants for power. Only when attempting high-speed passing maneuvers on the highway does the driver notice the engine runs out of breath. Unlike its sportier fraternal twin—the zippy GTI—the regular Golf boast…
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- The EPA estimates the 2021 Golf will earn 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with the standard stick-shift transmission. With the optional automatic, it has ratings of 29 mpg city and 33 highway. The last version we ran on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, returned an impressive 43 mpg. Still, the Golf doesn't set the stan…
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
- Plain but comfortable and functional, the Golf's interior perfectly embodies VW's design ethos. You'll never feel pampered but you won't be subjected to any ill-conceived design themes, either. The Golf's interior employs clean, straight lines; a sedate color palette; and an emphasis on openness. Despite the airy atmosphere, some competitors tested here have slightly more space …
Infotainment and Connectivity
- The Golf's infotainment system delivers lazy response times to your inputs, but standard features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB connectivity are strong counterpoints to that shortcoming. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard, and it boasts menu buttons running along the edges of the display as well as a physical volume knob.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
- The 2021 Golf earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the last version that was evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) wasn't named a Top Safety Pick. While the hatch no longer offers adaptive cruise control, it does come with some common driver-assistance equipment. Key safety featur…
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
- Volkswagen provides an above-average limited warranty, but its powertrain protective is below average compared with Honda and Toyota. VW does include two years of regularly scheduled maintenance, though. 1. Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles 2. Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles 3. Complimentary maintenance is covered for two ye…
Overview
- Vanilla ice cream is less exciting than vanilla bean blackberry fudge swirl, but it's still a flavor that people enjoy. That metaphor also applies to the 2020 Volkswagen Golf and its sportier GTI counterpart. While its 147-hp turbo four-cylinder has 81 fewer horses, the VWhatchback remains fun to drive even though it's much slower. The regular Golf...
What's New For 2020?
- With the next-generation Golf already revealed to the world, it's only a matter of time until at least some version reaches our shores. Until then, VW makes small updates to the 2020 Golf. The lineup is streamlined even further into a single trim level called TSI. While this bumps up the starting price from the previous model year, it also introduces more desirable standard features…
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
- The Golf's turbocharged inline-four engine provides the right amount of power to adequately propel this small hatch and it's refined and reliable. Around town, the Golf never wants for power. Only when attempting high-speed passing maneuvers on the highway does the driver notice the engine runs out of breath. Unlike its sportier fraternal twins, the zippy GTI and the burlier Golf R, t…
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- The EPA estimates the 2020 Golf will earn 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with the standard stick-shift transmission. With the optional automatic, it has ratings of 29 mpg city and 35 highway. Those numbers are different from the previous model year when both transmissions were rated at 29/37 mpg city/highway. While we haven't tested a 2020 Golf on our real-world hig…
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
- Plain but comfortable and functional, the Golf's interior perfectly embodies VW's design ethos. You'll never feel pampered but you won't be subjected to any ill-conceived design themes, either. The Golf's interior employs clean, straight lines; a sedate color palette; and an emphasis on openness. Despite the airy atmosphere, some competitors tested here have slightly more space …
Infotainment and Connectivity
- The Golf's infotainment system delivers lazy response times to your inputs, but standard features such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and USB connectivity are strong counterpoints to that shortcoming. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard, and it boasts menu buttons running along the edges of the display as well as a physical volume knob.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
- The 2020 Golf earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but it wasn't named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While the VW hatch no longer offers adaptive cruise control, it does come with some common driver-assistance equipment. Key safety features include: 1. Standard forward-collisio…
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
- VW has revised its warranty package for 2020. Although the updated warranty is shorter, the company now provides two years of complimentary maintenance. 1. Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles 2. Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles 3. Complimentary maintenance is covered for 2 years or 20,000 miles