2001 Volkswagen Golf Consumer Reviews

2004 Golf, owned since 2019, third owner. Acquired with only 35,000 miles, which I’ve since doubled. MPG is okay, not great. Only a few minor issues in the past 6 years.

Nice to drive — good steering, brakes, and handles fairly neutrally with a ton of body roll (more fun). Engine (2.0) makes up for lack of power with a decent sound, peaky delivery, + short gears. The interior is pretty sweet, if a little creaky with age. Super reliable and simple to work on. Bad stuff — the shifter is not nice, not a lot of power, and the car’s a little too heavy. I’d give it a 10/10, but I’m biased.

Best project car I’ve ever had it’s a solid drive and it’s one of a kind unique where I live you won’t catch a golf the same age as me driving around in my area! It makes me feel special:)

I have had this car 14 years never had any issues, radiator blew once up a hill 10 years ago never a problem since.. would definitely buy the same exact car again no questions asked.. couldn't see myself in anything else.... maybe a Lexus!!

Ok so after buying 4,000 with of parts this car looks and handles great not to mention plenty of hp would buy another one just to have 2 plus seats really snug

I bought my 2004 VW Golf 4-dr black GLS in 2005. It had 7,500 miles. It had a 4-Cyl 2.0 liter gas engine. Practically new. Pretty much fell in love with the boxy contours. I have never had any major problems in the twelve years I have owned this vehicle. It is 2017 and it now has 105,000 miles. Battery died at 60,000 miles and replaced that for 170. Changed all four tires twice for around 350. Changed the 5W30 oil at every 5,000 miles for 30. Replaced temperature thermostat for 30. The biggest expense has been the timing belt and water pump replacement at 105,000 miles....that was 600. I am thinking about getting a newer car, but I wont trade or sell this car. This vehicle always starts and does not quit. Excellent vehicle.

I'm 2nd owner on my 2004 VW Golf GLS TDI manual; have driven it for 6 years now. I've driven many types of vehicles, and this remains among my favorites for its stability and handling. It's great in sun, rain, sleet, and snow. It has great fuel economy (I used to get 45–48 mpg under 100K; now 43–45 mpg). I can easily fit 2 bikes in the back with the back seats down; the hatchback has a wide opening. My list of cons is going to be a bit detailed, so I just want to reiterate again that I *love* how this car handles, and that is what balances out everything below. ||||||| First, a note about diesel engines for noobs: ||| Fuel: Diesel can be hard to find. I downloaded an app that helps me find diesel fuel on the go. ||| Emission: This car has been grandfathered into US emissions standards. I've never failed a test; however, this is nowhere near "clean" diesel (which we've learned is a myth, anyhow) and is, in fact, quite dirty. I have asthma and sometimes the exhaust bothers me when I first start it up. ||| Cold weather: Even though oil changes are much less frequent for diesels, I always change the oil before winter because the car starts more reliably at or below 0 degrees with fresh synthetic. The car has always started for me in cold weather eventually, but below 10 it gets cranky. They sell winterized fuel in the winter in my location, so I haven't ever used additives. The cabin takes forever to warm up in cold weather. |||||| Cons: Repairs: Repairs are frequent and expensive. In my city with bad road infrastructure, I have to work on the suspension every other year ($750). I had to replace the turbo at 140,000 mi ($1,800). Around the same time, small motors on windows, windshield wipers, etc, began to break. Timing belt is coming up again soon. Clutch is still good (*knock on wood*). A lot of small pieces in the interior have broken (common in VWs of this era). All repairs and upkeep cost more than in more common vehicles. ||| Overall, if you like the handling of older diesels that aren't subject to recalls, if you're looking for something stable and can afford repairs, if you don't live in a climate that regularly gets weather below 0˚F, I would definitely recommend this car.

Just had major service performed Timing belt and tensioner serpentine belt and tensioner