2014 Volkswagen Golf Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
I've had my 2015 Volkswagen Golf TSI Four door with a six speed automatic for almost three weeks now, so I can't say too much as far as reliability goes yet. What I can say is that as someone who has driven almost every car in the compact car segment as part of my job (I work for a rental car company), I can say that my Golf smokes the base models of those cars in driving experience, ride quality, practicality, and looks. The driving dynamics about the Golf are what drew me to it the most. It handles better than most of the "hot" versions of other compact cars, and its the base models. The handling is neutral with very composed body roll, so you can chuck it into corners and cruise back-roads in it and have an absolutely great time. This is all while having a suspension setup that simultaneously soaks up all but the most jarring and wide pavement cracks while providing great cornering feel and stability. The back end is also very planted for such a light rear, and can easily dance around any corner it wants to. It's not a sporty car, but it sure behaves like one when thrown into a turn. The power-train is second to none. The 1.8L Turbo has all the power you want to pass anything you want on the highway, and the engine note is only apparent when you really push the accelerator. The rest of the time the engine is relatively quiet. The six speed automatic is a near perfect transmission, my only complaint being my preference for it to perhaps be a bit more soft at lower speeds. Sport mode doesn't seem to make a much noticeable difference so I just shift with the paddles when I get a chance. So far I'm averaging 30 MPG combined on 87 Octane regular, which is just what I was expecting and am very happy to meet. Practicality is awesome. My 6'2" stepfather was able to sit in the back seat without issues. The leatherette seats are so good you won't notice they're fake, an opinion seconded by a longtime German car mechanic in my family who has driven several generations (including the most recent) of Mercedes-Benz S class. The air conditioning system gets perfect air blasts and is very flexible, and defrosts the mirrors fast enough. The movable trunk floor is a great feature. I've already moved two beach chairs in the Golf without having to put the seat down, and I had no rear visibility issues. The technology in the Golf is second to none. Volkswagen's touch screen is not the largest I've seen in a compact, but it is hands down the best as far as responsiveness and graphics. Syncing my phone took very little time whatsoever, the sound system is amazing, and the number of buttons and dials is helpful when the touch screen is finnicky. My only gripe with the technology package is the lack of a proper USB port, which is rather irritating but not a deal breaker. Perhaps make the transmission a bit better at slow speeds and add some USB ports. But other than those issues, I could not be happier with my 2015 Volkswagen Golf. There is no car out there that I would consider buying for the money.
VS
Critical Review
owned vehicle for six months, already having issues with TPMS light on. Replace two tires leaking air. Miles per gallon not to expectations around 24 miles per gallon.
2014 Golf Reviews
Showing 8 of 116 reviews.
Lasts at least ten years
Expensive care and repairs
I got this car about seven years ago as my very first car and it has ran pretty well and hasn't needed much major work or attention until about 180,000 miles. However the shop bills are stacking up and it's needing much more attention at 207,000 miles that is more difficult to keep up with. The interior started to fall apart a bit about five or six years ago and it doesn't affect the performance but it's still something to note. Volkswagen's are great when they run well but they're tricky to work with and a bit expensive to work on and keep up with.
Limited Production, AWD, Highly Upgradable
Battery died 2 years, headliner dropped 10yrs
I still love my car and enjoy driving whenever I can. It is primarily a second car now as we drive a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Mid-Range as the primary, and that is a great car too. But, my Golf R which has been modified to stage 1+ APR is a real joy. If you are looking to buy a used MK6 R. A lot of owners have modified this car, as it was under-tuned for North America by VW. If you do find a unicorn un-modified, then congratulations. There was a total of 5507 produced for the US (VWVortex Golf vi R forums). Enjoy, I plan to keep this car until it's not allowed on the roads (EV's) ;)
Love it, reliable engine, fun car... this is my second Golf, 1st was an MK4 and i will say these cars were made to last forever...
Super fun to drive, awesome X- country machine
It only takes Premium, High octane fuel.
It's the Golf R model, with subdued styling compared to the boy- racer aesthetic of the GTi series. She's more refined, appointed, and comfortable. But she will absolutely eat the GTi for lunch. We've driven our R across the USA's scenic back-roads more than a half- dozen times. On twisty mountain passes, there is no other vehicle I would rather drive. She's not just sure-footed; when I turn the wheel to the left, it's as if she pulls the planet Earth to the right. The Traction Control combined with AWD makes cornering great again. Gigantic brake rotors (the rear brakes alone are bigger than the FRONT brakes on my '02 Ford F150) haul her down from speed so smooth and quickly that it leaves me breathless. ABS in the Golf R arms to be non- intrusive, while this car can stop with the smoothness and authority I've only experienced in my buddy's Corvette Z-O6. Her two-liter turbocharged engine makes her pretty sporty around town, and quite fun to drive in a law- abiding fashion. She will pleasantly surprise you the first time youlet her sing full- throated, like when accelerating on an on- ramp. Getting pressed into my seat while zooming up to 75 mph gives me a glimpse of what it's like to get shot off the bow of an aircraft carrier in a fighter jet (which I've actually experienced). However, if you're the kind of person with a penchant for participating in a track- day at your local raceway, that's when you'll discover the Beast- Within, that Honey Badger lurking inside the heart of your R. Sure, she's sporty in a suburban setting. But when you get that motor spinning above 95 mph, you'll unleash the Beast, satisfyingly snarling and pouncing the pavement. In an instant, 135 mph will have gone under the speedo- needle, and it will be time to brake to turn into the next corner. Pressing down on the pedal rewards the driver with face- pulling deceleration. Consummately confident in cornering, the Golf R's driver will love vectoring around the race track. It's moments like these that you'll realize the delight in your decision to make the Golf R yours.
Fun, practible, safe, reliable and quality-built
Cheapo plastic wheel covers on base model
Having owned numerous Volkswagons over the years (mostly classic Beetles or Buses) I finally ventured into a "newer" VW. I purchased a used 2010 VW GOLF (Base model) 2-door Hatchback and it has been not only practible, but fun to drive! The 2.5l engine has plenty of pep and with the 5-speed manual transmission it is a delight to zip around town. Gas mileage is ok, not great but around 25-27 mpg in the city. The trade-off is the power, plenty to get you going on a freeway onramp. Steering is tight and responsive. Interior is basic; cloth seats (manual) with drivers lumbar (also manual). Power windows and mirrors. The hatchback is very convenient and has cargo nets to secure cargo. There is a removable cargo cover so your things cannot be seen by looking thru windows. This model has the cheapo plastic wheel covers, but if they get scratched up you can easily find replacements. Quality is very good, certainly better than most similar cars. I keep this car well maintained, so it has given me no problems whatsover. Original paint is still unfaded and shiny. I recommend getting the heavy duty floor mats; they will save your carpet and will pop out for easy cleaning. Entertainment is lacking (just radio and cd player) but if you need a nice, safe and reliable (did I menrion FUN?) car you cant go wrong.bIf you want something sportier you can get the GOLF GTI but of course that will cost a bit more than the base model. Thumbs up for this terrific little car.
Fund to Drive!
nothing really.
Das Auto! I really find the 2.5 engines reliable and powerful. I just past 400K after owning the car for the past 12 years. I highly recommend VW.
It's been a great car! Fun to drive and sporty. Also very practical. I average about 35mpg
Fun to drive, practical, fuel efficient
None
I originally bought this car because I needed a car in which I could fold down the rear seat and let my dog loose in the bag that was also economical. I could not quite afford the Jetta Wagon, so I chose the Golf. And what a great little car it has been. A sport tuned suspension combined with the rapid response to the steering wheel makes for lively handling. The ride is comfortable but with a stiffer suspension than most of its competitors you are more aware of imperfections in the road. However, the trade off is that the car recovers faster from hitting bumps and dips in the road. I am also able to drive at speed along winding roads without issue. In fact, I come out the other end with a big grin on my face. When I drive to Santa Cruz from San Jose, California, I frequently pass Mustangs and Corvettes on the mountain highway because they cannot handle the constant twists and hairpin turns. The car has held up well during the course of my ownership (I keep up with regularly scheduled maintenance). It being a hatchback has also meant that the car has proven to be very practical. While it is small, the interior does feel bigger than it looks (unless you are in the back seat). Fuel mileage is good for a five cylinder car and the engine is very quiet. I don't know what the professional reviewers are doing to their test cars to make them complain about engine noise but I only notice it when trying to accelerate quickly. And even then, it is still quiet. If I have a complaint, it is that the stereo has a limiter on it so that you cannot play it as loudly as I would like. However, that is a safety feature. I am guaranteed to hear sirens while still having it loud enough to hear every note in a song.
