In an effort to meet head-on lingering complaints about the build quality of its venerable Golf models, Volkswagen effectively doubled the length of its bumper-to-bumper warranty, from two years/24,000 miles to four years/50,000 miles.
Plus, the base Golf GL trim package was finally available in both two- and four-door sedan versions. GL buyers could choose from two engine options: either the base 115-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine or the 90-hp, 1.9-liter diesel engine with the TDI (turbo direct injection) feature. A five-speed manual overdrive transmission was standard. A four-speed automatic was available as an option.
A higher-end GLS trim package was also available, with the same two engine options but with an expanded list of standard features. The Golf GL came with such features as air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, dual airbags (driver and passenger), tilt/telescoping steering, power door locks, an anti-theft alarm system, and an AM/FM/cassette stereo system. The GLS packages added a CD player and power windows, among other features. The GLS TDI also added traction control.
Drivers appreciated the Golf's value, handling, safety features, power, and sportiness. However, some drivers noted that the car still had quality-control issues requiring expensive repairs. The transmission and electrical system were noted by some drivers as being particularly troublesome. Perhaps that extended warranty wasn't such a bad idea after all.
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
Great features, fun to drive, great precise handling.Aug 15, 2020
by Nico V
May 12, 2013
good performance for a 90hp diesel engine with a little trim chip and turbo charging
1.9 bar.the cost is very little a year eaven tho the diesel tax. very fun car to
drive!! low on diesel, 4,5 liters per 100km on main road in city when i drive
attleast10-12 L/100kmMay 12, 2013
by Al Helm A
Oct 07, 2012
its nice car but its not recommended in gulf area, it has too many electrical problems because it has 2 or 3 computers in the car .certainly u find warning light on the dashboard lighting and to reset it you will pay much money . Oct 07, 2012
User rating:
by Benny G
Aug 15, 2020
Great features, fun to drive, great precise handling.Aug 15, 2020
by Nico V
May 12, 2013
good performance for a 90hp diesel engine with a little trim chip and turbo charging
1.9 bar.the cost is very little a year eaven tho the diesel tax. very fun car to
drive!! low on diesel, 4,5 liters per 100km on main road in city when i drive
attleast10-12 L/100kmMay 12, 2013
by Al Helm A
Oct 07, 2012
its nice car but its not recommended in gulf area, it has too many electrical problems because it has 2 or 3 computers in the car .certainly u find warning light on the dashboard lighting and to reset it you will pay much money . Oct 07, 2012
by Anonymous
May 10, 2011
Doesn't consume much gas and works with the less expensive ones (88 and 91).
It's a manual so it gives the driver more control and makes it even more fuel efficient
Has all the options needed (sun roof, heated seats, CD player...)
Robust as most VW's!May 10, 2011
by Ahmed R
Sep 04, 2010
Nice car, really love it but it is a big headeach when opens her mouse for any break down or maintainance. It is perfect in case you are rich and ready to spend on maintainance and expensive spare parts.....go for Japaneese cars do not use complicated german once.Sep 04, 2010
by Jozef H
Jul 21, 2010
Volkswagen Golf je najdôležitejší model nemeckej automobilky Volkswagen a patrí k celosvetovo najpredávanejším automobilom vôbec. V súčasnosti sa vyrába jeho piata a šiesta generácia. Je to také úspešné a typické vozidlo v kategórii automobilov nižšej strednej triedy, že si vyslúžil prezývku Golf klasse. Vyrábal sa aj v Bratislave v závode Volkswagen Slovakia.Jul 21, 2010
by Tobias Z
Jul 20, 2010
Die ersten Fahrzeuge mit Pumpe-Düse-Technik kamen 1998 im damaligen VW Passat (3B5) auf den Markt. Diese Fahrzeuge besitzen keine separate Einspritzpumpe mehr. Ersetzt wurde diese durch ein Zylinder-Kolben-Element, welches über der Einspritzdüse angebracht ist. Beides zusammen nennt man Pumpe-Düse-Element. Verbaut wird dieses im Zylinderkopf. Die Nockenwelle übt mit einem dritten Nocken pro Zylinder (außer für Einlass- und Auslassventil) Kraft auf die Pumpe-Düse aus, so dass diese Kraftstoffdruck aufbaut. Der Kraftstoff wird dosiert durch ein Magnetventil zur Einspritzdüse übertragen.
Bekannt ist dieses System bereits aus der Nutzfahrzeugindustrie. Pumpe-Düse-Motoren arbeiten bei Nennleistung mit einem Druck von bis zu 2050 bar, der lange Zeit der höchstmögliche Druck im PKW-Dieselmotoren-Bau war. Entsprechend verbesserten sich die Wirkungsgrade und Verbrauchswerte. So ist der Dreiliter-Lupo von VW und auch das Einliter-Fahrzeug mit einem solchen System ausgestattet. Die Wirkungsgrade dieser Motoren liegen beim Dreiliter-Auto bei 45 %. VW erhoffte sich von dieser Technik den großen Durchbruch, der jedoch nicht gelang, da das System sehr eingeengte Fertigungstoleranzen erfordert. Entsprechend teuer ist ein solcher Motor. Da der Volkswagen-Konzern jedoch einen hohen Anteil von Firmenfahrzeugen verkauft, bedeutete die Pumpe-Düse-Technik einen gewissen Wettbewerbsvorteil auf Grund des geringeren Verbrauchs. Dieser Motorentyp findet auch heute noch in den meisten Konzernmodellen Verwendung, läuft aber schrittweise bis zum Jahr 2010 aus.
Ab 2000 wurde der TDI-Motor mit 96 kW im VW-Konzern eingeführt: u.a. im VW Passat (2001) und Golf (2001), Audi A3 (2000), A4 (2000), und A6 (2001) sowie Škoda Superb (2002). Im Jahre 2003 wurde diese TDI-Variante im VW Sharan mit 96 kW und 110 kW verbaut. Ein halbes Jahr später folgten diese Motorversionen in weiteren Modellen wie: Škoda Fabia RS, Octavia, VW Polo, Seat Leon und Ibiza. Ab dem Jahr 2005 wurde, ausschließlich im Ibiza Cupra, ein TDI-Motor mit 1,9 Liter Hubraum und 118 kW bei 3750 Umdrehungen je Minute (min-1) angeboten. Das maximale Drehmoment betrug 330 Nm bei 1900 min-1.
Mit dem Golf V (2003) kam dann auch die neuere Generation des TDI mit 1,9 Liter Hubraum heraus. Er hatte 50 cm³ mehr Hubraum und wurde daher auch als 2.0 TDI angeboten. Damals gab es ihn nur mit 103 kW. Dieser hatte, so lange er ohne Dieselpartikelfilter (DPF) ausgestattet war, 16 Ventile statt der üblichen acht. Mittlerweile gibt es diesen 2.0 TDI in einer leistungsgesteigerten Variante mit 125 kW (hier mit 16 Ventilen) und wird z.B. wie er im Golf GT oder Audi A3 angeboten. Dieser entfaltet die Leistung nicht mehr bei 4000 min-1 sondern bei 4200 min-1.
Quelle:http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/TDI-MotorJul 20, 2010
by Markus V
Jun 06, 2010
Use it for everything. I've had it on a track and it handles great. It tows 2000lbs
only because of the hitch. I've had one on issue with my sun visor not lighting up all
the time. Its hard to clean ...Jun 06, 2010
by Tsitsi E
Apr 29, 2010
The Colourof this car is dam "FWESH" and wen people see it dey wana touch it or get into it especially those tha stel the CITI GOLF. The rimz it has on r dam sick n dey make da car luk VaXX.Apr 29, 2010
by Geoff P
Feb 21, 2010
It was actually a Golf GT TDi Pd 150, quite a mouthful for a pocket rocket of an oil burner. It could out-accelerate most family cars and sipped fuel, which made it very economical to run.I always felt safe driving it and it only let me down once when the engine had to be rebuilt when it got really sick after a turbo overboost. It cost me £2600 to put it right but I still loved the car and would have kept it even after buying my new car had I had the space to park it.Feb 21, 2010
by Nājīb X
Sep 30, 2009
my first whipy loved this car to death, too many gudd times and memories i miss u love <3
~small and fast (park anywhere and weave through traffic like its a joke)
~unreal on gas (ultra premium tank lasted an entire week of me rippin it)
~sunroof (ouuuufff to clutch)
~stock stereo PUMPED (worked even when the car was off, key out)
~kept it mint till the day it died
#blown head#, shivered at stoplights, burned oil and exausted out dutty black smoke
R.I.P. "on to the next one"Sep 30, 2009
by Neil P
Sep 29, 2009
good all round fast 130 bhp good on fule tdi sound bild holds price well , getting to bie one now, get 51 plate onwards as the tax is in a lower groop only 120 pounds per year great nice ride hight.Sep 29, 2009
by Mircea Z
Sep 17, 2009
Excelenta in raportul calitate pret, fiabila, perfect tunabila (ca orice TDI care se respecta), excelent construita si foarte rezistenta, mai ales in RO. Materiale de calitate buna, oferta de piese OEM si aftermarket foarte mare, la preturi mai mici decat la un Logan, Consum mai mult decat decent (7-8 oras, 6.8 -7 la 140 km/h autostrada)
Ca minusuri, garda la sol (mai ales in zona baii de ulei), celebrul lag de turbina (mai ales daca esti obisnuit sa conduci "sportiv" - nu e cazul meu)Sep 17, 2009
by Asish M
Jul 31, 2009
Very strong built and appearance is fine..
fun to drive car easy to use and handle.. but not too easy to maintain :D
interior is very elegent with sport seats and ammazing speaker quality.
very good acceleration,speed and best brakingJul 31, 2009
by Andy L
Dec 24, 2008
performance
-accel- diesel with little pickup
-braking-weak
-handling-weak
Build Quality
-very few repairs...oil and brakes and then at 100k timing belt
Appearance
-interior-cloth...not impressive
-exterior-typical hatchback styling
Cost of Ownership
-MPG- 45
-oil and filter changes
Fun factor
-5/10
i would recommend this car as an economical choice without any bells and whistles but it can be improved to be a diesel beast!
Dec 24, 2008
by Sheraiz M
Sep 04, 2008
Performance and economy. Awesome! Looks good out of past and current golf range. Solid build qualty. When you put your foot down the torque is incredible and pulls you back into your seat. You never knew that a diesel could be any better. Cheap on car tax and insurance premium.Sep 04, 2008
by Craig N
Sep 04, 2008
Great car, very reliable German built, have had no problems with my car, The preformance is impressive as the car is quite heavy and is only a 1.6, with a 40MM drop and bigger Alloys fitted the handling is unbelievable, This car is extremely fun to drive and looks great i recommend to anyone looking for a small hatchback.Sep 04, 2008
by Ameera M
Sep 01, 2008
overall performance is great. handling is great. good suspension.Acceleration a bit slow as its a 1600 otherwise fast enough & excellent on longroad. hardly needed repairs. interoir & exterior is excellent. Interior is fantastic.Luxury & comfortable interior.maintenance of the car is not expensive its economical & fun to drive. Id say its a nice family car as well...Sep 01, 2008
by James W
Aug 21, 2008
its a little diesel rocket, fast enough that i got banned for 2 months!!
mega reliable, build quality is 5 star.. oh and its done 140,000 miles without raising an eyebrow!
recommend Audi, VW and dare i admit Skoda cos they're all the bloody same apart from price tag.
dont recommend bmw's, too basic for their price.Aug 21, 2008
by Anonymous
Aug 11, 2008
This car was amazing,The acceleration was brilliant and overall the car was powerful,it looked great and it was black with black tinted windows and also it had 18 inch rims to make it stand out. The handling was good but it was a big car so at times it was like driving a tank.Aug 11, 2008
by Stef E
Jul 12, 2008
its a diesel! so cheap as chips! 5 doors and big boot! handy for shopping! umm it also has 4 wheels! other than that im struggling!!
oh ye did i mention its cheap to run?Jul 12, 2008
by Jason M
Jul 09, 2008
Perfect car for London, good mileage when you maintain optimum revs(52mpg) but enough grunt for a diesel due to twin turbos to accelarate like a petrol. Awesome VW engineering(responsible for the veyron) shows through in the efficiency and reliability of the engine. After 4 years of services I still have all the free bottles of oil the garage give me as I have never had to top up the oil. Fun to drive at speed although after 140 mph it tends to be a bit light in the corners due to low body weight. They didn't have my model in the drop down list as my boss imported direct from Germany. Model is the exclusive twin turbo GT TDI 150BHP.Jul 09, 2008
by Bryan J
Jun 22, 2008
Responsive and lever let me downJun 22, 2008
by Mark H
May 06, 2008
Very reliable and dependable. When I first bought it, diesel was cheaper than regular gas. Since it is a diesel, I get around 45 MPG. 136,000 miles and still going strong. May 06, 2008
by Anonymous
May 02, 2008
Purchased just a few weeks ago with 102K miles; well-kept and always
serviced on schedule by original owner. Love the 50+ mpg fuel economy. My one complaint is that the clutch pedal travel makes me have to sit a little farther forward than is comfortable in order to engage it. Love the Monsoon system with 6-disc changer.May 02, 2008
by Barry E
Apr 01, 2008
Everything I need in a car, quick, fun to drive and economicalApr 01, 2008
by Lottie N
Mar 19, 2008
Not My type of car but its a good run around but they go wrong easily Mar 19, 2008
by John L
Mar 12, 2008
I put on 17" ASA AR1 black rims. If you plan on getting one of these.. make sure you get a 1.8T or the new 2.0T.. they're worth it.. but the 2.0 naturally asperated, isn't the way to go.. but i loved this car..Mar 12, 2008
by George B
Mar 01, 2008
good car, good brakes, very slow and good qualityMar 01, 2008
by Sarah D
Feb 24, 2008
This used to be at one time my all time fav car to drive.Feb 24, 2008
by Ross M
Dec 13, 2007
Really basic inside but nice on the outside.Dec 13, 2007
by Anonymous
Dec 11, 2007
The Golf is a good car, but a bit of a grey mouse. You see so many of them it doesn't feel special to drive one. Over the years I had a lot of problems with it, specifically with the clutch, the exhaust and electric components like switches and the sat nav system.Dec 11, 2007
by Michelle D
Nov 19, 2007
Needed a car after selling the Bora, and this was on the yard. Meant to be a short-term thing but ended up having it over a year. After the "plush" of the Bora, this was a bit rough - a poverty pack 5spd manual! But it got me around.Nov 19, 2007
by Herbert H
Nov 16, 2007
2002 4 Door Model, 23-35 city/highway mpg, front wheel drive, Max
Speed of 160, Accelerates 0-60 in around 8-9 seconds, 115
Horsepower at 5,200 RPM, 2.0 Engine, 5 Spd Automatic, Color is Indigo
Blue with Beige Upholstery, Black Dashboard with bright red needles
over backlighted indigo gauges, AM-FM Radio/Tape/CD Player, Four
wheel anti-lock disc brakes with ABS, dual front and side airbags,
daytime running lights, fold-down back seats offer huge trunk room,
power windows up/down, suprisingly roomy in the back, power door
locks, excellent handling with compliant coil springs and gas-filled
shocks, aggressive maneuvers cause little body roll, independent front
and rear suspension, and 14.6 Fuel capacityNov 16, 2007
I have a golf mk4 2.0lt crossflow my car does not have any power at all to even climb a small incline I have changed the plugs leads and coilpack even the air sensor n stil no difference so pls can some1 help me out and direct me in the right direction as to wat I should look for.
I'm losing antifreeze somewhere I've checked my heater core check my thermostat check my hoses so can somebody help me out the 2.0 Volkswagen golf 5 speed