A new engine option was among the upgrades made to the Volkswagen Golf for the 2000 model year. The 1.8T, which was available as an add-on to the four-door Golf GLS trim package, was a turbocharged 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder powerplant that generated 150 hp. It joined two other engine options offered for the Golf in 2000 -- a base 115-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine and a 90-hp 1.9-liter diesel engine with the TDI (turbo direct injection) feature.

In addition to the GLS with the 1.8T engine, trim packages included the two-door GL (gas engine) and GL TDI (diesel engine) and the four-door GLS (with the base 2.0-liter gas engine) and GLS TDI (diesel engine). All Golf trim packages for 2000 came with a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. A four-speed automatic was available as an option.

Standard equipment for the GL and GL TDI included air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, tilt steering, child safety door locks, and an AM/FM/cassette audio system. The GLS packages added cruise control (also standard on the GL TDI), power windows, and power door locks. Optional equipment included a CD player and a moonroof, as well as a premium sound system.

Drivers gave positive marks to the Golf's handling, acceleration, value, safety features, braking, and reliability, though some noted that the car's fuel economy wasn't as good as its competitors'. Some drivers noted problems with the car's "fit and finish," such as its exterior trim and interior plastic parts. Cup holders were noted by several drivers as being less than durable.