Introduction

Volkswagen Golf is essentially a hatchback version of more popular in U.S Jetta.
Two- and four-door versions are available.
Front-wheel drive, transverse mount engine, front independent suspension with McPherson struts and stabilizer bar, torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar.
Front driver's and passenger's airbags, front side airbags, four-wheel ABS system, disk brakes on all four wheels are standard - rare to find in compact class. Traction Control and Stability Control systems are available. IIHS Best Pick for Offset Frontal Crash, five stars for both driver and passenger in NHTSA frontal crash test.
For performance enthusiasts, there is the Golf-based Volkswagen GTI available with optional sport suspension, 17" alloy wheels and high-performance VR6 or 1.8 turbo engine.

The engine

You can choose from three available engines:
- 4-cylinder SOHC 2.0L engine with 115 horsepowers.
- 4-cylinder 1.9L turbo diesel engine with 90 horsepowers (models from 2004 come with more quiet 1.9L Pumpe Düse diesel engine with 100 h.p)
Both diesel engines have very impressive fuel economy.
- high-performance DOHC 4-cylinder 1.8L turbo engine with 150 horsepowers (available only on 2001 Golf models).

Strengths

- Stylish look
- Interior comfort
- Good safety records
- Good handling
- Standard 4 wheel ABS system
- Standard 4 wheel disk brakes
- Variety of optional equipment
- High resale value

Weaknesses

- Reliability
- Service and parts are quite expensive
- Price
- Certain models might be costly to insure

Overall

Volkswagen Golf is one of the few small cars offering rich-looking stylish interior and high level of standard safety features such as front side impact airbags and 4-wheel ABS. Diesel version is very economical.
Reliability isn't perfect. Parts and service are quite expensive and not all independent garages can perform the repair. I'd definitely recommend buying an extended warranty with good coverage along with your Golf.

Maintenance tips

- I'd recommend servicing your Jetta at Volkswagen dealer or VW-specialized shop - they are tricky to work on.
- Change the engine oil regularly.
- Check all the fluid levels periodically and top up when needed.
- When changing a timing belt, it's very good idea to replace the water pump as well.
- If you have diesel engine, replace the fuel filter regularly.
- If you service your car at independent garage, bring it to a dealer once in a while to see if any updates/recalls needs to be done.

Volkswagen Golf short specs. (2003 model)

Dimensions

Length 164.90 (4188mm)
Width 68.3 (1735mm)
Height 56.7 (1440mm)

Engine

2.0L, 115 hp, 4-cylinder, 122 lb-ft
1.9L, 90 hp, 4-cylinder TDI® diesel, 155 lb-ft
2.0L, 115 hp, 4-cylinder
with automatic transmission
city: 23MPG or 10.2 L/100km
hwy: 29MPG or 8.1 L/100km

1.9L, 90 hp, 4-cylinder TDI® diesel
with automatic transmission

city: 34MPG or 6.9 L/100km
hwy: 45MPG or 5.2 L/100km