(4th of 13 vehicles)
If you enjoy intelligent design, efficient operation, careful build quality and artful execution, the 2012 Volkswagen Golf should fit a wide range of transportation needs. Although not as entertaining
At one point those shopping for a 3-door or 5-door hatch had little beyond Volkswagen from which to choose. Lately, there's been an entire catalog of new entries, from manufacturers as diverse as
Sharing its overall architecture with VW's GTI, the Golf enjoys a level of solidity and composure relatively rare in its size or price category. The all-independent suspension delivers a composed ride, rack-and-pinion steering provides a direct communication with the front wheels, and the rigid body structure contributes to both handling and safety. In short, there's none of the tin-box feel often associated with cars in the compact category – the Golf feels more like a mid-size sport sedan. The 5-cylinder gasoline powerplant with
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why ads?Based on 56 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.
Review this carBy NHGOLFR (NH) on Wednesday, June 19, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Fun to Drive, AWD, Sporty & Practical"
Cons: "EU cars get more of the goodies that we can't have"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"Great hot hatch. All Wheel Drive, turbo 256 HP motor, Excellent build quality, outstanding handling, love the look of the car, sporty look without the boy racer vibe."
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By Raaji (TX) on Sunday, June 16, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Build quality, fun to drive, reliable"
Cons: "Rear seats don't fold flat"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"This has been my daily driver for the last year. I've been extremely happy with everything about it. The exterior styling is tastefully understated. The interior is just a great place to be. There isn't a single knob, switch, or stick that isn't perfectly placed and intuitive. The seats are a tad uncomfortable for extended road trips, but they're great for around town. I'm six foot two, and have plenty of leg and head room in the front even when I have to slide the seat forward to accommodate extra passengers. I'd say the only negative to the design is that the rear seats don't fold completely flat, which can make hauling large items a bit tricky. The car handles beautifully and even with the 2.5L i5 engine, it's got plenty of power. Switching to Sport Mode gives it the extra kick you need to take advantage of a short window to pass slower drivers, and the tap-shifting is quick enough for something that isn't intended to be a sporty car. Mechanically, I've never owned a more reliable car. Oil changes are recommended for every 10,000 miles and VW covers the first 3 years of maintenance."
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