2013 Volkswagen Golf

Great Hot Hatch

By NHGOLFR (NH) on Wednesday, June 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000

Pros: "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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Excellent car for the money.

By Raaji (TX) on Sunday, June 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

Pros: "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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Quality hatchback so far

By Ranger Red (TX) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,500

Pros: "Audi-like refinement"

Cons: "Base model lacks amenities"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I purchased a very basic 2011 Golf that was a dealer demo with about 6,000 miles on it. It has the 2.5 liter with the automatic transmission. Original sticker price was about $21k but since it was surrounded by a parking lot full of 2012 models I got it for about $5000 off the sticker. Even though I got a decent deal, I soon began to regret that I bought the basic model. It lacks things I was used to, like an abundance of storage bins and steering wheel audio controls. The plastic wheel covers look cheap on the 15" steel wheels. I owned several VW's in the 80s and 90s and missed the driving dynamic that seems to be in their DNA. This car feels okay but it's no GTI. The nicely balanced steering and braking blend well with the base suspension. It feels refined, not like a cheap hatchback. The diesel version comes with 18" alloys and a sportier lowered suspension. I wish that was offered on base Golfs that come to the US. If you need a sportier driving experience then save up for the GTI. I am a heavyset man and getting in and out is not comfortable. I know, it's not VW's fault, but be aware of this if you're built like me. Once inside, the materials are better than average. The layout is simple and clean. I like the fact that I can fit an after-market stereo into the dash without a hassle. (I could not do this with my two previous Mazda's). I only drive about 8,000 miles a year, mostly stop and go city driving. It has not left me stranded but I average a disappointing 22 mpg combined. I drove an '88 Golf with a 5-speed in college and got around 35 mpg as I recall. If you want basic but quality transportation that does not have a Kia, Hyundai or Toyota badge on it, I can recommend buying a used Golf that has depreciated. New Golfs are pricey."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Is a fantastic little willing machine.

By Rudy (CA) on Friday, May 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,500

Pros: "refined diesel engine."

Cons: "no rear camera, small roof window."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love the TDI engine the technology on this little critter is awesome not to mention the DSG transmission so fast like reading your mind, up shift and down shift electric fast. very nice in the city but is a little beast on country roads it likes to go fast and up hill is like a goat on steroid if that is possible and on freeways you really have to look at your speedometer fun to drive."

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Best Car for the Price - Hands down

By VWDAN11 (NY) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

Pros: "its just a sweet little car - for 20k"

Cons: "wish they did the free oil for more than 30k miles"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is the first Brand New care I have had – out of a long line of cars – Acura CL, Honda Civic( I put a Turbo in) Volvo S80, Buick Lasaber, Pontiac Grand AM—ect…. This is by far the best thing I did – have the 2.5 inline 5 (smooth power), with 5 speed, sun roof and cold weather package. It came with the 15 inch steel wheels (I put winter tires on) I got a nice set of 17’s from tire rack and it made a world of difference— almost as Fun as the GTI. It might not be as fast as my Acura 3.0 CL but it can hit a corner at 60 Mph that would barely feel safe at 40 with the Acura. Put the windows down and sunroof open on a nice day and you will forget you’re even headed to work – I look forward to the 60 mile round trip. If you drive like my mom it will get 28 city and 36 hwy – I get about 22 city and 28 Hwy --- I redline almost every red light and go 80+ on hwy… weaving through traffic is a breeze with this little monster… Will look to put a Turbo in it after Warrantee is up !!! "

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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