Volkswagen Golf 1999 - 2006 review

Volkswagen Golf 2006   Photo: Volkswagen Canada

Volkswagen Golf is essentially a hatchback version of more popular in North America Jetta.
Two- and four-door versions are available.
Front-wheel drive, transversely mounted 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

Volkswagen Golf four-cylinder 2.0 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). All these engines have a timing belt that needs to be relaced at a certain interval.

Strengths

- Interior comfort
- Good safety records
- Good handling
- Standard 4 wheel ABS system
- Standard 4 wheel disk brakes
- Variety of optional equipment

Weaknesses

- Reliability is far from perfect
- Service and parts are quite expensive
- Price
- Certain models might be costly to insure. Check the insurance quote first.

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 certainly recommend buying an extended warranty with good coverage along with your Golf.

What to look for buying a used VW Golf

Definitely check the used car history records - there are so many cars out there after accidents, flooded, with rolled back odometers, returns from rental companies, etc. Follow this link: How to check car history records by VIN number
Test carefully all electrical accessories. Test all power windows, locks, alarm, heated seats, wipers, remote operation, even the dome lights. Check the glove box lid, the cupholder, the ashtray and armrest support, some plastic parts could be broken. Check the radio reception in FM and AM. Check our illustrated used car checklist
As a last step prior purchase, have the car properly inspected by a mechanic. If you are buying from an independent dealer or a private owner, bring the car to Volkswagen dealer for an inspection. I'd recommend to get an extended warranty with good coverage. Check our Used car buying guide

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.
- Have your car inspected, at least once a year, in the garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at one of those fast lube places; the vehicle must be on the lift.
Check more Car maintenance tips

Volkswagen Golf short specs. (2003 model)

Links

If you are looking for Service Manual

If you want to find more technical information about your Volkswagen such as repair manual, check engine codes description, electrical diagram, diagnostic procedures, vacuum line diagram, fluid type, maintenance schedule, component location, technical service bulletins, etc. follow this link: Where to find repair manual

by Vlad Samarin