Consumer Reviews
2011 Volkswagen Golf

Outstanding commuter car!

by Reb from Opelika, AL on February 6, 2011

Bought this car for a 160 mile daily commute, 95% of which is on interstate highway. Was first impressed with the very excellent build quality of the Golf TDI. The diesel engine is great, lots of torque, great fuel economy, quiet...not the noisy, smelly, slow, diesel of yesteryear. Excellent automatic transmission as well. Car handles very well in the curves, more like a sportscar than an econobox. The zenon headlights & dynaudio stereo are desirable upgrades. I've enjoyed the sunroof too. Only minus I can think of is the front bucket seats are a bit narrow for a big guy like me, but I've gotten used to them. An overall great car that gets excellent fuel mileage with that fine, German automobile feel. A big selling point for me was that this car is actually built at the plant in Wolfsburg, Germany where the classic, air-cooled beetles were manufactured. This is a car that I would highly recommend to family or friends that were interested in high quality and fuel economy

Purchased a New car

Uses car for Commuting

Does recommend this car!!

16 out of 16 people found this review helpful. Did you?

Good on road value

by DrivesToDisneyland from Phoenix, AZ on June 7, 2011

I'm used to small cars and this one ranks well for small cars, easy to park, easy to get around, big on the inside. I especially like the mileage with the TDI Diesel and the DSG transmission. On the highway I get a bit better than the full rated 42 mpg. If I'd keep it at 65 I'd probably get 50mpg, maybe a touch better. But I tend to drive just above the speed limit and Arizona's 75 on the freeway means I'm driving 78 and that does hurt the mileage. Last trip to Disneyland from Phoenix I drove 78 in AZ and 73 in CA and got 40.3 mpg. The return trip I toned it down just a touch (71 in CA and 75 in AZ) and I got 44mpg. Round trip at 42. Around town I get 45-50 if I'm on good roads without too many stops, on a 10+ mile local trip. Running down to the neighborhood grocery is a 33 mpg trip. So I like the mileage. For getting that kind of mileage, it's nice to have the power. There's a long hill out of Indio on the way back to Phoenix and twice trucks pulled out to pass other trucks, slowing everyone way down. I just touched the cruise control and it shot right back up to 71 on the uphill, as if there was no slope at all. I understand VW revised the TDI a few years ago and that hurt the mileage. I'd rather have the even better mileage back. The drive is solid. The body seems rugged. I feel secure driving it. And there are a lot of nice "little things," like the fuel cap door is automatically locked if the car is locked, but unlocked if the car is unlocked, so you don't have to think about the fuel door release. When I buy a new car the first thing I always do is take it to an independent mechanic and have the fluid levels checked and the wheels aligned. The fluids were fine. The tires were inflated right. And it was in perfect alignment. I don't know if that is the dealer or VW, but it's my first VW and the first time the alignment has been right on. Now I've driven it 3 1/2 months and it's been a good drive; no problems at all. I bought mine moderately loaded, with navigation and a nice computer in the instrument console that makes driving fun. The factory navigation works well, though I wish it connected to traffic reports to revise arrival estimates and provide rerouting advice. It's a comfortable ride, but the bucket seats are hard to get out of. (Feels great on the ride, but feels like you're climbing out of a bucket when you get out.) VW could improve on this. And it seems like the cabin storage could be better. And VW, why no backup camera? I got the standard sound package, and it's very nice, but if I was buying again I'd opt for the premium sound package. So there are a few things I'd do differently. I thought I might buy my wife a Jetta, but the Jetta TDI with Navigation (which supposedly comes loaded) doesn't have the computer. So I may get her a Golf, too. I guess that shows that while I find a few things missing I still believe I got a great car.

Purchased a New car

Uses car for Just getting around

Does recommend this car!!

9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Did you?

Real competetion for Hybrid Cars

by Me-J from Los Angeles, CA on March 12, 2011

If you would like your fuel efficiency to approach Hybrid expectations [better than Altima and Camry-Hbds] and have a capacity to enjoy german ride and European styling, then read on. I have equal experience with Japanese and German cars 3 Hondas and 3 VW-Audis previously. The Japanese do a bit better in the areas of reliability and lower cost of ownership/repairs. But this Golf was different [better?] enough from the Japanese models in the same price range. Also I did not want to be concerned with expensive hybrid battery degredation and replacement issues in years to come. Diesels traditionally last longer than similar gasoline powerplants. This car has a solid and noticably more quality feel than the Toyota, Honda, Subaru and Nissans that I looked at [in similar price-range and similar mileage.] The fuel mileage is as good and occasionally better than I expected. Touch screen radio and Bluetooth mobile phone interface is best in class. The DSG transmission is a welcomed upgrade to simplify my commute and still can be shifted nearly the same as the manual. Best of luck finding a TDi equipped without the Sunroof, HID lighting and for under $26k.

Purchased a New car

Uses car for Commuting

Does recommend this car!!

9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Did you?

VW Golf

by Diesel Enthusiast from Georgia on July 7, 2011

I like the car because is a standard transmision and has a Diesel ingine and is very strongly made, also because I have owned VW cars before and have very good luck with then.

Purchased a New car

Uses car for Just getting around

Does recommend this car!!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Did you?

2011 Golf 2.5 2dr 5spd

by Kuma from Loveland, OH on September 12, 2011

Purchased this car 4 months ago, and still love driving it. Good german engine, great style, and nice interior. I got this car for my wife, and we both love it. Pros, * good price * nice engine * nice handle * great style * nice interior * fuel efficient Cons, * base model with little options to choose * 6spd manual is not available for gasoline model * no premium wheel for gasoline model * warranty is shorter than similar competitors * finance/lease options are not as good as others If I get pick again, I will pick the VW Golf over again, but definitely go to a 4 doors!

Purchased a New car

Uses car for Commuting

Does recommend this car!!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Did you?

2011 VW Golf TDI DSG

by KonaJack from Barrington, IL on July 14, 2012

After 19 months and 23,000 miles I can say that this car has performed flawlessly. I bought it knowing that there have been issues if contaminated fuel hits the High Pressure Fuel Pump - but I decided to take the chance since the Golf is so superior as a drivers car compared to any of the hybrids (and I've owned a few) or most Japanese and American cars for that manner. The interior build quality is still top-notch (unlike the Jetta and to a lesser extent the Passat). The suspension and seats in the TDI are basically taken from the GTI so it's a very sporty car to drive -the torque is addictive, just don't expect a high-revving engine like in a typical sports car. I've averaged 40 MPG in a mix of city/hwy and drove 1,000 miles in one day from Chicago to Denver with just one fuel-stop in Omaha - arriving 15 hours later without feeling tired. I look forward to driving it every morning. You pay more for the Golf but it feels more like an Audi.

Purchased a New car

Uses car for Commuting

Does recommend this car!!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Did you?

Fun and economical

by Golf Guy from Orange County, CA on June 10, 2011

How can you go wrong? It's well put together, the interior materials and layout are superb for its class, fit and finish are excellent... Plenty of go, lots of shifting option with the automatic, and great fuel economy. I really like this automobile and looked at all the competition before making my decision on the Golf. Oh yes, one more thing... it is fun to drive.

Purchased a New car

Uses car for Commuting

Does recommend this car!!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Did you?

Fantastic Little Compact

by DasAuto from Fort Wayne, IN on September 2, 2014

This is a wonderful little car that has loads of room. It is a blast to drive and with certain options great for any music lover. I love driving it every day to work and find myself making up excuses to drive it even more. The gas mileage is not amazing but it is pretty standard for a car of this size. It is a fun sporty car that is still roomy and functional. I would recommend the 4-door version because of the ease of access for passengers in the back.

Purchased a Used car

Uses car for Commuting

Does recommend this car!!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Did you?

2011 TDI 6Speed

by vinte23 from Reading, PA on July 19, 2015

Great Car...I drove this car for almost 4 years and put 80 some K on it...my only complaints are with the ride which is very firm , the seats are not very comfortable and it can be hard to drive slow in bumper to bumper traffic ...other than that its all good...did I mention you can get 50MPG with the AC on...

Purchased a Used car

Uses car for Commuting

Does recommend this car!!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Did you?

I LOVE my TDI!!!

by Just another average Joe from Citrus Heights, CA on June 25, 2014

I recently purchased a used 2011 VW Golf TDI 2DR 6MT. I could not be more pleased with this car. I have had it for a little over a month now. The car is SO comfortable, and rides very smooth. Being that this is my first diesel, I have had to adjust to the powerband which is VERY different than my last car (an RX8). Once I had adjusted, I am very pleased with the amount of and the way the power is delivered. Plenty of juice when I need it, and plenty refined when I don't. The exterior styling is second to none in my book. I looked at all of the players in this segment, and for my taste, the Golf hits all of the right notes. I smile every time I walk up to my car...and remember, my last car was an RX8. A car praised by every auto magazine for it's beautiful design. Sure, I no longer get asked "what kind of car is that???" at the gas station, but I grew tired of that after a few years any way. The interior is where this baby really puts distance between the competition. The seats are extremely comfortable, yet are also very sporty. The side bolstering is right were it needs to be, and not where it shouldn't be (at least for my 5' 10", 200lb. frame). The stereo is incredible. The AC works phenomenally. The glove box cooler (yes, I said GLOVE BOX COOLER) is probably one of the coolest things ever. My Snickers bar is always at the perfect eating temp! My 6' 0" son sits very comfortably behind me in the back, with plenty of leg room. The 60/40 folding seat enabled me to bring home supplies from the local hardware/lumber supply. A job I previously could only do with my truck. There is plenty of room for trips to the grocery or Costco. AND....I cannot do a proper review of this amazing vehicle without mentioning the absolutely INCREDIBLE fuel mileage. My first tank averaged 48.3 mpg. This was mostly freeway driving, but keep in mind some of it was during stop and go, rush hour, Northern CA traffic. My second tank (so far) has not been quite as amazing. I am currently averaging 37.6 MPG, with a good deal of (very aggressive) city driving, along with the rush hour freeway driving. I should also mention that the AC is on at all times...it gets hot in NorCal! Would I recommend this car to a friend? Absolutely! In fact, one of my co-workers is currently looking for her own little Golf gem, and another recently purchased a Jetta Sportwagen TDI. So, in summary, if you are looking for a stylish, small, fun to drive, comfortable, practical, and extremely economical vehicle, be sure to add the VW Golf TDI to your list!

Purchased a Used car

Uses car for Commuting

Does recommend this car!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you?