2012 Volkswagen Golf consumer reviews

Great car. Better than average in every category. Most cars fall short somewhere, this one doesn't. You can't go wrong with this car, it's awesome.

I love this car, it has lots of leg room and head room, it has just about every option I could want, plus it's a very fun car to drive, this is the first time I ever owned a diesel, got to love the gas mileage, the only thing I would change about my car is the window tinting other than that it's just an amazing little car

I had been driving a 2004 Mazda6 wagon for the last 12 years when all manner of things started going very wrong. It was a wonderful car- we spent almost 200,000 miles together. It hauled kayaks and bikes from New Orleans to Milwaukee and places in between. For some reason Mazda decided not to import the 6 wagon anymore, after promising a US spec version with a possible diesel and manual transmission. We have collectively owned more than a dozen Mazdas in our family so this was annoying. I'm not ever going to get on the SUV/CUV bandwagon. Like another reviewer, I saw a pre owned MKVI base Golf with the 2.5L and manual transmission for basically chump change. I was in no position to take on a massive car payment at the time. Three years later I am pleased with my decision. Complaints are few: Transmission can be sticky in the cold Wisconsin winters. 3rd gear seems to be most affected. Buggy tire pressure monitor I am annoyed by the rear wiper. Sometimes it seems possessed. The only way to turn it off is to restart the car. Fuel economy isn't that great, but the Mazda's V6 was incredibly thirsty. I shouldn't complain. Rear package tray is suspended by flimsy cords. Pros: Huge aftermarket. I have fitted it with a roof rack that will carry two kayaks or a combination of bikes and kayaks. The VW load bars are simple. I installed them myself in about 20 minutes. There are pre drilled holes in which to mount the front bar. The back is a little trickier on the 2dr. Handling is stellar, even with Conti snow tires. Very little road noise. Adequate power. I have a short commute and drive to Chicago once a week. I spend less than $50/mo on gas. Will haul almost as much cargo as my old 6 wagon. I like to car camp and this is possible with my Golf. I've done almost no maintenance, mostly because I don't put that many miles on my vehicle. I would like to say that I will drive this thing into the ground, but there is an E350 4Matic wagon calling my name. There's something about a wagon that I have enjoyed on and off for the last 25 years in one form or another. It's a shame Mazda couldn't step up and deliver the 6 wagon to the US. Granted, it was not a huge seller, but there are still a number of them on the road. It only came in the 6 cylinder 3.0 Ford/Mazda configuration with either a manual or automatic transmission. All other things being equal, I would probably buy another VW or Audi if the deal were satisfactory and if I could find one that is equipped like my 6 in Grand Touring trim. For now until my student loans are paid off, it will be the Golf and me..

have owned several versions of this car. different years and trims. this was the lowest model i owned. i prefer manual transmission. i added wheels instead of hubcaps. but its been a great car. drove over 90,000 miles in it.

I found a 2.5 liter base with 38K miles and 1 year left on factory warranty for under $10K-- I've already put 10,000 miles on it and it's a joy to drive. Runs on Regular and averages low 30's MPG but I drive mostly highway. 450+ mile range on long freeway drives where I've often gotten mid to upper-30's fuel economy due to the 6-spd automatic. It's a very comfortable car for long drives, and very torquey thanks to the naturally aspirated 20v inline 5cylinder. I prefer the base interior to many "upgrades" because it's so clean and Teutonic.

Perfect small little car. Fits everywhere, still looks brand new even though it is 5 years old. Love it!

Smooth quiet ride, tight turning radius, well designed with German efficiency, love the heated seats. Gas mileage could be better, seats are too low for my 6'2" husband.

This car is my first chance to build my credit and offer reliability. I'm very excited and relieved to own a high quality car.

i bought this car in pristine condition ,and got a terrific deal from a well respected dealer . It drives like adream and hasa lot of nice options. The 4 cylinder 2.5l engine has great pick-up! quiet and smooth ride.

Alright, I'm 48 years old, 6 foot tall and 250 pounds and I work in the North Dakota oil fields. Me and a buddy rent a house in Montana while I reside in Michigan... Flying today is now a PIA, and Delta Airlines... I won't go there. But anyways, I now drive back to Michigan, it is normally faster than flying... But, my 2010 Dodge Ram has a 400 mile range and it is running around $100 a tank to fill up... After much research, enter the 2012 VW Golf TDI. I found two used ones within 1000 miles of me, two door manual trans. I took Amtrak out of Williston ND to the dealer in Minnesota, it was the closest of the two cars. Bought at Luther in Minneapolis, Doug met me at the train, great guy, very happy, had me in and out in around an hour. The car, I don't know what to say that has not been covered already. It is a standard 2 door Golf TDI, Black, manual transmission, very comfortable, BT actually works, heated seats go right up the seat back, not just your butt. Very quick, incredible power out of such a small motor, allot of torque and incredibly fun to drive. I put 1700 miles on her in the first three days, part of which was driving back home to Michigan, took Route 2 out of ND, through the MI UP and crossed the bridge and headed south towards Ann Arbor. I used 28 gallons of diesel... Cost me roughly $110. I cannot speak to its reliability, the DPF does worry me, as I am a truck driver and have had enough nightmares with this set up in the big trucks. But, from what I have read, VW seems to have all of the bugs worked out of this EPA mandated nightmare. Never the less, I did purchase an extended bumper to bumper 100,000 mile warranty, just in case, as the costs of these repairs are not cheap. They can run upwards of $10,000 if things really go wrong. Get the extended warranty and do not screw up and put gasoline in this little beast. The other issue, if you are in a cold climate, it does not come with a factory installed block heater, only the Canadians get that option, and it is standard on their cars. But, one is available, Google FrostHeater, that is the unit you will need if you are in a cold area of the country like I am. All in all, I am in love with this little monster, she boogies, looks good and is very comfortable, much better ride than my 2010 Ram, and my wife's 2008 Honda Civic EX-L Coupe in regards to the all out driving experience. If you need MPG's, don't waste your time and money on a Hybrid, just buy this car.