2017 Volkswagen Golf R consumer reviews

$35,655–$36,755 MSRP range
side view of 2017 Golf R Volkswagen
100% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.7
  • Interior design 4.9
  • Performance 4.9
  • Value for the money 4.4
  • Exterior styling 4.7
  • Reliability 4.8
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3.9

Fun to drive

Bought this vehicle for the awd in the winter and the fun summer performance. Great car, expensive, but for what I was looking for worth it to me. I used to have a mazdaspeed 3 and the golf r puts the spirit back into driving. The 19? wheels are unforgiving in MA (I have had to fix dents on each rim), snow tires are a must, other maintenance issues have been sporadic and fixed with software updates (like engine misfires sending the vehicle into epc mode). Others will argue BMW or Audi for the price, but, everyone drives those cars, for a unique experience that enthusiasts notice, this car is the one for you.

4.7

Great drivers car

I really love the VW Golf R. It is a perfect balance of easy daily driver and race car! Expensive but in my opinion worth the money and and the extra money on its hot hatch rivals

5.0

Golf R - Fast, Fun and practical

This car is an amazing sleeper - just enough additional styling to make it stand out from its peers if you look hard enough, but plenty of "go" to match the .:R badge. Coming from an Infiniti, I have a high bar for comfort, performance, and sophistication - the Golf R checks all my boxes for sure. It's quick and handles exceptionally well, is packed to the gills with plenty of electronic toys, and is practical enough for long road trips with the family. If you are looking for a mature, yet fun car, this is the one!

5.0

Whoa what a blast this car is!!!

Such a great car for the money. I had a 2015 Audi S3 and this is basically the same car for $12k less and with more room. Plus it handles way better too :-) This is the type of car that you fantasize about getting back home and driving when you are on vacation. They are selling these for up to $5K over MSRP at many dealerships so I'd look for a slightly used one with no performance mods because you want to know that the owner didn't beat it up while he/she had it.

4.7

Undercover sports car for the family.

It?s a great car, sticks to the road and has plenty of power. Lots of turbo lag, however. No reliability issues at all. I do wish the exhaust was a bit louder but it is nice not waking up the neighbors anymore.

4.7

VW R Rocks!

I had long stalked Rs on dealer lots, last year I finally made the jump to purchase one. I couldn't be happier. It is a great daily driver, fun on weekends, and is fairly decent on gas for the performance level. Fit and finish has remained flawless and I don't have any gremlins to report. I'm looking forward to my next R, although I will truly enjoy having this one in the meantime.

4.6

Love this car!

Are usually trade cars every year just because I like to try different new models out, But in the case of the Golf R I actually bought two of them back to back.....so much fun to drive and exceptional quality and resale value. I was really excited about the Focus RS and planned to replace the 2016 R that I had with one, but after driving it I was very disappointed as it felt like a much less expensive car and very unrefined compared to the Golf R. I currently have a 2017 Civic Type R (as you can tell I am a big hot hatchback fan!) and I love it overall, but although it is just as much fun (or maybe even a tad bit more fun than the R) I would still say the Golf R is overall the better car as it really does everything nearly perfect and is more understated. I may have bought a 3rd one but 2018?s are still not out in US yet for some reason. Thinking I will go back to one after the Civic most likely.

4.6

VW?s Hot Hatch a Winner

This car feels solid at any speed thanks to the 4Motion. DAP ( drivers assistance package def worth $900 option. Fast, stylish and understated!

4.4

Perfect fit

Fun to Drive. I've owned a lot of vehicles in my 50 years of driving and this vehicle is perfect for my needs: Speed Handling Storage Comfortable seating Value for the money Technology

4.7

First 2 months!

I look forward to driving this car. Love the features and ability to change from comfort to race mode with a quick click or two of a button. I find the seats comfortable for me once I found the right settings. It's quick and enjoy pressing it some, especially when accelerating onto hiways and some of the twisty, hilly back roads in the area. I'd never take it to the track but wanted a car that's fun, quick and not "boy racer" style with big wings. It suites me fine as a hot hatch. The quality of fit, finish and materials is first class. Everything looks and feels better the majority of cats. I just wish it came with a sunroof. First VW I've ever owned without one and I've owned 7! In the future VW, give us the Sunroof back!