Faults:

When I bought my Golf, there were a few cosmetic problems, at no fault to the manufacturer, merely signs of being "used", and besides a few minor vibrations in the dash and driver's shoulder belt pulley, there have been no problems with my car. I am completely satisfied with my car.

General Comments:

I GASPED at the thought that someone on a previous comment stated that handling in a Ford Focus was BETTER than the Golf. Are you nuts?!? I drive my car about 80 miles a day, commuting into Houston, TX on some fine highways and some terrible surface streets, so I can say that my car gets put through its paces. While it may have more body roll than a Porsche, that's to be expected. While the suspension on those dreaded pothole covered streets is stiff, what cars wouldn't be? I lug a full drum set, large potted plants, and architectural models around inside my car, and it's a real champ. I feel TOTALLY safe in my car. Did I mention that someone said a Ford Focus was better? That is laughable. All my friends still comment on how slick my car is, even after driving it for 24,000 + miles. It does the job, and it does it with style and grace.

Faults:

My 2000 Volkswagen Golf is an extraordinarily reliable car, and it is solidly put together. I have had only two problems with this car, both extremely minor.

Once, when pulling on the plastic latch that propels that rear seat cushion forward to extend the cargo floor, the latch broke off in my hand. I was able to get it fixed under warranty with no trouble at all.

Just recently, it was recalled to correct a snafu governing emissions as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The repair took only a day, and now it performs better than when I first purchased the car.

Other than these two quibbles, I haven't had a single complaint.

General Comments:

The seats offer solid support, and it is much more comfortable than my old Toyota Tercel. The soft cloth upholstery is cozy without being too plush. My eighty-nine-year-old grandmother finds it a much easier car to get in and out of than my mother's Honda Civic. Interior room is excellent all around.

The 2-liter four-cylinder engine is a potent power-plant, and it provides quick and fluid acceleration with much more pickup than any small car I have driven or owned. I can handle high speeds on the U.S. interstate with no problems whatsoever.

Handling is superb, in the Volkswagen tradition. The Golf takes curves easily and solidly. The suspension is excellent at absorbing bumps and pot holes.

The automatic transmission shifts easily, and it provides the added and appreciated benefit of a fourth speed.

Cargo room is plentiful even with the rear seats in place; I rarely need to fold the rear seats down.

Volkswagen is the only make I have ever owned two cars from. The other was a 1972 Super Beetle (Type 113). Both cars are the best two of the four I have ever had.