2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS review from North America

Power mirror malfunction twice and repaired by the dealer under warranty.

Glove box cover had been replaced 3 times already - very weak hinges.

Heated front seat malfunctioned twice (AGAIN!). Have to wait for several weeks before the dealer is able to get the replacement parts.

Fluctuation in engine speed (+/- 50 rpm) during idle vibrates the whole car. Ignition system replaced by the dealer and the problem still stays.

Some creaks around the roof during cornering, but too minor to get it fixed though.

Overall, I have only minor problems with the car, but never serious enough to get me stranded on the road or to get it fixed right away (as opposed to my friend's experience with the same model)

Good - overall design, ride quality (read: not absolute sharp handling!), interior design, materials used, cabin ambiance, amenities, general ergonomics.

Bad - reliability, warranty coverage, cost of ownership, radio buttons layout.

My 2000 Golf GLS is a fully-loaded one with all options ticked except the auto tranny. Overall I'm impressed with the option list and their good value. Compared to other manufacturers the asking price for each option is reasonable, sometimes a bargain not to be missed.

Overall the car feels very safe and solid not found in other cars of the same size. Material used feels upscale that should only appear on cars $10k more expensive (aka, Audi...).

Apart from the ownership cost / reliability issues I would whole-heartedly recommend this car. (Looking forward to Golf V - it's on my shopping list!) EVERY passenger I ever took on board commented positively.

Love the torquey engine around our hilly West Coast environment. It would be better if I can have 50% more horsepower though (V5 engine to N America?).

My Golf came with only 2-year comprehensive warranty, which is the worst in the industry at that time. Now VW comes with 4-year warranty that makes it more attractive and worry-free.