2002 Volkswagen Golf GLS review from North America

An oil line needed to be tightened down in the first week I had the car-- a little nerve-wracking, but no big deal.

The drain from my sunroof became misaligned approximately 6 months after I bought the car. I noticed the problem with a slight sloshing sound behind the passenger seat. My local Seattle dealer (University VW) gave me a loaner and took it in immediately, fixed the problem, then cleaned the carpet and dried it out in the shop for a day or two. This was mildly annoying, but the positive experience with my dealership (and the fact that I totally abuse the sunroof) made me satisfied overall.

This car is a lot of fun. With the TDI engine, I can rocket up hills and down highways and still get more than 500 miles to the tank. I can only imagine what kind of mileage I'd get if I drove responsibly...

Diesel costs less than gas, the engine lasts a lot longer than its 1.8T brother, oil changes are more infrequent, and tuneups are a non-issue due to the lack of spark plugs on a compression engine. I've also managed to brew my own biodiesel for even less than diesel at the pump.

It has excellent braking and handling ability, though I strongly suggest replacing the original tires. Of course I would suggest this on any car.

I feel like I'm driving a luxury car. Sure, I could have gotten a Neon for less, but it wouldn't have wrapped me in a curtain of airbags, a great stereo, trip lights everywhere you could think of, intelligent storage options, cool dash lighting, heated seats, enough torque to tow a boat, comfortable seats, and a million other little perks.

As you can tell, I'm less than objective about my car. I should point out that my last car was a Plymouth Sundance, however I also prefer this to the sporty Acura Integra, the powerful Chevy Suburban, or any of the other cars I've driven regularily.

I just can't quit praising the low cost of ownership with this little beauty. Now only if they'd release the 150HP Pump Deuse in the US...