1995 Volkswagen Golf GL review from North America

It would be easier to describe what didn't go wrong with this car.

The main problem with this Mexican build car is the electrical system. After just 3 months owning the car, smoke began rising from the steering column, and the rear wiper assembly. This was a shorted wire, which as replaced, every other year, because the problem kept recurring.

Radiator was replaced twice in six years of ownership due to corrosion.

Spark plugs, high voltage wires and distributor cap was replace 4 times in six years. The original breaks only lasted 35,000 kilometers. My after market brakes lasted over 120,000.

This car never started if the temperature dropped below -5 Celsius. I had to install a block heater to ensure I could get to work the next morning.

Body began rusting after only 4 years. Also unsightly stains ran down from the door handles and locks to stain the paint job.

The radio antenna fell off after 60,000 kilometers.

By the time the car reached 120,000 kilometers, I was paying over $2,000 per year in maintenance alone (not including gas, oil or lubricants).

It is a sporty looking kind of car. However, when your sitting on the inside, you don't see the exterior styling.

It handles reasonable well, but it isn't fast by any means. I topped out 167 kilometers per hour, and I was going down a slight hill at the time.

Congratulations Volks Wagon. You've outdone the Yugo and the Hyundai Pony as the worst car ever! Kudos to the Volks Wagon marketing team, you've conned North America into thinking this is a great car.