2000 Volkswagen Golf GL review from North America

2 oxygen Sensors (covered by warranty)

Broken glove box hinge.

Check Engine light used to go on for no reason in the first year and has been fine since. I took it in under warranty and wasn't charged for the visits to investigate this.

Part on the rear cup holder console broke, I attribute this to passengers in a 2 door car stepping over it.

The Good: Overall, I think the car is fantastic.

It handles well on fast and windy roads, it is great for big city driving where you need to negotiate traffic, make several U-Turns and scamper for parking spots. It gets good mileage (30/mpg is my estimate). It is surprisingly comfortable at fast speeds on a long trip. It can haul 3 skiers and their equipment and overnight gear with ease (with one seat down), and with both rear seats down, can haul larger items that don't fit into trunks of 4 door sedans. The manual transmission handles well in the snow. If cared for regularly, I have found it very reliable. My friends love driving it.

The Bad: Low clearance. Although it can handle in the snow, if there is 8+ inches, bring a shovel, you will need it. There are several little plastic items that seem to be poorly placed or designed and therefore break easily. The lever to lift the front seat and let passengers into the back seat is one of those, as is the rear cup holder.

Parts are expensive for such a little car, super glue can save precious dollars. Trunk mounted 6-CD player performs well 99% of the time, but every so often, will act up and not read Cd's that are in the drive.

Verdict:I've had a good experience and would enthusiastically buy the car again since I live in a big city and have no children. I would not buy it if I lived in a snowy environment with poor road clearance.