2000 Volkswagen Golf GL review from North America

The rear wiper worked or didn't work when it wanted without regard to switch position. This problem began after one year and got progressively worse. Dealer only found problem, after four complaints, when warranty expired.

Periodically, automatic door locks would unlock and interior lights would illuminate while driving car and stay on until motor turned off. First occurred during second year of ownership, frequency increased. Dealers never could/would locate problem.

Brakes locked, despite ABS. Dealers insisted they didn't.

Front seat cup holder replaced five times, thrice under warranty. Twice, I had to pay for it.

Oxygen sensor replaced four times. I was forced to pay for fourth time.

Brakes needed replacing at 22,000 miles. I'd never had to replace brakes short of 70,000 miles.

Ice accumulated inside driver door. Door buckled and curled back in lower front corner. Visits to three dealers, numerous phone calls to VW customer "care" and letters to Auburn Hills MI and Germany netted no action.

When traded in, seat and door trim were showing premature wear.

The seats were comfortable, though rear seat space is mean. The hatchback versatility and cargo capacity were great.

The engine (2.0l) was probably the least powerful I've ever driven, but did well enough. Average mileage was 28-31 with manual gearbox--not very good compared with Focus or Asian car makers. Shift was very smooth.

Until 2-3,000 miles, the handling was brilliant. Found myself at 50 mph on a cloverleaf ramp. After 2-3,000 miles, handling/ride deteriorated. Dealers insisted that handling and ride were normal.

While interior materials seemed more sturdy and solid than any car I'd owned before, for the first time, I had to replace or leave interior components in disrepair.

If Volkswagen had engineered and assembled this vehicle for durability and reliability, I'd have probably been a VW owner for life. Instead I feel as though I paid a premium price for sub-Korean quality.