2002 Volkswagen Golf GLX review from Australia and New Zealand

Break light bulb blew out twice within 12 months of purchase. Glove compartment door opens when the car hits a slight bump. Catalytic converter had to be replaced after 54000kms.

The Golf drive is very solid and is remarkably quiet at high speeds. I haver driven the Golf TDI up to 195km/h in the rain and felt safe. Compared to other similar sized cars, the road noise level from within is very low. the aerodynamics of the car are excellent.

The handling of the Golf is just average. At high speeds around the corner, the car suffers from under-steer. This may be due to the tyre selection though.

I think the Golf is a great looking car with a classy interior.

It is a very roomy and practical car with surprisingly large luggage space. G.

The main complaint I have with the Golf is that VW seem to have saved costs by installing cheap parts in certain areas. There is always something that has to be fixed whenever I bring it in for service. Moreover, the catalytic converter had to be replaced after 54,000km. I drove my Ford Telstar much harder for five years and 97,000km and did not have any problems. I do not see the Golf VW lasting as long as the Ford. Which is a shame, since I bought the car with the impression that since it is a German car, it must be durable.