The Volkswagen Golf was one of Europe’s best-selling vehicles for over four decades. The model has a couple of prestigious awards under its belt, including World Car of the Year in 2009 and European Car of the Year in 1992 and 2013.
But before the Golf became the popular hatchback that it is today, it was introduced as the Rabbit in the US. Known for its stubby and boxy body, it was rather inexpensive and fun to drive.
It was only in 1985 when the Rabbit officially became the Golf一a rebranding strategy that sought to distance the model from issues like frequent breakdowns, rust, and expensive maintenance costs.
The Golf has been around for nearly 50 years, spanning a total of seven generations that had respectable standouts. Let’s check out some of its top model years.
1997 Volkswagen Golf: An Econobox Trendsetter
The 1997 Volkswagen Golf easily became a crowd favorite when the econobox trend hit the US.
The third-generation Golf wasn’t plagued with the maintenance woes associated with earlier models, which is one of the reasons why this model year made it on our list.
The 1997 model was the first to come with a glovebox, retractor-locking seatbelts, and a central locking switch.
The model still sported the same inline-four engine that enthusiasts have come to love, but it came with a redesigned cylinder head for smoother power delivery compared to previous years.
The Golf also had special-interest models in the K2, Trek, and Jazz options that only expanded the model’s fanbase.
The K2 appealed to winter enthusiasts because of its ski or snowboard freebie, roof rack, heated seats, and other winter essentials.
Meanwhile, the Trek model targeted mountain bikers and came with a 21-speed mountain bike, a bike rack, and sports seats, among others.
Lastly, the Golf Jazz carries luxury features like a six-CD changer, velour upholstery, and alloy wheels.
- Engine: 2.0L inline four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 115 hp @ 5,400 rpm
- Torque: 122 lb-ft. @ 3,200 rpm
- 0-60 mph: 9s
- Weight: 2,525 lbs.
2006 Volkswagen Golf: A Worthy Competitor
Most Volkswagen Golf enthusiasts would agree that the 2006 redesign is much like an old, reliable friend.
The chunky and spunky hatchback has been a long-time best-seller in Europe, and for good reason.
The 2006 Golf had a lot of competitors in the US when it rolled out, and it portrayed a slow yet soft character that made it the ideal vehicle for daily commuters.
Along with its roomy and solid cabin, the 2006 Golf embodied the traditional Germanic handling characteristic of blending ride comfort and agility around corners. The model balanced highway comfort and responsive handling.
The 2006 Golf was offered in GL and GLS models and had a diesel engine option that offered impressive off-the-line acceleration and fuel economy.
Consumer reviews from Kelley Blue Book rated the 2006 Golf a solid 4.2 out of 5.0, and it received an 86% score for driver recommendation.
According to several owners, the 2006 Golf’s cheap maintenance costs, reliability, fuel economy, ride comfort, decent power, and spacious cabin are some of the features that made them love the model.
The 2006 Golf also scored 5.0 out of 5.0 for its crash tests (for front-side driver and front-side passenger) conducted by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Engine: 2.0L inline four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 115 hp @ 5,200 rpm
- Torque: 122 lb-ft. @ 2,600 rpm
- 0-60 mph: 10.4
- Weight: 2,910 lbs.
2014 Volkswagen Golf: The Final Chapter
The 2014 redesign marked the final year of the Golf’s classic build. Image credit: Volkswagen Newsroom.
The 2014 redesign marked the final year of the Golf’s classic build. As popular as the model was, Volkswagen sought to embrace the idea of a redefined Golf that would exceed expectations.
As the last rendition of the classic Golf, the 2014 model went out in style. It featured the same boxy shape as its predecessors as well as the low-gloss materials in color combinations that only the Golf can pull off.
For a rather small, four-door hatchback, it embodied that familiar European feel and great drivability. High-speed driving feels steady for this model, although some tire noise can be expected.
The 2014 Golf was offered in two trim levels: a standard 2.5L gasoline engine and a diesel variant. Both offer the same handling capabilities, precise steering, and composed cornering even on rough road surfaces.
- Engine: 2.5L inline five-cylinder
- Horsepower: 170 hp @ 5,700 rpm
- Torque: 177 lb-ft. @ 4,250 rpm
- 0-60 mph: 8.1s
- Weight: 3,102 lbs.
2018 Volkswagen Golf: More Than a Facelift
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf is the first facelifted model of the seventh generation that ran until 2021.
Marketed as a budget-friendly compact car, the 2018 Golf is offered in only two trim levels一the TSI S and TSI SE.
Although the 2018 Golf is considered the cheaper option compared to competitor models in its class, many owners swear by the Golf’s impeccable reliability and well-roundedness.
The 2018 Golf doesn’t look all that impressive from the outside. Its jellybean body and interior are rather plain. Still, a lot of owners find the spacious cabin, leatherette interior, and inviting aura as decent tradeoffs.
This model is known for Volkswagen’s signature ride, which is characterized by a direct steering feel, dynamic chassis, and bottom-heavy center of gravity.
The cargo-friendly hatchback is also applauded for its great fuel economy, making it a perfect choice for city driving.
- Engine: 1.8L inline four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 170 hp
- Torque: 184 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 7.7s
- Weight: 3,003 lbs.
2021 Volkswagen Golf: The End of an Era
After nearly 50 years of production, Volkswagen dealt North America with the last base model of the Golf in 2021 as part of the automaker’s commitment to electrification in the years to come. The continued popularity of SUVs over hatchbacks also contributed to its dwindling sales.
As of this writing, the 2023 models of the Golf R and Golf GTI are still available in the US but options for manual transmissions won’t be available in 2024.
The base model’s curtain call was met with positive reviews when it rolled out in January 2021. The Golf was never the top dog in terms of power, but it remained consistent in terms of reliability and handling.
Minimal changes were made for the 2021 Golf. These included 16-inch wheels, passive hands-free entry, push-button start, and a panoramic sunroof, among others.
The Golf remained a fun and sporty hatchback to drive thanks to its responsive helm.
- Engine: 1.4L inline four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 147 hp @ 5,000 rpm
- Torque: 184 lb-ft. @ 1,600 rpm
- 0-60 mph: 7.6s
- Weight: 3,012 lbs.
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