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From the well-known Beetles to producing a lineup of sensible sedans, sporty hatchbacks, and powerful SUVs, Volkswagen vehicles have been a mainstay of the automotive industry. But regardless of its length or breadth of product offerings, most people will agree that one thing Volkswagen has always been known for is reliable cars.

Reliability is often defined by how well a car stands up to routine maintenance and repair. It also includes the ability of the vehicle to withstand wear and tear, which is mainly dependent on the quality of parts used and the manufacturing process. Regarding picking the most reliable Volkswagen models, our data and research was based on reliability surveys, car history reports, and RepairPal statistics from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and WhatCar. Here are three of the most reliable Volkswagen models.

1. Volkswagen Up

Volkswagen Up may not be available in the U.S., but it was introduced in European markets in 2011. as part of the New Small Family (NSF) series of models. This city car is known for its excellent fuel economy and low running costs. According to WhatCar, the Up earned a 94.8% reliability score, making it one of the most reliable and cheap cars you can buy.

However, according to Volkswagen, back in 2016, some Volkswagen Up owners reported problems with water leaking inside the cabin. But in response to these complaints, Volkswagen has since made some changes to the cabin’s insulation, so newer models don’t seem to have this issue.

The Up is an excellent option for city dwellers who find the Volkswagen Polo too large. It’s lighter, more efficient, and easy to park and navigate tight streets. Inside the hatchback, you’ll find little from what most Volkswagen models offer. But overall, the Up is a reliable and affordable city car for most urban commuters.

2. Volkswagen Golf

According to Volkswagen, the Golf is one of the most popular models in the VW lineup and has been around since 1974. Even better, it is the third-best-selling model in the world and has been praised for its outstanding reliability, style, and practicality.

However, there were complaints with the eighth-generation Golf models, most notably the software issues. But Volkswagen has since recalled the affected units to fix the issue.

According to RepairPal, the Volkswagen Golf earned a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0. with an average annual repairs and maintenance cost of $630. Although the severity and frequency of major repairs is 11%, like any other compact car in its class, most owners find the Golf to be a great value for money.

3. Volkswagen T-Roc

The Volkswagen T-Roc is a subcompact SUV introduced in 2017 and has since become one of the most popular cars in the VW lineup. The most impressive thing about this car is its nine trim levels, allowing buyers to customize it according to their needs and budget.

With only two generation models, the T-Roc is still relatively new. However, in 2020 the SUV was voted the “best sports SUV for less than £40,000” in the WhatCar year awards.

When reliability is considered, the T-Roc earns 96% per WhatCar’s survey. Five recalls have been issued for this model throughout its life span in the market. Some of these fixed recalls include loose brake pedal plates and engine covers, wrong rear spoiler adhesive, faulty seat belt retractors, and incorrect battery cable connections.

A gold Volkswagen T-Roc as one of the most reliable Volkswagen models parked indoors.
Volkswagen T-Roc | Manfred Schmid via Getty Images

Overall, the Volkswagen T-Roc faces extremely strong, reliable models in its segment but stepped out of its bland image to provide a sporty and stylish SUV that most drivers will love.

With precise engineering, quality parts, and excellent build quality, you can rest assured that these cars will last for years with minimal maintenance costs. If you’re looking for an affordable yet reliable car from Volkswagen, the Up, Golf, and T-Roc are all great choices. And with plenty of customization options available, you can create a car that’s uniquely yours.

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