Volkswagen Golf Compact Hatchback Reviews & Articles

golf
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback model produced and sold by the Volkswagen Group. The Golf nameplate is also used for a lineup of VW models. In addition to the standard Golf, there is the more powerful and sporty Golf GTI, the performance-focused Golf R, and the Golf SportWagen and Alltrack wagons. Lastly, there is also the electric e-Golf, which has now been replaced by the Volkswagen ID.3.

The very first Volkswagen Golf model debuted in 1974. It was introduced as a replacement for the first generation of the Volkswagen Beetle and was sold as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the U.S.

Currently, the Volkswagen Golf is in its eighth generation (Golf Mk8), but no eighth-generation Golf models have yet come to America. The Golf SportWagen and Alltrack models were discontinued after the 2019 model year, and the standard Golf is set to be discontinued after the 2021 model year. However, the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R models are set to arrive before the end of 2021.

Competitors of the versatile Volkswagen Golf include the Fiat 500X and the hatchback versions of the Mazda3, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla.

About Volkswagen
- 2021 Volkswagen Golf (Starting MSRP $23,195)
- Pros: The Volkswagen Golf hatchback provides a ton of cargo space for its size, superb handling behind the wheel, and both automatic and manual transmission options.
- Cons: The baseline Golf doesn’t have much power (especially compared to the Golf GTI and Golf R) and lacks many configuration options.
- See Also: Golf GTI and Golf R
Featured Articles:

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf Gives You SUV-Like Versatility and Comfort

America Is Losing the Best Cheap Car We Have an You Can Blame Crossover Owners

The 2022 VW Golf R Estate Is Slower Than the Golf R, But Still 1 of the Coolest Wagons Ever

Volkswagen Brings Back Harlequin Golf for 2021

A Teacher’s 15-Year Search for His Old Volkswagen Golf GTI

Visit the Volkswagen website

Read the latest articles about the Volkswagen Golf
Trends
3 weeks ago
Harlequin VW Comeback With New ID.3 Sporting Rainbow Colors
News
2 months ago
Volkswagen Mishandled Recalling 260,000 VWs and Audis Over Fuel Fire Risk
Sedans
3 months ago
Volkswagen Golf GTI Drops the (Shifter) Ball As the Manual Mounts a Comeback in the U.S.
Cars
4 months ago
The Volkswagen Golf R Embarrasses the Honda Civic Type R in Starting, Sprinting and Stopping
Cars
5 months ago
Blame the Volkswagen Golf for the U.S. Missing Out on 1 Cool VW Car

Trending now

A blue US-market 2008 Volkswagen R32 drives down a road

Bring a Trailer Bargain of the Week: 2008 Volkswagen Mk5 R32

Volkswagen only brought over 5000 examples of the Mk5 R32, but the AWD hot hatch is still a comfortable, refined, and practical performance car. And its VR6 engine remains a burbly icon to this day. Plus, as the 2008 R32 on Bring a Trailer demonstrates, it's more affordable than the Golf R or Mk4 model.

by Matthew Skwarczek

Published on March 5, 2022 7:25 pm

A gray modified 2013 Volkswagen Golf R parked on the snow

Sedans

Cars & Bids Bargain of the Week: 2013 Mk6 Volkswagen Golf R

The 2012-2013 Mk6 Volkswagen Golf R doesn't have the R32's VR6, but this AWD hot hatch packs even more power and refinement. And used ones like the 2013 model currently listed on Cars & Bids offer arguably more fun than the 2022 model for less money.

by Matthew Skwarczek

Published on March 4, 2022 11:09 pm

A 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatch with a bright yellow paint color option parked near a forest of autumn trees

Sedans

How Much Does a Fully Loaded 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cost, and What Do You Get With It?

For its beauty and performance on the road, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is a fan favorite. The Golf GTI is an affordable sport hatchback with a long history.

by Produced by Digital Editors

Published on December 30, 2021 11:02 am

A blue 2022 Volkswagen Golf R parked by a rocky cliff

Sedans

2022 Volkswagen Golf R: Super Hot Hatch With Kryptonite to Match

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is even more powerful, faster, and refined than before. But while its solid chassis, brakes, suspension, and AWD make it supremely capable, they also might make it too capable to be truly involving. And its capacitive-touch controls are a significant flaw.

by Matthew Skwarczek

Published on December 28, 2021 10:45 pm

News

VW Recalling 220,000 European Golfs Over Software Glitches: Again?

Software problems have plagued the Golf Mk 8 since its introduction in Europe in 2019. Now VW will bookend 2021 with recalls of the problem Golf.

by Thom Taylor

Published on December 18, 2021 11:34 am

This is a publicity shot of the canceled 2021 Volvo V90 station wagon and its predecessors.

News

Your Guide to the Discontinued Cars of 2021

If you want any of these Toyota, VW, Mazda, or Mercedes cars, better hurry! Find out more...

by Henry Cesari

Published on December 3, 2021 3:20 pm

Volkswagen's iconic Harlequin car, the many-colored Harlequin Polo

Trends

What Is Volkswagen’s Harlequin Car, and How Did It Start?

Here's a look at the Volkswagen Harlequin, a Golf/Polo compact car model that's become famous for its multicolored exterior shell.

by Taylor Martin

Published on September 18, 2021 3:33 am

Passenger's side front view of blue 2022 Volkswagen Golf R with mountains in the background

Sedans

Is the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R Faster Than the 2019 Golf R?

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R comes equipped with many new features, including a powerful new 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine. This translates to a faster speed and quick acceleration. Additional performance upgrades include the new vehicle dynamics settings and new rear-axle torque vectoring feature, which help with handling and cornering abilities.

by Mark Putzer

Published on September 2, 2021 5:00 pm

A red 2021 Volkswagen Arteon travels on a highway through mountains

Sedans

An Upgraded Engine Makes the Volkswagen Arteon a More Attractive Buy Than the Golf R

Lackluster sales and delays have the Volkswagen Arteon's success. Plus, cars aren't VW's prominent focus — its sedan lineup consists of only the Golf GTI, Golf R, and less-than-sensational Arteon. But that's about to change.

by Desiree Homer

Published on August 20, 2021 8:02 am

The Volkswagen Golf Country badge and graphics up close

Crossovers

The 4×4 Volkswagen Golf Country Was the Ultimate Crossover Before That Was Even a Thing

The Volkswagen Golf Country was one of the first crossovers that blended road cars with off-road capability in a small package.

by Peter Corn

Published on August 9, 2021 8:15 am

A blue 2021 Volkswagen Golf hatchback parked on a desert plain near a mountain range

Coupes

America Is Losing the Best Cheap Car We Have and You Can Blame Crossover Owners

The Volkswagen Golf is leaving America which means we are losing our best cheap new car. This hurts every car nerd from sea to shining sea.

by Peter Corn

Published on August 3, 2021 7:15 am

A 1995 Volkswagen Golf GTI model parked near grassy hills

Sedans

A Teacher’s 15-Year Search for His Old Volkswagen Golf GTI

It's common enough to watch a movie where a driver feels a genuine bond with their vehicle. This happens in the real world as well. In fact, a Volkswagen Golf GTI inspired one man to take a new career path that he never thought possible. That wasn't the full story, however.

by Savannah Keaton

Published on July 21, 2021 4:54 pm

Sedans

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf Gives You SUV-Like Versatility and Comfort

SUVs are so popular in today's market because of the flexibility they offer. To get an SUV's level of versatility that remains outside of its class and price range, we'd recommend the 2021 Volkswagen Golf hatchback.

by Produced by Digital Editors

Published on July 15, 2021 11:35 pm

2022 VW Golf R Estate in blue parked in a parking lot

Trends

The 2022 VW Golf R Estate Is Slower Than the Golf R, But Still 1 of the Coolest Wagons Ever

The 2022 VW Golf R Estate is a much-needed take on the VW Golf R hatch. Unfortunately, there are a few things that rain on its parade.

by Peter Corn

Published on July 8, 2021 10:20 pm

The black interior of a 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback parked in a desert

Trends

Focused Performance Doesn’t Make the 2021 Volkswagen GTI Uncomfortable

Often, cars focused on performance aren't focused on comfort, almost as if you must trade one for the other. But the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a performance-focused model that's also ranked one of the most comfortable cars. And even better, this compact hatchback is much more affordable than many other performance-focused cars.

by Victoria Brase

Published on July 8, 2021 12:23 pm

Lines and rows of golf carts parked on a parking lot next to a golf course

Trends

Best Golf Carts for 2021

Golf carts are not only for the golf course. These versatile machines are also used as university campus security vehicles, airport passenger transport, and fun camper companions. Some have even been custom-tailored to have cute or more functional looks.

by Produced by Digital Editors

Published on July 4, 2021 6:33 pm

Speeding ticket being issued by Minnesota State Patrol trooper

Trends

Which Car Brands Get the Most Speeding Tickets?

Speeding tickets are the worst part of driving. Other than not speeding, the only way to not get a ticket might be staying away from these cars.

by Peter Corn

Published on July 4, 2021 6:23 pm

A red 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback parked in a desert with mountains and blue sky

Trends

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Is a Surprise Pick for Families

While family minivans remain popular, that market has thinned down considerably, and hatchbacks are beginning to gain prominence. Volkswagen has seen the potential for hatchbacks and is taking advantage of it with the 2021 Golf GTI. It's a fast, good-looking car that won the Good Housekeeping award for the best hatchback.

by Savannah Keaton

Published on June 30, 2021 10:43 pm

Barbara and Michael Lawler wave to residents from their golf cart during the Balboa Island Golf Cart Parade in Newport Beach on Sunday, June 6, 2021

Trends

What You Should Know Before Buying a Used Golf Cart

You don't even need to play the sport to get a golf cart. So if you're considering a used model, keep these things in mind before purchasing.

by Produced by Digital Editors

Published on June 27, 2021 7:27 am

Guo Yongfeng, President of Faw-Volkswagen Sales, presents the new red Volkswagen Golf GTI car during the 19th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition

Trends

Does VW Make a 2-Door GTI Anymore?

The Volkswagen GTI is surprisingly affordable despite its racecar-like handling, capable engine, and luxury interior. For 2022, it will reportedly have updated technology and even better performance specs. How many doors will it have?

by Produced by Digital Editors

Published on June 14, 2021 1:38 am

golf

About Volkswagen

Featured Articles:

Visit the Volkswagen website

Read the latest articles about the Volkswagen Golf