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 Lastly, there is also the electric e-Golf, which has now been replaced by the Volkswagen ID.3.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

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

Volkswagen Golf vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata – It’s Clear Which Is More Popular

Hatches like the Volkswagen Golf and its performance-oriented GTI model can seat up to five. They have ample cargo space and exciting performance to match that of the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

by Produced by Digital Editors

Published on June 13, 2021 7:58 pm

A dark-blue 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback sits in a storage bay at a VW factory in Germany in April 2016

Trends

Can a Tall Person Drive a Volkswagen Golf GTI?

Though VW probably wasn't thinking of long-legged people when designing the Volkswagen Golf GTI, it can still fit some tall drivers despite its size.

by J.L. Seto

Published on May 28, 2021 7:42 am

Golf carts line the street in the the Villages retirement community outside of Orlando, Florida, on October 4, 2016

Trends

3 Best Street-Legal Golf Carts

Golf carts are convenient for running errands, picking up the kids, navigating campus, and more. But they must be street legal.

by Peter Corn

Published on May 21, 2021 11:29 pm

Trends

The Fastest Golf Cart Broke a Guinness World Record Going Over 100 MPH

One of the most groundbreaking motor designs helped an average golf cart earn the title of the fastest in the world. Here's the story.

by Desiree Homer

Published on May 9, 2021 10:02 pm

A golf cart on Normandy Shores Golf Club Course in Miami Beach, Florida

Trends

How to Make Your Golf Cart Faster

Most golf carts can reach 15 mph, but some can easily travel over 20 mph with the right equipment. Here's how you can speed yours up.

by Addison White

Published on May 8, 2021 5:11 pm

A white golf cart travels on a residential road along green grass and lush trees

Trends

What States Allow Golf Carts on the Road?

These are the states that allow you to drive a golf cart on the street. There are requirements too. Read all the details here.

by Tina Pavlik

Published on April 28, 2021 11:42 pm

A silver and black Cadillac Escalade grille

Trends

You Can Cruise in the Cadillac of Golf Carts for a Cool $14,000

Golf, just like any other pro sport, is popular enough to make some folks fabulously wealthy. So it’s no surprise the richest athletes can afford to travel in style, and that’s true on the road and the green. Here’s a look at some fancy golf carts, including a $14,000 model resembling a Cadillac Escalade. Luxurious …

by J.L. Seto

Published on April 21, 2021 11:12 pm

A blue 2022 Volkswagen Golf R next to a red 2021 Honda Civic Type R on an airstrip

Sedans

2022 Volkswagen Golf R vs. 2021 Honda Civic Type R: Which One’s Fast-R?

The Golf R won’t come to the US until the 2022 model year. But the latest version of Volkswagen’s hottest hatch is shaping up to be seriously impressive. However, at least in the US, the Honda Civic Type R arguably wears the hot-hatch crown. So, which one delivers the biggest helping of speed? The YouTube …

by Matthew Skwarczek

Published on March 27, 2021 11:15 pm

Trends

Buy a 2007 Volkswagen Golf Since No One Complains About It

Finding a used car is never easy. The 2007 Volkswagen Golf has a lot going for it though, namely that nobody complains about it.

by Ed Reeves

Published on March 22, 2021 10:50 am

A blue 2022 Volkswagen Golf R drifts through the snow

Sedans

Watch the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R Shred Through Snow

While the standard Golf has been discontinued in the US, Volkswagen hasn’t left its hatchback buyers high and dry. In addition to the upcoming Mk8 GTI, we’re also getting the next-gen Volkswagen Golf R. And while the ongoing pandemic has made reviewing cars trickier, YouTube team The Straight Pipes still wanted to witness the Golf …

by Matthew Skwarczek

Published on March 9, 2021 5:10 pm

Trends

How Safe Is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf is a sleek and fun to drive car. But when it comes to safety, can the Golf keep up with its rivals?

by Desiree Homer

Published on March 6, 2021 8:12 am

Beige cockpit in a 2021 Volkswagen Golf four-door hatchback

Trends

Does the Volkswagen Golf Have Apple CarPlay?

The Volkswagen Golf looks a little different from other hatchbacks, but that’s part of its charm. Its quirky, boxy figure sets it apart from the crowd and allows it to hold more cargo than the average compact car. It’s also fun to drive and even has a sportier counterpart, the Golf GTI. The regular Volkswagen …

by Addison White

Published on February 28, 2021 11:39 am

A red Volkswagen GTI on display at an auto show

Trends

What’s the Difference Between the Volkswagen Golf and GTI?

The Volkswagen Golf and Golf GTI are basically the same car from the outside. But what are the key differences between the two cars?

by J.L. Seto

Published on February 14, 2021 1:42 pm

Volkswagen Golf GTI seen at the New York International Auto Show

Sedans

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Will Pep Up Your Boring Commute

Volkswagen introduced the first-generation Golf in May 1974. It was intended to be a sportier, longer range, front-wheel drive (FWD) replacement for the Beetle. The Volkswagen Golf GTI variant was introduced in June 1976 featuring a fuel-injected 1.6-liter engine. Despite its relatively small engine, it had a top speed of around 110 mph—not bad for …

by Brock Holloway

Published on January 24, 2021 10:34 pm

Trends

The Volkswagen Golf Is Being Discontinued in the U.S.

The Volkswagen Golf has been a staple among commuter cars in the U.S. for over 40 years, however, its era will soon come to an end as the automaker announced it will be discontinued after the 2021 model year. It’s always sad when we see nameplates leave the market, especially ones that have been around …

by Joe Santos

Published on January 21, 2021 8:12 pm

Sedans

Volkswagen Brings Back Harlequin Golf For 2021

Once you saw one you never forgot them. Those Volkswagen Harlequin Polos from 1995. Do you remember them? 1995 Polos got separately-painted panels of Chagall Blue, Ginster Yellow, Pistachio Green, and Tornado Red. Some loved them, so hated them, but you have to admit it was a crazy idea from staid VW. Now it unveiled …

by Thom Taylor

Published on January 19, 2021 7:12 pm

Women with high shoes posing at the Tuning Fair Essen Motor Show for visitors in front of a Golf GTI

Sedans

A Used Volkswagen Golf GTI Is Always a Good Idea Under $20,000

Fast cars turn heads, exceed speed limits, and can take you on some pretty exciting adventures. But they aren’t always the most practical vehicles you could own, and they cost a pretty penny. If there’s no way a new fast car could fit into your budget, all isn’t lost. There are plenty of good used …

by Tina Pavlik

Published on January 16, 2021 10:31 am

Hybrids & EVs

The Perfect Hunting or Camping Buddy Is a Golf Cart With an Off-Road Conversion

Side-by-side ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) are popular choices for hunters and campers. The vehicles provide the ability to travel trails and across the terrain to the favorite hunting or camping spot. But, there is another alternative. There are many off-road conversion packages for golf carts. Golf carts can receive conversions Many years ago, I looked at …

by HJ Pizarro

Published on January 8, 2021 9:25 pm

Sedans

The 2022 VW Golf R Has Evolved Into Its Highest Form

Hot hatches are the coolest. Full-stop. They hit all the major food groups; fast, efficient, practical, and good looking. In almost every other segment in the automotive industry, you end up sacrificing something to get something else. The hot hatch group, in general, doesn’t really feel that way. So, we agree; hot hatches are the …

by Peter Corn

Published on January 3, 2021 8:19 am