Used 2011 Volkswagen Golf Diesel Consumer Reviews

Had a problem the first week with a sensor that required a tow to the dealer to have replaced, (“never saw anything like this before”) and a recall to replace a minor part a few weeks ago.
Thus the 4 vs 5 for depedability. Otherwise, this has been a wonderful car.
Bought it with gas mileage in mind, and get 38 around town, 48 – 52 on the highway, depending on how far I drive.
I’m a conservative driver.
When needed, it has plenty of power.
Fits both me (5’10”) and my 6’2″ husband comfortably.
Only thing I’d do differently is get a 4 door.
So much easier for passengers.

I was in the market for something that was a) more fuel efficient than my 2002 Civic, b) had more power than my 2002 Civic, c) have something more environmentally conscious, and d) drive something more fun. The VW Golf does all of this, but does it better than I could have imagined. The clean, simple exterior belies the well assembled interior and its turbo diesel engine. Getting where you need to go should not be as fun as this car makes it (but I’m not complaining =p)! DISCLAIMER#1- For me, this car is totally worth its premium price, but it is nearly the same price as a GTI (budget beware!). DISCLAIMER#2- Diesel can be a task to find, but VW has a locator on their site.

Summary: I own an ’09 M3, but prefer to drive this ’11 Golf TDI.

Great exterior style, very comfy seats (I am 6’4″) with great side support for back and hips. Audio quality is great… get the Dynaudio option.
Very fun to drive… the torque hits like a 2 stroke motocross bike… at all RPMs. Very fun to corner around free way ramps… Holds family of four quite comfortably.

I had a significant collision within weeks of buying it… and the front end got crushed, but the engine was 100% OK, and the subframe wasn’t touched. So the VW front end collision system absorbs hits very well.

For those wanting a small car without the typical small car cheapness, this is one of the best cars out there! Ever notice how most large cars get the decent materials, features, etc but small ones just get an extra helping of cheap? Not here! You get all the material quality, features, and overall feel of large cars with this one. It also drives like a much more substantial car as well. The 6spd MT doesnt seem to be near as touchy as people let on with the 2010’s, and also adds hill holder. The diesel is great feeling like a strong V6 while getting 40mpg+. In fact combined MPG is higher then the EPA rated 42hwy. Costs more then other similar cars, but well worth it.

I have owned my TDI 4-dr manual for two months (2500 miles), and it has been a delight to say the least. The fuel economy is unsurpassed (averaging 36 mpg city/hwy). The ride is firm but very compliant (soaks up bumps). The handling is sports car like (very little body roll). There’s plenty of acceleration. The exterior styling is simple yet elegant, sporty yet practical.
I’ve gotten compliments from pedestrians when I’m parked.
The interior is very upscale (feels like I’m in a BMW/Mercedes).
Despite its short wheelbase and length, there’s plenty of leg room front and rear.
This car is worth every penny!

We considered the Prius, the Fusion and the Audi A3.. This car was the best choice by far. Very well made, great low end performance, great mileage, plus driving the car makes me smile. Much better value then the Audi A3 and the performance leaves the Toyota and Ford in the dust.

I have enjoyed my VW during the first 1,000 miles. Very fun to drive, seems to be very well built. In country roads (average speed 35-45 mph) I get 38-42 mpg! I traded in a BMW X3, which got 18-19 mpg under the same conditions. Handles beautifully, love the audio system (Dynaudio). Very comfortable front seats (I am 6’1″)
I had previously looked at the Prius, Ford Fusion and Lexus CT and they don’t come close as far as handling and fun factor.

I bought my 2011 VW Golf TDI new on March 19, 2011. I currently have just over 1800 miles. The interior is well designed, friendly, comfortable, stylish and all around enjoyable. The exterior looks are not flashy or exceptional, it is a basic wedge hatchback shaped vehicle. I am am happy with picking this vehicle because of the diesel power supplied by the turbo as well as the economical driving experience. I refer to my car as zippy, she maneuvers well through traffic, great brakes, and the engine is powerful enough to zoom past trouble if need be. The sound system is powerful and clear, the road noise is minimal, and the handling is great. I am averaging about 43mpg so far.
🙂

I traded in an Audi A4 which was costing $$$ at the pump w only 22 mpg.
I previously had a VW diesel and longed for its combo of power and efficiency that the Audi was unblanced on.
VW makes a great car.
Design is well above the rest of the class with clean lines and a very plush interior for the price.

Puzzling, though, is VW”s decision to disable features in the software that were previously there such as comfort closing windows, coming home lights, etc that just take a check of a box in the system.
How much $$ can you save by just not checking a box?

That said, mpg’s are great, passing power is there, utility is there, and it looks nice.
Hard to complain.

Our family was looking to add a 3rd car(teenage driver) and we wanted an economical and versatile small car.
After searching all over we discovered VW through consumer reports and a great, patient salesman.
I am a big man(6’4″) and the Golf appears to be the smallest car we drove but it is a magic car, more interior room than it appears.
Our family of 4 fits comfortably, even with the dog.
Completed a 6 hour road trip with minimal complaining from the family.
It is great fun to drive.
Great handling with great power on the highway.
In fact it is the highway/autobahn driving that separates this car from others in the size class.