Used 2001 Volkswagen Golf Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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lots of miles, lots of fun
reclab1, 06/03/2009
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car used in 2003 with approx. 28,000 miles on it and I just turned 218,450. I would have to say it has been a good experience overall. Most of the maint work has been done with a local VW independent garage and they really know their stuff. I usually get 29 to 33 MPG depending on the season. (Mi. resident) Most of my repair work has been related to front suspension because of Mi. bad winter roads. I still have the original clutch and exhaust system, and have used synthetic oil with oil changes between 6-10,000 miles. I never owned a car for this long, but I find it's a blast to drive. I'll be looking for a good deal on a 4door GTI for my next ride.
Love the Golf
Rickss77, 11/29/2002
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle. Fun to drive and great on gas. Looking forward to moving up to another VW.
2001 Volkswagen Golf for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- GL 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,9991,415 mi away
- GLS 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $2,9991,735 mi away
EXCELLENT
JBTKD, 02/16/2003
2001 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I FIRST LIKED THECAR BECAUSE OF LOOKS AND ONCE I DROVE I WAS IN LOVE.
Sweet Vehicle
PIMPAUL, 11/16/2006
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. It is very fast. Only small things have gone wrong (Brake lights, etc). They were easy fixes. Actually, the plastic junk seems to break easy too. My dome light switch broke off. Anyways, this car looks amazing with some good rims and tinted windows. I've had Toyotas, Hondas, and Fords, but my next car will definitely be a VW. I love 'em.
Buy A Warranty and have fun
Look Out, 06/19/2005
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
In two years the car has been towed four times due to "electrical failure"...like a brake light goes out. AC failed twice, car looses power and stalls at 60 miles an hour. BUY THE WARRANTY....Have another car available to drive when they have to order parts...could be days for repair.Between repairs it is fun to drive....Electrical and fuel issues are many at 50k miles
Suspect Ride
Former VW Fan, 10/31/2007
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
Although this car is somewhat fun to drive, it has been anything but reliable. On third set of brakes after 65000 miles. Several warranty repairs and recall work done in 6 years. Fuel economy has been livable but should be better for such a small car. These cars do not deal with cold weather very well. On third set of weather seals around doors and their still ripped and warranty is up and not their problem anymore. Ice gets trapped in door hinges. Electrical problems as well. Poorly designed car.
Not Buying VW Again
orchid, 07/07/2006
2001 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
My experience with my VW Golf has been less than great. I received atrocious customer service at the dealership where I bought my car and only OK customer service at other dealers in San Diego. Anyway, as for the car itself, it handles well WHEN IT WORKS, but the faulty brake light switch would prevent me from buying another VW. It's failed ONCE PER YEAR for each year I've owned the car, with a cost of $125 per repair. The brake light switch causes the car to get stuck in park. This is a known defect for Golfs manufactured around 2001! Why won't VW fix this problem? I have had other repairs, but this is the most irritating. I will buy a Toyota next time.
VW Golf 1.8 Turbo (2001)
org, 08/06/2003
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Golf 1.8T is pure pleasure to drive! It's the best car I have ever owned. It's stylish, flexible, roomy, powerful, very responsive and great fun to drive with! It might be a bit more expensive than other cars in this class but the money is definitly worth it!!!
Great car for commuting
Harold J, 12/29/2003
2001 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The golf is great for commuting but not for transporting more than 3 people. when 4 or 5 people are in the car it gets kind of sluggish. but for driving to work, home, shopping and a little roadtrip its great. It comes off the corners well but will handle a lot better with performance tires. The manual windows are great since my buddies auto window regulators keep breaking on his 2002 gti. check up on the window regulators they are notorious for failling but i think VWOA had a recall out on it now but you may want to check it out to make sure
The turbo is worth it.
blueone, 03/04/2003
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is really great to drive- especially when passing people. The turbo makes the car fun, but the interior layout (the back seats fold down flat to double trunk space) makes it practical. The back seat doesn't have a lot of leg room, but for a semi-compact car it's not bad. I've heard several people complain of the cloth seats pilling, but I haven't really had any problems. My dealership dealt w/the problems I've had (a radio that made the alarm randomly go off & a bad heated mirror) quickly & w/o any hassles. The factory cd changer is ridiculous. It's much cheaper & as simple to buy from somewhere else & either do it yourself, or get it installed.
Average with pretense
Michael, 12/14/2005
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Volkswagen Golf is average overall, with a below average electrical system and well designed, but a poorly built engine. Given the multitude of small (window motor, sunroof malfunctions) and not very small (side airbag misfire, engine sensors malfunction, 80,000 mile timing belt wear-off) defects, you are better served by getting a Lexus or a Mazda.
Great car
H2oVento, 05/22/2006
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The 4 door 1.8T Golf is a great sleeper. It's fun to drive and hauls a lot of stuff. It's one of the best cars I have owned. It has had no major problems in over 60,000 miles of service. If you can find one, buy it. The 4-door 1.8T was only made between late 2000 and early 2001.
VW Golf
Allen, 06/02/2006
2001 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Golf gets great fuel economy and has very comfortable seats. I love driving it everyday and do not get bored with it. The only interior item I would have liked to have was an armrest. It would have been better with a little more power as well. I had only a few problems with it such as, the a/c compressor needed to be replaced, a spring for the airbag in the steering wheel, and the airbag in the driver's seat. Those would have been very expensive without the extended warranty.
great family / sporty car
drtraw, 03/19/2004
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This golf is a sporty, fun car and also handles family needs. Although it is not huge, it holds up to four people w/good headroom and a large hatch area. We often choose it for family road trips over my wife's midsize SUV. The turbo engine is great, easily rivals honda for vibration free power and has much better torque for city driving. I thought the base suspension was comfortable but too soft so I switched out the springs and shocks for GTI-style handling. Also, the interior is very well done for a car in this price range and it is very quiet on the highway.
Great VW
perfect vw, 07/09/2002
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
i bought my vw gls golf in jan 2002 and it has been a wonderful car.volkswagens are great this is my 4th golf i love them . there is just a couple of items i want to address and they are as followed my check engine light has come on a total of 14 times in two years and the dealer i take it to cannot tell me what is wrong also my airbag light has come on a total of 7 times and the dealer cannot tell me what is wrong w/ that either. i would just like for the dealer to be able to give me some answers.
110,000 Miles and still no issues
dmateja, 08/24/2007
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new 7 years ago and racked up 110,000 miles. I had a couple minor sensor issues within the first year, and were all covered under the warrenty. Since that first year no major issues.
My VW Lemon...
thiscarstinks, 08/25/2003
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car is handsdown the single worst investment of my life. I have had SEVERAL headlight replaced before finding out (after the warranty expired) that the housing was bad. I have had my mass airflow sensor replaced (in hopes that it would end the shaking and stalling that occurred at least twice a day), and I have recently encountered transmission problems, that my dealer isn't helping with. Bottom line: I have pumped thousands of dollars into this car and I am selling it so as to avoid sinking any more of my hard-earned cash into this demon spawn.
Fun Ride!!!!!
Jan K., 07/09/2002
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Besides the power window failure and busting out the driver side window and getting glass all over the place.... i love it!!! it's cute!
The perfect hatch
jeffjj, 07/30/2002
2001 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Other car companies should take note in the golf. The only flaw is its suspension (tends to be a bit soft) but once that is modified it becomes a beast. They sell aftermarket computer chips which can increase the boost to incredible levels! 215hp/245ft torque out of this tiny monster. All that with class, a interior that only BMW can rival, and great german engineering.
No Contest
Wisconsin-, 11/09/2002
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We looked at Civics,Corollas,Protoges and then we found a car worth driving. We didn't feel like the Golf GLS was an economy car. It's interior is far superior, options are plentiful, and looks are stylish. The ride is great, handling is agile, the inside mimicks a Passat, and for about $14400 we got moonroof, premium stereo,ABS, alloy wheels, heated seats, 4.9% and a 2yr/24000.
Good car, bad service.
Huss, 02/27/2002
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had niggling problems inititally which were handled extremely poorly by my local VW dealer, Neftin VW Thousand Oaks. Once fixed (eventually....) no more problems. They all happened within the first 200o miles, now I have put on another trouble-free 17000 miles.
Golf 1.8T
niko, 03/03/2002
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car ever owned. Fun to drive, performant, quality interior, great stereo (upgrade option).
Selling this POS
poor_reliability, 07/25/2003
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have had too many quality issues to list. Excessive rear brake wear, sunroof malfunction, airbag came loose from steering wheel - 3times, left directional fell out of quarter panel, window stripping separated, mass air flow sensor replaced, turn signal lamp contacts poor quality.
Don't get any Volkswagen
No more Volkswagen, 08/19/2003
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this Golf because I liked it's interior and exterior style and some fancy features. I had real fun for the first year. But everything turned bad in the second year. The motor of my driver side window broke one day. I could not roll my window up. The window even fell down completly after half hour of the incident. When I turned to car to the dealer, they knew the problem and fixed both sides. But why don't they recall all cars to fix the problem. The same problem also finds in my friend's AUDI A4 and GTI. Within a months, I got two recall letters from dealer regarding fuel coil problem and the child seat thing. Too many little problems.
My first VW
Gtoast, 12/21/2004
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Pretty nifty car compared to the Corolla I came out of. Bought used certified. I think the dealership didn't actually do the inspections they were supposed to: I found most of the problems myself but they were all fixed under the warranty. Anyways, great little car with lots of umph in 5th at hwy speeds, fantastic maneuverability, great traction in the snow. A few squeaks and rattles that are irritating, but oh well. I wish the electronics were easier to set for individuals though.
Wonderful
Siu, 10/09/2003
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the best car you can get with this price. Excellent design detail. Solid engine, excellent performance.
Perfect car for me
cjo4, 10/09/2003
2001 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Perfect car for a recent college grad. Great build quality to shame a Merc, luxurious ride, fun to drive, all the safety bits (8 airbags, disc brakes w/ABS, etc), nicely equipped, and a sense of a car costing $10k more. More than 2 yrs on, and ppl still give me looks as if it were an Audi (which it feels like). Has been dead reliable, always starts (even in mid NE winter), and the size and space of hatch is amazing. Pity my color is no longer offered-bright green-cause it makes it look so upscale. Love the looks, love the price (paid less than $15k), and love the fuel econ (+30mpg).
No more Volkswagen
sgtmak, 04/15/2005
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is fun but it came with a lot of problems. The air bag warning light just came on the second time sine we bought the car, and fortunately it was still under warranty until the end of this month (April, 05). In addition, the check engine light also came on times few times. We have to pay about $60 to the dealership for diagnostic every times those lights came on. I guess I know the reason why the service department at the local VW dealership opens until midnight.
buyer beware!!!
CLenney, 11/28/2003
2001 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Where do I start? My first problem occurred at 24,300 miles...just over the 24,000 mile warranty (how convenient). After shelling out a mere $650, I was confident that I wouldn't experience anymore problems. I was wrong. I sunk another $1300 into my lemon of a car at only 35,000 miles. A few months after purchasing my car (which had only 7000 miles on it at the time), I had my sunroof motor replaced (after driving around with a garbage bag flapping in my face). I also had the pleasure of experiencing this with my passenger side window!! Needless to say, I am looking forward to picking up my 2000 Toyota Camry XLE tomorrow.
2001 2.0 Golf-4 Euro Spec
Palinor, 06/10/2005
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Maybe I got lucky, but bought my Golf for about $13k. 1-owner, highly maintained. It had 60500 kilometers on it (bought 2-yr warranty). Standard 5- sp, winter package, full climate control, ESP, powered sunroof, front/rear foglights, AM/FM/CD/Tape* (*removed radio/CD player and installed premium integrated system), bought deep housing to replace CD player-slot so I can drink coffee now and still play CD's I have driven from Bavaria to Sweden and all over Germany. Avg speed 190kph on autobahn, 100kph secondary roads and 50kph city. Avg 16km/L or about 37mpg hwy, 19-20km/L city Front wheel drive makes winter travel easy (snow/sleet/rain) Great visibility, sweet suspension/handling
Good Car, but not the best.
willelm, 08/15/2005
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife lovesthe VW Golf, which is good because I just sort of like it. It's the perfect size for her and she loves the way it drives, but I wish that we had gotten the turbo. Some things seem very weak, even fragile, like the door handles and cup holders. The important things though are solid, like the steering and brakes.
Almost a great car...
lowman99, 01/18/2004
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a really good car, except for some occasional problems. Within the 3 years I have owned it, the air conditioning has failed (a few times), one of the CV boots cracked, and oil seal ruptured, and the driver side power window mechanism broke. All of these items were fixed under warranty (for free). Get the extended warranty if you buy this car!
My golf
Mason Hickmann, 02/01/2004
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I LOVE!!!!!!!! my golf, it takes anything or anybody anywhere, no questions asked. its a little packmule, its been all over america with a carfull of people and luggage and has never complained or given me any reason to doubt it. build quality is great, interior is fantastically designed, all my friends always want to take the golf anywhere we go, and i wouldnt have it any other way
VW Golf To Feel
nihan, 01/21/2006
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think the VW Golf is the best compact model in its class. Maybe the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are better than the Golf at a few points like fuel economy and build quality, but the Golf is much better in driving, gearing and performance.
reliable & fun
jordi, 03/24/2004
2001 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is my 4th VW. great city (small enough) and highspeed-highway car (tracks great; once up to speed you can stay at high speeds for extended periods). large when compared to older golfs. only a few problems along the way - not sure if this is because it's one of the few german built golfs. manual windows helped me avoid regulator problems and recall. online sale was hassle free.
Lemon Alert!
MYREDGOLF, 05/05/2004
2001 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Golf is a fun car BUT maintenance is a big problem. So far over $4,000.00 dollars has been spent on warranty work! I am lucky it has all been covered by VW, even after the warrenty has expired. This is a fun car, but plan to spend a lot of time at the dealer getting things fixed.
good stuff
aaron8986, 08/04/2004
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great car. Stealthy sleeper look but unheralded performance. Great interior, great ergonomics. One of the reasons i like german cars so much. Turbo...who could argue with it?
Volkswagen Owner for Life!
Amber, 04/06/2005
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I absolutely LOVE this car. It was my first VW, and it has been great! There was a recall on the window motor and they kept breaking which was a pain, but overall that was my only problem!
"Best car I've ever owned"
GOLFACTOR, 07/17/2005
2001 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Can't wait to get another one. This model type IV is made right up to 2004, so there are tons of used ones soon to be available in the coming years. My next one will be a silver GLS 2.0 8v 2dr 5 speed leather, heated seats (Maine) and a full 32% window tint. Lowered 1.5" with custom wheels or Audi replicas.
Third VW
VW Owner, 10/06/2005
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my third Volkswagen and I love the little things you get with a VW. these nice touches include the spring loaded grab handles, soft to the touch dash boards, turn signal side indicators, sunroofs with a dial, 8 speaker sound systems, upscale dash lighting, heated seats, cool key, etc etc..
Junk in the Trunk
Muligan, 03/23/2003
2001 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
People... Save yourselves! I went with a VW Golf because of their historically good track record. Let me tell you, history did not repeat itself here. The dealership I purchased the Golf from forgot to install a 'block heater' (which is required for our cold winters). I have had the radio replaced twice, difficulties with the windshield wipers hoses, passenger window falls, heater fan replaced, and most recently the airbag indicator light has malfunctioned. Not only has the car been 'a piece' but the dealership I have had to deal with has been very difficult. I think that car sales are boosted by a clever marketting scheme.
Fun and Practical
Bris, 02/02/2007
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The VW Golf is a fun and practical car built for everyday driving. The 1.8T engine is peppy and delivers plenty of passing power while averaging around 28 mpg. Parking is easy and the VW can carry lots of luggage for its size. The car is probably less reliable than a Honda, but I haven't had too many problems. In the last 18 months, I have had few repairs. I replaced a brake light switch and headlight bulb. The driver's window fell down and was fixed at no charge (recall item). The door switch that controls the interior lights doesn't fully work, but I still have interior lights so I haven't fixed it. All other maintenance has been routine such as oil changes. I recommend this car.
2001 Golf GLS
Kostas, 03/11/2002
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
3 times the engine stopped running while driving. Engine losses power. Compression problem repaired at 10,000 miles. Hatch hits the pumper paint is gone on point of contact. Drivers seat makes funny noises, from inside when your lay on the headrest.
220,000 miles and runs like a fine watch.
John Sindo, 01/16/2019
2001 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall very impressed with the GL2.0 Golf. Only complaint is the interior trim is a bit lacking. I’ve driven this car hard from coast to coast many, many times. Very dependable and comfortable to drive. No machanical issues. Just breaks, tires and general maintenance as would be expected with 220k miles and still going!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
TURBO RELIABLITY?
TURBOS!, 07/23/2004
2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 7 people found this review helpful
i have a turbo gls golf and i have been in and out of the dealership. my car for some reason does not reach 8000 RPM my friend has a RX-8 and he reaches 9000 RPM. There is def. something wrong. when i drive i always see smoke coming from my car i drive 100 miles to work everyday and i need a reliable car i do my oil change every 3 months and it should be a good car from wheat my friends say. i need a more reliable car.