2006 Volkswagen Golf Review
2006 Volkswagen Golf Review
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Used Golf for sale
Appraise This CarVolkswagen Golf model years
Volkswagen Golf types
- Hatchback
- Diesel
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Long list of standard features, high-quality cabin materials, utility of hatchback design, fuel-efficient diesel engine.
Cons
- Base 2.0-liter engine's weak acceleration and so-so mileage, more expensive than its peers, too much body roll when cornering.
What’s new
The VW Golf continues on its current-generation platform for a partial-year run in 2006. The two-door model has been dropped, and the TDI is now available in GLS trim only. A completely redesigned Golf, renamed Rabbit, will debut in the summer of 2006.
Edmunds says
Despite its age, the 2006 Volkswagen Golf holds its own in terms of amenities and cabin ambience, but competitors surpass it in power and handling. Bear in mind that the redesigned 2006 Rabbit will arrive midyear.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$171/mo for Golf GL
Golf GL
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
We've always liked the Golf, a fun-to-drive, chunky-but-spunky hatchback that has been a best-seller in Europe for more than two decades. Here in the States, the fourth-generation Volkswagen Golf does battle against a range of compacts, many of them with less impressive credentials. Just what's so likable about this VW car? Well, each one has a lengthy list of standard features; a roomy, solidly constructed cabin furnished in high-quality materials; and though not as sporting as the GTI, offers traditional Germanic handling characteristics -- that is, a nice blend of ride comfort and agility around corners. Compared to newer hatchbacks like the Mazda3 and Mini Cooper, the Golf's reflexes now seem a bit soft and slow, but it's still more fun to drive than many other cars in its class.
Volkswagen's 115-horsepower, base four-cylinder engine is outclassed by just about every other competitor these days. The diesel-fueled engine is no speed demon, either, but it offers better off-the-line acceleration and much better fuel economy, a fact that makes it all the more attractive as fuel prices rise. Overall, we think that there are better choices than the Volkswagen Golf for a small car in the early part of 2006. If you're dead set on this VW car, though, our suggestion would be to wait until midyear for the next-generation car to arrive, at which point dealers will start offering steep discounts on the old model.
Performance & mpg
The base engine is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that makes just 115 horsepower. A better choice is the 1.9-liter diesel four-cylinder (TDI) that's rated for 100 hp and 177 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Golfs equipped with the 2.0-liter four feel sluggish at highway speeds, and fuel economy is well below average for this class. In contrast, the TDI is a serious fuel miser (up to 44 mpg on the highway) and has adequate torque for passing and merging; it's ideal for commuters.
Safety
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes, side airbags (for front occupants) and head curtain airbags (front and rear) are standard on all Golfs. Stability control is optional. The VW Golf hatchback earned five out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in the NHTSA's frontal-impact crash tests. Four stars were awarded for side-impact protection. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating in frontal offset crash testing.
Driving
For the most part, the 2006 Volkswagen Golf provides a pleasant balance between highway comfort and responsive handling. More demanding drivers will likely find the ride a bit floaty with too much body roll when cornering.
Interior
The interior of the Volkswagen Golf is filled with high-quality materials and assembled with care; at night, you'll get to enjoy VW's signature blue-red cabin illumination. The front seats are roomy, and both are height-adjustable. The rear seat is definitely tight for three people, but the nicely contoured bench can certainly accommodate two adults. With the 60/40-split rear seat in use, the hatch provides 18 cubic feet of capacity; fold the seat and you'll have 41.8 cubes at your disposal.
2006 Volkswagen Golf models
The Volkswagen Golf is a four-door hatchback offered in GL and GLS trim levels. Standard GL features include air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, a CD player, headrests in all five seating positions, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, driver-seat height adjustment and power windows, locks and mirrors. The GLS trim adds a sunroof, alloy wheels, upgraded upholstery, a premium Monsoon sound system and a front center armrest with storage. The only major option package is a GLS cold weather package that includes heated front seats and heated windshield washer nozzles.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
5 star(72%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
51 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Love this car!
lizzieinmd, 12/07/2013
2005 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
I bought my 2005 Golf TDI brand new in February 2005. I love the fuel mileage - average of 46-48 mpg and I don't visit the gas station very often. It is a really fun car to drive with what feels like lots of power due to the torque. It is, however, expensive to maintain and not always easy to find a good local VW mechanic. VW dealer service always seems to be sub par (I have been to 3 … different dealers for service). I still would not give up my car because I do love driving it!
4.25 out of 5 stars
A Workhorse with a High Quality Finish
Terris, 11/17/2005
2006 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
Although our 2003 Golf GL may not be very sporty, we found it to be the only small car that could adjust perfectly to us both (I am over 6 feet tall and my wife is just over 5 feet). We have driven across the country twice and made several other long trips, including camping. The stereo is outstanding! Maintenance is simple and cheap (only every 10,000 miles). The interior quality is … better than cars twice the price. It may not be a sports car but its driving manners are perfect, even in the snow (without snow tires in our case). The safety features are incredible. We find its advantages simply crush its disadvantages. The Golf is a real giant of a little car.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Great engine/Gearbox shonkybuild quality
De Spear, 10/26/2010
2005 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
The engine is great and mates wonderfully to the DSG The car has plenty of torque and is responsive I am very disappointed with the quality of the materials used Car dealer service is very expensive. http://ontargetreviews.blogspot.com/2010/09/2005-vw-golf-tdi-20-comfortline.html
4 out of 5 stars
Too many problems
Karen Marie, 02/26/2015
2005 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Bought Golf GLS M/T new Jan/2006. Had a great run for the first few years. It handles great, is a lot of fun to drive and looks good.
But, once it was out of warranty, the problems started. At about 44,000 miles/7 yrs., the master cylinder (brakes) needed to be replaced, and rotors. Internal engine oil leak - new transmission needed before 50,000 miles. Hood latch broke 2x. Strange … front thumping noise that cannot be diagnosed began in 9th year.
Around year 6 the armrest latch broke. Around year 8 the glove compartment latch broke. And this is from a single driver - hardly ever passengers, no kids - so these things were hardly ever opened.
Loved the car but would not buy again. I traded it in after 9 years and would not buy VW again, as much as I loved the car in the beginning.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2006 Volkswagen Golf, so we've included reviews for other years of the Golf since its last redesign.
2006 Golf Highlights
Hatchback
GL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $16,030 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $171/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Golf include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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