2011 Volkswagen Golf Review

Name: 2011 Volkswagen Golf
Brand: Volkswagen
Price: 1141 USD
Rating: 4.6 (40 reviews)

Price Estimate: $1,141 - $3,239

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Appraise My 2011 Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf model years

Volkswagen Golf for Sale

Volkswagen Golf types

Hatchback
Diesel

Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Excellent interior materials
available diesel engine
versatile hatchback body style
refined driving dynamics
stylish look inside and out.

Cons

Many desirable features unavailable on base model.

What’s new

Outside of a few features being shuffled around, the Volkswagen Golf remains unchanged for 2011.

Edmunds says

The 2011 Volkswagen Golf delivers a rare combination of economy and refinement, standing out among worthy competitors.

For sale near Levittown, PA

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2011 Volkswagen Golf
TDI 4dr Hatchback
$13,999
- 76,624 miles
- 30 City / 42 Hwy MPG, Manual
- 58 mi away
- Bluetooth
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Alarm
Close
Located in Slatington, PA
Features and Specs:
34 Combined MPG (30 City/42 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
WVWNM7AJ7BW169894
Stock:
169894
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
2011 Volkswagen Golf
2.5L 4dr Hatchback
$9,850
fair price
$387 above market
- 53,455 miles
- 24 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- 63 mi away
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Moonachie, NJ
2011 Volkswagen Golf 4-Door Hatchback Only 51K Miles Excellent Condition Brand New Tires!We are pleased to offer this exceptionally clean 2011 Volkswa...
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (24 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
WVWDA7AJ9BW219330
Stock:
48924
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
08-21-2026

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Vehicle overview

Getting more for your money is elusive no matter what you happen to be purchasing. Imagine your Starbucks barista saying, "Thanks for your order. Here's some gold bullion as a token of our gratitude." Or, "Here's your new 2011 Volkswagen Golf; we decided to upgrade you to an Audi free of charge." That latter buying fantasy may not be so far-fetched, however, as the Golf delivers Audi-like refinement, style and versatility without breaking the bank.

Compared to other vehicles in its class, the VW Golf feels positively upscale. Its interior puts others to shame (including VW's own 2011 Jetta) thanks to a sophisticated design, top-notch materials and all-around comfort. Add in optional niceties like a premium Dynaudio stereo and a navigation system and the fairly economical Golf can begin to feel like a near luxury car.

The advantages continue under the hood, with a choice of a punchy 2.5-liter inline-5 engine or a highly fuel-efficient turbodiesel rated at 42 mpg on the highway. The rest of the Golf is up to the task as well, with a solid on-road feel, precise steering and confidence-inspiring handling. Much of the Golf's goodness comes courtesy of a redesign last year.

If you're shopping in this segment, you'll find that the 2011 Mazda 3 offers sharper handling and more cargo capacity, but its interior can't match the Golf in either design or quality. The more affordable 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring is also worthy of consideration given its space, features and sporty leanings, as is the personable 2011 Mini Cooper, though its higher price and lack of space are difficult to ignore. In the end, the 2011 Volkswagen Golf rises to the top by exceeding expectations and delivering that all-so-elusive impression, "more for the money."

Performance & mpg

The base 2011 Volkswagen Golf 2.5L is powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. These Golf models are classified as partial-zero-emissions vehicles (PZEV) when sold in states with California emissions standards. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined for the automatic and 22/30/25 mpg for the manual.

The Golf TDI receives a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that puts out a modest 140 hp but an impressive 236 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual (DSG) is optional. EPA fuel economy estimates come in at an impressive 30/41/34 mpg with the regular manual, while DSG improves highway mileage to 42.

Safety

The 2011 VW Golf's standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are unavailable on two-door models, but are optional on four-door models. In government crash tests, the four-door Golf with the optional rear side airbags received four stars out of five for frontal impact protection and a perfect five stars for side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Golf with its highest score of "Good" in its frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests.

Driving

The 2011 Volkswagen Golf's high level of interior refinement is echoed in its composed, solid feel on the road. At highway speeds, the Golf is significantly quieter than other hatchbacks. Alternately, you can take it out on a curvy road and the well-weighted steering will inspire confidence. The Golf's gasoline engine provides smooth power throughout the rev range. Opting for the turbodiesel will get you an abundance of low-end torque and considerable gains in fuel economy without the traditional diesel clatter from under the hood.

Interior

Simply replacing the VW logo on the Golf's steering wheel with four rings would convince you that you were in an Audi. That's how nice the Golf's interior is. Among other compact hatchbacks, the Volkswagen's blend of top-shelf materials, refined design and quality workmanship place it far above all others. The Golf is actually much nicer than the new 2011 VW Jetta sedan.

Whether you choose the two- or four-door route, the Golf's interior passenger space remains the same. For those who plan on shuttling multiple passengers, the four-door is the obvious choice, offering a surprisingly large backseat that's notably more spacious than that of a Mazda 3. Access to the two-door Golf's rear seats is made relatively painless thanks to front seats that slide easily out of the way. Behind the rear seats, the cargo area can hold up to 12.4 cubic feet -- double the capacity of a Mini Cooper, but about average for other hatchbacks. The split-folding rear seats bump that figure up to 46 cubes.

2011 Volkswagen Golf models

The 2011 Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback offered in either two- or four-door configurations and in one of two trim levels: 2.5L or TDI. The base 2.5L includes 15-inch steel wheels, heated outside mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer, full power accessories, eight-way manually adjustable front seats, split-folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, metallic interior trim and an eight-speaker stereo with a CD/MP3 player.

Besides swapping the gasoline engine for a diesel, the TDI trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels; foglights; a sport suspension; a leather-wrapped steering wheel with multifunction controls; floor mats; a leather-wrapped shift knob and brake lever; split-folding rear seats with a center armrest and pass-through; Bluetooth; and an upgraded sound system with touchscreen controls, an in-dash CD changer, satellite radio and an iPod interface. With either trim level, four-door models gain power-reclining front seats.

Options for both models include a Cold Weather package (heated front seats and washer nozzles) and a sunroof. Bluetooth is further optional on the 2.5L. The TDI models can be equipped with adaptive xenon headlights, a premium Dynaudio sound system, a navigation system and (on four-door models) rear seat airbags.

Compare 2011 Volkswagen Golf trim levels

Owners' Opinions

What Owners Like

Owners consistently praise the 2011 Volkswagen Golf for feeling like a much more expensive car in daily use. They point to the cabin materials, supportive seats, and quiet road manners as the traits that make long commutes and highway stints feel easier than they do in most compact hatchbacks. The Golf’s chassis earns just as much praise, with owners repeatedly describing confident cornering, stable behavior at speed, and a planted feel on rougher or winding roads. The TDI models draw especially strong reactions because their low-end torque makes merging, passing, and climbing grades feel effortless while still returning trip numbers that frequently land in the low- to mid-40s mpg range. Even the gasoline 2.5-liter version gets credit for smooth power delivery, good pickup, and fuel economy that can beat expectations when driven with restraint. Owners also value the car’s practical packaging, since the hatchback body and roomy back seat make it easier to handle family duty, passengers, and luggage without giving up maneuverability. Several owners say the Golf stays free of squeaks, rattles, and unexpected repairs for years, which reinforces the sense that the car is built to a higher standard than many rivals. When the Golf is equipped with the right options, features like the Dynaudio audio system, Bluetooth, and the touchscreen setup add to that upscale impression without changing the car’s easygoing character.

Common Issues

Owners consistently report a handful of annoyances that show up in everyday use. The automatic TDI’s off-the-line behavior can feel abrupt in parking lots, garage entries, and stop-and-go traffic, where a light throttle input may produce a quick surge followed by a pause. Diesel models also take longer to warm up after startup, so the first few minutes of driving can feel hesitant and less smooth than the rest of the commute. Some owners mention a transmission-related lag at low speeds, and that behavior is noticeable enough to push them toward manual-like shifting modes when they want cleaner response. A few cars have also needed early attention for sensors or other small parts, which can mean a tow or a dealer visit well before the odometer reaches high mileage. Interior durability is not perfect either, since some owners report seat-fabric fraying on the driver’s bolster and a headliner that can start sagging after a few years. Even the equipment mix can be frustrating, because several features that owners expected were left off or made optional on lower trims. And while the Golf’s cabin quality is a strength, a few owners still call out heater controls and certain software-disabled convenience features as small but persistent irritations.

Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers

The 2011 Volkswagen Golf leaves everyday drivers with a strong sense that it delivers more than its size suggests. Owners keep coming back to the way it handles commuting, highway stretches, and curvy roads without feeling busy or flimsy, and that confidence seems to hold whether they chose the 2.5L or the TDI. The diesel version, in particular, turns routine driving into a numbers game many owners actually enjoy, with real-world mileage often landing well beyond what they expected from a small hatchback. Several long-term owners also report years of use with few unscheduled repairs, which matters in a car this focused on daily transportation. At the same time, the Golf does not erase every compromise, since some drivers notice low-speed hesitation in the automatic TDI and a few have dealt with early hardware or trim-related issues. Even so, the car’s cabin comfort, solid build, and roomy hatchback layout make it easy to keep using for work commutes, family duty, and road trips without feeling like you downgraded. That combination is why so many owners describe it as the kind of car they end up trusting more each month, and it’s hard not to see why after a week behind the wheel, you start to notice how little it asks of you when the road gets long, the traffic slows, and the temperature drops…

Reliability

The 2011 Volkswagen Golf has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 6 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #26 out of 46 among Compact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average

#26 out of 46 among Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$459/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car

Frequency

1.1x/yr

vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car

Severity

10.1%

vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car

Recalls

6 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 19V862000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 69R6,69Q8,
Manufactured from:: 2010-06-16 to 2013-10-02
Number of vehicles affected:: 226
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.

Recall Number:: 18V329000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 01C5/01C6
Manufactured from:: 2011-02-16 to 2015-04-02
Number of vehicles affected:: 252
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Defect Consequence:: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Corrective Action:: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 13, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Recall Number:: 18V148000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 69Q9
Manufactured from:: 2006-11-02 to 2009-05-13
Number of vehicles affected:: 51352
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2011 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan, and 2007-2010 Passat Wagon vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Defect Consequence:: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 15, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

Recall Number:: 16V078000
Number of vehicles affected:: 659493
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf and Jetta SportWagen, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, and 2010-2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Defect Consequence:: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Recall Number:: 15V483000
Manufactured from:: 2011-02-28 to 2014-02-26
Number of vehicles affected:: 420000
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Defect Consequence:: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

Recall Number:: 11V490000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 23J9/V5
Number of vehicles affected:: 168275
Defect Description:: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. THE FUEL INJECTION PULSES COULD COINCIDE WITH THE NATURAL FREQUENCY OF THE INJECTOR LINE #2, IN SPECIFIC LOAD AND RPM CONDITIONS. THIS RESONANCE CREATES ADDITIONAL STRESS IN THE FUEL LINE.
Defect Consequence:: DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Corrective Action:: VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL INJECTOR LINE FOR THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER AND WILL INSTALL VIBRATION DAMPERS ON ALL OF THE INJECTOR LINES. VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS TO HAVE THE VEHICLES REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 12 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Volkswagen Golf Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

40 reviews

5(67%)

4(25%)

3(8%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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2011 Golf Features & Specs

Type:

Hatchback

Trim:

2.5L PZEV

Est. Market Value	$2,652
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$204/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the Golf include:

Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Post-collision safety system