2013 Volkswagen Golf Review
Price Range: $6,994 - $14,990





+204
For sale nearby
12 listings
- $9,602good price$1,714 below market
- 60,638 miles
- No accidents, 1 Owner, Personal use only
- 5cyl Automatic
- Ourisman Volkswagen Of Rockville (19 mi away)
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Rockville, MD
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (24 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWDB7AJ2DW007255
Stock: V162053A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-18-2025 - 117,389 miles
- No accidents, 1 Owner, Personal use only
- 5cyl Automatic
- 1st Choice Auto Sales (16 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Fairfax, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (24 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWBB7AJ2DW043812
Stock: CM61556
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 12-25-2024- 97,988 miles
- No accidents, 3 Owners, Personal use
- 5cyl Automatic
- Oceana Motors (174 mi away)
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
Close
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
2.5 Engine. new Inspections. call 757-696-2020 or visit our website for the free Carfax. oceanamotors.com
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (24 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWBB7AJ3DW129159
Stock: 129159
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Volkswagen Golf model years
Volkswagen Golf types
- Hatchback
- Diesel
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Outstanding cabin materials and construction
- fuel-efficient diesel engine
- spacious hatchback body style
- refined driving dynamics.
Cons
- Unrefined and inefficient gasoline engine
- diesel version is costly.
What’s new
Other than a minor shuffling of features between trim levels, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf returns unchanged.
Edmunds says
With an uncommon blend of refinement, performance and plentiful features, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf remains high on our list of hatchback picks.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2013 Volkswagen Golf 2.5L PZEV 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 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 $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$138/mo for Golf 2.5L PZEV
Golf 2.5L PZEV
vs
$157/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
In a general sense, hatchbacks attempt to embody the best of all vehicles by incorporating comfort, style, utility, value and performance into one package. And among hatchbacks, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf does this better than just about any other competitor. If you consider that the Golf has been in production since 1974, perhaps this should come as no surprise.
In the 39 years since its inception, Volkswagen has had plenty of time to zero in on its target. The 2013 VW Golf definitely hits the bull's-eye in regard to its interior, with class-leading materials and construction that we're more accustomed to seeing in upscale sister brand Audi. The features list is also quite impressive, along with available options that include premium audio and navigation. Quite frankly, the Golf looks and feels far more upscale than anything else in its class -- even compared to VW's own Jetta sedan.
Out on the open road, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf further proves its worth with confident handling and a comfortable, secure ride quality. The base 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine also adds to the overall experience by providing more power than its rivals, but unfortunately this comes at the expense of fuel economy. Opting for the diesel-powered Golf TDI model will increase mileage up to class-beating levels, but this model represents the range-topping trim and proves considerably more expensive.
Among the VW Golf's competitors, we rate the 2013 Ford Focus right up there with the Golf when it comes to driving demeanor and an upscale interior. Others, like the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT and 2013 Mazda 3 lack the VW's fit and finish, yet are praise-worthy cars nonetheless. Choosing the 2013 Volkswagen Golf will ultimately depend on where power, price, refinement and efficiency rank in your priorities.
Performance & mpg
The 2013 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 includes a hill-holder feature, while a six-speed automatic is optional. With the automatic, the Golf 2.5L achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. Sticking with the manual improves that to 23/33/26. But either way, that's worse fuel economy than the Golf's primary (though admittedly less powerful) competitors.
To get better fuel economy, we recommend the Golf TDI. It has a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel inline-4 that puts out a modest 140 hp complemented by a robust 236 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automated manual (DSG) is optional. In Edmunds performance testing, a Golf TDI with a manual went from zero to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds -- a quick time for this segment. EPA-estimated fuel economy for either transmission is 30/42/34 mpg, though you are likely to do better in the real world.
Safety
Standard safety features for the 2013 Volkswagen Golf include traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, a Golf TDI came to a stop from 60 mph in 121 feet -- a good distance for this segment.
In crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Golf received the highest score of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests.
Driving
The 2013 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 strong power throughout the rev range, but it sounds unrefined and we're betting most buyers would sacrifice some of that muscle for better fuel economy. Opting for the turbodiesel will achieve that, along with an abundance of low-end torque. The downsides are a higher price, but in general, the Golf TDI is the more appealing model.
Interior
Simply replacing the VW logo on the Golf's steering wheel with four rings just might be enough to convince you that you're in an Audi, and 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 above all others. The Golf's cabin is actually much nicer than that of the recently redesigned VW Jetta sedan.
We're big fans of the standard touchscreen audio interface, which in particular does a nice job of controlling an iPod/iPhone in particular. The optional navigation system is easy to program, but its map size and displayed street names are noticeably hobbled by the small display screen.
Whether you choose the two- or four-door, the Golf's 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 of stuff -- which is about average for other hatchbacks. Dropping the split-folding rear seats bumps that figure up to 46 cubes.
2013 Volkswagen Golf models
The 2013 Volkswagen Golf is a five-passenger hatchback available in two- and four-door body styles. Each is broken into 2.5L and TDI trim levels, which correspond to engine choice. The high-performance GTI and Golf R are discussed in separate reviews.
Standard equipment on the base 2.5L Golf includes 15-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, heated mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, front seat adjustable lumbar, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable front center armrest, a trip computer, a cooled glovebox and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The Convenience package adds heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and Bluetooth phone connectivity. The Convenience & Sunroof package adds those aforementioned items plus a sunroof, a multifunction steering wheel, a six-CD changer, satellite radio, an iPod/USB audio interface and a touchscreen audio interface.
The Golf TDI includes all of the above equipment as standard, minus the sunroof. Also included are 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a lower ride height, foglights, heated windshield washer nozzles and ambient lighting. The Sunroof & Navigation package adds the sunroof and a navigation system, but subtracts the compass and auxiliary audio jack. The Tech package includes the Sunroof & Navigation items, plus adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, keyless ignition/entry and a premium Dynaudio sound system.

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Compare 2013 Volkswagen Golf trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings 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
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volkswagen Golf from 2008-2022.$459/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.1x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).10.1%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Volkswagen Golf Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(77%)
4(19%)
3(1%)
2(3%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
happy so far
4.75 out of 5 starswillie3051, 03/02/2012
2012 Volkswagen Golf 2.5L 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
This is my first VW and the 2012 Golf is impressive.
The car is very comfortable and handles well.
On it's first long trip, I averaged 33 mpg of mostly highway miles.
I love this car
4.88 out of 5 starsfxgolf, 09/26/2011
2012 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TDI 2dr Hatchback w/Tech Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
I have owned and driven almost everything that moves.
I am a car guy I love them all. My last VW was a 2004 1.8t GTI and i loved that one alot but this new Golf TDi is an absolute blast to drive, throw it into a corner and it just sticks very well for a stock car.
the power of the lil Diesel is very nice pulls super hard in 1st and 2nd, nice even power throughout the entire shifting … pattern.
the looks of the MKVI are really agressive and i love my Tornado Red Golf's color a real classic VW color used for many years now.
If you love having fun behind the wheel this is a great car to play in.
3K mi in - 2 months
4.63 out of 5 starsj33ie, 11/30/2012
2013 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TDI 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
I did my homework to get my wife an economical car that would be an upgrade to her horrid corolla. Went with the TDI due to its track history. Fuel economy is better than EPA estimates. Driving it is smooth, fun and flawless. My wife loves to push its acceleration abilities. Handles brilliantly. Brakes are solid. The displays are great and intuitive. Bluetooth audio is pretty sweet as … well -they don't advertise that feature. I like driving it more than my Saab 9-3 2.0T except for the fact that it is red. This car beats many Audi's in price and comfort (same maker, I know).
Overall, the best car I have owned and one of the few I would buy new due to its high resale value.
Above average car
4 out of 5 starsna121w, 01/21/2012
2012 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TDI 4dr Hatchback w/Tech Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
I have had this car for about 6 months so far having put 5000 miles on it. I saw many reviews on here that reflected the car returned an average MPG rating of over 44 mpg. My average since i have owned the car is 35mpg. While not as high as other have claimed it is still very good and higher than the 34mpg EPA estimate. Car is fun to drive for a fwd economy car. Only issue I have … encountered with the car is the steering. Ever since i had the car the steering wheel needs to be turned slightly left to drive straight. The dealer said it was due to a crown in the road; however, it still requires the wheel to be turned to the left even on flat roads without crowns.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Volkswagen Golf, so we've included reviews for other years of the Golf since its last redesign.
2013 Golf Highlights
Hatchback
2.5L PZEV
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,095 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $138/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Golf include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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