Used 2020 Volkswagen Golf Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Golf, so we've included reviews for other years of the Golf since its last redesign.
Upscale hatchback
David, 07/26/2018
updated 12/06/2022
2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
26 of 26 people found this review helpful
I had a Mazda Miata previously, so the VW Golf is definitely a big step up in terms of stability and comfort. I am a person who actually likes to drive and am a moderate driver. Having driven and researched the Japanese hatchbacks and smaller cars, the Golf is absolutely a much better driver's car. The others drive like school buses. The SE has a few bells and whistles I wasn't too worried about, so I bought the S model. Driving the S with the 5 speed manual is not a lot different than the 2010 GTI I owned (not as fast of course). The 2018 Golf gives one a feeling of solidity and control that other cars lack. It is quiet, comfortable and refined, gets great mileage and handles very well. Electronics are very nice. I think the Germans have done good work improving the Golf over the years. I only have 3000 miles on this car, so this is an initial assessment. I can't comment on reliability, but I hope for the best and am careful with the car, researching the owner's manual and following it explicitly. I am very happy with my Golf and am looking forward to taking it on a longer trip to see how it performs. Update at 12,000 miles: smooth as silk. No squeaks, rattles or problems. A car one enjoys driving. 19500 miles. No problems. Highway mileage usually about 39-42 mpg. I appreciate the ease of using GPS and CarPlay. Great car. I follow maintenance schedule closely, use Top Tier fuel, etc. 26000 miles: Zero problems. Quick and stable car that’s still a pleasure to own. 40,000 miles: I am following the maintenance requirements carefully. Zero problems! No rattles, drives great. At 75 mph getting a consistent 41-42 mpg on cruise. Hope to keep this Golf a long time. 59000 miles. Drives great. Zero problems. Just traveled 1400 miles on a road trip driving 70-75 mph and got just over 40 mph. Still big on strict maintenance, using Top Tier gas and changing oil each 5000 miles. I really enjoy the car. UPDATE: Reliable, stingy on gas, drives very well, comfortable. This is my second Edmunds review on this Golf, but I have 75000 miles now with nary a problem. The front bumper has had some pebble and rock damage, and since I am keeping this car forever I am having it repainted to look like new. Every review I have read is that the 2018 VW TSI Golf is the best year to buy. I intend to keep this thing for a long time.
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PHENOMENAL PERFORMER
DannyMac, 07/02/2020
2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I’ve had the car one week. Contrary to this review, the brakes are very smooth; they do not grab. I find, with the 6-speed manual, acceleration is not leisurely, as the review notes. The turbo kicks in quickly; acceleration is robust. I let out the clutch smoothly as I accelerate; I time the full release of the clutch to match the power band of the turbo. It takes right off. The gearbox gives precise shifts, up or down. Steering is crisp, sharp and smooth. I’ve found, fairly readily, a great driving position. Given the tall roof, my head easily clears the sunroof. I’m pleased with the back-up camera’s assist with rearward visibility while blind spot monitoring is a welcome supplement. One note: Blind Spot Monitoring is not turned on by default; I realized I did not see the indicators switch-on when a car passed by; the check-box setting was easily found using the right-side steering wheel settings under Vehicle Systems. VW provides a door lock/unlock switch on BOTH front doors. All four windows are one touch up & down. There were no flaws in either the upholstery or the dashboard; FIT & FINISH are superb. I haven’t been this pleased and happy about a new car in a long time. (I’ve driven a lot of cars in my 50 year driving experience.) I drove a 2011 Honda Fit with a 5-speed manual for 9 years. It was a superb handling car and very reliable even at 95,000 miles. I bought the GOLF to forestall the declining availability of manual transmission “regular” cars. The GOLF is, by far, a more luxurious vehicle. Current generation FITS lack the handling prowess of the 2009->2013 generation. Plus, the VW is a safer automobile. My generation FIT scored a POOR in the Small Offset Crash Test; Honda has not submitted the current generation FIT to IIHS for that test. It makes me suspicious that the current generation FIT would perform as mine did; i.e. Poorly.
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2020 Volkswagen Golf for sale near you
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- TSI 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $18,898109 mi away
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SUCH A GREAT VEHICLE
DannyMac, 07/07/2020
2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Very smooth-shifting 6-speed Manual Transmission. Excellent attention to detail inside & outside. There was talk in the reviews that performance sags a bit, until the Turbo kicks in. I find that I can control that with the clutch. I accelerate as I gradually let out the clutch to match the power curve. I do find that I must downshift to 2nd gear when turning into a residential street that requires a 25 MPH turn. Being a MT, there is no automatic engine shutoff at a stop. It’s a very comfortable driver’s seat with the multiple adjustment modes. I’m very pleased with the car. The infotainment system with integrated back-up screen is quite easy to use. It’s a very luxurious car.
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Best car I’ve ever had
Kristina Lamson, 04/18/2019
2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
This car is awesome!!! It is so beautiful inside and out with great features like Bluetooth and touchscreen and Apple play along with navigation it is just so very cool and such a smooth ride!
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What a GREAT car!!
Taylor Family, 12/05/2019
2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.4T S 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
Tremendous handling, quick, responsive and GREAT on gas!! Plenty of leg room front and back. Seats 4 adults comfortably!
Excellent car! Highly recommend!
Steven Evans, 04/07/2020
updated 10/07/2020
2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2018 VW Golf SE March of 2019 with 220 miles on it. I was leasing a base model 2017 VW Jetta S that I loved but traded so I could have more of the tech and luxury features offered nowadays like Apple CarPlay, leatherette seats, sunroof and rain sensing wipers. The only thing I’ve had a problem with was the sunroof interior cloth shade. It was replaced under warranty because it kept creeping open. Other than that, this is an excellent car! I can’t tell you how many times the forward collision mitigation system has saved me from an accident I couldn’t avoid. Sure it’s German and expensive to service down the road but you won’t find anything else for the price that’s even close to the quality materials inside and peppy turbo charged engine. No cheap hard plastics here, all upscale soft touch materials. Speaking of price I got $6000 off the MSRP on this one brand new! Gas mileage is alright, I get about 21-22 MPG in town because I drive the hell out of this car and have a lead foot. Freeway I get about 26-27 MPG. I now have almost 12k miles and it still drives just like the day I got it. I would definitely recommend this over a Civic, Corolla or Elantra any day. It probably won’t last is long as those other three but cars aren’t investments anymore. All cars are disposable. I buy a new car every 3-4 years to stay current and to avoid major repair costs with age and high miles. I’ll probably keep this one a little longer just because I enjoy it so much! Buy a Volkswagen and you’ll be hooked! This is my 3rd VW and I am a very happy customer! UPDATE 10/7/20: 16k miles and no problems. The sunroof shade still creeps open but not at much as before so I’ve overlooked it. I’ve started commuting recently and spending more time driving and I’m thankful I bought this car. LOVE IT!
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Engine issues 2019 Golf Highline
SJ, 05/27/2021
2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.4T S 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Automatic. I bought new 2020 in my first month I brought it in bc of a hesitation while shifting gears, they tested it and told me that’s how they drive. A year later into ownership and an error came up for start stop system as well as engine light. They told me I needed to buy only top tier gas and that could be why it’s causing this as all other tests played out normal. They put a fuel additive in and when I came to pickup the vehicle I started and lights were back on. I was told now they would get to the bottom of it. Since that time i picked up my vehicle twice. Both times lights came back on. It was in the shop for about a month or so as each “fix” they tried did not fix the issue at hand. A few things came up while it was in that were not related. My coolant pipe had a leak, and a vacuum to my brake system needed to be replaced. Cylinders were moved around, new wiring was installed. Then they found my exhaust valve was not closing causing a cylinder to receive 30% less compression which is why it was driving slower. There was more to it than that but since then my lights have not come back on. But it still doesn’t drive smoothly and the hesitation is still there. Considered going with Camvap but bc lights are not on I’m worried it won’t help me. VW Canada has done nothing. With many attempts to talk about options. The dealership is offered me $400 credit for services for my experience. That doesn’t give peace of mind. So they came back with trade in assist or extended warranty. Knowing I can’t bring my car back in and go with Camvap (it’s one or the other) they are not telling me what is included for those two options unless I bring my car back. This is my 6th car. I’m 29. I bought new for the first time for peace of mind and this is what’s happening in my first year of ownership. I don’t know what to do and would appreciate any advice.
Fun, zippy car!
Chris, 05/16/2018
2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
16 of 20 people found this review helpful
This car is fun, fast and does a great job for your every day commuter. It’s comfortable, great sound system and quiet. If you and your other half or friend wanted to go on a road trip, no doubt you wouldn’t have a great time. The furthest I’ve gone so far non stop is about 100 miles and I was averaging 37-39 mpg
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Golf actually is fun!
Richee, 11/20/2020
updated 05/01/2023
2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.4T SE 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Never golfed, seems boring, BUT I’m digging my 2019 Golf SE with 6-speed Manuel. Smooth ride, plenty of upscale options, had to go out of state to find, on the 250 mile trip home on toll/interstate highways, I averaged 39.3 mpg & that’s going 70-80 most of the time. This car is engaging, plus I got to keep all those nice things, leather, heated seats, sunroof, Apple play, it’s white out, black inside. Perfect so far! UPDATE: A practical, economical, yet sporty fun ride. Highly recommend. After owning almost 3 yrs. the only issue was a drivers side window malfunction, warranty fixed. Great car!
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Great value for the price, great performance
Kiradad, 09/26/2020
2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Excellent value, gas mileage while being a blast to drive. Infotainment works very well.
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Lemon
Mike Soroka, 02/07/2021
2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.4T S 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
right from the start faulty fuel system sensor i believe. Car towed to them after 1 week of service. Since then periodic problems with the car hesitating and surging making it almost impossible to drive. Then suddenly back to normal for a week or so and then problems again. Also random electriaal issues like the seatbelt warning chime going off randomly or the windshield wipers starting up with no moisture. I have no confidence in this car.
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Amazing
Tia, 10/30/2019
2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.4T S 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
7 of 11 people found this review helpful
I love this car so much, compact but enough space for a single person.
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The best VW Golf Hatchback!
Madhu Aryal, 05/08/2023
2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
With its 1.8T engine, this model is still considered the best and most reliable Volkswagen Golf Hatchback, ever. I maintain it regularly and is run 15K since 2018 May, its flawless, quiet, smartly spacious and gracious driving. This is my second Golf after the same from 2015 model. My family drives BMW, Honda HR-V and Ford Escape but everyone wants to drive mine and they love its smoothness. I will add more review after I drive 20k as and when that happens.
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Love my Golf
Scott, 06/25/2023
2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.4T S 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great value, quality, precise steering, excellent mileage, has all the safety features one could want, drives fantastic and a lot of fun, as well as a car twice the price
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A Golfer's Golf
Terry, 12/11/2021
updated 07/31/2023
2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Excellent car. Great gas mileage getting 42 mpg on the highway. Engine and transmission are excellent. When driving, it feels like a much bigger engine. Had the car one year - no problems at all. The car is dependable, reliable and solid. UPDATE: Excellent car. It is fast, smooth shifting and quiet.
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I liked my 2015 so much I got a 2017 AND a 2018
Ian Forsyth, 03/04/2020
2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
So, I’ve had a bit of experience with Volkswagens, my first car was a red ‘65 Beetle Convertible, followed by a ‘67 Beetle, a ‘75 Le Grande Bug (awesome car), a ‘64 Beetle, a ‘74 Superbeetle, in 2010 I bought a Tiguan which I liked a lot, then in 2015 traded Tiggy for a Mark 7 Golf Comfortline (mid-trim level one Canada) I loved that car, and drove it trouble free for almost 2 years when a dump truck backed into it while parked, totalling it. I was able to replace it with black, top-of-the-line Highline trim 2017 Golf, which was awesome. The Fender sound system was killer, the ambient lighting awesome, and it was just so much fun driving a deluxe “all the bells and whistles” car. For six months. Then an errant but unprovable left turn arrow allowed me to confidently turn left and T-bone a mini-van. Another total. BUT, all you Golf owners can rest assured that this is one tough little car. It did exactly what it was supposed to do. Before I knew what had happened the driver’s airbag was already deflating, and I walked away without so much as a scratch on me, or any soft tissue injuries to speak of. Replaced that car with another Golf, a 2018 Comfortline, down a trim level, but with the Driver’s assist package, so all the latest technology plus the 8” infotainment. I’m up to 27,000km on this car, not a single issue, accelerates like no car I’ve ever owned, the 6speed autobox is smooth as silk, although performs much better in sport mode. Taken it on a couple of road trips and can attest to the seat comfort and highway performance. My only complaint, and I’m going to ask about this when I take it in for its oil change and inspection next week, is the huge difference between highway mileage and city driving. Even driving like a 100 year old nun I can’t seem to get better than 16mpg, and about 2-300 km on a tank of gas. On the highway, no matter how I drive, it’s in the 40mpg range and I went almost 500km on a tank of gas. I think the turbo really makes the engine work too hard in stop and go driving. But all in all, this is probably the best car I’ve ever owned.
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White lightning
Richard, 06/28/2020
2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.4T SE 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have a white se with a six speed manual. It’s a pocket rocket. I find myself doing 80 on the interstate without realizing it and it’s ready to go at the green light. I’m 6’2 and this car has amazing leg and head room. I have no idea what gas mileage I’m getting I just no it is on par with my last car, Corolla. I do find the voice recognition for the infotainment system frustrating. The b pillar is to wide. The interior is perfect except for the center arm rest. All in all I love this car.
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So Disappointed
Eric U, 12/04/2019
2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new and I love how it looks and drives....when it’s not in the shop. It’s been in the shop 8 times in the 11 months that I’ve owned it. Left me stranded twice and that’s not something I would expect from a new car. Didn’t think I’d find myself in the car market again after only 11 months but I am.
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2018 VW Golf SE
Roberto, 04/21/2018
2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
7 of 14 people found this review helpful
5 years ago, I test drove a Golf TDI 5M. Ended up purchasing a Jetta SW 6A the year after. 4 years later I now own a Golf TSI 5M and it’s as fun to drive as the one I test drove 5 years ago. It also is roomier than 5 years ago.
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Love it- Hate it
Russ G, 04/21/2021
2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.4T S 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
2019 Golf S 1.4l turbo, 6-psd manual, presently 26,000 miles. I have made no modifications to this car I use this as a commuter, 160 miles every 3rd day, highway @ 65-70mph. Fuel mileage, calculated not dash readings is consistently 39- 42 mpg. Has been back to dealer 5x for emissions issues. They have replaced the same O2 sensor 2x, charcoal canister 2x, n90 valve and the most recent (5/20/21) reset the engine management system per a VW tech bulletin and a belt tensioner pulley. I have my fingers crossed but not holding my breath. I really like having the convenience of a hatchback and a manual transmission but the every 3-5000 mile check engine light popping on is pushed my faith in this car. I am considering trading it for a non-VW product but I still have the balance of the 6 yr./ 72,000 mile warranty. The repairs always are a 1-2 day wait on parts. This last visit included replacing a squeaking belt tensioner pulley that delayed finishing the repairs an extra day. I bought this car new with hopes it would carry me through until I retire (2 more years) but am having reservations.
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Very impressed
Matt, 09/29/2022
2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.4T SE 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Two years into ownership and 45,000 miles I’m happy with the car. My previous car was a BMW 3 series but i wanted something more economical so I I traded it in for a Golf Highline and it’s a worthy replacement. I road trip it a lot. Gets really good gas mileage, even if I switched out the factory 16 inch wheels with bigger 17 inch Passat wheels with all weather tires. It’s no sports car but power is adequate. Interior quality is ok, I think the mk6 Golf had a better interior quality but the one in this car isn’t so bad. Seats are comfy, some hard plastics here and there but it never rattles or squeaks. It has been a very dependable car so far, the only quality issue I had was the paint peeling off on the passenger front door edge which was re-painted under warranty. My only complaint about the car is the brakes feel weird and the auto transmission feels indecisive in stop and go traffic but it’s ok in normal driving.
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Gorgeous Golf
Bronzay De La Cruz, 02/11/2022
2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my Golf!! Besides it being super adorable, it handles great on turns, smooth in the road and has great gas mileage.
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Best used car ever
Chris, 10/05/2021
2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car came with a clean carfax at 43k miles and there were no previous issues. Put 5k more on it in 3 months and I cannot speak highly enough. I put 40k miles on my Nissan Sentra is 2 years before, so I drive a lot for work. That car was like driving a rental— every day. This car is a blast with its awesome manual transmission and zippy acceleration. Smooth ride to commute in and around town. CarPlay is an excellent standard feature. This car makes me love driving, there’s no other way to put it.
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vroom vroom
Sweetpea, 02/20/2024
2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.4T SE 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it ticks all the right spots it's handling and braking is on point I have nothing bad to say about it, it's a nice compact car!
Love my 2019 Golf
CT driver, 05/12/2024
2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.4T S 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a 2012 golf prior to purchasing this model the 2019 has many more features including safety features. I love the design I’ve had the car for four years and driven 50,000 miles. I’ve had absolutely no problems with it. I hope to keep the car for a long time to come. It’s fun to drive And I love the design. Also, I’ve taken my mileage several times and it’s always 35 to 40 miles per gallon
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Worth the money
MattnNC, 04/14/2023
2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Amazing car with everything you’d need. Great acceleration and even better gas mileage. Just a great car to drive.
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