Over priced
The head gasket blew. Very expensive.
Suspension went.
Power steering squeeked.
Didn't like going from 1st to 2nd gear when engine was cold.
Handled like a tank (and I've been in a tank simulator so I should know).
Expensive to run.
Solidly built.
Good interior for car of its age.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 3rd July, 2005
Overall, it's been a good car to own and I would recommend it
None really. But I have'nt had it that long.
A good car, usual VW build quality.
Interior is very nice, bucket style seats, good layout.
1.8 8v engine is smooth and quiet, but not enough go. But that's only me. Most would be happy.
Handling seems a bit nervous. It has got power steering, but when you push it hard, it dips and weaves. Nasty. In general, OK.
Time to sell, sad to see it go, but I have other priorities.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st January, 2004
A good looking and stylish, fast bargain
At 24000 miles, the exhaust dropped off while I was driving down the M25.
Excellent performance and economy; 28MPG urban, 33MPG extra urban.
Automatic gearbox is excellent, as well as the 1.8 litre engine is very punchy; 0-60 in 8.6 seconds, top speed 129 mph.
The handling is excellent. I could take a roundabout at 30 MPH, and think nothing of it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th January, 2004
VW - I want my money back!
Jerky throttle response.
Knackered suspension.
Rust.
Wheel cylinders failed.
Our 8th VW/Audi product with service history and it stands out from the rest as a total turkey. Appalling brakes and ride. Noisy, so-so economy (suspect the injectors need replacing, but the rest of the car is so disapointing I don't want to spend the money) Flat un-supportive seats, equipment level is nil. In comparison to our Passat the later Golf design is a total joke. Wind noise is dreadful whereas the Passat has none. The Passat ride is a bit harsh, but the Golf rear end bottoms out even with new gas shocks!!
Rust on a 8 year old VW is simply unbelievable. The Passat is 13 and rust free.
2 redeeming features:
Variable intermittent wipe for front screen.
You can change the colour of the radio illumination!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st October, 2002
Buy one, you will not regret it
No problems.
A pleasure to own, very reliable and good performance. Servicing cost are the only expense in three years except petrol. Buy one!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th October, 2002
A dream of a first car, still slow though!
The handbrake sticks when it is left on the drive for too long!
I find the Mk3 Golf 1.4 very sluggish, strange as this is my first car and I haven't passed my test yet.
The interior is awful in the 'Match' edition. Looks like it was taken out of a retirement home!
Very responsive steering, always feel in control of the vehicle which good!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th September, 2002
3/98 Replace drive lock barrel.
97 Loudspeakers disconnected.
Loads of room.
Very economical.
Torquey.
Limited features.
Feels rock solid.
Handles v. well for an estate.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th November, 1998
Clutch cable went at 27k (apparently common, great). Nothing else major.
Fine car. Good and solid but VASTLY underpowered at somewhere between 60-65bhp. Holds it's value well.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th August, 1998
I've had my Golf since January 2001, not a long time admitedly, but I don't find it to be vastly under powered at all. It's a '96 Golf 1.4 SE, 29500 miles on the clock, 3500 of which have been driven by myself. The car has given no hassle so far, not even a hint. Everything is solidly put together, and although it isn't a fast car it is certainly more than adequate at keeping up with traffic, in fact I find myself overtaking all but the idiots in life (100mph drivers) on the motorway. Fifth gear is not quite geared correctly in my opinion since the engine is at about 3500 RPM at 70mph which makes overtaking easy, no need for gear changes, but slightly noisy motor-way driving, good job I don't do too much of it.
I've read a lot of articles and comments on how sluggish and slow the 1.4 Golf is, but I find it nippy, agile and more than up to job. And, touch wood, hassle free so far.
17th Jan 2004, 19:38
Are you sure it's a 1.8 golf MK III, I don't even think the GTI has a 0 to 60 time that fast, anyways I think it's a good car I own a golf gl.