EDMUNDS.COM 2004 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
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| Editors'' Review |
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Though pricier than the average economy car, the Golf offers far more amenities, and in TDI form, it''s both frugal and fun. Put it on your test-drive list.
Pros
Long list of standard features, high-quality cabin materials, utility of hatchback design, fuel-efficient TDI engine, fun to drive.
Cons
More expensive than its peers, mediocre performance of base four-cylinder, some controls difficult to use.
What''s New for 2004
Like the Jetta and New Beetle, the Golf gets a revised and more powerful version of the 1.9-liter TDI engine. A Monsoon stereo is now standard on the GLS model and all Golfs get a new fuel cap warning light and seatbelt reminder.
Overview
Introduction:
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 Golf does battle against a range of compacts, many of them with less impressive credentials. Just what''s so likable about this 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. You also get the pride of owning "the original hatchback" rather than the latest newcomer.The trade-off for the Golf''s many attributes is higher pricing compared with peers like the Ford Focus and Honda Civic. Also to be considered is the VW''s 115-horsepower base four-cylinder engine -- these days, most manufacturers are providing a bit more power. Still, you can equip any Golf with a diesel four-cylinder (called the TDI, which stands for turbocharged direct injection), which has been revised this year to deliver even more power than before and up to 50 mpg on the highway. While the engine lineup isn''t as exciting as the Jetta''s or the GTI''s, we think a TDI-equipped Golf would be a satisfying choice for people (with some flexibility in their budgets) who want a fuel-efficient economy car that doesn''t feel like a discount buy.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Volkswagen offers the Golf two-door in GL trim, while the four-door hatchback is available in GL and GLS trim. Standard GL features include air conditioning, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, side airbags, head curtain airbags, headrests in all five seating positions, a telescoping steering wheel, driver-seat height adjustment, a CD player, cruise control, keyless entry with alarm system and power windows, locks and mirrors. GLS trim adds a sunroof, alloy wheels, velour upholstery (rather than cloth), a premium Monsoon sound system and a front center armrest with storage. Options include stability control (ESP) with BrakeAssist and heated seats and washer jets.
Powertrains and Performance:
All Golf buyers have two engine choices -- either a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that makes 115 horsepower, or a 1.9-liter diesel four-cylinder (TDI) that''s rated for 100 hp and an impressive 177 pound-feet of torque. Both engines provide adequate power for easy around-town acceleration and are available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Golfs equipped with the 2.0-liter four can feel sluggish at highway speeds, and fuel economy is far below that of Civics and Corollas (23 mpg city/29 highway with the automatic, 24/31 with the manual). In contrast, the TDI is a serious fuel miser (34/45 auto, 42/49 manual) and has plenty of 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. VW''s hatchback earned a perfect five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in the NHTSA''s frontal impact crash tests. It wasn''t tested for side impacts, though given its full complement of airbags and its Jetta platform mate''s four-star ratings, it probably would have done well. The IIHS gave it an "Acceptable" rating (the second highest of four) in frontal offset crash testing.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Every Golf''s interior 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; and compared to the Jetta, legroom is surprisingly adequate. Getting in back is easy in two-door models, thanks to a front passenger seat that flips forward. 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.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
For the most part, the Golf provides a pleasant balance between highway comfort and responsive handling. More demanding drivers may find the ride a bit floaty with much body roll when cornering -- if that''s you, take a spin in the GTI, the performance version of the Golf.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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