This is the best car I have ever owned in my life. It isn't a value vehicle, meaning I didn't pay bottom dollar for it. But it isn't nearly as expensive as other popular vehicles on the market. I bought the five-speed manual transmission and love how it drives. It hugs turns and can make quick movements when I need it to, during those crazy rush hour commutes. I live in an urban east coast area and can fit it into most small parking spaces and tiny streets. Upkeep on the car isn't ridiculously expensive, and replacement parts aren't too expensive either. If properly maintained and fluids changed on a regular schedule, this car will last a very long time. I am at 120,000 miles, and it shows no signs of slowing down. I haven't had many expensive replacements occur over the course of owning this vehicle. Standard things like tires, a few fuses, and headlight switch outs. The car still sounds solid during driving and at an idle. The pep has not left the vehicle, and it doesn't feel tired, like other vehicles I've had in the past. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a solid car.

The VW Golf is a fantastic little car. It has plenty of power, even for the base model, and feels remarkably solid in comparison to other cars in its price bracket. The experience of purchasing from VW is also quite good, as they take care of a great many of the maintenance tasks without charging any additional fees for the first few years of ownership.