Volkswagen Golf
When Volkswagen replaced the iconic Beetle in the 1970s, nobody would have guessed its successor would become even more popular. But the Golf, now in its eighth generation, has done just that. The hatchback is a benchmark in the compact segment, known for its near-perfect blend of performance, efficiency, and utility. Under the hood, it offers a range of four-cylinder engines, including punchy turbocharged and fuel-sipping diesel units, while its five-passenger cabin boasts a surprisingly upscale look and feel. The Golf also delivers engaging driving dynamics, with responsive steering and a buttoned-up suspension that handles both city and highway driving with ease. However, the Volkswagen Golf does have some drawbacks, including less sophisticated tech and safety features than some rivals. Additionally, it tends to cost a bit more than other models in its class. Buyers should also note that VW discontinued the base Golf in the U.S. after the 2021 model year; however, the sporty Golf GTI and high-performance Golf R variants continue to be sold.
When Volkswagen replaced the iconic Beetle in the 1970s, nobody would have guessed its successor would become even more popular. But the Golf, now in its eighth generation, has done just that. The hatchback is a benchmark in the compact segment, known for its near-perfect blend of performance, efficiency, and utility. Under the hood, it offers a range of four-cylinder engines, including punchy turbocharged and fuel-sipping diesel units, while its five-passenger cabin boasts a surprisingly upscale look and feel. The Golf also delivers engaging driving dynamics, with responsive steering and a buttoned-up suspension that handles both city and highway driving with ease. However, the Volkswagen Golf does have some drawbacks, including less sophisticated tech and safety features than some rivals. Additionally, it tends to cost a bit more than other models in its class. Buyers should also note that VW discontinued the base Golf in the U.S. after the 2021 model year; however, the sporty Golf GTI and high-performance Golf R variants continue to be sold.
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Volkswagen Golf Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2015
4.1
131 verified owner reviews
Top 2015 Reviews
Jean M. from ME
Verified Owner · Oct, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr Hatchback (2.0L TDI)
The drivers' seat has to be too close to the steering wheel for comfort if you are 5'4" tall like I am. You could move those pedals closer and allow a taller person to move seat back. The breaks are beginning to make some noise again. The emissions issue is a heartbreaker for me. I do not trust the company. I have lost thousands in resale value.
David J. from CA
Verified Owner · Oct, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 1.8L TSI
Overall MPG is slightly disappointing. City is definitely lacking while highway cruising is above estimated but overall is still lower than combined estimated even with 80%+ highway driving.
Daniel L. from CA
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI 4 dr
The infotainment system feels slow for what should expect as technology in a 2015 vehicle. It switches modes slowly especially in navigation. It would of been nice to have a dedicated app for Pandora. Also sending navigation from phone to car is a must. Once people use that they will realize how useful it. The car is not efficient in searching like using google or Yelp so we use the phone to get an address but then it would be nice to send the address to the car's navigation system. Hopefully the next system is much better.
Ben R. from NJ
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 1.8L TSI
Returning to VW after many years and delighted with the advancement since my earlier experience.
Jack H. from AZ
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 2.0L TDI
Very hard to get in without hitting your head. Door is too short. Have to bend down a long way to get in. While the car holds the road like a sports car it is really too low for me overall. Would love to see AWD and a higher stance. Overall quality is excellent. Now with the problems the manufacturer faces I hope the overall quality does not suffer in the future. Voice system needs to take lessons from Google. System is way too slow and cumbersome. Any smartphone is lightyears ahead of this. Maybe you should use the voice system from my phone to control your in-car system.
Larry C. from CA
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 1.8L TSI
I mostly use this car to transport my 3 dogs, the Golf Sportwagen is an excellent choice for this purpose perhaps even better than Subaru for example who deliberately market to dog owners.
Mike J. from CA
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 2.0L TDI
I'm pretty furious about the diesel emissions scandal and wish I didn't own the car.
Ethan S. from FL
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI 4 dr
Gas mileage is worse than it should be.
Patrick J. from NH
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI 4 dr
The 2015 VW GTI is an amazing performance vehicle. It routinely delivered 36 MPG on the highway, while at the same time providing the sportiness I enjoy on back roads. The version I purchased was the Autobahn Edition with the Sport Package, Dynamic Chassis Control, and the Lighting Package. The Sport Package with the front electro-mechanical differential turns the car into a go kart. It's a must have for what little premium it ads. The Dynamic Chassis Control in "Comfort" notably softens the ride for bad roads. The Lighting Package is just pretty cool for tech junkies. In the end I sold the car after 3 months and bought a Mazda 3. The seats on the GTI were so confining in the upper back that with my hour long commute each way by the end of a week my back was literally in agony. I tried different pads and nothing seemed to work. My previous two GTIs were so comfortable I joked about using them as living room furniture if I could. I contacted VW USA and was told that since there were not enough complaints to warrant a recall, my pain, while unfortunate, was not something they felt obligated to address. That GTI was my fourth VW in 6 years. I sold the car two weeks later.
Robert K. from CT
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI 4 dr
Love the brand, love the car, have ordered 2016 VW R All wheel drive, standard transmission, more power, better handling.