Snapshot:
Now the most popular VW of all time, the 2004 Volkswagen Golf combines practicality and economy with driving pleasure. The hatch opens up a large cargo area, a range of engines up to 237 hp opens the road, big-time. New R32 model features all-wheel-drive.How Much?:
Price for a 2004 Volkswagen Golf in the US ranges from $15,580 to $28,000 for the R32.The Inside Story:
Seats four comfortably, five for short trips. The great advantage of a hatchback, of course, is the amount of cargo space available with the rear seat folded, plus the ease of loading and unloading said cargo. The 2004 Volkswagen Golf's interior design speaks of quality and style, with an instrument panel that doesn't require a pilot's license to operate. Choice of 3-door or 5-door models adds to the Golf's versatility.Under the Hood:
Engine: Base 4-cylinder engine produces an adequate 115 hp but the sky's the limit after that, with a 180 Turbo, a 200 hp VR6, a high-torque turbodiesel that gets 50 mpg on the highway and 700 miles between fill-ups. The new R32 performance model puts out 237 hp from its VR6 engine, controlled by all-wheel-drive. Electronic Stability Program optional on all Golfs and worth every penny.Transmissions:
5-speed manual is standard in the 2004 Volkswagen Golf; 6-speeds in the R32. A 4-speed automatic is optional.Warranty:
4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper. 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain.Should You Buy a 2004 Volkswagen Golf?:
North Americans have never fully appreciated the functional advantages of a hatchback but the wise among us will enjoy the 2004 Volkswagen Golf. Inside, it's spacious, outside it's handsome. And in the Golf tradition, this car is fun to drive, with a nice balance of handling, steering feel, brakes. The engine range allows the buyer to tailor his or her Golf for personal tastes, which makes it an ideal economy car or, with the exclusive new R32, a high-performance sedan.
