Name: 2012 Volkswagen Golf
Brand: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2012 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2012 Volkswagen Golf

$5,975 - $11,725

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Cruze

$4,775 - $5,200

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Sonic

$4,125 - $5,000

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Volt

$4,900

EPA MPG 37 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Dodge Caliber

$4,050 - $5,000

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford Fiesta

$3,500 - $4,525

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Civic

$5,350 - $8,400

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 44 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Fit

$6,775 - $7,675

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Insight

$5,400 - $6,575

EPA MPG 41 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Hyundai Accent

$4,775 - $5,325

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Hyundai Elantra

$4,800 - $5,525

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Kia Forte

$4,775 - $5,550

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Kia Rio

$4,925 - $5,375

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Kia Soul

$4,975 - $5,750

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mazda 2

$5,400 - $5,500

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mazda 3

$4,625 - $7,275

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

$3,650 - $18,875

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Nissan Cube

$4,925 - $5,425

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Nissan Sentra

$4,525 - $5,575

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Nissan Versa

$4,050 - $5,225

EPA MPG 33 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Scion xB

$6,800 - $7,225

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Scion xD

$6,725 - $6,925

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Subaru Impreza

$5,350 - $14,500

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Suzuki SX4

$4,000 - $5,350

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Corolla

$7,650 - $8,100

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Matrix

$7,300 - $7,900

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Prius

$8,375 - $9,375

EPA MPG 48 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Prius C

$7,700

EPA MPG 50 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Prius V

$8,450

EPA MPG 42 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Yaris

$6,050 - $7,250

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volkswagen Jetta

$4,875 - $6,175

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Features & Specs

2-door hatchback

4-door hatchback

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

2-liter 4 turbodiesel (140 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (256 hp)
2.5-liter 5 (170 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed sequential
5-speed manual
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2022-

Current Generation

The 2022 redesigned Volkswagen Golf is available in a single top performance R with a 315-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and all-wheel drive. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional. Volkswagen builds on the long-running tradition of elevating a mild hatchback into a fun-to-drive, yet sophisticated, practical alternative to sports coupes. The Golf R is once again a special model tailored to a Volkswagen enthusiast that craves power, refinement, and exclusivity. The Golf upgrades connectivity and infotainment to the latest from Volkswagen. The interior comes with a large 10-inch infotainment screen. Active safety features such as FCW, AEB, BSW, LKA, RCTW, and ACC are standard.

2015-2021

2015 Redesign Year

Redesigned for the 2015 model year, the coarse and antiquated five-cylinder powering the previous Golf is replaced by a smoother, more refined 170-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo, which delivers 28 mpg overall. Soft-touch materials, quality components and comfortably supportive seats upgrade the passenger experience considerably. A wagon and a high-performance AWD Golf R were also added to the lineup. While choosing between models is largely a budget decision, we do recommend finding a car with the optional lighting package as the HID headlights perform much better than the standard halogens. You'll need to get at least an S w/Sunroof for this package. Note: Volkswagen suspended sales of 2016 TDI diesel versions of the Beetle, Golf, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, and Passat; as well as the Audi A3, due to the EPA notification of emissions violations. USB ports were finally added for 2016 as well as available keyless access and push-button start. The Alltrack, an AWD wagon with a raised ride height, was new for 2017. A 1.4-liter engine became standard in 2019, as did forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning.

2010-2014

2010 Redesign Year

After a brief stint during which it was once again known as the Rabbit, the Golf returned with an impressive 2010 redesign. We got 38 mpg overall from the diesel. (But it may not meet emissions regulations. Be cautious when purchasing a used TDI). Interior quality improved and the car had responsive handling, supportive front seats, and a good ride. Stability control, traction control, antilock brakes and brake assist are standard.

1999-2006

1999 Redesign Year

The Golf was redesigned for 1999, and became quieter and more comfortable, with a higher-quality interior. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine was introduced a year later. A fuel-sipping turbodiesel four cylinder is also available. The R32, a V6-powered AWD model, arrived for 2004.

Volkswagen Golf

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2012 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings