2011 Volkswagen Golf Review
Price Estimate: $1,412 - $2,205





+32
Oops, we can’t seem to locate you.
Please enter U.S. ZIP code to see vehicles for sale
Volkswagen Golf model years
Volkswagen Golf types
- Hatchback
- Diesel
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent interior materials
- available diesel engine
- versatile hatchback body style
- refined driving dynamics
- stylish look inside and out.
Cons
- Many desirable features unavailable on base model.
What’s new
Outside of a few features being shuffled around, the Volkswagen Golf remains unchanged for 2011.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Volkswagen Golf delivers a rare combination of economy and refinement, standing out among worthy competitors.
For sale nearby
47 listings
- Photos not available
- 140,003 miles
- 1 accident, 4 owners, personal use
- 30 City / 42 Hwy MPG, Manual
- A2Z Auto Sales (224 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
Close
Located in Saint Paul, MN
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
34 Combined MPG (30 City/42 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWMM7AJ6BW297278
Stock: 10189
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-13-2024 - $5,900good price$415 below market
- 155,357 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use
- 24 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- White Bear Subaru (227 mi away)
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Vadnais Heights, MN
Non-Smoker vehicle, In Good Shape. Golf trim, Reflex Silver Metallic exterior and Titan Black interior. CD Player, iPod/MP3 Input, MP3 Player, GOLF CH...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (24 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWDA7AJ0BW013037
Stock: 96939B
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-07-2025
Vehicle overview
Getting more for your money is elusive no matter what you happen to be purchasing. Imagine your Starbucks barista saying, "Thanks for your order. Here's some gold bullion as a token of our gratitude." Or, "Here's your new 2011 Volkswagen Golf; we decided to upgrade you to an Audi free of charge." That latter buying fantasy may not be so far-fetched, however, as the Golf delivers Audi-like refinement, style and versatility without breaking the bank.
Compared to other vehicles in its class, the VW Golf feels positively upscale. Its interior puts others to shame (including VW's own 2011 Jetta) thanks to a sophisticated design, top-notch materials and all-around comfort. Add in optional niceties like a premium Dynaudio stereo and a navigation system and the fairly economical Golf can begin to feel like a near luxury car.
The advantages continue under the hood, with a choice of a punchy 2.5-liter inline-5 engine or a highly fuel-efficient turbodiesel rated at 42 mpg on the highway. The rest of the Golf is up to the task as well, with a solid on-road feel, precise steering and confidence-inspiring handling. Much of the Golf's goodness comes courtesy of a redesign last year.
If you're shopping in this segment, you'll find that the 2011 Mazda 3 offers sharper handling and more cargo capacity, but its interior can't match the Golf in either design or quality. The more affordable 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring is also worthy of consideration given its space, features and sporty leanings, as is the personable 2011 Mini Cooper, though its higher price and lack of space are difficult to ignore. In the end, the 2011 Volkswagen Golf rises to the top by exceeding expectations and delivering that all-so-elusive impression, "more for the money."
Performance & mpg
The base 2011 Volkswagen Golf 2.5L is powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. These Golf models are classified as partial-zero-emissions vehicles (PZEV) when sold in states with California emissions standards. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined for the automatic and 22/30/25 mpg for the manual.
The Golf TDI receives a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that puts out a modest 140 hp but an impressive 236 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual (DSG) is optional. EPA fuel economy estimates come in at an impressive 30/41/34 mpg with the regular manual, while DSG improves highway mileage to 42.
Safety
The 2011 VW Golf's standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are unavailable on two-door models, but are optional on four-door models. In government crash tests, the four-door Golf with the optional rear side airbags received four stars out of five for frontal impact protection and a perfect five stars for side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Golf with its highest score of "Good" in its frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests.
Driving
The 2011 Volkswagen Golf's high level of interior refinement is echoed in its composed, solid feel on the road. At highway speeds, the Golf is significantly quieter than other hatchbacks. Alternately, you can take it out on a curvy road and the well-weighted steering will inspire confidence. The Golf's gasoline engine provides smooth power throughout the rev range. Opting for the turbodiesel will get you an abundance of low-end torque and considerable gains in fuel economy without the traditional diesel clatter from under the hood.
Interior
Simply replacing the VW logo on the Golf's steering wheel with four rings would convince you that you were in an Audi. That's how nice the Golf's interior is. Among other compact hatchbacks, the Volkswagen's blend of top-shelf materials, refined design and quality workmanship place it far above all others. The Golf is actually much nicer than the new 2011 VW Jetta sedan.
Whether you choose the two- or four-door route, the Golf's interior passenger space remains the same. For those who plan on shuttling multiple passengers, the four-door is the obvious choice, offering a surprisingly large backseat that's notably more spacious than that of a Mazda 3. Access to the two-door Golf's rear seats is made relatively painless thanks to front seats that slide easily out of the way. Behind the rear seats, the cargo area can hold up to 12.4 cubic feet -- double the capacity of a Mini Cooper, but about average for other hatchbacks. The split-folding rear seats bump that figure up to 46 cubes.
2011 Volkswagen Golf models
The 2011 Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback offered in either two- or four-door configurations and in one of two trim levels: 2.5L or TDI. The base 2.5L includes 15-inch steel wheels, heated outside mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer, full power accessories, eight-way manually adjustable front seats, split-folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, metallic interior trim and an eight-speaker stereo with a CD/MP3 player.
Besides swapping the gasoline engine for a diesel, the TDI trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels; foglights; a sport suspension; a leather-wrapped steering wheel with multifunction controls; floor mats; a leather-wrapped shift knob and brake lever; split-folding rear seats with a center armrest and pass-through; Bluetooth; and an upgraded sound system with touchscreen controls, an in-dash CD changer, satellite radio and an iPod interface. With either trim level, four-door models gain power-reclining front seats.
Options for both models include a Cold Weather package (heated front seats and washer nozzles) and a sunroof. Bluetooth is further optional on the 2.5L. The TDI models can be equipped with adaptive xenon headlights, a premium Dynaudio sound system, a navigation system and (on four-door models) rear seat airbags.

VW ID Buzz vs. Kia EV9 vs. Volvo EX90: The All-Electric Three-Rows Have Arrived

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan First Drive: VW Nailed It

Edmunds Tested: Electric Car Range and Consumption

2025 Volkswagen Golf R First Drive: Maxed-Out Hot Hatch
Compare 2011 Volkswagen Golf trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$142/mo for Golf 2.5L
Golf 2.5L
vs
$160/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#26 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$459/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
1.1x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
10.1%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal
Volkswagen Golf Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Love it!
4 out of 5 starsoute, 03/22/2011
2011 Volkswagen Golf 2.5L 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
I like everything about this car.
The quality of the interior was the first thing that attracted me to it.
I sat in one at the Cleveland Auto Show and the highly bolstered seats gave me a very welcoming hug.
The trip computer is awesome.
It drives even better.
The 170hp engine has plenty of power and the exhaust sounds really nice.
The manual transmission (I have the 5-speed) is really … smooth.
Better than on a Civic Si or a Kia Soul (other cars I have experience with).
If I drive conservatively I can average 35 mpg on my commute.
Only down-side is that I don't think you can open the trunk unless the key is out of the ignition?
Love the mileage
4.63 out of 5 starsmered, 12/29/2011
2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
Had a problem the first week with a sensor that required a tow to the dealer to have replaced, ("never saw anything like this before") and a recall to replace a minor part a few weeks ago.
Thus the 4 vs 5 for depedability. Otherwise, this has been a wonderful car.
Bought it with gas mileage in mind, and get 38 around town, 48 - 52 on the highway, depending on how far I drive.
I'm a … conservative driver.
When needed, it has plenty of power.
Fits both me (5'10") and my 6'2" husband comfortably.
Only thing I'd do differently is get a 4 door.
So much easier for passengers.
Best Car I have ever owned...
4.88 out of 5 starstzo, 05/08/2011
2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
Summary: I own an '09 M3, but prefer to drive this '11 Golf TDI.
Great exterior style, very comfy seats (I am 6'4") with great side support for back and hips. Audio quality is great... get the Dynaudio option.
Very fun to drive... the torque hits like a 2 stroke motocross bike... at all RPMs. Very fun to corner around free way ramps... Holds family of four quite comfortably.
I had a … significant collision within weeks of buying it... and the front end got crushed, but the engine was 100% OK, and the subframe wasn't touched. So the VW front end collision system absorbs hits very well.
All the praise is true!
5 out of 5 starsracerjae, 08/13/2011
2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
I have owned my TDI 4-dr manual for two months (2500 miles), and it has been a delight to say the least. The fuel economy is unsurpassed (averaging 36 mpg city/hwy). The ride is firm but very compliant (soaks up bumps). The handling is sports car like (very little body roll). There's plenty of acceleration. The exterior styling is simple yet elegant, sporty yet practical.
I've gotten … compliments from pedestrians when I'm parked.
The interior is very upscale (feels like I'm in a BMW/Mercedes).
Despite its short wheelbase and length, there's plenty of leg room front and rear.
This car is worth every penny!
2011 Golf Highlights
Hatchback
2.5L PZEV
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $17,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $142/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Golf include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
Related Used 2011 Volkswagen Golf info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Cadillac CT4 2020 Review
- Audi S5 2020 Review
- Nissan Versa 2020 Review
- BMW M8 Gran Coupe 2021 Review
- Acura Ilx 2020 Review
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- New Buick Enclave
- INFINITI G35 2024
- 2025 R1T
- 2024 Toyota RAV4
- 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- 2024 ILX
- New Toyota Previa
- New Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2025 Sonata
- Volvo XC40 2025