The Volkswagen Golf is a car deepened in a rich automotive heritage. Which is part of the reason it’s been recently reviewed as the “World Car of the Year!” The car was a true pioneer in the small hatchback segmet, being introduced in the European market in 1974.

It came to the US a year later wearing the Rabbit nameplate, which starts the history of the interchanging of the two names. Ten years later they renamed the Rabbit to match it’s euro version, the Golf which coincided with a redesign of the car. Which was successful, but several years later they weren’t satisfied and took back the Rabbit name. However in 2010, the Golf is back again!

The car was known for being very roadworthy despite it’s smaller platform, and being very sturdy and sporty. You could buy it in a 2-door, 4-door, or even one of the “cabrio” or GTI variants which were later introduced.

During the 80’s and 90’s some people were trading in their fun VW Golf for a far less enjoyable yet much more reliable Japanese variant. Because of this, the VW Golf has experienced a large resurgence in quality and durability without sacrificing the fun the car has always been known for. The Japanese cars boast a longer-running track rating for reliability, but very much lack the sporty drive, superior handling, superior interior components, and overall drive of the Golf. And with the quality recently winning awards, it’s no longer an issue.

Of course these cars were always available in the ever powerful and reliable TDI Diesel Golf.

A diesel is a rarity in any car class much less the compact segment. But with diesels’ long term reliability winning and great gas mileage to boot, the car was definitely a winner.

The diesel will definitely not be left out on the 2010 model, either.

The Golf also offered a variety of engines. The GTI could be had with a 2.8-liter six-cylinder “VR6″ engine (a compact, narrow-angle V6, which made up to 200 horsepower) or a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The turbo four, or 1.8T, as it was called, made either 150 or 180 hp, depending on the year; the 150-horse version was available on the standard four-door Golf in 2000 and 2001. Known as the TDI, the Golf’s diesel offering consisted of a 1.9-liter turbodiesel inline-4, initially rated for 90 hp and capable of returning nearly 50 mpg on the highway. Golf TDI models sold from 2004-’06 had an updated version of the 1.9-liter that delivered 100 hp. Late in the model run, the limited-edition, high-performance R32 was offered, sporting a 3.2-liter, 240-hp VR6, all-wheel drive and tasteful body accents; it was sold only as a 2004 model.

Most folks shopping the used Volkswagen Golf market within these years, however, will probably be looking at the volume-seller Golfs (the GL and GLS trim levels), most of which were powered by an outdated two-valves-per-cylinder 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. With just 115 hp, compared to the 125- to 150-hp ratings of most peers, and below-average fuel mileage, this power plant offered the worst of both worlds. Buyers looking at ‘99 models should note that both third- and fourth-generation Golfs were sold that year. Horsepower is the same, but the engines in the new Golfs had an upgraded cylinder head design for better low-end response.

If possible, we suggest looking for a fourth-gen Golf with either the 1.9-liter TDI or the 1.8-liter turbo instead. Note that Golf TDIs are relatively easy to find on the used car market, while four-door Golf 1.8T models may be hard to come by because of their short, two-year run. If you want the turbocharged 1.8-liter engine, you’re more likely to find it in the two-door GTI.

Compared to other economy cars or hatchbacks of the time, the VW Golf stood out because of its long list of standard features, high-quality cabin materials and its generally fun-to-drive nature. Downsides included a high price when new (now largely negated by depreciation), the aforementioned 2.0-liter engine and mediocre reliability.

Definitely a great choice for a used vehicle, when staying within these guidelines, and a great looking vehicle as well. Let us know what you think of your Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit!