Volkswagen Golf

Name: 2006 Volkswagen Golf
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Golf feels solid, handles well and can really stretch your fuel dollar. However, its superlative fuel economy must be balanced against modest acceleration numbers. Overall, we think it's a small price for the diesel's 41 mpg. A higher price to pay: increased emissions from the diesel engine.

2006 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Volkswagen Golf

vs. Similar Cars

Honda Civic

Scion xB

Toyota Corolla

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

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2010

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2014

2015

2016

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2019

2020

2021

2022

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2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2006 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2006 Volkswagen Golf

$3,375 - $4,875

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Chevrolet Aveo

$2,850 - $3,000

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt

$3,050 - $4,000

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Chevrolet HHR

$3,025 - $3,275

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$2,775 - $3,100

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2006 Ford Focus

$2,775 - $3,275

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Honda Civic

$2,775 - $5,850

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Hyundai Accent

$3,025

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Hyundai Elantra

$2,950 - $3,225

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Kia Rio

$2,850 - $2,925

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Kia Spectra

$3,125 - $3,150

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2006 Mazda 3

$3,500 - $4,050

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer

$2,775 - $13,325

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Nissan Sentra

$2,800 - $3,675

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Pontiac Vibe

$4,250 - $4,800

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Saab 9-2X

$4,025 - $4,625

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2006 Saturn Ion

$2,775 - $3,025

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

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2006 Scion xA

$4,475 - $4,675

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Scion xB

$4,175 - $4,525

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Subaru Impreza

$3,600 - $11,225

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Suzuki Forenza

$2,825

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Toyota Corolla

$4,975 - $5,325

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Toyota Matrix

$4,300 - $4,750

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Toyota Prius

$5,000

EPA MPG 56 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Volkswagen Jetta

$2,825 - $3,375

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Volvo V50

$3,750 - $4,200

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

4-door hatchback

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.9-liter 4 turbodiesel (100 hp)
2-liter 4 (115 hp)

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic
4-speed automatic

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

2022 Redesign Year

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.