[Jay Trilling]

Every Compact Car Compared From Worst To Best

http://www.caranddriver.com/flipbook/small-wonders-every-compact-car-ranked-from-worst-to-best#1

 

[4Tires]

I can understand why we lost to the mazda 3 but why the Volkswagen Golf?
At least we're in third place.

 

[Tim]

I can understand why we lost to the mazda 3 but why the Volkswagen Golf?
At least we're in third place.

+1 here

 

[RobbJK88]

I can understand why we lost to the mazda 3 but why the Volkswagen Golf?
At least we're in third place.

The VW Golf might not be the most exciting looking in this group, compared to the mazda and new civic, but in terms of performance it's a top player. It's pretty underrated in terms of how well it performs and still manages great mpg. Also, as VW is known for, it's audi level of fit and finish inside has always been top of the class.

The biggest letdowns with the golf are the available tech, which the civic and 3 beat it hands down in, and price... the golf's price shoots up with just a few trims and options added to it.

I think overall, the fact the civic hasn't been out that long is what is holding it back a bit. Missing the coupe version, and Si versions as well don't help it.

 

[Tim]

The VW Golf might not be the most exciting looking in this group, compared to the mazda and new civic, but in terms of performance it's a top player. It's pretty underrated in terms of how well it performs and still manages great mpg. Also, as VW is known for, it's audi level of fit and finish inside has always been top of the class.

The biggest letdowns with the golf are the available tech, which the civic and 3 beat it hands down in, and price... the golf's price shoots up with just a few trims and options added to it.

I think overall, the fact the civic hasn't been out that long is what is holding it back a bit. Missing the coupe version, and Si versions as well don't help it.

I think it's a very overrated car the golf, certainly after the vw scandal.
Don't get me wrong: it is a very good allrounder but I do think the press helps in keeping it as the golden standard to compare other cars to.
True, you have tons of available options and good interior quality but it comes at a rather heavy pricetag imo to be considered as 'the best'.

 

[5TAR]

The VW Golf might not be the most exciting looking in this group, compared to the mazda and new civic, but in terms of performance it's a top player. It's pretty underrated in terms of how well it performs and still manages great mpg. Also, as VW is known for, it's audi level of fit and finish inside has always been top of the class.

The biggest letdowns with the golf are the available tech, which the civic and 3 beat it hands down in, and price... the golf's price shoots up with just a few trims and options added to it.

I think overall, the fact the civic hasn't been out that long is what is holding it back a bit. Missing the coupe version, and Si versions as well don't help it.

What also isn't helping Honda is it doesn't seem as if they've been promoting it or even teasing it, still a lot of people don't yet know about the 10th generation.

 

[Becky]

I can understand why we lost to the mazda 3 but why the Volkswagen Golf?
At least we're in third place.

I was seriously considering a 2015 Golf GTI. After spending a fair amount of time in various GTI forums you begin to see the big picture. Having owned everything from Triumph TR6, Jag XKE, Alfa Romeo's, etc...and a 1988 Golf GTI 16V I can will say the GTI was one of the most enjoyable cars to toss around.

GTI owners are cultish for the fun factor and modding abilities. However, when you start reading a lot in the forums the car's reliability is far from good. Sure, many folks have no complaints. Howeve,r there are a fair amount of common threads that come through. Squeaky doors, hatches, moon roofs and seats.

Issues with the info displays and radios. The list goes on. If the new GTI wasn't so plagued with gremlins, it would be at the top of my list.

IMO, Honda makes better cars. They just don't relay the same fun factor behind the wheel.

 

[Tim]

I was seriously considering a 2015 Golf GTI. After spending a fair amount of time in various GTI forums you begin to see the big picture. Having owned everything from Triumph TR6, Jag XKE, Alfa Romeo's, etc...and a 1988 Golf GTI 16V I can will say the GTI was one of the most enjoyable cars to toss around.

GTI owners are cultish for the fun factor and modding abilities. However, when you start reading a lot in the forums the car's reliability is far from good. Sure, many folks have no complaints. Howeve,r there are a fair amount of common threads that come through. Squeaky doors, hatches, moon roofs and seats.

Issues with the info displays and radios. The list goes on. If the new GTI wasn't so plagued with gremlins, it would be at the top of my list.

IMO, Honda makes better cars. They just don't relay the same fun factor behind the wheel.

That last line I heared a lot. And certainly a gti must be a joy to drive. I wonder how the SI will hold up to the gti.

 

[RobbJK88]

German cars and their tech issues. From the early days of issues with their electric windows etc and now it's the infotainment systems etc. Not sure why they can build such great cars and get such simple things like electronics so very very wrong.

 

[Dusho]

It is necessary to accept that German cars are also a lot of pros and their assembly and manufacturing.

 

[4Tires]

German cars, perform so well yet rife with problems...
If this is a yearly contest then we may see the Civic Coupe in it next year and probably beat the Golf.

 

[5TAR]

It is necessary to accept that German cars are also a lot of pros and their assembly and manufacturing.

Only worth it if you're willing to put up with potential issues that they may have, aside from that, I would go for one, there just are things in them you sometimes can't get from alternatives.

 

[argon]

I wonder how many C&D staffers drive VWs and how many drive Hondas? When it's their own cash on the line, maybe their picks will differ from their magazine picks. And it's probably still skewed because utmost reliability might just be a bit less important to someone who can, on a regular basis, get the free use of an new manufacturer provided car.

 

[Chris35]

I drove a new GTI back in September, it was a very impressive car for sure. Very nice place to be inside, drove great and overall it was hands down a better car than my Si. AT the same time, it is a more mature, car, very quiet, I wish it gave a bit more of an emotional experience. The real killer for me is the rates that VW offers on the GTI are never very favourable. Payments would have been almost double what I pay on my Si, and it is no way near double the car. I got 0% for 84 months on the Si, in my opinion it brings a value and fun to drive factor that is unbeatable for the price you pay.

 

[Smartie]

I wonder how many C&D staffers drive VWs and how many drive Hondas? When it's their own cash on the line, maybe their picks will differ from their magazine picks. And it's probably still skewed because utmost reliability might just be a bit less important to someone who can, on a regular basis, get the free use of an new manufacturer provided car.

The better question is, who advertises more with the Magazine, VAG or AHM... >

 

[djasonw]

I am sure the VW is a joy to drive but having owned a few Audis I will pass. I also think the styling of the Golf is very boring. Heck, if I saw a 2016 Golf and someone told me it was a 2007 I would believe it!!