Review - 2004 Volkswagen Golf TDI

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Volkswagen Golf TDI

For getting to and from trailheads without the horses I use a 2004 Volkswagen Golf TDI and I like it very much.

2004 VW Golf TDI

2004 VW Golf TDI - The mis-matched paint on the door is thanks to a deer that played chicken and lost.

The Golf is a great economy hatchback that does its job admirably without any extra flash. The boxy body style gives plenty of room to haul people and things, like hiking gear and/ or bikes.

With the diesel engine I get around 53MPG (that's right fifty three miles per gallon!) on the highway and not much less when tooling around town.

The diesel engine, in addition to its wonderful fuel efficiency, doesn't rattle, clank, or otherwise remind you that it's a diesel. The quiet engine also is impressively powerful. You may not win any road races but you'll easily pass any anemic hybrids and get better fuel mileage to boot.

2004 VW Golf TDI

2004 VW Golf TDI - The diesel engine pulls strong and reliably up every mountain we've been to.

Reliability has never been an issue. The Golf has always started easily and delivered me to my destination without fail.

The front wheel drive arrangement has gotten us through several hard Ohio winters, as well as Seattle's worst winter storm in years, without undue concern. By driving responsibly we've made our way safely through snow and ice that have defeated larger heavy SUV's. In adverse weather I actually prefer to drive the VW instead of my F350 4x4. The weight of the engine over the drive wheels keeps me going.

All in all the Golf is a solid vehicle that oozes modesty and practicality.

Exterior Length: 164.9 in. Width: 68.3 in. Height: 56.7 in. Wheel Base: 98.9 in. Ground Clearance: 5.1 in. Curb Weight: 2771 lbs. Gross Weight: 3670 lbs. Interior Front Head Room: 38.6 in. Front Shoulder Room: 53.7 in. Rear Head Room: 37.4 in. Rear Shoulder Room: 52.7 in. Front Leg Room: 41.5 in. Rear Leg Room: 33.5 in. Luggage Capacity: 18 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 42 cu. ft. Maximum Seating: 5

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