The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that's been available since 1974, although it hasn't always been called the Golf in the US. The iconic model has evolved over eight generations, but still retained the original's classic character.

While the Golf has been one of Volkswagen's most popular vehicles worldwide since its introduction—and the pride of Wolfsburg, VW's HQ in Germany—it has been more of a niche car in the sedan and the SUV-loving US. After the discontinuation of the standard Golf model after the 2021 model year, the sporty GTI and high-performance Golf R derivatives continue to carry the legacy forward.

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## 2022 - Present Volkswagen Golf (Mk8 8th Generation)

[![VW Golf 8th Generation](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4e2tR4xKgGIuXOcHPSJtz/a4b2c797a0ba05079de11d4c425f3ca4/VW_Golf_8th_Generation.jpg)](https://www.autolist.com/volkswagen-golf#year_min=2022)

Delayed due to COVID-19 shutdowns and a global microchip shortage, the eighth-generation car arrived at the end of 2021 without several key Golf variants that had been offered in the past. The standard hatchback and wagon were not offered in the US for the first time, but they were effectively replaced by the VW Taos crossover. The Volkswagen GTI and the Golf R, however, did return to carry on the Golf’s legacy.

![VW Golf 8th Generation Rear](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/6zW9Ce9muQGsCTOkID3UE/f79e898718010ab50bfc5bdae2b1d16b/VW_Golf_8th_Generation_Rear.jpg)

Even though it continued to use several components from the Mk7, the Mk8 GTI was radically restyled inside and out, with a more aggressive appearance and an updated powertrain that produced 241 horsepower. It still included a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a standard six-speed manual transmission, and front-wheel drive. 

![VW Golf 8th Generation Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/eQBn9eodeR0PbMwfI7a4Y/4c35b8854cdf38326659c0aa84104b26/VW_Golf_8th_Generation_Interior.jpg)

The Golf R also sported similar styling to the GTI, but it came with more power and extras such as a 315-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four, an all-wheel drive system that incorporated a new differential with torque vectoring for improved handling, and a DCC dynamic damper control system.

Inside, the Golf Mk8 relied on a set of touch-sensitive controls, a new infotainment system, and the voice assistant from the all-electric ID.4. Safety features on both models included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beam headlights. 

A 40th Anniversary Edition GTI was offered for the 2023 model year to commemorate the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s introduction to the American market, and a 20th Anniversary Golf R was offered alongside it. The following year came and went without any major changes, but with the announcement that both the GTI and the Golf R models would no longer be offered with a manual transmission after 2024, 2025 was bound to be a year of change. 

Both cars benefitted from a mid-cycle refresh for that model year. The GTI received a mildly restyled front fascia, several new color options, and a new wheel design. Inside, a new 12.9-inch infotainment display utilized the latest VW infotainment software. Fortunately, it also lost the touch-heavy controls and added several actual buttons to address some previous gripes.

The Golf R also benefitted from the same styling updates, but unlike the GTI which did not receive any powertrain updates, the Golf R received a 13-horsepower boost, pushing total output to 328 horsepower. It also received the same infotainment and interior updates that its less powerful sibling. Both models came solely with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and no manual option. 

The GTI came in familiar S, SE, and Autobahn trim levels, and the Golf R was offered with a Black Edition option. Both Anniversary Editions from the previous year were no longer available. Available safety features across the lineup included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

[View 8th Generation Listings](https://www.autolist.com/volkswagen-golf#year_min=2022)

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## 2015 - 2021 Volkswagen Golf (Mk7 7th Generation)

[![volkswagen-golf-7th-generation](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/7EwK5r0tNvXsC7LljhHxkV/f8e7be1823daea35afcc8ee50dcfdcc0/volkswagen-golf-7th-generation.jpg)](https://www.autolist.com/volkswagen-golf#year_min=2015&year_max=2021)

The Golf Mk7 was introduced in 2015 in the US with a significantly expanded lineup and more equipment, cementing its place in the VW lineup as a premium compact car.

A new 170-horsepower 1.8-liter turbo four or a 150-horsepower turbodiesel powered the standard Golf hatchbacks, and the seventh-generation GTI benefited from a more powerful 207-horsepower turbo four. The Golf R also arrived with a 276-horsepower turbo four, a new generation of the all-wheel drive system, and a choice between manual and automated transmissions. 

A new Golf SportWagen replaced the Jetta wagon and a new e-Golf model was introduced as the first all-electric VW sold in the US. Sales started in selected markets such as California before expanding to a few more states in 2016. It used a 113-horsepower electric motor and a 24.2 kWh battery pack, giving it an EPA-estimated range of 83 miles and a 116 MPGe combined fuel economy rating. 

New driver assistance features within the new Golf lineup included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning.

The TDI was removed from sale after the 2015 model year due to VW's emissions scandal. VW also removed the three-door hatchback from the U.S. market due to the overwhelming popularity of the five-door.

The Golf lineup received an infotainment update for the 2016 model year with most models receiving a new 6.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability came with that update as well as safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning.

In 2017, the e-Golf was upgraded with a larger battery, boosting its range to 125 miles. A new Golf Alltrack model was also introduced: as a wagon with a lifted suspension, it was designed to combat an increasing desire for crossovers and SUVs.

The Golf lineup received a mild refresh for the 2018 model year. On its heels, the entry-level 1.8-liter engine was replaced by a smaller 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder for 2019. It only made 147 horsepower compared to the previous powertrain’s 170 horsepower, but gained a 4 MPG advantage over the previous combined fuel economy estimate.

With these changes, the Golf SportWagen, Alltrack, and Golf R were dropped after 2019, due to an increased demand for SUVs.

[View 7th Generation Listings](https://www.autolist.com/volkswagen-golf#year_min=2015&year_max=2021)

## 2010 - 2014 Volkswagen Golf (Mk6 6th Generation)

[![vw-golf-6th-generation](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/30LzPDHD5OFougNrylML0X/ed6916d5be20f3b764831cb50600a3e6/vw-golf-6th-generation.jpg)](https://www.autolist.com/volkswagen-golf#year_min=2010&year_max=2014)

A heavily reworked version of the Mk5 appeared as the Volkswagen Golf Mk6 for the 2010 model year. It featured a new grille, different wheels, and it got its old name back, but the sixth generation carried over several items from the Rabbit.

Engines for the base Golf and GTI carried over from the previous generation, while a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter turbodiesel was added to the lineup on the Golf TDI. Interior refinement was improved, despite the number of unchanged components under the hood. Its German craftmanship was evident in its build quality, and improved overall ergonomics and equipment helped make it feel more substantial than the previous Rabbit models.

A five-speed manual transmission was standard on non-TDI models, while TDI and GTI models benefitted from a standard six-speed manual transmission. GTIs had the advantage of an available six-speed dual-clutch transmission for a faster 0-60 MPH time. 

The Golf R joined the lineup in 2012, boasting a 256-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder in place of the old six-cylinder unit. It was only available with a six-speed manual transmission and came loaded with standard equipment. 

Even though the Mk6 was effectively a placeholder for what would become the substantially revised Golf Mk7, it became one of the most well-rounded Golf lineups in the model's long history.

[View 6th Generation Listings](https://www.autolist.com/volkswagen-golf#year_min=2010&year_max=2014)

## 2006 - 2009 Volkswagen Golf (Mk5 5th Generation)

![2003 Volkswagen Golf Mk5](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3bJnS5rrg5NEcDVcqccDau/de1112436828b4b884a0f24a38580843/2003_Volkswagen_Golf_Mk5.jpg)

VW delayed the introduction of the fifth-generation Golf in the US until 2006, three years after it was first shown in Europe. With a currency exchange rate problem to solve and the overwhelming popularity of the Jetta in the States, the Golf lost much of its appeal. It was also called the Rabbit, a name that was last seen 20 years earlier.

The standard three and five-door Rabbit hatchbacks used a new 150-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that was significantly more powerful than the previous base engine. A new six-speed automatic transmission option was added to the powertrain lineup as an alternative to the standard five-speed manual. The GTI received a new 197-horsepower turbo four with direct injection and was mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG automated gearbox. 

Previously only three-door hatchbacks, GTI models became available as five-door hatchbacks for the first time and featured new plaid upholstery. Other new features included a navigation system, Xenon headlamps, and Bluetooth phone connectivity, and the rear suspension was upgraded for improved handling.

The R32 returned in 2008 with the 250-horsepower VR6 engine and standard all-wheel drive, but it was only available with the dual-clutch transmission. Just 5,000 were imported. Rabbit models also received a welcome 20 horsepower boost to 170 total horsepower.

[View 5th Generation Listings](https://www.autolist.com/volkswagen-golf#year_min=2006&year_max=2009)

## 1999 - 2005 Volkswagen Golf (Mk4 4th Generation)

![vw-golf-4th-generation](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4kVLbEJqVaKQfOHiCWmkKv/d4060eb99a68c0c98e8d5c26ce9bcf55/vw-golf-5th-generation.jpg)

The fourth-generation Golf appeared in the US in 1999 for the 2000 model year. It represented a significant upgrade in quality and refinement, as VW made its cars more luxurious and expensive, sharing more components with the Audi brand.

Its styling was softened, while the interior featured significantly more expensive materials, and features such as automatic climate control and electronic stability control. The Cabrio model was lightly redesigned but still based on the previous generation and dropped after 2002 to be replaced by the New Beetle Convertible.

The entry-level 115-horsepower 2.0-liter engine carried over from the previous generation, as did the 240-horsepower VR6 with some minor alterations. A new 150-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder was added to both the Golf and GTI model available sheets. In addition, a 90-horsepower, 1.9-liter turbodiesel was also introduced.

Power for the 1.8 turbo and the VR6 was bumped to 180 and 201 horsepower respectively in 2001, while a GTI 337 special edition was introduced in 2002. The following model year, a 20th Anniversary GTI was introduced before some minor styling revisions were made to the lineup in 2004.

The fourth generation culminated in 2004 with the limited production R32, using a 240-horsepower, 3.2-liter VR6, and a Haldex all-wheel drive system, along with other performance and styling revisions.

[View 4th Generation Listings](https://www.autolist.com/volkswagen-golf#year_min=1999&year_max=2005)

### 1993 - 1999 Volkswagen Golf (Mk3 3rd Generation)

![1992 Volkswagen Golf Mk3](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/29YnIuvgc2LLJ1I2iWGGgf/614b3238d2f9dfc1c63f3f866ad23050/1992_Volkswagen_Golf_Mk3.jpg)

The new Golf, known as the Golf III in the US, arrived in the States in late 1993 in select states, while the rest of the U.S. had to wait until 1994. Now built in VW's Puebla, Mexico factory, the Mk3 was larger in every dimension and its styling was more aerodynamic and modern.

Standard third-generation Golf three and five-door hatchbacks received a 115-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, as did the new four-cylinder Volkswagen Golf GTI. However, the GTI VR6 was introduced later with 172 horsepower from a six-cylinder engine, living up to its hot hatch heritage. A redesigned convertible, called the Cabrio, was also introduced in 1995.

Golf models finally received safety features such as dual front airbags, comfort amenities such as heated front seats, and a significant boost in refinement that was previously lacking. To liven up the lineup, various special editions were offered throughout its life, including the K2 with skis or a snowboard and matching roof rack, and the multicolored Harlequin edition.

[View 3rd Generation Listings](https://www.autolist.com/volkswagen-golf#year_min=1993&year_max=1999)

## 1985 - 1992 Volkswagen Golf (Mk2 2nd Generation)

![vw-golf-2nd-generation](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1dH8WzXkHn81wSLXh1rTHA/aded0b5f205a275c12207046819fdc23/vw-golf-3nd-generation.jpg)

The second-generation Golf was introduced in 1985. Now called Golf worldwide, the car grew significantly in every dimension, as the compact hatchbacks of the time started to balloon in size. This made it more practical, more comfortable, and more powerful.

A 1.8-liter, 85-horsepower four cylinder was the initial standard engine with the two- and four-door Golf models, and a diesel was also available. The Cabriolet continued, still based on the first-generation model, and the pickup was discontinued.

For the first few years of the Mk2, there was no GTI. Instead, a GT model was added in 1987 using some of the previous hot hatch's styling cues. A Mk2 GTI eventually arrived in the late ‘80s, but it used a far less potent version of the European model's engine and had fewer features. 

Finally, in 1990, a hotter GTI 16V arrived with 134 horsepower and sharper handling. The Mk2 Golf didn't change much throughout its life, and sales in the US were not nearly as strong as in Europe. By the early '90s, a change was more than overdue.

[View 2nd Generation Listings](https://www.autolist.com/volkswagen-golf#year_min=1985&year_max=1992)

## 1975 - 1984 Volkswagen Golf (Mk1 1st Generation)

[![vw-golf-1st-generation](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/6dkb9lbKuPcQmS91XkTiP4/d7ea7e1163782a5d852f3a78841af366/vw-golf-1st-generation.jpg)](https://www.autolist.com/volkswagen-golf#year_min=1975&year_max=1984)

The first Golf was introduced to Europe in 1974 as a radical successor to the Beetle. Rather than being rear-engined and rear-wheel drive, the new car was a modern front-wheel drive, front-engined hatchback like the Renault LeCar that was also sold in the US at the time.

The Golf arrived in the US one year later in 1975, but it was mysteriously called the Rabbit. Apart from some differences to comply with American tastes and regulations, it was essentially the same car that was sold elsewhere in the world. Available with two or four doors, it was powered by a four-cylinder gasoline engine and, later, a four-cylinder diesel engine with tremendous fuel economy.

Rabbits began to be produced in the US at VW's first production plant in 1978. A two-door pickup version was introduced alongside the standard Rabbit, and a cabriolet convertible was added in 1979. A sedan version of the Golf, called the Jetta, arrived in 1980.

The most notable addition late in the Rabbit's lineup was the GTI in 1983. Based on the model sold in Europe since 1977, the American version used a larger 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 90 or 100 horsepower, a modified five-speed manual transmission, and special styling details inside and out. It was a hot hatch with economy car practicality.

The rest of the Rabbit lineup went mostly unchanged until it was retired in 1984 with the arrival of the second-generation car.

[View 1st Generation Listings](https://www.autolist.com/volkswagen-golf#year_min=1975&year_max=1984)

The Volkswagen Golf is a quintessential hatchback model that's produced in Germany and available worldwide. It started in the US as the VW Rabbit.  See all the VW Golf generations here.

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Here are the top Volkswagen Golf listings for sale ASAP. Check the carfax, find a low miles Golf, view Golf photos and interior/exterior features. Search by price, view certified pre-owned Golfs, filter by color and much more. What will be your next ride?

Aquí están los mejores listados de Volkswagen Golf a la venta lo antes posible. Verifique el carfax, busque millas bajas en Golf, vea las fotos de Golf y las características interiores / exteriores. Busque por precio, vea Golfs usados ​​certificados, filtre por color y mucho más. ¿Cuál será tu próximo vehículo?

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