Is Volkswagen a Good First Car? (Golf, Jetta, Passat +8 More)
Volkswagen has a reputation for designing vehicles that offer refined handling and upscale interior.
But are they dependable and good first cars?
Generally: Are Volkswagens Good First Cars?
Volkswagen typically produces vehicles that command a higher price than competing rivals due to its brand image as a German automaker.
Plus, VW’s position as one of the largest car companies in the world affords their products brand recognition.
However, most Volkswagens range from average to good vehicles for first-time owners; unfortunately, none are great first cars, at least those in the US market.
Ideal first cars are reliable, inexpensive to repair and maintain, and thrifty on fuel consumption – VWs aren’t class leaders in these aspects.
Consumer Reports ranked Volkswagen #24 out of 28 automotive brands in their 2021 reliability survey.
Specific Volkswagen Models:
#1 Is a Volkswagen Beetle a Good First Car?
The VW Beetle is one of the most iconic cars in automobile history, and its production ceased after the 2019 model.
Unless you love the unique styling, the Volkswagen Beetle is only an average first car, at best:
- Middling fuel economy – 29mpg combined is respectable for most cars but poor for small vehicles.
- Average visibility – the driver’s view is hampered by the styling, particularly out the back, plus thick roof pillars.
- Relatively easy to drive and park – the compact dimensions benefit new drivers in urban settings.
- More expensive than other small cars.
- Awfully expensive to maintain – $612/year; the Japanese subcompacts and compacts cost less than $400/year.
- Good crash safety scores – close to full marks in the IIHS tests.
- Moderately reliable – sub-80/100 scores on JD Power is average.
- Compromised practicality – the 2dr body style is a limitation for a daily driver that needs to carry rear passengers, although it’s more practical than other high-style small cars.
- Long and heavy doors – difficult to open in tight parking spots without hitting adjacent parked cars.
Beginner drivers should note the Beetle’s unconventional body shape, making it more challenging to estimate where the car starts and ends.
But parking the small-ish Beetle should be easy once you get used to it.
The VW Beetle First Car post details the pros and cons, plus the Beetle’s comparison with similar vehicles.
Which VW Beetle Year Is the Best First Car?
Table Guide:
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base sedan; auto).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
- Complaints: total reported problems (CarComplaints).
- Recalls: manufacturer or NHTSA-initiated.
| Model Year | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Complaints | Recalls |
| 2019 Beetle | 3.6/4 | NA | 26/33/29 | 77/100 | – | 3 |
| 2018 Beetle | 3.6/4 | NA | 26/33/29 | 79/100 | – | 3 |
| 2017 Beetle | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | 24/33/28 | 78/100 | 1 | 3 |
| 2016 Beetle | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | 25/34/28 | 81/100 | – | 3 |
| 2015 Beetle | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | 25/33/28 | 79/100 | 8 | 5 |
| 2014 Beetle | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | 25/33/28 | 79/100 | 8 | 6 |
| 2013 Beetle | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | 22/29/25 | NA | 14 | 7 |
| 2012 Beetle | 4/4 | 4/5 | 22/29/25 | 77/100 | 15 | 7 |
| 2011 – | – | — | – | – | – | – |
| 2010 Beetle | 2.3/4 | NA | NA | NA | 2 | 3 |
| 2009 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 16 | 2 |
| 2008 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 7 | 3 |
| 2007 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 19 | 2 |
| 2006 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 30 | 4 |
| 2005 Beetle | 2.5/4 | NA | NA | NA | 20 | 6 |
| 2004 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 36 | 6 |
| 2003 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 25 | 5 |
| 2002 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 15 | 8 |
| 2001 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 24 | 8 |
| 2000 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 37 | 7 |
| 1999 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 17 | NA |
| 1998 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 6 | NA |
Your option is the newer generation 2012 redesigned VW Beetle or the older ones (which look cuter).
Between the generational divide, opt for a newer model year (i.e., 2019 or 2010 Beetle) as they are less problematic and the manufacturer had had time to iron out the car’s faults.
In any case, avoid the 2004 VW Beetle as it has many problems, which include transmission failure, transmission slipping (engine revs but no acceleration), and window regulator issues.
The 2000 VW Beetle has more complaints overall, but they are comparatively less severe than the 2004 model.
#2 Is a Volkswagen CC a Good First Car?
The CC is a midsize sedan that VW discontinued after the 2017 model.
Its attractive interior and exterior styling appeal as a middle-ground option between the family sedans and entry-level luxury sedans.
The Volkswagen CC has an impressive list of near-luxury offerings and a handsome design and is a below-average first car because you can get similarly-equipped sedans at a lower price:
- Average fuel economy – 25 mpg combined is decent for a midsize car.
- Higher price than competitors with comparable features.
- Average to poor visibility – sloping roofline and small windows. Seeing out is relatively challenging for beginner drivers.
- Costly maintenance – $880/year is high when most Japanese and Korean midsize cars cost less than $500/year.
- Problematic vehicle – particularly the 2010 and 2012 models with engine problems and transmission issues.
The many compelling options you have in the midsize car market include:
These four alternatives are comparable in price, fuel economy, and reliability.
If you like the Volkswagen CC’s upscale interior and attractive styling, the Mazda 6 comes closest to matching it in the segment.
Plus, the Mazda 6 is current and cheaper to run.
#3 Is a Volkswagen Fox a Good First Car?
The VW Fox is available as a 2dr coupe and 4dr sedan in the US market and a 3dr and 5dr hatchback in Europe.
As a model that ceased production more than a decade ago, the Volkswagen Fox is a poor choice for a first car, especially with the overwhelming number of options of similarly-sized but safer and better-performing vehicles on the market today.
Teen drivers need their first car to be reliable, fuel-efficient, and has the latest safety features – newer cars can perform better on those fronts.
#4 Is a Volkswagen Golf a Good First Car?
The Golf has been a familiar hatchback in the auto world, but 2021 is the final year for the standard Golf in the US market – the redesigned Golf GTI and Golf R soldier on.
The Volkswagen Golf combines performance, interior refinement, and plentiful features, making it a good first car for teenagers wanting a versatile hatchback:
- Strong fuel economy – low-30s mpg combined. The diesel engine pre-2016 can achieve mid-30s mpg combined.
- Excellent size for city driving – easy to maneuver and park for beginners.
- Good visibility for the driver – upright styling, thin windshield pillars, and generously-sized windows.
- Hugely practical hatchback – spacious interior and good-sized backseat with generous headroom.
- Quality cabin – class leader for its time.
- Outstanding ride comfort for a small car – suitable for short and long drives.
- Satisfactory crash safety – NHTSA awarded it 5/5 stars overall; a little less than full marks in the IIHS tests.
- Expensive to maintain – approx. $630/year; compact cars average $526/year, and class leaders cost below $500/year.
- Middling reliability – VWs aren’t the best in this department.
If the costly maintenance makes you think twice about getting the Golf, consider the alternatives in the section after the next.
(The post on VW Golf, Golf GTI, and Golf R goes in-depth on their suitability as first cars.)
#5 Is a Volkswagen Golf GTI a Good First Car?
The GTI is the performance-oriented version of VW Golf.
The qualities of the regular Golf hatchback still apply, except for increased horsepower output, which makes the Volkswagen Golf GTI less ideal for a teenager’s first car:
- Powerful for a first car – the GTI produces 200-plus horsepower, which is approx. 50% more than the standard Golf.
- Average gas mileage – mid to high-20s mpg combined. It’s respectable considering the performance the GTI produces.
- Good size – the compact dimensions are still a plus for navigating city roads.
- Good visibility – crucial for new drivers and better than many other sporty cars.
- Practical – the versatility of the Golf hatchback remains. The GTI is more suitable for daily driving than most entry-level, high-performance cars.
- Costly maintenance – $791/year is higher than the already-expensive $630/year of the standard Golf.
Still, the Golf GTI is front-wheel-driven, so there are worse options for your first car.
It is a reasonable choice if you like the Volkswagen GTI and want to enjoy your daily commute.
The VW Golf GTI First Car post details the pros and cons and the GTI’s comparison with similar vehicles.
#6 Is a Volkswagen Jetta a Good First Car?
Earlier Jettas emphasized driveability and premium interior, but the newer ones sacrificed those qualities for practicality and comfort.
Despite some shortcomings compared to the competition, the Volkswagen Jetta is a good first car:
- Average fuel economy – the EPA estimate nears the high end of the segment, but real-world tests averaged below 30 mpg in combined driving.
- Ideal size – compacts like the Jetta provides easy maneuverability around town.
- Good visibility – thin front and rear roof pillars and large side windows.
- Smooth ride – ideal for short and long drives.
- Roomy rear seat and trunk – practical for daily driving.
- Solid crash safety – strong IIHA and NHTSA scores, especially the 2019 Jetta and newer.
- Higher-than-average cost to maintain – $609/year against compact cars’ $526/year.
- Middling reliability – judging by the scores on JD Power (see below). Rivals are more reliable.
The VW Jetta First Car post has more details, plus the Jetta model years comparison.
VW Jetta Compared with Similar Vehicles
Options are aplenty in the compact car segment.
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (auto).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems; 5yr avg. (JD Power).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| VW Jetta | 29/39/33 | 78/100 | $609 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Honda Civic | 30/38/33 | 82/100 | $368 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Toyota Corolla | 30/38/33 | 83/100 | $362 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Hyundai Elantra | 33/43/37 | 81/100 | $452 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Mazda Mazda 3 | 28/36/31 | 80/100 | $433 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Average |
| Kia Forte | 31/41/35 | 83/100 | $451 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Nissan Sentra | 29/37/32 | 83/100 | $491 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
When stacked against rivals, it’s evident that the Volkswagen Jetta falls short in the dependability and upkeep cost aspects.
Its EPA fuel estimate is on par with the class leaders, but real-world tests proved otherwise.
The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla continue to be some of the most dependable first cars on the market – new or used.
Alternatively, the Mazda 3 comes with a premium interior and sharp handling, making daily driving fun.
The Hyundai Elantra returns superb fuel economy, a roomy and quiet cabin, and a great list of safety features.
Plus, it’s a sharp-looking ride (particularly after its 2019 refresh) any teenager would be proud to own.
The Kia Forte is another smart choice for a teenager’s first car with its thrifty fuel consumption, generous warranty, and is feature-rich at a lower price than most competitors.
#7 Is a Volkswagen Passat a Good First Car?
The Passat has been Volkswagen’s midsize sedan in the US market for more than three decades but bowed out with 2022 being its final model.
Measured against the competition that’s newer and better equipped, the aging Volkswagen Passat is an average choice for a first car despite some merits:
- Mediocre gas mileage – sub-30 mpg combined is subpar when established rivals can comfortably achieve 30-plus mpg (see the comparison below).
- Excellent outward visibility – slim roof pillars and large side windows help.
- Strong crash protection – IIHS and NHTSA scored the Passat well in their tests.
- Costly maintenance – $639/year compared to $526/year for midsize cars. European vehicles consistently cost more to upkeep than their Asian counterparts.
- Average value retention – a brand-new Passat depreciates approx. 48% after five years.
VW Passat Compared with Similar Vehicles
Many midsize sedans are worthy first cars.
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base; auto).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems; 5yr avg. (JD Power).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| VW Passat | 24/36/28 | 79/100 | $639 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Excellent |
| Honda Accord | 30/38/33 | 82/100 | $400 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Excellent |
| Toyota Camry | 28/39/32 | 82/100 | $388 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Excellent |
| Hyundai Sonata | 28/38/32 | 81/100 | $458 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Mazda Mazda 6 | 26/35/29 | 82/100 | $481 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Kia Optima | 25/35/29 | 83/100 | $471 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Nissan Altima | 28/39/32 | 82/100 | $483 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Excellent |
The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are traditional front-runners in the midsize segment and excellent first cars.
They boast a class-leading fuel economy and the lowest ownership costs.
The Mazda 6 is an all-around compelling choice for a first car; stylish interior and exterior design and sharp handling count among its standout qualities.
If you want the best value for money, the Hyundai Sonata is an excellent first car with many standard safety features, strong reliability, and inexpensive maintenance.
#8 Is a Volkswagen Tiguan a Good First Car?
It is not easy to gain visibility in a segment dominated by best-sellers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a reasonably good first car, although you’d need to consider the higher-than-average ownership costs:
- Excellent visibility – slim windshield pillars and tall and long side windows.
- Good size for city driving – the relatively small dimensions and elevated seating position should make driving and parking easy.
- Impeccable crash protection – IIHS rated it the highest ‘Good’ in all their tests.
- An impressive list of driver aids – handy for new drivers.
- Roomy interior – a third-row seat is available.
- Mediocre reliability – sub-80 scores on JD Power. Some rivals (below) are more reliable with consistent above 80/100 scores.
- Expensive upkeep – $730/year is steep when class leaders like the CR-V and RAV4 only cost below $430/year.
Alternatives to the VW Tiguan include:
#9 Is a Volkswagen Polo a Good First Car?
The Volkswagen Polo is not available in the United States.
It classes as a supermini in the UK and is smaller than the compact Volkswagen Golf.
The Volkswagen Polo First Car post details its suitability for teenage drivers.
#10 Is a Volkswagen Scirocco a Good First Car?
The VW Scirocco is a unique two-door four-passenger sports compact sold in Europe but not in the US.
Its third and final generation lasted from 2008 to 2017.
Similarly powered like the Golf GTI, the Volkswagen Scirocco is a below-average first car despite some positives:
- Moderately to excessively powerful for a small car – between 120 hp and 261 hp, depending on engine specification.
- Expensive insurance – the cheapest 1.4L engine Scirocco falls in group 18, while the more expensive 2.0L is in group 30.
- Good fuel economy – averaging 42 UK mpg in combined driving.
- Strong safety score – Euro NCAP awarded the 2009 VW Scirocco 5/5 stars.
- Compact size – ideal for driving in the city. Easy to park and maneuver in tight urban settings.
- Solid build quality – despite its age.
- Mediocre reliability – Autoexpress’ Driver Power 2015 rated it 3 out of 5 stars.
- Less practical than a conventional hatchback – surprisingly roomy back seats and trunk, but the two-door design is less versatile.
However, if you can handle the power in the bigger engine responsibly and have the budget to insure one, the Volkswagen Scirocco can still be a good car despite its advancing age.
#11 Is a Volkswagen Up! a Good First Car?
The Up! is a compact car sold in the European market and is available as a three or a five-door hatchback.
The Volkswagen Up! is one of the most popular city cars in the segment, and an all-around solid choice for a first car:
- Excellent size for a city car – the diminutive dimensions make driving and parking easy for beginners.
- Superb fuel economy – an average of 53 UK mpg.
- Good visibility – upright design and generously-sized windows.
- Thoroughly affordable to insure – UK insurance groups 1 to 3.
- Solid build quality.
- Impressive amount of space – despite its overall length of just 3540mm (11 feet 6 inches).
- Subpar safety ratings – Euro NCAP awarded it 5/5 stars for the 2011 VW Up!, but the 2019 test only achieved 3/5 stars.
- Relatively short warranty – three-year, which is UK’s industry standard, but Hyundai, Toyota, and Kia offer longer.
The sticking point would be the three-star score when the Volkswagen Up! underwent a re-test in 2019 under Euro NCAP’s more rigorous testing standards.
Alternatives to the Volkswagen Up! include:
- Toyota Aygo
- Hyundai i10
- SEAT Mii
- Skoda Citigo
Comparison: Best Volkswagen for a First Car
Table Guide:
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests averaged.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base model).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems; 5-yr avg. (JD Power).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
The Volkswagen Taos is a subcompact SUV that competes with the likes of Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30.
If you want an affordable entry-level SUV and love the brand, the VW Taos is the best Volkswagen for your first car with a quality interior, impressive tech and safety features, and sharp handling.
But if you prefer the sedan body style, the VW Golf or VW Jetta is the better choice among Volkswagen’s lineup.
Alternative Makes to VW for a Teenager’s First Car
European cars like the Volkswagens tend to be more costly to upkeep than their Japanese or Korean counterparts.
Plus, they have some catching up to do in the reliability stake.
Viable alternatives to the Volkswagens are:
- Mazda – Mazda 3 hatchback, Mazda 3, Mazda 6, Miata, CX-5.
- Honda – Fit, Civic hatchback, Civic, Accord, CR-V, HR-V.
- Toyota – Corolla hatchback, Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Yaris.
- MINI – Mini Cooper.
- Hyundai – Elantra, Sonata, Veloster, Tucson.
- Kia – Forte, Optima.
Always do your research, inspect, and test drive before buying.
References:
https://www.vw.com/en/models.html
