(March 31, 2019) HERNDON, Va. — On March 29, 1974, the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg officially started production of the Golf. Back then, no one had any idea that the successor to the legendary Beetle would end up selling more than 35 million units through seven generations. That means that a new Golf has been ordered somewhere in the world every 41 seconds, every day, without interruption, since the start of production 45 years ago. That is an average of around 780,000 vehicles per year.

In the U.S., more than 2.6 million Golf family models have been sold since 1974. The Golf has earned a spot on Car and Driver’s 10Best list for the last 13 years in a row, and the current-generation Mk 7 Golf was named North American Car of the Year when it debuted for the 2015 model year.


1974 Volkswagen Golf I

For 2019, the Golf is available in two trims—S and SE. Both are powered by a 1.4T, 147 horsepower engine paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Every Golf model features standard Volkswagen Car-Net App-Connect, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert.

Seven Generations of Golf (US Model Years)

Golf I: MY 1975-1984

    1.5-liter engine with 70 hp
    First sold in December 1974 as “Rabbit”
    GTI introduced in 1983 with 1.8-liter 90 hp engine

Golf II: MY 1985-1992

    Sold as “Golf”
    Dimensions grow by nearly 7 inches in length, 3 inches in wheelbase, and 2 inches in width
    Standard engine is revised 1.8-liter with 85 hp, GTI introduces 2.0-liter engine with 131 hp
    Catalytic converter, anti-lock braking system and power steering debut

Golf III: MY 1993-1999

    Design shifts to wedge shape
    Base powertrain is 2.0-liter with 115 hp, GTI moves to 2.8-liter VR6 with 172 hp
    Front and side airbags debut, advances in body construction result in improved crash safety
    VR6 engine, Ecomatic transmission, and cruise control offered for the first time

Golf IV: MY 1999-2005

    All-new design with flatter windshield, and roofline carried further back with steeper rear window
    Electronic stability control, side curtain airbags, 4Motion all-wheel drive, DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, and navigation debut
    R32 introduced for 2004

Golf V: MY 2006-2009

    New multi-link rear suspension; Bi-Xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers introduced
    Sold as “Rabbit” again
    Base engine is 150 hp 2.5-liter, GTI moves to 200 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine
    R32 reintroduced for 2008 with 250 hp

Golf VI: MY 2010-2014

    “Golf” name returns
    Prominent character line runs from headlights to taillights
    Base powertrain is 2.5-liter with 170 hp
    Golf R introduced for 2012 with 256 hp

Golf VII: MY 2015-2019

    Based on Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture
    Golf grows in size yet drops in weight, despite a plethora of new and upscale features
    Base 1.8-liter 170 hp engine replaces 2.5-liter to gain an EPA-estimated 6 mpg highway
    Available driver-assistance technology includes Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Park Distance Control