VW Golf vs Honda Civic
montalbano
Member Posts: 1
in Volkswagen
I think I've narrowed my choice down to these
two. I still need to test drive the Honda but
was curious as to what some of the opinions out
there are.
two. I still need to test drive the Honda but
was curious as to what some of the opinions out
there are.
0
Comments
civic hatchbacks. IMHO the VW is a better
handling car and probably more fun to drive. But
the civic is more reliable, has better resale and
gets better mpg. Both have decent aftermarket
support if you want to modify them.
Other advice, folks?
Hondas have such high quality and reliability that they transcend the concept of car and become an appliance. This can be boring, but there are alternatives. My CRX is so "tossable" and fast, it matches our old Golf II for funfactor. The Golf III just isn't as much fun to drive, sorry to say.
A whole raft of modern-day hot rodders have given the Civic coupe and Hatch their soul back, though.
I really think that driving the two side-by-side will make your mind up.
Bruce.
I strongly reccommend that you first locate a used VW with 100,000 miles on it. If you can get it to start, take it for a drive and see what you think. Look at the fit and finish after a few years and your decision to buy a Honda will be an easy one to make! Also, check out the resale value of a V.W. vs. a Honda. I know I'm biased but as Packard used to say..." Ask the man who owns one"
I suppose it'll become Fukengroovin when you find out what the thing's worth when you come to your sense in a few years and try to trade that VW in on a Honda. Come to your senses now and you'll save a lot of $$
Civics are dull.
Why do you think so many books have been written on German cars (VWs included) while books on Japanese cars are virtually non-existant? Exactly...there's nothing to write home about.
Just browse the Townhall conferences (Passat in 'Sedans' and Golf GTI in 'Hatchbacks'). You will notice that the topics with the most visitors/posts pertain VWs. Statistical fact.
I'm not claiming that VWs are technically perfect-any 'sensible' person can tell you that. But, VWs are much more fun to drive than Civics, that's the bottom line.
So, guys, chill-out and don't take it too seriously! And besides, it's not the end of the world for you Civic owners
(I say this because Topic# 7 sounded like an apocalyptic sermon!)...
"It's not too late, brothers and sisters! Come to your senses and buy a Civic. Beware the ways of the Teutonic VW heathens for they shall burn in Hades! We are dull, but at least we'll go to Heaven."
P.S. CARLADY, please do not erase this, please!
First of all, Golf is a good car, it's fun to drive and it's for sure the best hatchback sold in USA.
Honda? My friend just bought one -> Civic HX , spent about $17,000. I have to tell you, I was very disappointed with car - it looks cheap, handles cheap and engine... it's just not fun to drive. However, too bad you guys never experienced "real" hatchbacks!(or did you?).
You know, Fiat Bravo HGT, Alfa 145 QV, P. 306... all those nice european cars that aren't sold in USA. Are they good? You BET!
And they don't break either... no matter what you've heard.
:-)
re: Hondas. I'm not going to argue about Honda quality, I own one with 110,000 miles on it. It's in great shape, I can't imagine ANY car 10-15 years ago that would hold up this well.
However, I've said it before and I'll say it again: Honda's quality is so good, that they are basically APPLIANCES. For a lot of people, this is a good thing. They want to turn it on in the morning, just like a coffee-maker, toaster and dishwasher and forget about it until it's time to use it again.
re: Hondas. I'm not going to argue about Honda quality, I own one with 110,000 miles on it. It's in great shape, I can't imagine ANY car 10-15 years ago that would hold up this well.
However, I've said it before and I'll say it again: Honda's quality is so good, that they are basically APPLIANCES. For a lot of people, this is a good thing. They want to turn it on in the morning, just like a coffee-maker, toaster and dishwasher and forget about it until it's time to use it again.
I've never been able to say that about the VWs we've owned (Fox, Golf 2, Golf 3). It is a tradeoff I accept, though, because I am a Mechanical Engineer that appreciates design as an artform. I love art, even when it fails.
BTW, it's the same in the workplace. The Engineers sneer at the Quality crowd, because they're generally boring, lifeless souls who value consistency over ecstasy. Ugh.
Bruce.
re: Hondas. I'm not going to argue about Honda quality, I own one with 110,000 miles on it. It's in
#11 is the correct one.
Bruce
I think all this talk has scared off the die-hard Honda fanatics. Yea!
I have nothing against Honda, I think they serve their purpose, and that's good. I do have something against blind fanatical insults though.
Do any of you guys know anything about the Peugot 106 GTi? I hear that it's a great car in Europe.
As for Alfas and Peugeots. Gee, I can't imagine why they are no longer imported into the U.S.??
Yes, please come by and test either of my over-100,000 mile VWs --- the 81 Scirocco or the 83 Jetta, both still going strong. Perhaps you'll swear I've had both of them repainted, as several people have, because the paint is so perfect. Or assume that I've replaced the engines, because they still have so much pickup. Or maybe you'll just be amazed at shape of the interiors at 13-years-old-plus. But probably you'll be so entertained by the way they handle and perform that you won't notice anything else.
By the way, they're both all original, and have been as reliable as dirt. While you're at it, maybe you'll want to testdrive my friend's 80K-mile 1985 Accord. Oh, sorry, you can't, it rusted to pieces and had to be junked last year. You are right about his car starting right up every morning, though; it started right up when it was 6 months old, it just wouldn't move, since the brakes had seized. And of course the repair was not covered by the warrantee, since Honda had a clause that the warrantee is void if the car is not driven every day (my friend had been on a 1-week vacation). Yes, you'd be happy with that Accord. I'd be the one that gave you a lift to the dealer in my "unreliable" VW.
Seriously, Hondas are usually magnificently reliable cars during their usable lives, but they *aren't* typically 250K-mile cars, unless you drive awfully fast. Tell me you can neglect Hondas and they'll tolerate it; tell me VWs demand routine service; tell me VWs will have more annoying minor repairs --- I'll believe you. Don't tell me Hondas last indefinitely; I know better. And don't tell me every Honda is reliable. Some are not.
Incidentally, I *don't* sell VWs, and I *do* like the CRX. I just don't worship it, or any car.
Whatever happened to the CRX? Why doesn't Honda reintroduce a new CRX?
Great, you've had good luck with your Volkswagens. Years ago, I had several bugs and two busses. Lots of fond memories. The newer stuff such as Rabbitts and Jettas? I guess I base my feelings on what I see traded in. Compared to a high mileage Honda, they simply don't hold up.. Engines seem to be all right, but the little stuff like swiitches, door locks and the like can't compare. The CRX ? Great car, especially the SI model. Last year was 1991. Declining sales caused the demise. Two seaters are loved by few. Too bad, they were fun.
From my experiences with VWs and Hondas, recommending a Honda as a high-mileage, long-term vehicle seems quite perverse. Still, you are entitled to your viewpoint, biased though it may seem to me.
Happy motoring,
JB
I red some article about best GTI's sold in Europe. There was Golf,BMW , Fiat, Peugot, Alfa, Honda, ... It was in AutoBild - german magazine so you would expect them to prefer Golf as they usually do, but guess what? Alfa 145 was clear winner and Golf finished 4th (I think). What about Honda? Last place... so much about that.
Da da da da ...
How long do you intend to keep this car. As much as I love our Golf (it's our third VW in 10 years), I don't believe it will hold up as long as a Honda Civic. YMMV, of course.
If this is a 3-4 year fling, OK, go with your heart. If it's a 150-200K mile journey, buy a Honda. Of course, the Honda will still require maintenance, and Honda parts are not inexpensive.
My wallet still smarts from the timing belt/water pump replacement service at 90,000 on my 1991 CRX.
Bruce.
But not to worry, there are many Honda owners who feel just as passionately about their cars. :-)
- Dana
engineering...generally..
Anyway - I thought my mind was made up. But that sun roof and extras sure are nice. And they come with a/c....now I'm confused but think I'm still leaning Honda. It feels like the more sensible choice - especially b/c my budget is really tight right now! I only hope I can be happy in the pretty much "bare bones" Civic for at least 5 years! I plan on darkening windows and putting in an awesome stereo to add some flair and comfort. Advice please.
Still confused about these two cars?
The Civic is a good, solid buy for anyone needing and relying on a daily driver. I think it is a bit overpriced nowadays. I like the older Hondas that were still made in Japan. A lot of people drive Civics.
As for the Golf 3, what makes you think it will not last a long time? Truthfully, these cars are quite reliable, plus you get a 10yr/100K mi powertrain warranty, if you decide to keep your Golf that long. It also comes with 2yrs free service (which you don't get with a Civic). Let's face it, VWs are not for everybody. I'm not even going to bother trying to convince people that they are, even though the name "Volkswagen" itself means People's Car (but that started in 1930's germany, so...). I think this car, with all of its features, is a good value. It is a solid German-feeling driver which has character. VWs drive like no other car in its class and often compared with cars above its class. I have heard of no major reliability problems for the Golf 3s.
Don't overlook this car.
We were surprised to meet someone at our local VW dealer who had a 6 month old Honda Civic hatchback and was ready to throw in the towel because she had already had so many problems with her brand new car! She came to look at the new Beetle (which is what we were doing there!) and was sorry she didn't wait just a little bit longer before buying her latest car.
Don't take it too hard.
One OH NO erases 1,000 OH YEAHs.
GuyP has it right, Honda probably DOES have slightly higher reliability in the context of a gas-and-go daily commuter vehicle.
Almost everyone with direct experience of the two marques agrees that Hondas (and Toyotas) thrive on neglect, while VWs (and "insert European maker here") require more diligence to the preventive maintenance schedule in order to achieve the reliability that they are capable of.
Buy what you like the best, in this scenario. Neither car will remind you of your GM
experience {;-)
Bruce, your roving host.
Any suggestions?
BNormann is right, one swallow does not a summer make. But then, he's always right! ;-)
As for tips on bargaining with dealers, boullosa, why not try our Consumer Advice area for excellent information about how to deal with your dealer when you want a great deal! The time you take to read this material will be well worth it when you see the results in your pocket.
Keep us posted!
"Bad" Hondas? Sounds like GM (or VW) propaganda to me!!! Maybe that "person" that you "met" at the VW dealership was the owner's wife?!!
Again: Hondas = excellence, VW's = Mexican-made "quality". If you want German quality, buy a BMW.
carlady/host
I would like to hear some feedback from anyone out there that can guide me in the right direction.
Thank you for your time.
- Dana
So, the rationale for the 2.3 liter VR5 doesn't hold true in the US. In fact, just the opposite is true here.
Apparently, the VR5 is aimed at the touring crowd, with a little more refinement offered, compared to the turbo 4, which is aimed at the performance crowd.
I can't imagine upper management agreeing to produce two engines with the same power for one platform. Seems like a lot of extra effort. Maybe there is not enough plant capacity to produce the 5-valve, 4cyl engines to meet ALL the demand (Golf, Jetta, Beetle, Passat, Audi A4, A3)
Bruce. Roving host.
Thanks again
R. Perez
I will qualify my remarks by stating: I bought my beloved '91 Honda CRX in October 1991 after it was discontinued and I only paid $8300. It was the best deal I ever made on a car. Carlady and I bought a '96 Golf via Auto-By-Tel and it was PAINLESS, a wonderful experience.
BUT... nothing beats the experience of walking out of a dealership and being able to truthfully say: "I WON!!!" Theres a lot of blood, sweat and tears involved, but I'm glad I did it once... BTW, it was only possible after reading and adhering to the great advice here on the Edmunds site.
So, you choose: "latest and greatest, at a price" or "last year's news for bargain prices". OBTW, SAAB lovers are experiencing this exact quandry right now. You can get a very nice '98 SAAB 900 for $20k. It's a great deal, BUT you don't get all the 200-odd improvements in the 9-3.
Bruce. your roving host.
daily commute.I considered the Golf, but
the Civic's higher safety rating convinced me.
Why do Edmunds' editors say under cons for
the Honda:
"Boy this thing looks strange"
Is that what everybody thinks?