Volkswagen is one of the few car manufacturers with as distinctive an identity as the legendary German brand.
From its very beginnings, the company has remained true to the literal translation of its name, which means “cars for the people,” and has built vehicles that reflect all the qualities that consumers desire in their daily transportation.
Over its long and storied history, Volkswagen has produced iconic models such as the Beetle, Golf, and Camper each of these cars managing, in general, to offer an attractive, comfortable, practical, and dependable driving experience.
Reliability is a crucial factor when selecting a vehicle, especially in the second-hand market. Every driver wants assurance that their car will endure over time.
Although achieving high mileage and longevity depends largely on proper maintenance, and each vehicle is different, there are several Volkswagen models known for their ability to stand the test of time.
1. 2003 Volkswagen Beetle TDI
The VW Bug is a car that stands out in automotive history, and while the new Beetle may not have achieved the same iconic status as its predecessor, it gained a reputation for being surprisingly reliable, particularly when equipped with Volkswagen’s renowned 1.9-liter TDI engine.
With its unique and charming design, the Beetle’s look was immediately recognizable and reflected the spirit of the original model.
In addition to its appealing aesthetics, the Beetle was also known for its solid build quality, and the 1.9 TDI engine provided excellent fuel efficiency.
Reliability
Though the Beetle is often regarded as a fun, stylish vehicle, it proved to be a dependable choice when paired with the 1.9-liter TDI engine, capable of comfortably exceeding 100,000 miles.
A CarSurvey user shared that their car was still running well at 110,000 miles, thanks to regular maintenance and the replacement of the water pump.
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2. 2004 Volkswagen Golf R32
The Mk5 Volkswagen Golf R32 is best known for its impressive performance, exceptional handling, and striking appearance. However, it also exemplifies the reliability that Volkswagen is known for, provided that the car receives regular maintenance.
With a 3.2-liter VR6 engine producing 240 horsepower and Volkswagen’s durable 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, the R32 Golf was one of the top hot hatches of its time, and its stylish design made it a standout choice for enthusiasts looking for a high-performance compact car in the early 2000s.
Reliability
Like most performance-oriented vehicles, the R32 Golf performs best with consistent maintenance. Owners have reported that, with proper care and timely replacement of consumable parts, the car remains one of the most dependable models from that era.
One CarSurvey user even mentioned that they hoped to find another R32 to keep in storage for when they retire their current one in 20 years, as they had already reached 190,000 miles.
3. 2005 Volkswagen Passat TDI
The Volkswagen Passat, a midsize sedan that was discontinued after the mid-2000s, stands out as one of the most reliable vehicles from Volkswagen in the last 30 years, especially when equipped with the brand’s well-regarded 2.0-liter TDI engine.
Known for its solid build quality, the 2005 Passat was not only comfortable and practical but also offered impressive fuel economy.
While it might not have had the striking appearance of some of its competitors, the Passat earned praise for its many positive features and has developed a loyal following of enthusiasts.
Reliability
The Volkswagen Passat has earned a reputation as one of the most dependable cars from the brand in recent history, with the ability to reach high mileage with basic, consistent maintenance.
One CarSurvey user described their car as “fantastic in every way” and mentioned that they felt it was even more reliable than a Mercedes-Benz.
4. 2006 Volkswagen Golf TDI
If the R32 model is a bit too performance-oriented for your tastes, the 2006 Volkswagen Golf TDI from the same era offers a more reliable alternative, and it retains much of the charm that the Golf is known for.
While it may not be the fastest or most powerful Golf available on the second-hand market today, the Mk5 Golf TDI has built a strong reputation for its dependability, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
Its practical interior and appealing design make it a solid choice for those looking for a dependable Volkswagen vehicle.
Reliability
The Mk5 Volkswagen Golf TDI is regarded by enthusiasts as one of the most reliable Golf models in recent years, with many able to achieve over 100,000 miles in their lifetime.
One CarSurvey owner shared that the vehicle was nearly flawless, with the only engine-related issue being related to performance.
5. 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan TDI
The 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan was a compact SUV introduced to meet the growing consumer demand for larger vehicles. It helped reinforce Volkswagen’s reputation for producing comfortable, practical, and reliable cars.
Offering a variety of engines and trim options, the Tiguan stood out as one of the most versatile cars of its generation.
Available with all-wheel drive and capable of delivering up to approximately 200 horsepower, it became well-known for its interior comfort, cargo space, and overall reliability, making it a strong contender for family use.
Reliability
The first-generation Volkswagen Tiguan became a successful model for the brand, helping to solidify its position in the SUV market.
Much of this success can be attributed to its low annual repair costs and strong reliability. One CarSurvey user mentioned that their Tiguan was comfortable and dependable, rating its reliability at 9/10.
6. 2011 Volkswagen CC TDI
The 2011 Volkswagen CC, originally sold as the Volkswagen Passat CC, was a stylish, high-quality sedan designed for the more luxury-oriented market.
Despite its upscale features, it did not compromise on the legendary reliability Volkswagen is known for. Volkswagen described the CC as standing for “Comfort Coupe,” and the car lived up to that promise with its luxurious interior, smooth ride, and solid performance.
Although it had a relatively short production run from 2008 to 2016, the CC quickly gained a loyal following, particularly among Volkswagen enthusiasts.
Reliability
The Volkswagen CC has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable cars produced by Volkswagen in recent years. With its robust VW foundation and premium build quality, the CC received excellent reviews from owners on CarSurvey.
One user stated that the car had “a little bit of everything with no drawbacks,” highlighting its overall positive qualities.
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7. 2013 Volkswagen Touareg TDI
The 2013 Volkswagen Touareg was another of the brand’s successful SUV offerings, as the demand for SUVs began to rise globally.
Known for its robust and purposeful styling, the Touareg became one of Volkswagen’s most popular models in 2013, earning a reputation as one of their most reliable vehicles of the time.
The Touareg featured excellent cargo space, a comfortable interior, and good fuel efficiency, especially when equipped with the TDI engine.
Reliability
The Touareg has developed a strong reputation for being an exceptionally solid vehicle, with the potential to endure for many miles.
One CarSurvey user described their Touareg as “a Porsche in VW clothing,” praising the performance and reliability of its turbo diesel engine, and giving it a reliability rating of 9/10.
8. 2015 Volkswagen Jetta TSI
Volkswagen is known for producing high-quality, reliable sedans, and the Jetta stands out as one of the best in recent years.
Combining comfort, practicality, and dependability in that unmistakable Volkswagen way, the Jetta offers all the qualities most drivers look for in a daily vehicle.
Equipped with a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the TSI trim, the Jetta provided a respectable 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, offering more than enough performance for a family sedan.
Reliability
Like other Volkswagen sedans on this list, the Jetta has undergone changes over the years but has consistently earned a reputation for its dependability and longevity.
The car has garnered a loyal following within the automotive community for its reliability, with one CarSurvey owner reporting that their Jetta has been flawless since purchase, giving it a perfect reliability rating of 10/10 and stating that it’s been worth every penny of the purchase price.
9. 2018 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack TDI
Wagons have always had a certain appeal, and the Passat Alltrack is considered one of the best in recent years, bringing the practicality of the wagon shape to the proven and reliable Passat.
The Passat Alltrack was marketed as a versatile vehicle capable of handling both passenger and cargo needs on and off the road, aided by VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. During its time on the market, the vehicle excelled in fuel efficiency and reliability.
Reliability
The Passat Alltrack embodied the reliability you would expect from the Volkswagen nameplate. It has received positive reliability ratings online, earning a number of favorable reviews from satisfied owners and a 4.5/5 star rating.
10. 2019 Volkswagen Arteon TDI
The 2019 Volkswagen Arteon represents the brand’s move into the luxury sedan market, and it may very well be the best of Volkswagen’s luxury offerings.
With its sophisticated and attractive design, high-quality interior featuring the latest technology, and a strong, reliable powertrain, the Arteon provides an excellent luxury car at a price point lower than what you’d expect for such a quality vehicle.
Reliability
Although the Arteon is still a relatively new model, with fewer consumer reports available, the existing information suggests that the car is one of the most reliable in its class. It has been awarded a reliability rating of 79/100, which is above average for vehicles in its category.