G 052 162 (or equivalent VW spec ATF, e.g., ATF Type 3.1)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior Length
Length:
161.1 inches (4092 mm)
Exterior Width
Width:
68.3 inches (1735 mm)
Exterior Height
Height:
56.1 inches (1425 mm)
Wheelbase
Wheelbase:
98.9 inches (2512 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 2850 lbs (1293 kg)
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 3050 lbs (1383 kg)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 16.0 cu ft (453 L)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 39.5 cu ft (1118 L)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Driver:
Good (for 2001 model year)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
Good (for 2001 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Standard Dual Frontal Airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional Side Curtain Airbags (market dependent)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters (front), 3-point rear seatbelts.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Monsoon premium sound system with amplifier and subwoofer.
Display:
Basic LCD display for radio and clock. Higher trims may have more integrated displays.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control system.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, aftermarket solutions often required for AUX or Bluetooth.
Lighting
Headlights:
Halogen reflector headlights, optional Xenon HID headlights on higher trims.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals Oil
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Service Intervals Filters
Filters Replacement:
Oil filter: With every oil change. Air filter: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). Cabin/Pollen filter: Every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km).
Service Intervals Brakes
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Service Intervals Timing Belt
Timing Belt Replacement:
For 1.8T (AUM/AWD) and 2.0L (AZG/AVH/BBW): Approximately 70,000 - 90,000 miles (112,000 - 144,000 km) or 7 years. The 1.8L (AGN/APG) might have a timing chain depending on exact variant, while TDI models use a timing belt with similar intervals.
Fluid Specifications Oil
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-40 or SAE 0W-40, meeting VW 502.00 or VW 505.00 specifications (check owner's manual for exact engine requirements).
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Type:
G12 Plus (Pink) or G12++ (Purple) antifreeze/coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Known Issues
Ignition Coils:
Coil-on-plug (COP) ignition coils are prone to failure, leading to misfires.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket can develop leaks over time.
ABS Sensor Failure:
ABS wheel speed sensors are a common failure point, triggering ABS warning lights.
HVAC Blend Door Actuators:
Recirculation and mode blend door actuators can fail, affecting temperature and airflow control.
Mass Airflow Sensor:
The MAF sensor can become dirty or fail, causing rough idle and performance issues.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators and motors are known to fail, especially in older vehicles.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Volkswagen Legacy:
Volkswagen's reputation for building robust, reliable, and well-engineered vehicles since the Beetle era.
Model Evolution
Golf Lineage:
The Golf Mk4 (A4) replaced the Mk3 Golf and was produced from 1997 to 2006 (North America model years 1999-2006), representing a significant redesign with a more modern platform and styling.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Wolfsburg), but also Mexico and other international plants.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car Of The Year Nominations:
The Golf Mk4 platform, while not winning a specific 'Car of the Year' for 2001 globally, contributed to Volkswagen's reputation for producing well-received vehicles.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied by model year and engine, often rated average to below average for reliability in its later years due to electrical and some powertrain issues.
Certifications
Emissions Compliance:
Compliant with EPA emissions standards for the 2001 model year.
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