I drove a Golf for years.  It was the funnest car to drive that I have ever been behind the wheel of.  It lasted without anything other than regular maint. for 200,000 miles, when I sold it.  It was made in Mexico.  Never even replaced the clutch.
I would love to own another VW, I don't think they are the finest cars, but bang for the buck and fun factored in, I don't think they can be beat.
-Greese