A running joke in the Balkans is that you can find parts for older Golfs in the nearest ditch.

In the USA, this is Chevrolet/GMC. VW parts you may have to hunt for/pay more for.

Agreed, also compare the failure statistics with e.g. Ford and you will see VW outperforms for example Ford in reliability. Not sure about other cars.

Same in Sweden and many other places

Going to second and extend TheAdamAndChe's assessment in the US to include the Audi division as well. It seems electrical/electronics are the main quality area.

I had an S5 with dash lighting issues, console control issues, premature clutch failure (to be fair the previous owner could have roasted it), a nearly new SQ5 with a failed cabin blower fan and more console issues. My sister-in-law had a Jetta with aggregate months in the shop for variety of engine management and other electronics issues. My nephew had a CC that broke a seal and the resulting oil leak wasn't detected by the oil pressure sensor and he seized the engine (also had a fuel pump failure). These are the only VWs in the extended family.

Now I have an F150 with way too many electronics in it for a pickup truck...fingers crossed.