Overview & Reviews

For the old 1.8T GTI, the VR6 style has been dropped and more features, including 17-inch wheels and stability control, are now standard. Starting in the late spring of 2006, the 1.8T Volkswagen GTI will be slowly phased out in favor of a fully redesigned model. As before, this performance hatchback will be based on the upcoming next-generation Golf. Highlights for the new GTI include increased performance, new styling and more interior room.

• Hatchback utility, upscale features and interior design, strong engine and automated manual gearbox of redesigned GTI.

• Higher price than those of its competitors, old GTI lacks oomph.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 111.00

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  Badge Snob Beater - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By N. Hansen - August 31 - 12:56 pm

  Having had four Audis in a row, the last being a TT, I considered the A3 as my next car. After test driving the A3, then the GTI, the GTI won me over. I should explain that I do not need four doors. As you know, the engines are exactly the same HP and torque. However, the GTI is much sportier, seems faster, and the exhaust growl above 3,000 RPMs is pure music. It is not loud or obnoxious, just powerful sounding (sort of like a VW R32). Lastly, I saved about $5,000 over by going with the VW.

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  2006 GTI - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Nick Walker - August 5 - 9:36 pm

  On a closed track I have run my 2006 GTI 2.0 against the following. 2003 Subaru WRX. I beat it. 2006 Dodge Charger Hemi, short track, only about 1/8 mile, I beat it. 2006 Pontiac GTO short track, I beat it. 2006 Pontiac G6, long track, I beat it. I know the GTO and Charger should have beaten me but it comes down to the driver as well. I have driven all of the above cars and mine is the easiest to drive as well. Only thing I dont like about my GTI is that the shifter feels a little sluggish. It has no problem shifting, but it doesnt have the crispness that the short shifter in my Acura had. Overall, this is an outstanding car. I havent been beat yet!

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  A car that is worth owning! - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Chase - May 18 - 1:26 pm

  I owned an Audi TT 225 Q and I loved the car. However, after having owned a new GTI 2.0T, just like the Audi A3, I dont know why anyone would put forth the money for the Audi. The Audi, by comparison is cramped and expensive. When I purchased the TT, I didnt spring for the DSG transmission, but after having it in the VW, I never want another car without it. It shifts much faster than any manual I have ever owned. I loved the TT, but the new GTI is much more fun to drive and has a much lighter feel due to the electromechanical steering. This is an A3 for much less. It is definetely worth investigating. I agree with another reviewer here on this site, the stereo is cheap and not very good.

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  Amazing Hot Hatch! - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Evo4Emperor - April 29 - 1:30 pm

  This is an amazing car for the price and offers great little features not found in normal cars! I love the FSI (fuel straight injection) because it delivers a constant torque to the wheels throughout the acceleration! Although the car looks small it is actually rather comfortable and roomy inside! Im a 6 foot guy and I still manage to get about 5 inches of headroom in the back seats! The interior is amazing as well as the blue or red LED display. The stock auto leveling xenon lights and audio controls in the steering wheel are awesome! The ride is comfortable when dealing with big dips in highways and small humps in the city streets. This is an amazing car and well worth the price I paid!

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  I love my car - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By erw - February 28 - 12:16 pm

  This is the funnest car to drive for the money. It is the best on the freeway. Girls love this car, I get compliments all the time. I had one problem with a rattle but the dealership fixed it. I love how I can drive it way fast and aggressive or slow and easy and get great gas mpg around 34-38 mpg if I drive good.

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  Love my first brand new Volkswagen GTI - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By turboveedub - February 17 - 1:33 pm

  Since I was young, my dad always has driven a Volkswagen. As I got older his passion turned into my passion for VWs, espicially the golf. Ive owned a 1987 4 door golf, a 1985 Jetta, a 2000 gti vr6, and now the new 2006 gti. I cant express how satisfied I am with my new car. I traded in my 2000 vr6 for the 2.0t and had doubts, not anymore. The car is absolutely everything I wanted , from the fit and finish to the performance, it is awesome. VW has come a long way and finally did it right once again.

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  It makes you think about corners - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jason - January 26 - 2:50 pm

  I just got mine June 9th and I love it. I fell for these GTIs this year at the Pittsburgh Auto Show, and was luckily able to get the numbers right to buy. The Black Magic is awesome, it looks like a piece of charcoal up close. My Fast has come back and we are living happily ever after (It left me 6 years ago when I bought a 1996 Civic DX). I think if Apple made a car they would integrate some of these little details.

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  The hottest car Ive ever owned! - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Redlinez - January 11 - 10:23 am

  I just bought it on 5/17 and the only thing Im unhappy about is having to wait so long for lunch and to go home! I dont know what it takes for some of you to rate a car highly, but this is the best vehicle Ive owned out of 30. It has unbelievable handling, a superb interior, its full of features, and I got 26 mpg on the first tank. This car has that intangible "right" feel like no other. Its power is an absolute blast, its fun to embarrass other cars that cost quite a bit more. Its suspension tuning is spot on. It has safety features are everywhere. I felt drunk the first few days of ownership. I also considered the Civic Si sedan, but couldnt wait and 129 lb. ft. of torque wont cut it for me.

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  Great Car - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By KJ Rutherford - December 6 - 11:30 pm

  The 2006 Volkswagen GTI is great to drive, quick off the mark, finally capable of keeping up with the Opel OPC, has a smooth ride, and great comfort. You have got to love German engineering.

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  I love my Fast, but drop me an inch - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Roger W. - August 29 - 9:56 pm

  This is my 4th VW and 2nd GTI and I have to say that the fit and finish are great, and the performance is what I expected. After driving a Saturn SL2 for 165,000 miles this cars steering is amazingly responsive, the 6-speed gearbox takes a little getting use to, and the brakes do stop you very quickly. Time to go run Redwood and have another Porsche for breakfast!