Overview & Reviews
The 2008 Volkswagen GTI receives a lower ride height for better handling, and minor equipment and trim level changes.
- Hatchback utility, upscale features and interior design, strong turbocharged engine, optional sequential-shifting DSG gearbox.
- Higher price than many competitors, handling nimbleness dulled by beefy curb weight.
User Reviews:
Showing 31 through 40 of 63.00-
younger opinion... - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
By jotad - October 28 - 12:50 pmits comfortable,quiet,well built and really fun to drive. this car is always in the mood for a sporty time ! even though is a heavy car it handles very good , is extremely comfortable to drive at high speeds, in long trips and daily basis.DSG gearbox is wonderful. i live in a very hot-hummid city(panama) and the air conditioner stops working some times(it seems to be a common problem in this year gti).its a expensive car to own. i havent had any serious problems, but small things are very expensive to replace. In the end, if you are willing to sacrifice some reliability for comfort, safety and sportiness this car is a very rewarding car to own ,it will make u smile every time you press gas
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The only car for me - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
By Jay L - September 30 - 7:23 pmI looked for a new car off and on for over 2 years and have never been a "VW guy". In fact, everything Ive owned previously has been Japanese. When I test drove this car, the drive won me over. It is not the fastest or best handling car I considered, but it is the only one that made me grin uncontrollably every time I test drove it. I love the way the car looks inside and out. I love the way the controls feel at hand/feet. It sounds good. It gets good gas mileage (averaged nearly 32 on a 3 hr interstate trip with less than 1k miles on the odo). It has fantastic legroom front and back. Even with the 18" wheels, I dont mind the ride quality. Theres simply no other car like it.
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My Fun Mobile - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
By rich116 - September 13 - 5:36 pmNeeded something with a back seat, and also wanted a car with decent gas mileage. But mostly the car had to be FUN to drive, since I was giving up my roadster. I drove Toyotas, Subarus, Chevys and Mazdas, but once I drove the GTI, I knew I was buying one. Ive always been a manual transmission guy. But a salesman encouraged me to try the DSG transmission, I did, & loved it. I bought the 4-door in white, really looks classy, sporty, yet practical.
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Look forward to driving my GTI - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
By Ghetdo - August 24 - 3:16 amCompared this car with the Subaru Legacy, but settled on the GTI based on friends recommendation and fun driving experience. I only have 2,700 miles on it so far, but its been very fun to toss this car around. Friends and family alike have been impressed with looks and performance. DSG takes a little time to get used to (tend to be jerky at low speeds), but once you get the hang of it, very fun and intuitive and the middle gears (2-4) pulls very well. Regular drive mode is useful when you dont feel like messing around with gear changes (i.e. traffic). Overall, very satisfied with this car. Hopefully, long term reliability and dealer service will not be a hassle.
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Love it, Love it, Love it - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
By Pat - June 20 - 11:06 pmI must have test driven about 10-15 cars in a matter of a year. Then one day my husband said go drive the VW GTI, well it was love at first test drive, I was hooked, the speed, the handling, the torque and it is a hatchback. They had to pull me out of the car. Have it about a month now and it is the most fun car I have ever driven. I helped move someone the other day and we couldnt believe how much we could fit in the car, it was amazing. This car is a blast, the gas mileage is very good, getting about 26,27 highway right now and that is with getting on it now and then. I use to hate my long commute everyday, but with this car I go to work smiling now. I am loving it.
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Fantastic! - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
By 2VG26 - April 4 - 7:33 pmI have now had this car for a year and three months and this car has served me well. It is extremely fun to drive, gets great mpg (when youre not on it) and shuns most everything on the road. The manual transmissions are bullet proof and the electromechanical steering has great feel and control. Overall this is the best bang for my buck!
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Still happy with my GTI - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
By Eric - April 4 - 2:16 pmLeased it two years ago this month. Now has almost 25K on it. The only problem so far was a fuel sending unit which kept indicating car was out of fuel. Dealer fixed it and no further problems. Car drives great, I average 27-28 MPG in a commute that is equal parts highway and city driving. I have owned MANY MANY VWs over the years, and some have been very problematic. Not this one. I plan to buy it at the end of the lease due to its reliability, economy and performance. Once its mine I will chip it and replace the OEM wheels & tires to improve the performance ever more.
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First VW ever - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
By Kish - February 13 - 6:06 amI looked at a lot of other cars and when I got in this GTI all I could say was WOW. The performance and shifting were perfect. Its feels like I can beat anyone. Not only was it fast but confortable also. Everything seems to be just right in and out of the GTI. The turbo has very little lag and between 2 and 4 this thing can fly. I just got it but so far I have heard and earful of compliments and I have never been happier to drive to work in my life. The price is def. worth what you get. I would recommend this car to anyone tring to find a car under 30k and get your bang for your buck. For sure.
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Love my 2008 GTI - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
By David - October 16 - 4:00 amUnsure where to start. I just love this car. It drives great, very good acceleration and handling and Im averaging 28 MPG combined driving! Everyone compliments on how great it looks and how the interior feels so great. Everytime I walk up to the GTI it makes me smile. If the car was totalled for some reason I be at the VW dealership the next day to buy another one.
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A Fun, Solid, Useful Little Package - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
By PASNBYU - October 15 - 12:00 pmIm coming up on my 3 yr ann. with my GTI and have only very few / minor complaints (see below) to go with my many miles of spirited driving. Even though torque steer is non-existent, Ive decided I just dont like FWD cars - the balance is just not there, especially at turn-in. Luckily for VW (and me!), from what Ive read, my wants / needs are all met with the 2012 GTI-R / Golf-R / R20.
