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 11 through 20 of 63.00

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  Look forward to driving my GTI - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Ghetdo - August 24 - 3:16 am

  Compared 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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  A Fun, Solid, Useful Little Package - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By PASNBYU - October 15 - 12:00 pm

  Im 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.

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  08 GTI - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Mark - October 23 - 12:50 pm

  I purchased my 2008 GTI rather than a Mustang. I wanted a sporty, fast car. My decision was made primarily due to increasing gas prices. This wasnt solved since the car runs best using premium fuel anyway. While the car was extremely fun to drive, the ride is stiff but should be expected. Maintenance costs are high as are costs for replacement items such as tires. At 10k miles it needed a 4 wheel alignment. I always drove the car easy, no curb hopping. Sold car at 22k miles due to notification from VW USA of possible problems with the DSG transmissions. Buy the car if you have money to burn on upkeep and maintenance. I went back to Toyotas, no more headaches.

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  Making Friends with your Fast - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By tryan - December 15 - 3:00 am

  After much research and test driving, I traded in my 04 Passat GLX 5-Speed for a 08 GTI 4-Door. I needed something more practical, but also wanted to upgrade slightly in performance. However, I also wanted to stay below (well below) $30k while doing it. With the current crop of hot hatches proliferating like bunnies (no pun intended), the GTI seemed to have the best mix of everything, features, performance, space and a well-executed interior. The Mazda3 was the only real competitor that gave the GTI a run for its money - especially in the value aspect. However, in the end, the GTI was more unique and hit a lot more design details that I appreciate (illuminated vanity mirrors for one).

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  Great Car - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Matt - November 14 - 8:16 am

  I have 4000 miles on my GTI so far and its a great car. This is my favorite car that I have owned (02 Mustang GT, 98 Cadillac STS). VERY fast and still gets good gas mileage. DSG is fun to drive on open roads and automatic mode is very convenient in traffic.

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  Great car - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By vitriol - May 4 - 10:33 pm

  Love it. Test drove lots of others (Civic Si, Mazdaspeed3, 350z), and none come close to having this cars combo of speed, handling, practicality, fuel economy and build quality. The interior is driver-focused and fit-and-finish is Audi-esque. Handling is near perfect (although I budgeted for them, suspension upgrades may not be necessary at all). Most importantly, its the impression of speed that is so great in this car: it feels faster than other cars, even if it isnt actually. For the performance, styling, fit-and-finish and the all- important fun-to-drive factor, this car is arguably perfect. Great fuel econ and massive cargo space make it a great all-around value