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 21 through 30 of 63.00

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  My first VW - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Sam - November 17 - 12:56 pm

  Test-drove a friends GTI; I was so impressed I traded in a 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 GT. As expected, I took a pretty good beating on the trade in. But it has been worth it, the GTI is a much more refined driving experience than the Speed 3, the suspension is more compliant to road irregularities and the turbo power plant provides power with virtually no wait time for the turbo to spool up to boost. On paper it is not as fast as the Mazdaspeed 3 but you would swear that is. Quality materials and workmanship throughout, engine and DSG are matched prefectly and is a really wonderful piece of engineering.

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  The only car for me - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jay L - September 30 - 7:23 pm

  I 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 pm

  Needed 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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  Love it, Love it, Love it - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Pat - June 20 - 11:06 pm

  I 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 pm

  I 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 pm

  Leased 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 am

  I 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 am

  Unsure 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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  Great Compact Sports Car - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Steve - October 10 - 9:03 pm

  This is my very first "new" car and its a long time waiting. I wanted a small sports car; either the Mini Cooper or the GTI fit my style. I ended up picking the GTI because I felt the flood of Minis out there on the street would dilute my enthusiasm for my car. I am extremely happy with my purchase an happy I chose this over the Cooper.

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  Mini Batmobile - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTI Lover - August 12 - 5:00 am

  I traded in a Toyota FJ Cruiser after realizing that we need to start taking better care of the environment. Minus the FJ, I have always been around fast cars and wanted something FUN. I read a review saying that the GTI was the "right car at the right time" and cant help but agree. Its super fast, powerful, and all in all the most fun car Ive ever driven. Its also safe and good in the rain! Was concerned about the car not attracting much attention, fearing it looked too bland. I get so many compliments, however, on how sharp and "sexy" it looks. My suggestion is to go for the Black Magic color. You feel like youre driving a mini Batmobile. Doesnt get much cooler than that!!