5 Star Reviews for 2008 Volkswagen GTI

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.74/5 Average
63 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2008 Volkswagen GTI receives a lower ride height for better handling, and minor equipment and trim level changes.

Pros:
  • Hatchback utility, upscale features and interior design, strong turbocharged engine, optional sequential-shifting DSG gearbox.
Cons:
  • Higher price than many competitors, handling nimbleness dulled by beefy curb weight.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 63.00
  • What a HOOT! - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    Great car! On the fun to drive scale it is an 11. With 4 doors it is easy and comfy to carry 4 adults-the problem is they all want to drive. 17 in. Wheels still handle very well and the ride is far Superior to the 18s. Ill run 4 full on snows in the winter and know it will get me anywhere with safety ad fun. Instant power, no torgue steer, great fun with the dsg and quite good mileage make a great package. I have just over 1k miles in 3 weeks and have averaged over 26 mpg in mixed driving. I checked the speedo with our Garmin GPS and it is spot on. The sound system is great for me, although the sat radio seems to cut out a lot from trees, buildings, etc. The fit and finish are awesome.

  • Back in the fold... - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    This is hard for me to do because I traded in my 2004 AUDI S4. So imagine the performance & refinement that Im giving up. Having said that, if it was too much of a gap I wouldnt have gotten the GTI. The GTI is nothing short of incredible. I had a GTI in 1995, when it was equipped with the VR6. I missed that car when I traded it in & am glad to be back in the GTI fold. I have owned other VWs and have always liked them. This GTI is a cut above the rest, what a great car. Not only is it quick and fun to drive, but its well behaved too. You can cruise, you can relax, and then simply by pressing down the accelerator - the attitude changes to evil.

  • fun to drive - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    This is my first VW I have ever owned and I couldnt be more happy with it. The plaid seats look very cool in person but in picture I thought they looked pretty ugly. Horrible gas mileage when using the paddle shifters as all you want to do is drive like a maniac :). I average 24 mpg when I keep it in drive. The sunglasses holder up near the sunroof controls kept popping open during the summer if I had glasses in it. After a while I couldnt keep it closed even if I took the glasses out. Finally after weeks of twisting things in different directions it stays up. Back seats are roomy according to my coworkers but you have to pull up the front seats for there legs.

  • Best of Choices - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    I went to the dealership for a 25k miles revision on my Mazda 6, the same day i test driven the GTI, it was an instant decision. I had the GTI for the past 3 weeks and is totally awesome, great driving experience and a great reason to get up in the morning and drive to work. I also have not used my HD Sporter since.

  • Love My GTI - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    Great Car! Owned 2000 Golf, 2002 Jetta GLI, 2006 Jetta GLI and now the 2008 GTI and it is the best yet. I went with the 4 door model because i got a kid and it just makes it easier. Love the leather package and the stereo. Oil changes on these cars are expensive so I opted for the dealer package that covers this. Hope I dont have problems with the air conditioner compressor and condenser that has plagued newer vws.

  • Are you kidding me????? - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    I was hesitant to buy a GTI due to "claims" of reliability issues. I took a chance and I cannot tell you how happy I am. This little rocket is amazing. Performance is top notch, fuel economy is great (26 MPG during 50/50 commute) interior quality is top notch (drive it at night) and it handles like a go- kart. For 22K with 0% for 60 months I walked away feeling like a king. There are little options to be had on this car, and it will not disappoint. Go with the basic package and keep the cost down. And yes, believe the hype on the DSG. It is ridiculously responsive. No car with this much torque and off the line acceleration should be this economical. The enthusiasts affordable dream!

  • 8 Month Update - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    After 8 months I am still enjoying this car. It responds to all my driving moods. Whether I want to poke along and enjoy the scenery or zip down a winding road, the GTI is a ready companion. Gas mileage has improved to 27 mpg (per the computer display). I alternate between regular and premium gas and have not noticed a reduction in performance. I have had no mechanical issues and the car runs great.

  • Feel 18 Again!! - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    I love this car!! Traded an IS300 for an 2007 Armada (Gas Pig). Traded for the 08GTI. This is the funnest car Ive ever had! Stock car is fast and handles great! Love the DSG. I Added a APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade and this little rocket now has 252 hp and 303 ft- lb of torque! I took a long road trip and averaged 28.2 mpg at 90 mph. Ive read about the VW having cockpit rattles, however I havent noticed any. As a 37 year old single parent, I wanted something sporty and family friendly and the GTI was the best fit. 6 Airbags, seating for 5, good leg room in the back. Added the rear storage shelf under the hatch. I feel 18 again and with the Stage 1 upgrade, I make up reasons to leave the house!!

  • Just about perfect - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    Traded 2006 Passat 3.6 for GTI taking advantage of owner loyalty credit and 0% financing. Im extremely satisfied with my purchase and look forward to getting in the car every day. The Passat was a nice car, but zero fun to drive. The GTI is an absolute ball. This car reacts to every thought like its hardwired to your brain. The suspension is firm but supple, taking bumps better than the Passat did. Im averaging 23 MPG in stop and go driving vs. 15 MPG for my V6 Passat. I had read all the hype in the car mags and I guess, well, its all true!

  • Abaun Dream - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    I looked at SUVs first but with gas costing so much I decided a 4 dr hatchback would be better; they offer a lot of utility/space. I did a lot of research before buying and 95% of the online sources recommended the GTI. The overall GTI package cant be beat! Handling is secure, safety top-notch and with the standard features youd think the GTI would run $30K. Also, the 2.0L turbo 4 cyl, and the DSG auto tranny is straight from the Audi A4, a $40K+ car. Its nice to see F1 engineering trickle from Audi down to the VW making this car stand way ahead of competitors like Honda and MINI. Put this car on the top of your list, its on C&D 10 best cars 2 years running for all the right reasons!

Volkswagen GTI Reviews By Year:
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