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 41 through 50 of 63.00

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  Not Bad, Not Bad at All - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Katsai - May 24 - 9:36 pm

  This car drives and performs well; the fuel economy is good and getting better. I previously owned a Nissan 350Z with a manual transmission and it was an outstanding performer. The GTIs performance is not as sharp and it does not have quite as much power as the Z, but is a better daily driver especially in the heavy traffic that I must deal with on a daily basis. The GTI is a very comfortable car, fun to drive, has plenty of power with very little turbo lag, exceptional build quality and easily accommodates my 61 250 pound frame. The 2 door has surprising room in the back for passengers, the stereo is surprisingly good, and I don’t miss my Z.

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  Sports car, SUV, city runabout all-in-1! - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Bob - January 5 - 6:20 pm

  This car acts as: (1) a sport scar because it is a blast to drive, (2) an suv because it hauls lots of people/stuff and is very user friendly/utilitarian, (3) a city runabout due to small size/easy to park and good on gas (31-35 mpg on highway depending on speed). This car is as fun to drive as my boxster S. Not overly flashy or showy but still looks "hip". I think VWs leather is plasticky so I got the cloth. Can be chipped for around $600 to get about 40 more hp if so inclined. The weak points of this car are well known due to tuners upgrading them to 300+ hp and no major issues if left stock or slightly modified. DSG is amazing and satisfies both automatic and manual drivers.

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  The right choice - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Duffy - November 28 - 12:40 am

  I have owned 6 VWs and was sure that I wanted to get something different and wanted a Civic SI. I then drove the SI and the GTI back to back and had no doubt that I wanted the WV. The SI was nice but from the second I sat in the GTI I could see the materials were of higher quality and it has more features, all the switches light up for the windows etc. And when you step on the gas in the GTI you get a rush that the SI does not provide. This car is simply a blast to drive, on the highway it is great, but the twisties is where it excels it is sure- footed and stable even when pushed hard. On the practical side the hatch will work better for me (2 kids,skis,snowboards etc).

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  Perfect package - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By mgh - November 9 - 9:46 am

  This car is a great mix of way fun to drive, very respectable gas mileage, useful features, and overall grin inducing ownership. The driver is pampered in a GTI; great seats, superb steering wheel, quality switches, tight handling. Now that Ive put almost 5,000 miles on it, the fuel economy is starting to improve. Started out at 25 mpg on a hilly highway commute, now Im up to 33 mpg - very timely.

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  A good idea - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By ed - September 24 - 3:46 am

  I had a 91 GTI 16 valve when I was in high school, it was a matter of time before I got another one. I traded in my 04 Passat 4-Motion for a new 08 GTI and am happy I did. I went for the 4 door, Autobahn package and 18" rims. Ive had the car for almost 4 weeks and like it more every day. Styling, handling and acceleration are great, as is gas mileage and comfort. Car feels like a BMW inside and performs like a car twice its price. I was shocked how quick it is and the 6 speed manual makes it that that much more fun to drive.

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  My GTi is a Hoot to drive!! - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By ChiefSectionB - August 10 - 4:06 pm

  This German Rocket is the most fun Ive had in a car!! Autobahn package worth the price. Handles great. The exhaust note is sublime... no mods needed. Performance/price ratio is off the chart. First tank mixed town/country driving was 27.6 MPG, and 2nd tank interstate driving (75-80 MPH) was 28.8 MPG.

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  This is the One - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By My Name is Fast - October 25 - 7:40 am

  I am one of those types of people who can not settle on a car. I have owned twelve other cars in my lifetime and this one tops them all by far. I traded in my Passat TDI for the GTI because diesel prices were out of control and I dont regret it a bit. This car is faster and handles better than my wifes Audi TT. I challenge anyone to find a car that handles better in the curves and can function as a daily driver as well. This may be the car or at least the brand/style of car that I finally stick with. I finally know what fast looks and feels like and this is it. Theres only one word to describe this vehicle: Fahrvergnügen.