Overview & Reviews

The Rabbit-based Volkswagen GTI hops into 2009 with the newly optional Thunderbunny Package, which includes sportier bodywork and exhaust tips. This is also the first year that every GTI will be PZEV-rated.

• Hatchback versatility, high-quality interior, potent turbocharged engine, excellent ride/handling balance.

• Relatively pricey, some competing models are faster and handle better.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 29.00

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  VW reliability ad makes me wan to scream - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By cla - January 5 - 4:56 pm

  34,000 miles on my 2009 GTI and 2 intake manifold replacements - done under warranty - Time for car shopping!

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  Wonderful car - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jason - December 12 - 5:10 pm

  I just got my 09 GTI, and LOVE it! I traded in my 06 Audi A3, which had the same engine, and many similar features, but the GTI feels so much sportier. The engine is great, and DSG is awesome. I still have to gently break it in, so look forward to the day I can really test the limits :)

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  Great Decision - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By stephen - March 14 - 8:23 pm

  Had the car 2 weeks and have nearly 2K miles on it, wont be driving it that much after the summer. I sold my 2001 182K mile Passat on Craigslist in 36 hours and was looking at a 2007 Lexus IS250. Tried to make 4 different deals for the lexuss but no one wanted to budge. Got fed up and went back to VW and got a the loaded GTI autobahn package for less than a 2 year old lexus. Apples and Oranges I know but I do enjoy the GTI, had many many compliments on it already. The sport seats are a little narrow and took a while to get used to but now I quite enjoy it. Hope the quality rivals the old Passat, that car would have been good for another 100K.

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  Great Engine, Tranny and Suspension But. - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jack - February 13 - 9:03 am

  Engine is first rate with very little turbo lag and it has great torque throughout the RPM range. Handling is very good for FWD car and DSG transmission is awesome. Lightning quick shifts. Interior has nice materials and good ergonomics. Seats are great as is the steering wheel. VW got the big stuff right with the GTI. Unfortunately, the little details are what they missed. With only 1,000 miles on the clock my seat squeaks, my dash squeaks over every bump, my rear hatch rattles over bumps and there is an engine rattle between 2500 and 3000 RPM which is an issue with other MKV GTIs too. Unacceptable in a new car. I heard VW has terrible quality control and now I believe it.

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  Terrific Hot Hatch - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By Gnslngr - January 31 - 9:50 pm

  Looked for a car that had the utility of a four door hatch and was fun to drive - the GTI beats almost every other car on the market in the Fun-To-Drive category. There are some great forums for this car and some cool mods you can put on it. Im getting 30 mph even when I drive it like an F1 car. Fun, Fun, Fun til my wife takes the GTI away......... Oh, yea - dont forget the Launch Control. Its a blast with the DSG and makes the car, with the paddle shifters, the coolest little hatchback on the planet.

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  Hated to see it go - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By cibaknife - June 3 - 8:07 am

  First let me say this car is a blast to drive. Economical on gas, although it requires premium. Almost Audi-like quality for a much lower price. The most entertaining car I have ever had. I looked forward to driving it. The hatchback versatility was great. Now the bad: the first battery lasted about a year and gave out in the middle of a road trip. CEL came on another trip for an intake sensor. At 50k miles the intake manifold had to be placed. At 55K the mass airflow sensor went. Dealership had poor service. I got the car back from them and sold it. I dont have time to sit in a VW dealership or be without a car for weeks at a time. Hated to see it go, though.

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  Great Car, Very Problematic - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By VW EHHH :( - May 21 - 2:46 pm

  I purchased this car and it seems I got unlucky with the buy vs other GTI owners who have never had any issues with the car. It has been one year, and already I have had about 3 major repairs done to the car. The car is great to drive, very fun, but I guess in my case very problematic and have been to the dealer with repairs in the last year over 7 times. From electrical issues, to an intake manifold being cracked from bad mold casting, to air conditioning falling apart and need replacement. However, I do recommend you purchase an extended warranty and VW has completed all repairs, but as far as satisfaction with the car. I am VERY VERY displeased and dissatisfied.