Overview & Reviews

All Golf models get clear side marker lights, trunk entrapment buttons, new cupholders and head protection airbags. Golf GL and GLS get higher-quality interior fabrics and the GTI benefits from a new 16-inch wheel design, optional 17-inch wheels, and multi-function steering wheel controls.

• Fun-to-drive, lots of standard goodies, hatchback design offers excellent cargo utility.

• Some controls hard to decipher, handling could be crisper, dated styling.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 54.00

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  Fun to Drive But........ - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Emil - December 14 - 11:16 pm

  Very fun to drive. Wish they upped the HP in 2001 instead of 2002, but 175 is still pretty peppy. I regularly get 30pmg at highway speeds.

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  good to go... - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By dmbbravo - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Although I have always owned and driven trucks and sport uts, I really enjoy this car. It handles really well and the comfort and security is best of all. Iwould recomend this car to any one friend or foe.

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  Great car - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By acmeretro - February 25 - 10:00 am

  In the 18 months Ive had it, Its a fun car to drive. I have the 15" wheels I would suggest the the 16" or the 17". Very smooth and quiet for such a small car. No real problems yet other than a dome light switch. With the 1.8T 5 speed was disapointed with the mileage at first 26-27 city but has picked up to 30+ city after 15,000 miles.

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  The GTI - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By kevykev12 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy this car. Its got good power, it looks good. The hatchback gives some extra space. The moonroof is cool. My problem with the car thus far, has nothing to do with the car but the manufacturer. It seems that all repairs on my car when they become necessary will have to be done at the dealer. An overpriced dealer, where at this point, Ive been unsatisfied with their lack of professionalism and lazy service. With all of that said, once again, I love the car, and would consider buying another GTI/Golf in the future if the rectify some of their buisness practices.

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  Very fun and safe to drive. - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Leonel Castro - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for over 2 years. The windows have fallen inside the door several times. Though Volkswagen did admit that it was a huge defect on these vehicles, they are replacing all window mechanisms with a complete newly designed piece. Its been now almost a year and the windows work perfectly. Other than that I have no complaints. I love driving the car and am very pleased with the smooth drive. 150 hourses can really give you some serious G-Force! Oh, and one last thing... This car has always made head turns since the first day a owned it. Its sleek European design definitely stands out within the rest.

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  The pleasures of driving a 2001 GTi VR6 - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By o2bavr6 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This the 3rd GTi Ive owned and have had the car now for about 3 years. I never tire of driving it. The VR6 has such a wondeful power band. It also handles quite well for a hatchback with a V6 in it. I havent had many troubles with the car at all, and the ones I did were covered under warranty. 2004 VW R32 here I come.

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  Great Car - My 2nd GTi - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Dante - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I owned an 84 GTi (the original) for 12 years, then a Jetta GLi for 8 more years. After a quick stint with another vehicle, I went back to VW. I bought this car used, with 60k miles already on it. I am now very close to 100k and I absolutely love this car. Only problems I have had is: replacing the water pump (normal) and a bad coil pack (normal?). I maintain it religiously, running only synthetic oil. I honestly never have to open the hood between changes - it uses absolutely no oil, and the old oil is only moderately dirty after 5k miles. One odd issue - I have to top off the power steering fluid every 5k-6k miles and I see none of it leaking out(?)

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  My GTI Review - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Rccar 111 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  My GTI has been a blast to drive everyday for almost 2 years now. The 1.8t engine is the same one youll find on the Audi TT, A4, and A3. I dont think most people realize that. It has a lot of low end torque and high end hp. With an aftermarket chipping program, you will have a 210hp 240tq mini monster. The handling isnt too bad, but with a aftermarket suspension, the handling performance is greatly improved.

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  vroom!!! vroom!!! - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By babs johnson - March 13 - 2:00 am

  this thing flies. i just sold my saab 900 turbo and this thing gets just as much zip for half the cash. handles well with a nice interior. but for a "hatch back" it could use a lot more trunk space. also its 2002 could we please make it standard to have a cd player. im finding along with other vw owners that the stock batteries die early. mine died twice during the test drive!

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  im buying GTIs for my whole life. - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By nj_vw_punk - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Ill make this short. This is the best all-around car you will find. The car is fun as hell to drive, looks good, is practical (as most hatchbacks are), is designed intelligently (for the most part) and the build quality is great. you wont get this much car for this little money anywhere else. forget what you think you should be driving (especially inefficient SUVs), and go to a dealer and take a test drive. Power is more than sufficient. Handling is good for all but the most performance minded. My only complaint is that some dealers are genuine jerks. Reydel VW in Edison NJ is quite good.