Overview & Reviews

For 2013, the GTI outfitted with the Convenience and Sunroof package gets different wheels, but otherwise the lineup carries over unchanged.

• Compliant ride
• Upscale interior
• Hatchback versatility
• Lively engine
• Good fuel economy

• Lacks adequate interior storage
• Competitors are quicker and handle better

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 16.00

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  Thunder Bunny - 2013 Volkswagen GTI
  By judge67 - November 15 - 6:17 am

  Simply amazing car... the 2.0 Turbo is quick. It is strong all through the rev range, very little turbo lag. I drive a considerable distance on the interstate, and it revs high at 75-80 mph (turning over 3000 rpm). As such, I have to work to get 30 mpg out of it, although at 60 it gets mid-30s easy. It has an Audi-grade interior and fit/finish, love the plaid seats and they are very comfortable (and heated!). The gauges light up white/grey/red and match the upholstory well. This is the only car on the planet that I prefer the automatic over a stick; the DSG is brilliant! My car also has the Pirelli tires as opposed to the Dunlops. The GTI is a ball to drive, but civilized, too.

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  Great Car for under $25k - 2013 Volkswagen GTI
  By cleaver - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Had my 4-door GTI for 2 months & about 2k miles. What really puts this car over the edge are the little things that make you realize the designers put extra thought into the car: the front doors have three different stops, allowing you to open them at up to a 90 degree angle; the foot-wells are lit at night; the ambient lighting around the center console at night; there is fabric lining the cubbys in the doors and the glovebox; the red stitching throughout the cabin. In many cars, these extra touches arent there and you dont miss them. But this car was designed for driving pleasure by car people, not by the bean counters. At around $25k, this car is a bargain.

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  A Near Perfect Compromise - 2013 Volkswagen GTI
  By basel1120 - September 5 - 1:16 am

  Time came to replace a much loved Mazda RX8 with a vehicle my wife could be induced to drive in place of our SUV. The RX8 was a delightful sports car but 17-19mpg around town and 20-22 mpg on the highway was no better than the SUV. And though "do-able" for two adults, an eight year old kid and big dog, it was hardly convenient. And for traffic a six speed manual could be torture (my wife says.) Considered a MINI and a TSX SportWagon but the MINI was too small (with 2 doors) and the TSX too long for the garage space. The GTI is perfect. Fun to drive. The DSG can match a very good MT. Solid, quiet, fast (and quick). For all but ski trips, it nearly equals the convenience of our Sorento.

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  Excellent All-Around Vehicle - 2013 Volkswagen GTI
  By depassos - October 20 - 7:47 pm

  This car does everything well. Interior and exterior fit and finish are excellent. The car has plenty of power and delivers it uniformly with almost no turbo lag. The gearbox shifts easily and quickly and clutch update is very smooth. Handling is precise with just a bit of understeer which can be corrected with a little extra gas. With 18" wheels, the ride is firm but not punishing. I might consider switching to 17" wheels when its time for new tires. Fuel economy matches the EPA estimate around town and its easy to exceed the 31 MPG rating on the highway. Its a pleasure to drive this car anywhere under any conditions.

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  Fun Driving and Simplicity - 2013 Volkswagen GTI
  By markvw - December 30 - 5:42 am

  I struggled with the decision of which car I would be buying. I wanting something safe, practical (for my soon to be growing family) and fun to drive. The GTI has exceeded all of my expectations. I decided to purchase the DSG Autobahn model and it is stunning. It is a smooth drive and has just enough "get-up" for me to navigate around Houston drivers. My two golden retrievers fit in the back with the seats laid down

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  13 GTI 15,000 Miles later. - 2013 Volkswagen GTI
  By sinna46 - May 18 - 2:52 am

  After a year and a half of driving my 2013 GTI I have to say, Great Car! This is our road trip car, so it is used primarily for highway cruising and long days of driving. It is fast, fun and frugal. What more could you ask for?

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  Only car Ive bought two of back/back - 2013 Volkswagen GTI
  By b211 - March 24 - 1:08 am

  With over 2 dozen cars in my personal history, the 4-door GTI is the only one Ive bought two of in a row. I usually like to "try the field", but found my level of perfection with GTI. Bought a CPO 07 in 10, and had no hesitation with replacing it with a top-of-the-line Autobahn model in 2013. $30k does put you in a different altitude for car choices, but a 4-door GTI is unique and perfect. Fits 4 adults, fun, useful, and respected by those who are higher up the food chain. I get several compliments from BMW and Porsche owners on mine. The DSG transmission really "makes the car". Sure, manual is probably best for the purist. But the DSG is simply fantastic.

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  (Was... Not so) Happy, Happy, Happy - update - 2013 Volkswagen GTI
  By c_j_l - January 15 - 11:17 pm

  Update to my earlier review: The issue turned out to be a faulty fuel pump and pressure regulator. The dealer removed and replaced both. I have to say that both the dealer and VW corporate handled this very well. The "zone administrator" was significantly less helpful - so be aware. VW Corporate extended the terms of the warranty on my vehicle (full factory not aftermarket warranty, by my VIN) to 4yrs 48K miles. VW does stand behind their product! Since then over 8K trouble free miles in ~10 weeks. Very happy, happy, happy now!

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  2nd Mark VI, 3rd GTI - 2013 Volkswagen GTI
  By shadrach2 - September 5 - 2:14 pm

  Had a Mark I for 12 years, base Mark VI for 3 and now this one. Switched from manual to auto and 2 door to four. Great car. Came from a string of BMWs (Z3, Z4, 3 series) and honestly prefer GTI. Especially in Autobahn form. Very Germanic. Solid, well crafted, highly competent. Excellent fuel mileage and very good performance. Its not a rocket and thats fine with me. I love the silence of the cockpit, the Dynaudio sound is great and the telematics work very well. Im honestly surprised I like the DSG as much as I do, having been in a manual for 35 years. But it truly is a lot of fun, and when in bad traffic, great to have.

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  Best All-Around Car Ever - 2013 Volkswagen GTI
  By dickytom - February 6 - 8:07 pm

  Bought my base model manual GTI in April 2013 to use for work. I drive all over the state of Texas visiting clients for my job and I have never been disappointed with this car. Equally comfortable on the highway or in town. Fast, excellent and communicative handling and brakes, great mileage, and big enough to carry all my work stuff. I call on all types of automotive repair shops and parts suppliers and get a compliment on the car at least once a day no matter if they work on Chevys or Mercedes. I went with United Gray to make it less conspicuous and have only gotten one ticket in the first 17,000 miles. Love the car but am considering trading up to a Golf R when I hit 50K.