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 11 through 20 of 54.00

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  Reliability, Build, and style - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By connor7 - November 7 - 12:54 pm

  I bought my MKIV almost a year ago, and cannot sell it to any offer. Between its peppy engine and reliability, I love it. The 1.8t has been nothing but good news, but be warned..Know how to drive and maintain these cars or you will have issues. I put 40k on it in the past year for work and school, going 100+ on most highway journeys, bringing it to 236k. Besides the belt changes done by the previous owner, its needed very little work. No oil leaks or power loss, or tranny problems yet. The trannys usually cant pass 150k but I guess im lucky. A con is the materials used in the interior. Headliner falling, door panel upholstery falling off, and finish fade. Numerous modifications available

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  Fun to drive between repair shops - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By caro2012 - April 20 - 3:12 pm

  I bought my 2001 GTi with 25,000 miles on it and put another 105,000 miles on it over the course of 5 years. While it was comfortable to drive and had nice styling, the car completely lacked reliability. In the 5 years that I owned it, these are the things that broke or degraded prematurely: PCV tubing Ignition coils Ignition coil wiring harness (degraded insulation) Timing belt (replaced at 50,000) Clogged oil pick-up tube Radiator fan (broke) Coolant flange (degraded, leaked) Drivers side seat belt clip (bad sensor) Automatic transmission (failed at 100,000; rebuilt and failed again at 130,000) Broken, leaking axle at 130,000 Leaking power steering pump Cam tensioner Belt tensioner

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  Great car, needs some improvement - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Helicon Twist - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I went to VW after giving up on GM. The GTI moves quickly and handles beautifully. Its suprisingly roomy for a compact 3-door, with unbelievably cargo carrying capacity. The interior is very comfortable and remarkably upscale for the price. However, there have been some (minor) build quality issues (nothing related in any way to driveability), and VW needs to seriously address these in the future. VWoA also needs to serously improve its customer service, and its dealership network.

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  Big VR6 fan. would buy another any day - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Bruno - May 21 - 8:56 pm

  I had a 2001 GTI vr6 and man do i miss it.. the only reason why i sold it its because financially i was having problems at that time... But as of right now Im looking to Buy another one... Throw a nice short ram or cold air intake, a nice greddy exhaust and your driving a beast, sounds and drives like a champ... not to mention if you throw in a turbo in it.. forget it awesome car.

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  Love It - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By md_medic - May 1 - 2:25 am

  I have wanted an MKIV since they came out. I bought a 2000 in 2012 and was in a total collision 3 weeks later. The other girl went to the hospital I walked away without a scratch. As a former mechanic and mobile electronic technician I can tell you the build quality on this car is amazing. It is extremely safe. The only drawback to the car can be the cost of parts. This is one place where is does not pay to cut corners. There are a huge number of aftermarket companies out there that make replacement parts but when they charge $35 for a part that VW charges $350 there is a reason. With this car you basically get an AUDI in a VW wrapper. Most of the parts are interchangeable.

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  Fun to drive. A lot of $$$$ to repair - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By cjluvdub - February 27 - 9:51 am

  When I drove this car off the lot it was 9 years old good condition low miles. But within a few months the problems started, needed a new fuel pump trans. started slipping shifting hard intermittently car would die once shut off and required discon & recon of battery at least once a month. Window regulator broken, drivers window switch broken, seat belt & drivers door sensor dont work(purchased it like this) & now with 110k the cat. convert is failing along with the o2 sensors(not cheap parts!) & the current problem is the braking when I first drive in the morning the brake pedal & brakes feel like theyre pulsating and then it goes away for the rest of the day might be time to trade...

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  Great idea, terrible execution - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By das26_2 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  The car could be one of the best for a small sporty cars. My car has been in the shop 12 TIMES for ignition coil problems and there has been little to no satisfaction from Corporate. This is my 4th VW and by far the one with the most problems. The coils will have you in the shop every couple months and the service is terrible.

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  Great Car - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By derekdewaal - July 20 - 7:03 pm

  For the money, this car is tough to beat. It is economical, mostly reliable, and fun to drive. This is the best car that I have owned. It is probably the best 2-door car availaible short of the BMW 3-Series. The cupholders stink, but this is outweighed by its utility, especaillay with the rear seats folded down. I wish I could keep it forever, but I know that as a 2-Door, it is somewhat inpractical. My dealer has been fabulous in maintaining my car and has added to the overall experience. With 53,000 miles, it still runs like new, with minimal maintenance, other than scheduled. If you are looking for a used GTI, look out for boy racers who beat on them, this is, unfortunately, common.

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  Rocket in my pocket - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Engulfed1.8t - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive car with zippy handeling. Not exactly a power hugry street beast but a refined scalpal. Easily upgraded for 50 more ponies all inside a little chip. Cult like fallowing with dedicated clubs and events. Oh, and a magazine (euro tuner). VW service is a little slow to respond but the car is built well on the outside and under the hood, Audi engineering.

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  Great car, needs to be better built - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By dts - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Like the title says, I absolutely love the car, but there have just been too many reliability issues. It fits my needs perfectly -- its sporty, practical, and luxurious all at once. In the GLX level, it feels like an Audi hatchback would feel if they sold one in the U.S. But in the two years I have owned it, I have had to have the drivers side airbag replaced, the airbag wiring harness replaced, the drivers side door realigned twice, a speaker replaced twice, the drivers side window regulator replaced twice, and the engine mass air flow sensor replaced.