Overview & Reviews

The Volkswagen GTI is one of the best-known budget performance cars sold in America. For more than 30 years, Volkswagen has been taking its entry-level, economy car-based hatchback model and turning it into a GTI by adding a more powerful engine and brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, and special interior and exterior trim pieces. The result is a practical car that's also fun to drive and desirable.

The original Volkswagen Rabbit GTI stormed onto American shores for 1983 and has been frequently credited for creating the niche-oriented "hot hatch" market segment. Though many of the original GTI's specs don't seem particularly great by modern standards (its 1.8-liter engine made just 90 horsepower, for instance), it was a lightweight and agile revelation for many consumers used to bulky and underperforming American sport coupes.

Since then, there have been six more generations of Golf- or Rabbit-based VW GTIs, and some have been more highly regarded than others. The latest couple of generations have been considered a return to form for the nameplate. Shoppers interested in a used GTI will likely want to do some research and test-drives in order to determine which version is best suited for them.

Current Volkswagen GTI
Redesigned for 2015, the current Volkswagen GTI is, as expected, a performance-oriented version of the Volkswagen Golf. As such, it is available in two- and four-door hatchback body styles. There are three trim levels: S, SE and Autobahn.

As with the revamped Golf, the GTI's modestly restyled and enlarged exterior hides a significant engineering overhaul made to lighten and improve it. It gets more power and a revised suspension, making it even more athletic around corners, while inside sees even better materials and a more visually appealing design with controls canted toward the driver.

Powering the latest GTI is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automated manual known as DSG is optional. An optional Performance package adds 10 more horses along with larger front and rear brakes and an electronically controlled mechanical limited-slip front differential. The latter is a GTI first and helps the VW power out of turns. Another new option is an adaptive suspension system.

Standard feature highlights for the S include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED foglights, heated front seats, tartan cloth upholstery (a GTI tradition), a 5.8-inch touchscreen audio interface, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, iPod integration and VW Car-Net telematics. Stepping up to the SE trim adds a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, leather upholstery and a premium audio system. The Autobahn boasts a navigation system, a power driver seat and dual-zone automatic climate control. Option highlights include front and rear parking sensors, a forward collision warning system, bi-xenon headlights, 18-inch wheels and the aforementioned Performance package and adaptive suspension system.  

In reviews, we've noted that the GTI keeps its traditional strengths of refinement, practicality and quality, but boasts enhanced agility and performance. Energetic acceleration is accompanied by a great engine and exhaust soundtrack, while sharper handling and steering make the latest GTI a joy in the curves, all while instilling plenty of driver confidence. Gearchanges from the DSG automated manual transmission are usually quick and smooth. In heavy traffic, however, DSG occasionally stumbles, but it's rather minor in nature and overall the transmission is so good that purists may be tempted to forego a clutch pedal. Fortunately, the GTI's performance doesn't come at the expense of comfort. Besides the rather pleasant engine burble, the cabin remains fairly quiet and the suspension ably absorbs bumps and ruts.

Used Volkswagen GTI Models
The previous, sixth-generation GTI was produced from 2010 through 2014. Compared to its predecessor, this model boasted updated styling, additional interior refinement and some new features. It had a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard and sent power to the front wheels. A dual-clutch automated manual transmission called DSG was optional.

Setting itself apart from its hot hatch contemporaries was the GTI's handsome and refined cabin outfitted with high-end features. These included heated sport seats, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen interfaces, iPod integration, a sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, a navigation system and leather upholstery in place of the standard tartan cloth.

In reviews, this GTI earned strong praise for its well-rounded nature and was considered a class leader. Although it was neither the most powerful nor the most aggressively tuned (for high-speed handling) entry in its small segment, the GTI made up for any such deficiencies with its comfortable ride, excellent fuel economy, spacious interior, classy styling, reasonable pricing and general refinement.

The fifth-generation Volkswagen GTI was introduced midway through the 2006 model year. Highlighted improvements for this generation include a stiffer body structure and a fully independent suspension. The 2006 model was available as a two-door hatchback only, while the four-door arrived the following year.

Like the generation that followed, this GTI was powered by a 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, though it was a different engine. A six-speed manual was standard and the DSG transmission was optional. In performance testing, we clocked this GTI from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds.

Standard features included 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, sport seats, tartan upholstery and a 10-speaker stereo with six-CD changer and auxiliary audio jack ('07 forward). Optional features included 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, automatic climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a DVD-based navigation system, satellite radio and a rudimentary iPod interface.

Changes were few. For 2007 only, you could also get the Fahrenheit trim that added orange paint, a sportier suspension and special 18-inch wheels along with several luxury features. Minor equipment changes occurred thereafter, including a lower ride height for better handling in 2008 along with an Autobahn package that added niceties like a sunroof, a premium audio system, leather upholstery and heated front seats. A "Thunderbunny" package available for 2009 offered sporty exterior styling elements such as a front spoiler and a rear valance.

In reviews, we declared that this Volkswagen GTI brought the car back to its glory years as an honest-to-goodness performance option. It was more comfortable than most of its competitors, which could be a detriment for some and a bonus for others. We were impressed with its high-quality interior, smooth and efficient powertrains, and commendable handling. If you can't afford a new GTI, this previous-generation model is close enough to leave you satisfied.

The fourth-generation GTI was produced for the 1999-2006 model years. Buyers should be aware that VW frequently overlaps its generational models for the GTI -- for example, both the fourth- and fifth-gen GTIs were sold for the 2006 model year. The fourth-generation VW GTI debuted in two trim levels -- GLS and GLX. The GLS had a 115-hp 2.0-liter engine and could be had with either a manual or automatic transmission. The GLX came with a 174-hp 2.8-liter six-cylinder "VR6" and a manual transmission only. The following year, VW replaced the 2.0-liter engine in the GLS with a much more sporting turbocharged 1.8-liter engine -- the 1.8T -- that produced 150 hp.

In general, the fourth-generation GTI was less sporting than other competing models of its time. This was especially true in terms of reflexes and handling, as the car had a relatively unsophisticated suspension and a somewhat hefty curb weight. It countered with a high-quality interior and superior versatility, however. GTIs for model years 2002 and newer would be preferable as they had more standard equipment and more power (180 hp for the 1.8T and 200 hp for the VR6). VW also offered a few special models for this generation -- the 2002 GTI 337, the similar 20th-anniversary 2003 GTI and the rare GTI R32 that had all-wheel drive and a 240-hp 3.2-liter V6.

The third-generation Volkswagen GTI was available from 1994-'99. For the most part, this model is not as desirable as other generations due to its anemic base engine. Though again a two-door hatchback based on the Golf, it debuted with the uninspiring 2.0-liter engine only. In 1995 the VR6 engine (172 hp) entered production alongside the 2.0-liter, and that's the one to have.

The early-1990s GTI was part of the car's second generation. Cars from this period had two versions of a 2.0-liter engine -- the more desirable was a 16-valve version producing 131 hp. Though this car did not quite produce as much excitement as the original Rabbit GTI, it outperformed it in many ways and could be considered the last of the nimble GTIs before VW started focusing more on comfort and features.

User Reviews:

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  wow, I cant believe I got one - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By dazednconfused - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Lady luck gave me a big fat kiss when I landed this puppy... Every dealer except Advantage VW were jacking up the price of the 337 by as much as 3000. I got it for the MSRP. They are selling just the contract to buy one on ebay for 6100! Anyways, it runs great as expected and it looks cool as heck, my only complaint is the turbo lag at low RPMS. I guess I could fix that with aftermarket stuff but I dont think I will mess with anything..Its great the way it is.

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  Possibly the best sub $30k car you can buy - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By robcarter3 - June 30 - 1:31 am

  This car is a blast. It puts a huge smile on my face every single time I drive it. The power delivery is smooth and effortless and the engine makes a satisfying growl. The DSG is fantastic. The ride strikes a great compromise between sportiness and comfort. This car does everything. I can drive aggressively and have a fantastic time. I can haul 5 people, or 4 comfortably. I can haul a ton of stuff. I get great gas mileage. The interior of this car is far more refined than any of its competitors. The materials look and feel upscale. Its just a nice place to be. For the money, this car is darn near unbeatable. It is equally good as a daily driver and a weekend toy.

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  Turbo Commuter - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By driver - June 29 - 12:30 am

  What a fun little car? Great Styling. Turbo lets me squirt through traffic with ease. Great utility. Comfortable on long trips. Haul around stuff when you need to by folding rear seat. Spent two weeks on the road out west camping with this car with mountain bikes on the roof. Still plenty of power and extremely supportive seats. Mazda 3 owner stopped me in the badlands. She was from chicago. she asked me how I liked the v-dub. I told her its the most awesome car. She said her car was killing her. She was turning it in as soon as she got back to chicago. Go for the leather, 17s and monsoon, you wont be dissappointed unless youre not really looking for hot hatch.

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By frekt - June 27 - 2:00 am

  2002 GTI bought in Nov 01. Very excited to get this car. Definately fun to drive, 5 speed, 1.8T, sweeeet. 25000 miles on my Indigo Blue baby. Irritating things: Cant keep Indigo clean! Bird poop damages paint, cheap rubber coating on interior door handles peeling, rear speaker quit, center console latch broke, louvre under passenger headlight fell out, headlight replaced, replaced each window regulator at least three times, check engine light four times. By now Ive owned the car 2 1/2 years and have had it at the dealer at least 10 times for problems above. All relatively minor problems but what a pain in the keester.

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  unbelievable cool car - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By Erwin - June 27 - 2:00 am

  You have heard it all by now, and its true. The car is way cool. This car is calling my name all day from the parking lot! VR6 is the way to go. Smoother engine (I also tested the 1.8T), and more torque at lower RPMs. The sound of the VR6 around 4000 RPM is killer! Sounds like a Porsche. Handles like a racecar. Doing 100 mph on I-95, not even realizing it. Every gear has same torque so accelarating is easy and a blast. Get it, you wont regret it!!

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  2006 MKV GTI - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Pat G. - June 17 - 1:26 pm

  This car has an excellent, smooth automstic transmission. The shift paddles provide an instant response. My radio is very good except for the volume limiter. It has good brakes and the car is rock steady at high speeds. All of the buttons are illuminated as is the great rotary moonroof control. It is a hatchback with headroom unlike many I wont mention. There is a wide field of illumination from the headlights. It gets the looks where ever ya go. All for $23.000.

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  337 - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By rugby - June 14 - 2:00 am

  this is the best volkswagen ever built. i just bought a 2002 gti 337 and this car is great.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By MCHINxMD - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Just got my car on new years eve 2002. man I love this car so much. The GTI 1.8t has lots of power, very agile handling and a very luxurious interior. My car in particular has every available package and the car is still reasonably priced around 22k. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a sporty yet luxurious 2 door.

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  Way too many small & stupid problems - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Vik - June 12 - 10:10 am

  I have had so many problems with this car in terms of rattles that its not even funny. In terms of engine, driving, fun factor, etc., its great, but when you have to turn your stereo on every single time you drive just so you can drown out the sounds of the rattles, that stinks. I really like the way this car looks, handles and drives, but I have had way too many little problems with this car, noises, quirks, weather strips coming off, to ever want to buy a VW again.

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  More fun than than I thought possible - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By dr_pangloss - June 8 - 10:47 am

  I was expecting to buy an Audi A4 or A3 and I drove the GTI on a whim. Its a good thing that I did this because I bought the the 2011 model almost immediately. This car is unbelievably fun to drive and its economical, practical, reasonably priced (29k for the Autobahn package) and compares very favorably to every other car in its class. The interior has an Audi build quality but costs a couple k less and the VW warranty is now better than Audi. The amenities included in many ways trump the Audis as well. For instance, the Bluetooth package on the GTI has the A2DP streaming protocol included as part of the base features. Not on the Audis, youll pay extra & lose your iPod integration too.