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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  Fun, but not Fun - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By NL - November 8 - 10:20 am

  Ive been for service ten times already in five months. Granted, everything is covered under warranty, but the hassle of coming in for burnt out LEDs, airbag lights, wind noise, ticking sounds, immobilizer malfunctions, radio, squeaks and rattles (and I mean a lot!)... etc is really annoying. Also, I never imagined that a car like this would have so many design quirks. I cant name them all, I only have 250 words left. To paraphrase, youll waste a lot of gas, a lot of tires, a lot of windshield washer fluid, a lot of your time and a lot of your money to fix problems. When I first received my car I had two scratches on the door and center console, and glue all over the inside of the roof.

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  Dont Buy This Car If You Want Quality - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By nickg - August 7 - 8:10 pm

  I am completely and absolutely disgusted with VW. I have to wait for a zone rep to approve repairs on a car that was driven home from the dealer and once to my job. I am not using it again.The field rep isnt coming unil the 27th of this month so I am out a car till then. They are going be over the time (lemon law) before it is fixed. Period end of story, game over. How pathetic is it that I buy a new car and cant use it for over a month because some rep has to "approve" paint and windshield repair? If you are a quality minded person, then you should go elsewhere, VW doesnt care about you...they just want your money.

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  Not so good after 5 Months - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By englander1 - June 30 - 7:28 am

  Well I blame myself for not doing my homework, but reliability has been less than poor. Three times in the shop for Oil Separator, Water Pump and Oil Pressure Sensor. Like many state VW Customer Service is terrible. When its not in the shop its a great car. Handles well, fuel consumption is also a big plus. I dont tend to keep cars long but this may be a record even for me, may be gone for the first oil change.

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  Not what I expected - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By greg - May 5 - 7:10 pm

  Bought the car because I knew this car had great potential. However after 600 miles the car had problems starting. As well as a lot of other little electrical gremlins. Took it in and they said it was because I had installed an aftermarket cd player?!?! VW fixed the problem but I am scared to touch the car now. Wish I never bought it. In stock form it just sucks. I have also had problems with it randomly stalling at a red light when I turn on the a/c, a rough idle and window problems. With only 5000 miles on the car Im looking to get rid of it! I will probably never buy a vw again.

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  Where To Start With the Problems - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By rocky - February 29 - 5:46 pm

  I would have to disagree about the reliablity of the GTI. The first day I got it, the airbag light was on. They said it was the sensor in the seatbelt buckle. This was service trip #1. Then my GTI died on me three times due to the terminal connecting to the battery, trip #2. Then my car started to overheat on two seperate occasions. The dealer said it was a burnt fuse box that was above the battery that caused my fan to not kick in (good place to put a fuse huh). Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that the moonroof sqeaks and the turbo lags. If you are ever to listen to a stranger in your life, listen to me. DONT BUY THIS CAR! You will spend more time getting to know your mechanic than enjoing a turbo car.

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  pricey - 2005 Volkswagen GTI
  By viadisgr - February 7 - 12:00 am

  Bought my Gti off a lease,was happy with it.But when my timing belt went at 70,000.Not happy with that.Spent to much money on it.

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  mistake - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By bitzcelt - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I was seduced by the the little red car when I first saw her on the lot. Yes, it is fast, yes, it is fun to drive, no I didnt like driving a rental Dodge Neon (provided by VW) while it was in the shop for a week. Multiple problems, ignition coil failed, both windows broke, monsoon stereo replace once (still sounds horrible), seat belt replaced, engine light on, interior trim falling apart, leaking around the bottom of the passenger door. She may be fast and nice to look at, but I have dumped her after a year. See ya VW

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  A Lemon in every bunch - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By pruittjg - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Bought this "dream car" for my daughter in college. Cant deny the fact that it is fast and fun to drive, but the quality is lousy. It has been in the shop no less 7 times in 8 months for both windows ( a known fault), stereo problems, brake problems, airbag problems. The last time the srvice personnel were frustrated and said that it looked like it had been put together using spare parts and not the right ones. Never again a VW.

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  You get what you paid for!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By 1.8T driver - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I felt good until the coilpack failed and interior trims started to rattle. VW dropped the price and they did not forget to lower the quality!!!!!!! It is unacceptable for A BRAND NEW CAR!!

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  Mixed Feelings - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By JPel - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the first car I ever purchased. I am a first year college student, so the 19 grand I dropped on my new GTI was a lot. I loved it until everything started to go wrong. I have had water in my brake lines (which froze so I could not stop or shift), a broken fuel pump, broken ABS module, broken window mechanism, broken clutch cable, broken dome light switch, and a problem with the door locks. I will never buy another VW unless the company restores my faith in a serious way.