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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  One Hot Hatchback! - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By VeeDub - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is not for everyone,but if your looking for a very well built an thought out hatchback than this is the one to buy!Its not the best riding car in the world but the trade off is a car that seems to be on rails.The six speed gearbox is smoth as silk linked to 180 ponys its just a fun car to drive!Not to mention it looks great too!

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  Best car for the money - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By H-DUB - December 9 - 1:30 am

  As I get older, I place a lot more emphasis on value. In terms of what I value, I wanted economy, acceleration, utility, and styling. In my opinion, there is not another car that can beat the GTI. When I did my research, the two most important criteria were gas mileage and acceleration. So I came up with my own measure, which was average gas mileage divided by the 0 to 60 time. The GTI was far away the best performer in that measure. Ive owned BMWs exclusively up until this purchase. Ive got to say that I enjoy driving this car more than any of my previous 7 BMWs. Ive had this car for a month now and still cant get over the great VALUE.

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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.

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  coil packs and windows regulators??????? - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By sil - December 7 - 10:00 am

  great car

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  My first VW - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Sam - November 17 - 12:56 pm

  Test-drove a friends GTI; I was so impressed I traded in a 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 GT. As expected, I took a pretty good beating on the trade in. But it has been worth it, the GTI is a much more refined driving experience than the Speed 3, the suspension is more compliant to road irregularities and the turbo power plant provides power with virtually no wait time for the turbo to spool up to boost. On paper it is not as fast as the Mazdaspeed 3 but you would swear that is. Quality materials and workmanship throughout, engine and DSG are matched prefectly and is a really wonderful piece of engineering.

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  2007 5-door GTI w/DSG - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By seminole_kev - October 28 - 3:33 am

  This is a very nice car. It is a good blend of sport and comfort in the typical European fashion. It offers lots of nice features as well.

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  Pocket Rocket!!!!!! - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By karma72 - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. I have had it for 22 months now and I still can not wait to drive it at any chance I get. Great acceleration and handling. Extermely quiet interior too. This car drives and feels like it should cost alot more! The only problem I have had with this car is the power window mechinism in both windows have gone out twice. My dealer has handled this repair at no cost to me even with it being out of warranty.

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  This is a Great, Fun Little Car! - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By mheins57 - October 15 - 9:10 pm

  After I test drove it, I canceled my other test drives and bought the GTI. Mine is actually a 2006.5, but it has the same features as the 2007 model. I love almost everything about it, especially its power. I opted for the manual transmission because I like the feel of shifting myself. the clutch and shifter are very smooth. The interior design seems well thought out, and has lots of nice little extra features I never got in my American cars. It is relatively quiet for a little car. It has really brought back the pleasure of driving for me, which I thought I had lost.

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  Fun but needs consideration before buying - 2005 Volkswagen GTI
  By Katie - October 12 - 11:26 pm

  This was my first new car I bought. It was a great purchase for the price. It really gets up and goes. I really love taking turns that suggest 30 mph and you can sweep through it at 50. Great styling and love how the back seats fold flat for trips. Have had some problems with extreme wind noise and rattling. It seems most in the rear of the car and side panels, rather annoying actually because at about 2,000 miles it started. I was able to get a wind noise silencer kit that the dealership installed, but it still didnt do the trick. The gas mileage is ok, depending on how heavy your foot is on that turbo! It is a great buy and I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a fun car.

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  5 years later... tuned, fun and smiles - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTIGR - October 2 - 10:36 am

  Its been already 5 years with the GTI (6M, Autobahn). It is my daily commuter. And I take it to short, fun trips with the entire family (wife+2 kids). I thought of trading it for a BMW 2 series or an mk7 GTI (or golf R). But this car has aged like a good red wine. After everything shes done for me, I couldnt give her away. Instead, I added the upgraded APR flash files (v2.1)... fell in love all over again. The car surprises me so much that I giggle every time I put my foot down. Overall, the interior is in outstanding condition with absolutely no squeaks (and germanic fit and finish). Also, Ive had ZERO issues with the only thing being ill changes every 7,000 miles. Do I do preventative maintenance before things brake? Yes, I replaced the water pump at 40k (weak link of this car), diverter valve and coil pack (the latter two updates are more related to the tune). In conclusion, take care of her and youll be fine (true for most German cars).