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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  Awesome car for the Money - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By aws - May 18 - 11:16 am

  I had been waiting for this car to hit the US market for 3 years, when it was finally here I bought the first one I could find. 2 months later, I couldnt be any happier about my purchase. This car handles exceptionally well, is super fast, looks great, and fits into just about any parking place too! Its interior is spacious, and well laid out, with nothing goofy or cheap looking. Driving it is truly a thrill, period. Basically it puts a huge grin on my face every time I drive or even think about my GTI. Then when I think about how little I had to spend to get a car that makes me so happy, Im even more thrilled. Kudos VW! Great job, just wish I didnt have to wait so long.

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  Best Buy - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Frans - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I went looking for a used BMW M3 or Audi S4 and was dissappointed by availability around $30-$33k. Walked into VW and saw the newest 200HP VR6 and immediately asked for a test drive. Sadly, only a 1.8L Turbo was available. Within 2 hours, I had signed to buy the next VR6 coming into the lot thinking, "well if the 1.8 hums, imagine how a v6 will perform!" I was not at all dissappointed by my decision especially considering I was ready to buy a used car and walked away with a brand new one.

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  AWESOME!!!!!!! (as expected) - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By sammyc78 - May 16 - 9:19 am

  Absolutely the best engineered, designed and built vehicle ever!!

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  Fun to drive, but costly to maintain. - 2000 Volkswagen GTI
  By Bensfo - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I would never think of getting any car other than GTI, but the reliability of this vehicle is a nightmare. Expect to spend at least 1000$ a year when your warranty is up. The last thing was emission system failure that costed me another 400 bucks. My wife drives a Lexus and I never spent a single dollar on that car despite its twice older than my GTI. Now I dont believe any more in "German engineering".

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  1st VW and pleasantly surprised! - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By utahgti - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Lets see, where to begin. Well, firstly, i bought the car used with 4500 miles on it ( and its 2 years old ) "issues" were the rubber interior door drivers handle was peeling ( not warranteed ), the passenger seat release was broken ( warrantee ). I have owed subaru, pontiacx2, nissanx2 and finally this VW. Since owning the VW for just around 3 months, it is my most favorite vehicle of all of ones i have owned (*pleasantly surprised*) A friend, VW owner x3 now, said dont expect japanese reliability but german character ( handling / feel ) I will have to see how the reliability is after awhile.

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  Shezy`s thoughts on the gtizle - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By shezy - May 12 - 10:00 am

  This car has been my favorite for yeas and when they cane out with the 20th anaversary edition I had to get it and since I`ve had it driving has been alot better.I wanna give V-dub props for making it so all you git lovers this car is a must!!!!

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  VR6=Vroooooommmm6 - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By TECUNUMAN - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Just got the VR-6! Fast off the start! So far so good. Getting a lot of stares, people pointing---hey you! Reliability to be seen...

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  06 MKV GTI is Terrific - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Mike Harmon - May 6 - 9:16 am

  I love the MKV GTI. After driving Hondas for twenty years I feel like Ive really gotten lucky. I commute about 60 miles a day at typical California speeds and get about 30 MPG. I havent had any serious problems with this car either. The turbo on the GTI is really amazing and gets it going fast with the DSG transmission.

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  Performance and Practicality - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Chris - April 26 - 6:36 pm

  First of all, to be honest I never thought I would own a VW. I went and test drove an 07 Civic Si, but found it to be lacking in the torque department. I also considered the Scion tC but found it to be lacking the quality of the Toyotas that I have owned before. When I first test drove the GTI I was surprised by how smooth and refined the power was. It doesnt require you to downshift every time you need to pass since it makes so much torque and at such low rpm. There is NO lag that I can tell. The cabin is well organized, being driver oriented with most features that I wanted being standard. The car is also very quiet with a supple ride for a sports car, paired with a responsive steering system.

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  24V 6-speed GTI - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By GPS - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Great power across the RPM range and a lot fun blasting through curvy country roads. I strongly sugest test driving one if you are thinking of an RSX, WRX, or Sentra Spec V (what I was deciding between).