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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  GTI brothers live again!!!!! - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By Gti Brother 1 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Fastest HOT hatch on the market. R32 is king but my vr6 gti gives me all the pleasure and performance i need. p.s. Great Aftermarket for this car so i will make this car a total BEAST!!!!!

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  Drive it. Youll get it. - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By turboidiot - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Volkswagen is right with that one. I test-drove the 1.8T after I took out a Mazda 3 5-door from the same lot... there is no comparison. It feels like you are one with the road, handles great, and there is a lot of power inside. Sometimes, the thought of the drive home is the only thing that gets me through 12 hour days waiting tables!

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  VW, you hit it right on the nail! - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Hesham Emara - July 25 - 10:10 am

  If youre looking for a "hot hatch", look no further. This is it! Ive test driven just about everything it its class: The new Civic Si, the Mini Cooper S, the Acura RSX Type-S, you name it. Nothing impressed me like the new GTI. Its real solid and the steering feels very connected. In my opinion, DSG will revolutionize automatic and manual transmissions. My only bad experience was the rattling from the passenger side just a few minutes after taking delivery! Thankfully, my dealership was able to pinpoint and fix it within 1 hour.

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  One drive and youll buy it! - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Randy - July 16 - 8:50 am

  My wife and I bought our GTI as a compromise since she hates manual transmissions. Get the SMG option and this car is PERFECT. I have been converted. The clutch pedal is now a dinosaur. This thing shifts faster and MUCH smoother than a standard shifter (note 0-60 is faster too with SMG). There is a fully automatic mode too. The car is very fast, has a buttery smooth engine and tranny, and is extremely comfortable (I have a bad back). Its handling is crisp and precise, great steering wheel feel. My previous car was a Mazda Miata, and this thing is even more tossable in corners and fun to drive.

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  The best car i have driven - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By Wilbert Volson - June 29 - 2:00 am

  the best car i have driven

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  02 GTI 1.8T - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By billybob - June 21 - 10:00 am

  The GTI comes standard with everything you need, although I got mine with the optional leather package and 17 in. wheels. I love the interior, especially the blue/red instrumentation. The GTI is also a bit of a sleeper, which I like. It seems that most drivers dont know about the GTI, and dont expect it to be as fast as it is. I must say that I love the whistling/whooshing sound of the turbo. The 1.8T is a great engine.

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  Becareful - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Liquidsoul - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This car has great performance right out of the box. The torque right off the line is amazing. But VW should raise the reliability and stiffer suspension. The car has too much body roll. And with in the first year, my auto shift knob has jammed as well as both of my windows fell off track with in 2 days of each other. The service is always horrible, i have to wait a week and a half to 2 weeks to bring my car in.

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  2003 vw gti 1.8t manual - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By gti4 - June 5 - 9:25 am

  i have this car since 05 and now has 175k never had any issues if u take good care will take good care of you. this is very good quality vehicle best one so far i owned and i had few BMWs Mercedes but nothing compares to this baby.parts are same price as for any other vehicle if not cheaper now if u do some basic stuff your self will save you money.

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  The Coil Pack Story - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By popecomazombie - June 3 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking to buy a Gti, or any VW or Audi with the 1.8t or VR6 motor, then read on. Perhaps by now youve heard about VWs little problem with their ignition coilpacks. Long story short, they used a third party manufacturer and got burned. Inferior parts, a HOWLING VW customer base, and not enough of them to fix the cars that are already out there. Beware, 9k on mine, in the shop 3x now, once for brake recall, once for alarm going off mysteriously at 3:00 am, and now once for 1 of 4 coilpacks. I wonder when the three other little ticking time bombs are going to go off ? For more info, go to the forums at www.vwvortex.com

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  Fun to drive, a pain to maintain - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTI703 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  It is fun and easy to drive in heavy DC traffic or on roadtrips. The car is very stable on the highway and it plows through winter weather. The biggest problem is the reliability and build quality which is horrible. The car squeaks and rattles like a 72 AMC Gremlin. The fuel system is a nightmare. My car has had constant prolems with fuel delivery. It was in the shop for nearly 3 weeks right after I bought it. When starting up, The gas revs and then the car stalls out. You have to pump the gas to keep it running The window regulator failed . It is under warranty but the dealer hasnt had one in for a month. .