2001 Volkswagen GTI Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.42/5 Average
54 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

All Golf models get clear side marker lights, trunk entrapment buttons, new cupholders and head protection airbags. Golf GL and GLS get higher-quality interior fabrics and the GTI benefits from a new 16-inch wheel design, optional 17-inch wheels, and multi-function steering wheel controls.

Pros:
  • Fun-to-drive, lots of standard goodies, hatchback design offers excellent cargo utility.
Cons:
  • Some controls hard to decipher, handling could be crisper, dated styling.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 54.00
  • Great car, needs some improvement - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    I went to VW after giving up on GM. The GTI moves quickly and handles beautifully. Its suprisingly roomy for a compact 3-door, with unbelievably cargo carrying capacity. The interior is very comfortable and remarkably upscale for the price. However, there have been some (minor) build quality issues (nothing related in any way to driveability), and VW needs to seriously address these in the future. VWoA also needs to serously improve its customer service, and its dealership network.

  • 170,000 Miles and Still Going Strong - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    This is my first VW and I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one. I havent had any problems with this car other than having to pop the CD changer in and out a couple times before it will work, and the wipers sometimes are fickle if the temp drops below 40F. I also had to get used to the controls. Its speedy and fun to drive, and my 63" roommate fits in it comfortably as well as two sets of hockey gear. With other cars Ive noticed lag in power if the car is loaded up, but not this one. It costs a little more to maintain that the average American car, but if it goes another 100,000 miles I wont complain. It does have some quirky design flaws that I dont like, but have been fixed in more recent models.

  • Big VR6 fan. would buy another any day - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    I had a 2001 GTI vr6 and man do i miss it.. the only reason why i sold it its because financially i was having problems at that time... But as of right now Im looking to Buy another one... Throw a nice short ram or cold air intake, a nice greddy exhaust and your driving a beast, sounds and drives like a champ... not to mention if you throw in a turbo in it.. forget it awesome car.

  • Love It - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    I have wanted an MKIV since they came out. I bought a 2000 in 2012 and was in a total collision 3 weeks later. The other girl went to the hospital I walked away without a scratch. As a former mechanic and mobile electronic technician I can tell you the build quality on this car is amazing. It is extremely safe. The only drawback to the car can be the cost of parts. This is one place where is does not pay to cut corners. There are a huge number of aftermarket companies out there that make replacement parts but when they charge $35 for a part that VW charges $350 there is a reason. With this car you basically get an AUDI in a VW wrapper. Most of the parts are interchangeable.

  • Fun to drive. A lot of $$$$ to repair - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    When I drove this car off the lot it was 9 years old good condition low miles. But within a few months the problems started, needed a new fuel pump trans. started slipping shifting hard intermittently car would die once shut off and required discon & recon of battery at least once a month. Window regulator broken, drivers window switch broken, seat belt & drivers door sensor dont work(purchased it like this) & now with 110k the cat. convert is failing along with the o2 sensors(not cheap parts!) & the current problem is the braking when I first drive in the morning the brake pedal & brakes feel like theyre pulsating and then it goes away for the rest of the day might be time to trade...

  • Great idea, terrible execution - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    The car could be one of the best for a small sporty cars. My car has been in the shop 12 TIMES for ignition coil problems and there has been little to no satisfaction from Corporate. This is my 4th VW and by far the one with the most problems. The coils will have you in the shop every couple months and the service is terrible.

  • Lucky me, I got the last 2001!! - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    I just got the GTI and I am THRILLED. I traded in my 1999 Dodge Intrepid for it. This is faster than my 200hp intrepid, and handles like a little porsche. I put about 400 miles on it since I got it Friday. Its monday as I write this.

  • I love it! - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    I purchased my GTI in the summer of 03. Its been great! Its reliable and the build quality is strong. Its fun to drive, yet practical. Id still like a little more power, but its really all that I need. Road noise was reduced drastically and the ride was greatly improved with the purchase of new tires. Id highly recommend this car.

  • Great Car - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    For the money, this car is tough to beat. It is economical, mostly reliable, and fun to drive. This is the best car that I have owned. It is probably the best 2-door car availaible short of the BMW 3-Series. The cupholders stink, but this is outweighed by its utility, especaillay with the rear seats folded down. I wish I could keep it forever, but I know that as a 2-Door, it is somewhat inpractical. My dealer has been fabulous in maintaining my car and has added to the overall experience. With 53,000 miles, it still runs like new, with minimal maintenance, other than scheduled. If you are looking for a used GTI, look out for boy racers who beat on them, this is, unfortunately, common.

  • Love this car - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
    By -

    No mods and Im terrible at maintenance. I pay about $1000 every other year on maintenance, usually get get rid of the check engine light. Love the car. Im going to keep it as long as it keeps going. I cant find another car with all the features this has. Manual is the way to go. Even as a used car I would recommend. Quite reliable.

Volkswagen GTI Reviews By Year:
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