Overview & Reviews
A four-door version and a new Fahrenheit trim joins the VW GTI lineup for 2007. Other than that, changes are minor, as VW's hot hatch was redesigned midway through 2006. Updates include a slightly lower ride height, restyled alloy wheels, standard launch control for the DSG transmission, a standard tire-pressure monitor and simplified cruise-control actuation. On the audio front, there's a new standard auxiliary input jack and an optional Apple iPod-specific adapter.
- Hatchback utility, upscale features and interior design, strong turbocharged engine, optional sequential-shifting DSG gearbox.
- Higher price than those of its competitors, handling nimbleness dulled by beefy curb weight.
User Reviews:
Showing 21 through 30 of 129.00-
125,000 Miles, Still Waiting for it to Go Wrong... - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
By theahnzzz - October 22 - 6:15 amI have to say, coming from a Lexus to this car, I mentally prepared myself for a host of problems and maintenance issues after hearing horror stories of people owning Volkswagens and Audis. But to my surprise, this has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned. Change the oil, and the car is like brand-new again. I think that folks have issues VWs because unlike Japanese cars, you really should stick to the maintenance schedules otherwise I can imagine you have a lot of problems. This engine for example, eats oil so you really shouldnt go over the recommended oil change intervals. Having owned this car for almost 8 years now I can say that Ive only had a few things go wrong with it, there was an issue VW fixed under and extended warranty for a particular part. The 90K service was the only thing I ever paid for it, but that was the only major maintenance I have ever done on this car so far. It was about $2K for that services. $2K in maintenance over almost 8 years is not bad at all... This really is the perfect everyday car for young people or retirees without kids or for kids who have left the nest. The best thing about this car is that it is quick and responsive. The clutch travel is short and the torque means you have instant responses to input which means you can get out of tight situations in traffic, pass with ease, squeeze through cars and obstacles, take tight turns with stability and confidence, and you have enough space to carry pretty much anything in the trunk and more if you fold the seats down. The ride is rigid for sure, but refined in the same way. Its very comfortable at highway speeds, but the car seems to get a bit more frazzled as you approach the top speed the more and more you go above 115 mph or so. What I love most about this car however is that it thinks about practical things about the driver of the car and has little nuances Ive never seen in American cars or Japanese luxury cars. It, for example, will automatically engage the rear window wiper when your front wipers are on and you go into reverse. This is so you can see behind you (very thoughtful). It also allows you to lock the car with the remote before closing the door so you can get your groceries out and close the door without worry about engaging the lock button with your hands full. Besides that its got a great stereo and great xenon lights. Its such an awesome and well thought out car! The weaknesses of this car largely have to do with its size. Because its light, small, and quick, its not terribly great at being a car for all seasons and not my ideal car for the long road trip (especially if you have 1 or more passengers). The cabin space can feel cramped after a while and with me being 61" I cant ever get the seat low enough without seeming to stare through the top part of the windshield. Large puddles have a way or really slowing this car down and its not that great on snow. The major weakness of this car though I would have to say is the air conditioning. On really really hot days, 90+ degree heat with 90+% humidity in the D.C. area, it never seemed to get nearly as cool as you would want it. I guess it never gets that hot in Germany... who knows? But on days like that I always wish the air conditioner was better. The heating however is immaculate, with the window open on days of 50 degrees or less, it radiates heat automatically so you never feel cold. Having kids soon with more storage needs I kind of wish this car would start having problems, so I can have an excuse to get a larger car, but so far, it hasnt happened. Its really a great car, a masterpiece!
-
Serious Safety Problems - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
By Kriss Mellor - October 1 - 4:10 pmI owned my 2007 VW GTI for about 6 months and its been in for repairs well over 2 months in total. The information center was defective. It took over a week to replace. Most serious problem could be related to the engine, transmission, turbo - dont yet know the source. The dealer cant identify the problem and VW tech support has been useless. Possibly related to heat, since it occurs most often when the temperature is high. As you step on the gas the car drops out of gear and will not respond. It feels like you are slamming on the brakes, according to my friend who was driving with me during one of these "seizures". This is a very serious safety issue. Car was bought back by the dealer.
-
FUN CAR WITH WORST ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
By saturn101 - September 16 - 10:53 pmfirst owner, do service every 5K in dealer or respected shop... 30100miles, (right after service)fuel pressure sensor died on the road 200 miles away from home on a holiday.... 42000miles, power steering wheel and traction control lights on for 80% of driving time, 4 times to the dealer, 2 for diagnostics 2 for fixing, got fixed, first time for 15 mins before lights came on again, second time, better, 3 days... 50100miles, with those problems persisted, new problems came out, when those lights on, the power steering wheel would lose electricity for all buttons and pedals include signal lights, wipers... in the dealer for 8 business days and counting... bad luck, maybe, but lesson learned
-
Best VW Ive driven - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
By Willie J - August 23 - 4:40 pmThis is one great vehicle. It has great handling, excellent pick up and go, awesome power too! The ride is a little harsh for my taste, but the tires make the handling that much better. The fuel economy is great too for a car like this, about 25 mpg in mixed driving. Decent cargo in the back too, my golf clubs can fit back there! Rear seat room is good also for adults, as long as theyre not too tall. Comfortable seats, even though I dont understand why the lumbar support is the only power operation. Pretty good base stereo. There is a blind spot over the right shoulder that can be aggravating on the highways.
-
Great car!!! - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
By Veedubliger - August 22 - 6:43 amTraded my RX-8 for it and dont regret my decision. It feels good to be back in the VW family. Missed owning a Veedub but the new GTI was worth the wait. It is a fun little car. It is easy to drive fast with all the torque. I keep having to remind myself that I dont have to rev the hell out of it like the RX-8. It has a top-notch interior and cool exterior looks.
-
Super Good Time - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
By jt - August 4 - 1:03 amI have had this car for 2 years now and it is absolutely the best car Ive owned (out of 6). Lots of room lively engine, suspension. Very easy to get along with. Had only minor probs. Fan switch and leaky coolant for a/c.
-
I love my GTI - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
By GTIjunkie - July 18 - 9:10 amThis is the first VW I have ever owned and by far the greatest car I have ever had in my possession.The around town gas mileage has been about 26-28 mpg and 3 people are kind of cramped but the ride and handling make this vehicle shine. Long road trips have been a dream getting close to 460 miles on a full tank of premium gas. The dealer-only oil changes have been a little steep ($90 for the first and $170 for the second) but knowing that the car is handled correctly and will last me a long time has made it worth it. Knowing what I know now I would purchase this vehicle again and I love the looks I get from people watching me whiz by them.
-
Worth Every Penny! - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
By lefter13 - June 25 - 4:00 amI enjoy my car very much. Its a lot of fun to drive.
-
The biggest mistake - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
By jason - June 5 - 3:46 amI leased this car over 48months... it was my first new car! When I left the dealership I had a smile ear to ear. It was 2 months later that the problems started to pop up. At first it was a problem with the drivers seat. A couple of weeks later the check engine light came on (took two years for this to be fixed). In the 46 months Ive had this car, its been in the shop 82 times for a total of 133days. That is over 10% downtime. I wish I had bought this car so I could have gotten out of it earlier. I have promised VW customer service that I will never drive a VW, Audi or Porsche because of my experiences with this piece of crap GTI.
-
Great Car - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
By OrangeBlood - June 4 - 8:30 pmThis car is not only a speedy sport compact but a very comfortable car for around town driving as well as commuting. Dont get me wrong, I bought this car because it is flat out fun to drive but it also has tremendous gas mileage too. If you stay off the turbo, you can easily get 30 mpg on the freeway and 26 on the streets. I have driven a few tiptronic transmission cars but nothing that compares. Simply put the car in sport mode, grip the wheel and hold on, no turbo lag. I am a pretty tall guy, over 6 tall, but I can ride comfortably in any seat in the car. The color of the fahrenheit really polarizes folks. It is a love or hate thing but most people will tell you that this car is sharp.
