Overview & Reviews

For 2011, Volkswagen has simplified the GTI's trim levels. Otherwise, the GTI remains largely unchanged.

• Hatchback versatility, unmatched interior sophistication, confident handling, supple ride, good fuel economy.

• Many competitively priced sport compacts are quicker and handle better.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 32.00

• 

  A great little car - so far - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By skicat - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I enjoyed it so much during the test drive and I was looking for a relaible and economical alternative to my truck. Other family memebers have had great luck vith VWs, so I thought I would give the GTI a shot and Im glad I did. In three weeks I have tallied 1400 miles and the car has performed flawlessly. I would strongly recommend this ride, however if you buy this car opt for the extended warranty (5yr - 100000 miles) for piece of mind reasons if nothing else. Most dealerships will give you a discount on the warranty if you demand it!

• 

  Buy me, regardless of your age. - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By bruce - November 24 - 4:25 pm

  a great sporty little car

• 

  Dont pass up the GTI! - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By dafish2 - May 24 - 7:03 pm

  I was a bit skeptical about purchasing a VW as I dont know many individuals that have purchased them. I see a lot of Honda and Toyotas on the road and not as many VWs. I have always been an admirer or German design and they have been known for solid engineering. Im about 6 feet and it fits my figure very well. Feature for feature you cant compare the value with other cars, as they are left in the dust! This car would sell more if the dealerships would carry more automatic versions. The mileage is much better than listed. My only dissatisfaction is the rattling noise when the engine revs past 3K RPM. Im very pleased to have purchased this car as it is an awesome car to drive!

• 

  Never knew it was so much fun - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By solman7 - May 17 - 9:48 pm

  I havent had my GTI for very long, but it is a great little car. The build quality is perfect, its fun to drive, the features look like the should be in a more expensive car. The DSG takes some getting used to, but the paddle shifters are a lot of fun to play with. If youre looking for a quality car, that is fun to drive, look no further. If youre looking for a stoplight racer, then look somewhere else. This car is about combining great features into a great car. The suspension, engine, transmission, all work seamlessly to create a great driving experience. I have two cars, one for 4 months of summer in Chicago, lol. The other is my GTI.

• 

  engine fail - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By Tyler Harney - May 13 - 12:47 am

  This auto had a significant issue and service recall for intake manifold and fuel injectors at 52,000 miles. Shortly after this repair, the engine failed. Was it timing chain failure? Who knows? I cant afford to replace the engine. It seems that the failure after significant repairs is suspicious. Customer care has ignored our complaints.

• 

  Not so excellent after 14 months. - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By magician2166 - December 7 - 2:39 am

  This is an update after owning GTI for 14 months. The car has a bad wind noise, which VW can not fix due to its design. Low-profile tires provide terrible ride and are easily destroyed over regular road imperfections. No potholes, replaced 2 already. Highway mileage is very mediocre due to the low ratio 6th. gear, which results in a constant high RPM. Interior panels rattle. Turbo lag is severe if A/C compressor is on. Engine consumes oil (1 qt. every 5000 miles). VW customer service is left to be desired. Headlights are alwauys dirty due to lack of the headlight wahers. Navigation screen is extremely small and very hard to see. Navigation system features are extremely limited.

• 

  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).

• 

  First Impression - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By vincevw329 - July 26 - 11:37 pm

  Turned in my 08 Jetta for a 11 GTI 3 days ago. This is a 2 door model w/sunroof and auto trans. Noteworthy features are the easy to use bluetooth now in all new VWs I think, cloth trim (GTI fashion), and touchscreen radio. Even the base GTI has an impressive list of features like heated seats, all power controls, and leather trimmed appointments. Exterior design is slightly updated for 2011 with a new horizontal grill and separated duel exhaust pipes which gives the back end a squatter look. Inside Im happy to say fit and finish is typical VW first rate. Quality materials put together well. Driving is wonderful, good road feel, excellent accelleration, and easy steering make it a blast!

• 

  Not so good after 5 Months - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By englander1 - June 30 - 7:28 am

  Well I blame myself for not doing my homework, but reliability has been less than poor. Three times in the shop for Oil Separator, Water Pump and Oil Pressure Sensor. Like many state VW Customer Service is terrible. When its not in the shop its a great car. Handles well, fuel consumption is also a big plus. I dont tend to keep cars long but this may be a record even for me, may be gone for the first oil change.

• 

  Fun and sensible - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTIGR - May 27 - 8:58 am

  Coming from Acura, I dont miss a bit of luxury. Actually the GTI makes much more sense. Its extremely well-built with a logical and spartan/germanic layout. Navigation and ipod integration work smoothly and fast. The leather seats are very comfy and supportive while the interior is much more spacious than you think. I left the powertrain last. Its a blast to drive the GTI. Whether commuting or playing, it just brings a smile. I had a VW in 2003, so I was afraid of VWs reliability... But GTI has come a long way. Its not as reliable as my 2009 TSX but its quite close. Actually you wouldnt want GTI to become Japanese... you definitely want it to stay German: a toy and a commuter.