Overview & Reviews

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.

• Fun-to-drive, lots of standard goodies, hatchback design offers excellent cargo utility.

• Some controls hard to decipher, handling could be crisper, dated styling.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 54.00

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  Fun to Drive But........ - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Emil - December 14 - 11:16 pm

  Very fun to drive. Wish they upped the HP in 2001 instead of 2002, but 175 is still pretty peppy. I regularly get 30pmg at highway speeds.

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  Poor reliability - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Spngbobfan - December 10 - 6:56 am

  Purchased car new at dealer outside my home state. I knew I wanted the GTI because I felt like it was a lot of car for the money with some great standard features. It was very hard to locate a VR6 at the time. Experience with the selling dealership was wonderful. However, future service issue experience with Maryland dealers was terrible. When the car runs well, it can be a lot of fun to drive. Problem areas include replacing 2 window regulators, replacing cat converter at 50K, rain sensors not working and poor quality door materials. As of now, Id never purchase another VW again

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  value - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By turbodude - August 29 - 2:00 am

  bought new for less than $20,000 three years ago. the power during the test drive convinced me to buy it. solid feel of a german car puts my old honda to shame. my first car was vw bug in 1972 so it was kind of like coming home to an old friend. the only problem ive had is the engine light sometimes comes on in cooler weather (ignition coil factory recall?). i suppose my only real complaint is that i need to be aggressive with the clutch when the light turns green to keep up with the automatic transmissions.

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  good to go... - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By dmbbravo - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Although I have always owned and driven trucks and sport uts, I really enjoy this car. It handles really well and the comfort and security is best of all. Iwould recomend this car to any one friend or foe.

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  Great car - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By acmeretro - February 25 - 10:00 am

  In the 18 months Ive had it, Its a fun car to drive. I have the 15" wheels I would suggest the the 16" or the 17". Very smooth and quiet for such a small car. No real problems yet other than a dome light switch. With the 1.8T 5 speed was disapointed with the mileage at first 26-27 city but has picked up to 30+ city after 15,000 miles.

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  gti in audi clothing - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By andys review - January 6 - 12:26 pm

  So far so good! This car took me a while to get used to because Im so used to driving second generation gtis, but I really like it now. Not as much fun as the 1st and second generation gtis but but smoother and better all around. Very roomy and handling is up to par. The vr6 is such a nice engine. You move a lot faster then it feels. Definitely a much more solid feeling car. Fuel is pretty good if you baby the car. Easy to drive slow and exciting to drive fast! In my opinion it has an Audi feel to it and the cabin is pretty quiet. This glx model is loaded and I love and use every option. Im very happy with my purchase!

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  The GTI - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By kevykev12 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy this car. Its got good power, it looks good. The hatchback gives some extra space. The moonroof is cool. My problem with the car thus far, has nothing to do with the car but the manufacturer. It seems that all repairs on my car when they become necessary will have to be done at the dealer. An overpriced dealer, where at this point, Ive been unsatisfied with their lack of professionalism and lazy service. With all of that said, once again, I love the car, and would consider buying another GTI/Golf in the future if the rectify some of their buisness practices.

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  Poor Quality - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By ihategti - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Windows fall into the door every alternate week. Excessive body roll, this car is NOT fun to drive.

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  150k miles new - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By torchmonkey - September 18 - 10:46 am

  i have owned vw most on my post high school life. from an 02 5 spd vr6 gti to a 03 vr6 6 spd jetta. great cars when taken care of and modded properly. stay away from the automatics, and enjoy on a back road once in awhile. currently own a 2001 gti 1.8t. great gas mileage. bit of a hit on power from the vr6 cars im used to but can be made up in parts and the 1.8 definitely handles better. my current car has 160k on it and runs like new. interior is showing signs of wear around the ac controls, console, and ignition. shall be replaced soon. rolled my 02 gti 2.5 times at highway speed and 3 ppl walked away unharmed. (perrelli tire went flat and came off the rim). so i dont buy perrellis anymore.

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  Where did it go wrong?!?! - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Nick - July 12 - 8:46 am

  The GTI is fun to drive. The handling and power are average. I recommend the 02 and up GTIs (30 more HP). All the rumors about the electric and use of cheap parts are true. The sunroof drainage tubes are cheap rubber hoses that will leak on you. The power windows will go out on you. The cheaper stock turbo hoses will leak or bust. Get use to seeing the check engine light on. stock suspension is too high and loose for the handling one might want. I recommend upgrading to the 20th/337 GTI suspension. I am on my second oil pan and second fuel pump. Get the timing belt done as soon as possible. If that goes out it takes the whole engine with it. Poor design!!