Overview & Reviews

The 2008 Volkswagen GTI receives a lower ride height for better handling, and minor equipment and trim level changes.

• Hatchback utility, upscale features and interior design, strong turbocharged engine, optional sequential-shifting DSG gearbox.

• Higher price than many competitors, handling nimbleness dulled by beefy curb weight.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 63.00

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  So far so good - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTI-UP - September 2 - 8:13 am

  Ive owned many VWs in the past, but gave them up after leasing a 1995 Jetta that was nothing but trouble. Gave the GTI a chance as a summer fun car. It has a little over 5K on it. Its a blast to drive, awesome stereo, great seats, solid and stable. Fuel economy is disappointing. Ive got the 6 speed manual, and a 13 mile drive to work that is mostly highway, and only get around 26 mpg. All highway gets me up to a mere 27.2 mpg. I see others getting better than 30. My driving is spirited at times but I suspect no more so than most others getting higher mpg.

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  Maybe the greatest car for your money... - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Chris Moore - July 5 - 3:13 am

  This is a car that can truly do it all. I was looking for a car that could fulfill my demands for having a fun, performance oriented vehicle that could simultaneously deliver respectable gas mileage, have four doors, a great warranty and not break the bank, including full coverage insurance. Oh, did I mention my non-manual transmission driving wife had to be able to drive it too? Under these strict stipulations, the GTI is absolutely sublime. I bought mine for $20.5K and spend $100 a month on full coverage insurance. I regularly get over 30 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in town. Because of its sleeper status, I can drive it like I sat on a wasp, and a cop would be none the wiser.

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  So much fun. - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Franky - June 17 - 10:03 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive. Handles like magic, and acceleration in second gear is seriously amazing. Road noise is considerable, and the entire fuel system went at 9,200 miles (the pump and sensor had to be replaced per a TSB [technical service bulletin] so the problem is not uncommon). Other than having to deal with VW road side service just a few months into the car ownership, it has been a real joy. If you live in a northern climate, the sport tires will make your winter the worst youve ever experienced.

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  Best Car Ever - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By stx066 - June 10 - 11:06 am

  I have been looking into buying a GTI since about January of this year and finally found the one I was looking for. I traded in my 2006 Honda Civic EX and boy am I glad I did! The GTI may not get as good gas mileage as the Civic, but it is way more fun to drive. Well worth the price.

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  Great, great, great - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Pata - May 8 - 10:33 am

  I have my 2008 GTI for almost a year now, and I have to say every time I get into it I still smile. When I get on the road and I have to get onto the highway the power of this car takes my breath away still. My husband has a honda si and that is a great car too but when I drive his car, I miss my GTI, I just love the instant turbo power you get when you step on the gas pedal, and you dont have to down shift to get that power. I have had lots of people stop and tell me how much they like my car, or ask questions. This is one great car, comfortable, fast, great on gas, I put snow tires on it for the winter and it was great in the snow, and I always feel confident driving this car. I Love it

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  Best Car Ive owned - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Dan - April 22 - 2:26 pm

  I give this car 2 thumbs up for being the most fun and comfortable car Ive owned..Ive owned 2 dozen or more. Even with reliability issues, it is still worth having if under warranty. Ive owned it a month now...bought it used with 16k miles. It has FSI engine which i learned is the older version, but still very good, though. Great handling, comfortable ride even with 18" wheels. Gas mileage is awesome 26- 30mpg mixed mostly highway commuting. Premium gas is a must if you want good gas mileage. First tank from dealer got 26mpg with regular then after that I got close to 30mpg with premium. VW combines fun and practicality all in one package. Back seat is rather large, too.

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  VW GTI Review - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By alekmed - March 17 - 10:18 am

  Review Essay The Volkswagen Golf GTI has always been the go-to hot hatchback to buy ever since the first version came out in 1976. It has had numerous competitors but few have been able to match the GTI’s balance between power and handling. The GTI I am reviewing is of the Mk5 generation, with it being a 3 door 2008 model with a DSG transmission, or “paddle shifters.” Overall, this is a good car because it does what it is intended to be in a high manner, which is being the best sports hatchback money can buy. This isn’t a base Toyota Yaris econo box; this car has been given tweaks over the base Golf to make it one of the best sport hatchbacks on the market. First off, the aesthetics

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  Psycho bunny - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By vadersv8 - October 10 - 8:18 am

  Very fun car to drive, handles almost like a BMW until you realize you only have 200 ponies under the bonnet! Favorits: handeling, seat bolstering, practicality, gas mileage, moonroof, ninja star like factory 18 wheels. Dislikes: Lousy mechatronic issue, stereo is a big joke, low horse power, leather seats arent plush, light electronic issues such as signal lights. Ugly black back bumper!!!

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  Bought it yesterday - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By bbramely - August 14 - 12:03 pm

  I have been researching cars for about 7 months. I was looking at this, an accord coupe, a g6 gt, and mini cooper s, and so on. I knew that whatever car I got into I would be happy with and I feel content with my lease. I am about to graduate from college and got a great job, so this is my first car in my name. Big experience for me. I am such a car guy so I put a lot of time into this and found that rating for rating, pound for pound, dollar for dollar, i made the right choice.

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  Switched from Honda - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Goose - June 24 - 6:40 am

  Ive been a Honda customer for over ten years. Ive had an Integra, Civic (1995-2006 models), Accord, CL. I test drove the latest Accord and 2009 TSX. They are all very good vehicles. However they are boring. At least compared with the GTI. The moment I drove off the dealer lot on the test drive I new the car was different. Different in a good way relative to Honda products in this general price zone. The car is quieter inside, it feels solid. I love the DSG and the fuel economy is very good for a turbo. I want to speed off at every light but prefer to drive mellow so I can watch the drivers looking at my GTI as they drive off. If I need to speed off its waiting on my input :)