Overview & Reviews

The Rabbit-based Volkswagen GTI hops into 2009 with the newly optional Thunderbunny Package, which includes sportier bodywork and exhaust tips. This is also the first year that every GTI will be PZEV-rated.

• Hatchback versatility, high-quality interior, potent turbocharged engine, excellent ride/handling balance.

• Relatively pricey, some competing models are faster and handle better.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 29.00

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  No regrets - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By Mr. Shandman - May 18 - 5:33 am

  I didnt want to spend over 20k on my first car, but when I test drove this car, I didnt want to stop. It is so fun to drive and so comfortable. Ive gotten endless complements on this car. I got the 18 inch wheels and the winter mats inside. I fell in love with the plaid seats as well.

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  VW reliability ad makes me wan to scream - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By cla - January 5 - 4:56 pm

  34,000 miles on my 2009 GTI and 2 intake manifold replacements - done under warranty - Time for car shopping!

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  Wonderful car - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jason - December 12 - 5:10 pm

  I just got my 09 GTI, and LOVE it! I traded in my 06 Audi A3, which had the same engine, and many similar features, but the GTI feels so much sportier. The engine is great, and DSG is awesome. I still have to gently break it in, so look forward to the day I can really test the limits :)

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  Great Car - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By Denis - April 25 - 9:03 pm

  Have had the car for 2 mo. What a great ride! I was looking for comfortable seating and 4 dr. The seating issues ruled out the Hondas and Nissans. The doors ruled out the Mini. The car has taken a bit of getting used to the ride (a bit stiffer than my 97 Golf), but the control and response will just put a grin on your face every time. That and the fact that this ting gets up and scoots. All this and I just got 33 mpg on a recent trip up to northern CA. Averaging 26+ combined driving over 2k miles on the car. Go VW.

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  Great Decision - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By stephen - March 14 - 8:23 pm

  Had the car 2 weeks and have nearly 2K miles on it, wont be driving it that much after the summer. I sold my 2001 182K mile Passat on Craigslist in 36 hours and was looking at a 2007 Lexus IS250. Tried to make 4 different deals for the lexuss but no one wanted to budge. Got fed up and went back to VW and got a the loaded GTI autobahn package for less than a 2 year old lexus. Apples and Oranges I know but I do enjoy the GTI, had many many compliments on it already. The sport seats are a little narrow and took a while to get used to but now I quite enjoy it. Hope the quality rivals the old Passat, that car would have been good for another 100K.

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  Decently awesome after a month!! - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By Heimbachae - February 25 - 6:00 am

  First thing I noticed is that this car isnt as fast off the line as the 1.8T I had (04 Jetta GLI). It had an upgraded ECU, but even with that turned off it was quicker than the TSI 2.0T that is in this new car. This is probably due to the fact the MK5 is a much bigger car than the MK4. Other than speed off the line this car is my saving grace. It is much smoother than the MK4 Jetta I had, and on long rides its so nice. Manual is a must on this car. Also, I should have gotten the upgraded stereo because sometimes I just want to rock out that 6 free months of Sirius (could sound better) Do NOT get additional ipod adapter plug in that is in center console. GET JUST THE HEADPHONE JACK!!

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  Awesome/Practical/Affordable car - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By Vaughan - September 18 - 8:20 pm

  Ive had my GTI for about 7 months now, and I still get excited every time I get behind the wheel. Its got the style, performance, reliability and practicality covered, and it doesnt break the bank to own one. Great car!

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  Great Engine, Tranny and Suspension But. - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jack - February 13 - 9:03 am

  Engine is first rate with very little turbo lag and it has great torque throughout the RPM range. Handling is very good for FWD car and DSG transmission is awesome. Lightning quick shifts. Interior has nice materials and good ergonomics. Seats are great as is the steering wheel. VW got the big stuff right with the GTI. Unfortunately, the little details are what they missed. With only 1,000 miles on the clock my seat squeaks, my dash squeaks over every bump, my rear hatch rattles over bumps and there is an engine rattle between 2500 and 3000 RPM which is an issue with other MKV GTIs too. Unacceptable in a new car. I heard VW has terrible quality control and now I believe it.

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  Good to be in a VW again! - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTI Owner - January 7 - 8:26 am

  The GTI is a great all-around sporty car. Good power, no turbo lag, good handling, nice interior with lots of room, good fuel economy, and it feels & drives like a more expensive vehicle. It may not have the outright power of a WRX, but the refinement and fun are a great combination for me. It handles great, is quiet going down the road, and Im getting mileage in the mid-20s around town. It inspires confidence on back roads, and never feels like you are asking it to do something it doesnt want to.

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  rear hatch washer leaks - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By Tom Doran - November 25 - 10:50 pm

  Great car, just what I expected and am very pleased with just about everything on the car. This is an Autobahn with 6-speed and shifts like a dream. For some reason the rear hatch washer leaks on the hatch window when open and leaks when the hatch is closed. Been to selling dealer 5 times and tech support has been contacted. Per tech, installed Tiguan check valve and the thing still leaks washer fluid. Anyone else have this problem?