2004 Volkswagen GTI User Reviews

The 1.8T is a spirited engine, with room to mod it further should you want that extra horespower. Clean European interior and exterior styling. All German cars need to be serviced well, do so and you will be rewarded with a long lasting trouble free reliable car. Problem is most Americans are used to thrashing their cars, missing services and not using using premium gas....read morehide

Pros

Good Fuel

Cons

Mods are expensive but good quality, dislike daytime running lights

This car is a fun compact car that you can dress to impress. So far I had mine for 6 months and love it. I test drove the WRX and a SI and neither one of them have been able to grab my attention like the GTI has, and for the little bit of money u can save on the 1.8T u can reflash the chip with REVO software and add a cold air intake to get that blow off valve sound and add a better diverter valve to hold more boost and then knock down the walls of a WRX, 4.6 mustang and still maintain the manufactures warranty because the software REVO makes is undetectable. The only problem is the handling running with a mustang and a WRX on a curvey road is a big no no unless u dress up the suspension....read morehide

THE GTI IS FUN TO DRIVE. A GREAT CAR WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING PARKING IN THE CITY AND ANYWHERE ELSE!! THIS IS A WONDERFUL SMALL SIZED CAR FOR ANYBODY THAT LIKES TO FEEL THAT TORQUE!!

I am very please with the GTI 1.8T
interior is top notched. Gives a good luxary feel. Audi based. PLENTLY of room for performance upgrades for a low cost. $300 Upsolute chipped brings it up to 220hp to the wheels. Handling is A+.

This is my first car. The GTi is uber fast and very well made. Those who complain about the mechanical quality probably didn't take care of the car. All cars break... Just baby it when you're breaking it in, always use 91+ octane and don't drive it like you stole it...it'll last you a long time. I've had this car for almost 6 months. No problems at all. I drive 70+ miles everyday. Also, this is one of the safest cars you can buy. VW uses what we call "virgin" steel. It won't crumple like a can if you get in to a car accident. The acceleration is great, only minimal turbo lag. Splendid passing power on the freeway. The car feels very stable even at 90 mph. Gas milage isn't too shabby either. I'm getting around 27 mpg. This is the perfect car for you if you want something sporty and a bit luxurious (the interior is very AUDI like) for not a lot of money. It's a fun car. Trust me =)...read morehide

I've had this car for 2 years now, and absolutely love it. Its quick, nimble and man does she like to go. Its definitely worth checking out if your looking for a sport compact car. It'll blow the doors off most stock honda's and its a blast to drive.

Recently I have been going around to several different VW dealerships asking about GTi's, both VR6 and 1.8t, as well as the R32's. Everyone I talked to said the GTi's are a much better buy. The extra 40hp you get with the R32 and the cosmetic differences you can get for a lot less than $6000. Also, the dealership would be able to make a better deal on a GTi since VW on made 5000 R32's. The only aspect that still draws me towards the R32 is the 4motion, but let me say that I test drove the 1.8T and it deffenitly is a fast, fun car to drive, so I wouldnt worry about a GTi not being fast enough for you....read morehide

The only weekness of this car is the slow start from a stop -- I'm talking about the manual transmission version -- the automatic transmission version certainly does not have this problem.
I like to start with low RPM -- around 1000RPM -- the engine is pretty weak in this range. At 1800RPM everything is fine -- if you start in this range you get a dramatic start. The VR6 version does not have this problem. Driving on a Highway with this car is great -- great power at 2000RPM -- this is 5th gear at 80miles/hour -- no need to downshift for passing....read morehide

The VR6 is a great car, nicely priced in the $22-$25 thousand range with plenty of low end torque and a great transmission. It is also a very nimble car due to its front-wheel-drive setup and low, short and surprisingly wide profile. However, for the extra cash (about $6 thousand) one is better off with the R32. The R32 has a bigger engine, more power, more delicious low-end torque and an even better (all-wheel-drive) transmission which allows the R32 to clearly and definitely outlaunch and outhandle the VR6. My advice to all you prospective VR6 buyers is to find some way to scrape up the extra six grand for the R32 - it is well worth it....read morehide

This car packs quite a punch for its size. Sometimes I forget about the dimensions of the car due to its interior room. Unfortunately VW should have included a differential to conquer wheel slip and torque steer at launch. It's fun to make my girlfriend sick in the passenger seat as I take off from a red light too....TORQUE beats REDLINE (aka honda)....read morehide