2008 Volkswagen GTI User Reviews

Pros

great performance, practicle`

Cons

bouncy ride, can eat a lot of fuel

Purchased As Used

Overall I really like my GTI, can't beat the value. Has the look and feel of more expensive cars. I feel confident on the road with it and would definitely buy another. The only problem is the fuel consumption can be high if you are a spirited driver.

Pros

sublime cornering and utility all in one package

Cons

none

Purchased As New

Sheer driving pleasure! I'm 55 yrs. old and thought I was through with sports cars. Test drove GTI and promptly took it home. [Once owned 86 GTI,loved it but VW "went soft" for next 20 yrs.]
VW returned to the true driver's wish list and a 100% pure GTI was unleashed. 2 yrs. and 41K miles later can report PERFECT RELIABILITY. Who needs a Buick\SUV anyway? My GTI can accomodate 2 bikes and a kayak or 2 kayaks and a bike plus gear! The spry GTI even turns a work-commute into a joy ride....read morehide

Pros

Great balance of performance, economy, style, and utility.

Cons

Front drive not as good as the R32 versions awd for performance

Purchased As New

This is my 56th car, 15th volkswagen and 6th GTI.This is by far the best examples of the GTI and really a fun little car to own and drive. I mean really, how many cars can provide 30+ mpg for commuting, but still provide serious acceleration and handling, all wrapped in a nicely finished interior that can haul 4-5 people with ample luggage space. Its the real deal and I always end-up back in a GTI. The Mark V with independent rear suspension, more rigid body, and improved hp/tq is the best to date in my personal opinion....read morehide

Pros

Very quick, luxurious, extremely fun, really practical

Cons

Premium fuel

This car is amazing. It will fit anyone and make you just as excited to drive a car as you were when you got your license. The price after options is a bit high, but worth it. The premium fuel gives really good gas mileage for a sports car. The practicality mixed with fun is unmatched by any car out there. However, the engine could have been a little bit more powerful. A bit bigger engine that doesn't cutoff at 130 mph would have made this car perfect.

The value of this car is often overlooked. This car could very easily have a BMW, Mercedes, or Audi badge on it and nobody would know the difference. What you get for this car under $30k is just awesome....read morehide

Pros

Fast, confortable, awsome car!

Cons

the only think is that it consumes a lot of gas average 19 mpg

i dont know if it is because i tend to play to much with this little beast. near 3000 RPM the turbo kicks in and it can get very fast. but i dont get a good mpg. the inside is very sporty and nice. i love the car and that is my second GTI i use to have the 03 VR6 and their are a lots of improvements since than. They are also very safe! i destroyed my VR6 by getting hit by a truck and seven airbag went off save all the passengers life. the accident was so bad that we found the back wheel stuck to the front of the truck. because this is a european car this car stick very well to the road as well and you can easily hit corners at 60 mph. Save, Sporty, Reliable, and Fast their are no better car on the market for its price tag!...read morehide

Pros

Incredible handling, tight turning radius, great factory sound system, great acceleration

Cons

Would be incredible with the 2.0L TDI Engine

I just traded out of an '07 Rabbit and have been thoroughly enjoying the upgrade. The Rabbit was a blast to drive, but the GTI just flies! I love the stiffer suspension and the even tighter handling around corners and through turns.

I haven't done any performance upgrades to it yet, but when I get it chipped, it will be complete as far as I'm concerned. The APR tuners can do some sick things with the 2.0L Turbo.

Some may feel that they aren't getting "enough car" for their money, but these are the same people that spent $40,000 on SUVs that they can't even afford to drive any more. I drive pretty spirited and have still been getting about 23 MPG in town and about 29 MPG on the Highway.

A very practical Sports Car....read morehide

Pros

Fantastic MPG, awesome performance, have 20k miles & love it!!

Cons

aux jack in glove box & only 1 accesory plug-in up front!

I have had mu '07 GTI for 3 months now, bought it w/ 9k miles on it. I drive 100 miles a day combined city & hwy. I drive it pretty hard at times, but still am getting 27 MPG in town. Hwy only, I am getting between 31-32 MPG driving 65-70 mph. Combined around 29 MPG. That is incredible with the pick up this "pocket rocket" has. I have the DSG transmission & it is great, a little quirky sometimes on reacceleration after slowing down, but it performs great. I own a auto repair shop, so I am very knowledgable about cars. You can not find another car for the money that has all this high-tech gear, elecgtric steering, turbo, tire pressure moniters, info center, suspension, performance, fuel economy, ride comfort. I got the 4 door(have 2 kids) and we all took a long trip and it was very comfortable, more room than you would think from just looking at it. I waitied until I got 20k miles to write this. Oil changes from my local dealer is great( even though I have my own shop) they service it for what I could, $50.00 for an LOF( synthetic oil), that's a great value. You will love this car, I guarenttee it!!!...read morehide

Pros

Fun to drive! Fast, fuel efficient, and sporty. I'm very pleased!

Cons

A bit rougher ride with the smaller tires..but if I wanted smooth I'd have a 7 series BMW

A perfect run around town car. The gas mileage is great. The leather sport seats are comfortable. My GTI Turbo is fully loaded with all the creature comforts and then some. (Only lacking power seats) And as far as storage space-I spent over $500 in groceries yesterday,(2 carts full), and all of it fit using the rear cargo and back seat areas. It amazed me. My 20 and 18 year olds love it. My husband & I have used it for several trips and it has been great. The navigation system and sound system are also great. I love my GTI!!!!...read morehide

Pros

Quick, fun, and comfortable.

Cons

Price, recomended fuel 91 octane and higher

Even with high gas prices and mid-grade - premium fuel, you'll be trying to find places to drive this car. The price is a bit high, but you're getting A LOT for it.

Pros

Best Mix of daily car, performance and handling

Cons

Price tag, seat adjustment

After test driving everything from BMW 335, 135, Mercedes c300, c350, Acura TSX, TL, Honda Civic and Accord EXL, Ford and GM, Nissan Z etc. I must say that GTI is the best mix of fun, performance, pleasure with crazy good DSG gear box, while keeping the small car efficiency. It is the closest thing to the BMW 335 performance without the sticker price. I bought the AuthoBan package, so the price got up to the higher 20K, and would prefer if it was a bit cheaper and in line with the competitors. I find seat hard to adjust at times (check out BMW and Mercedes for the best seats in sports cars) although one gets used to it. Probably the best surprise is the DSG and how smart it is. Car has very good handling, sports car setup, and is very agile even at high speeds. If you are going to spend 22G on Honda Si, don't....read morehide