2009 Volkswagen GTI User Reviews

Pros

Built very well, has a very solid/tight feel throughout. Wonderful engine, DSG is awesome.

Cons

Can get pricey w/options, not nearly enough color options!

Just bought my 5-door '09 GTI, and love it. I have 136 miles on it and can't wait to really break it in. I hope the next model VW is a little more aggressive with the styling, and has some more color options. I traded in my '06 Audi A3, and this car is almost as practical but feels so much sportier....read morehide

Pros

Excellent Fuel economy for a car with lots of punch. Amazing

Cons

Parts are not cheap. Mx isn't free but GREAT

My second GTI. My first Golf 4 GTI with VR6. The 2.0 is faster while returning better fuel economy. Handling is much better with standard set-up. The MK5 are sticks to the pavement. if you chip this car you will embarrased cars costing alot more. This is a great car and the 2.0 TFSI is the best engine at two liters....read morehide

Pros

Wicked acceleration, incredible transmission, tight handling, unique Euro looks, sweet exhaust note

Cons

Auto AC would be nice

Bought my black on black 4-door to replace my '06 Audi A4 2.0T automatic quattro. Performance-wise, even though they share the same engine, the GTI SMOKES my A4 in all performance aspects. Plus it cost me over $10K less. The interior size is identical and I picked up the practicality of the hatchback. The GTI's are still made in Germany unlike some of the other VW's so the quality is excellent. Test drive one with DSG and you'll buy one. Yeah the Subaru's and Mazdaspeeds are quicker but I'm 35, not 18....read morehide

Pros

Great MPG for a "sport" car, DSG is amazing, Sweet steering wheel.

Cons

Speakers could use an upgrade

I have about 700 miles on my DSG 4 door black GTI and so far I love it. It has everything I need and the 4 doors are extremely convenient. The DSG transmission is absolutely beautiful and teh handling is excellent. I would say this vehicle is amazing value and it would be hard to find something as refined with such a great transmission in that price range....read morehide

Pros

Hatchback versatility, great highway ride, nice interior

Cons

Loose steering, center of gravity feels high, underwhelming power with DSG

Caveat: I test drove this car today in DSG form, but don't own it. I drive a Mazda 3 5-door auto, so that's my yardstick. That said, if you offered me an even trade today I wouldn't take it.

My test drive revealed to me certain characteristics I'm looking for in a sporty car that have nothing to do with the size of its engine. My Mazda 3 has tight steering with precise feedback that responds to the slightest movement left or right. This makes the car feel like it's right in the palm of my hands. The tradeoff is a somewhat rough highway ride that demands constant vigilance and correction. The 2009 GTI requires more rotations of the wheel to make a turn and offers less resistance. This makes it easier to drive on the highway, but sacrifices that immediate communication that makes zipping around town such a joy in my 3.

Now I haven't checked any data sheets, but the GTI ride felt higher off the ground than the 3. Being further from the road itself makes you feel less connected, as any SUV driver should attest. When I drive my Mazda it feels lower to the ground; acceleration feels like I'm crawling across the pavement and the front tires are my hands. Perhaps I didn't make the right seat adjustments on my GTI tester to make it low enough, I don't know. But my overall impression was one of insulation. Again, great if your gearing up for a long trip on the interstate, but thoroughly uninspiring around town.

I've also driven an Audi TT 2.0T recently and boy did it put a smile on my face. Compared to the GTI the steering was tighter, the ride was lower, and the engine felt more responsive. That could have been due to a more aggressive throttle tip-in, shared with my Mazda. Quicker tip-in seems like an artificial gimmick added to make it feel sportier, but it works. Then again, maybe I'm just used to it. The point is, my 3 puts a smile on my face. The Audi TT put a big smile on my face when I drove it. The GTI was nice, but underwhelming. I had expected so much more....read morehide

Pros

more masculine looks than most hatches, its a 3 door, can carry bike in back, comes in coupe

Cons

center of gravity seems high, R32 has seats you want

I test drove the GTI and I though my Honda with OEM rims and after market tires could out handle this car. Also, the car seems less stable b/c of it's higher profile. Also, the R32 has the seats I want but the price on the 32 is way too high...It's a VW guys. Lastly, the car could use a little more trim detail (and I don't mean chrome - yuck). I mean the car reminds me of what kids drove in high school or college. It could use a little sophistication.

The demo for this car is changing - 20 and 30 somethings are having 0 or fewer kids so we don't need large cars or 4 doors, parking in cities is tough so we need smaller profile cars that still fit a 6'2" guy, we also want to be active and put a road bike in the back, gas mileage is key too. Options like AWD on the 32 are great. This car is the exception rather than the rule and applaud the co but I would like to see the body style emerge to something a bit less immature at no increase in price. Don't tell me to go buy an Audi 4 door A3 "WAGON" - gag....read morehide

Pros

Fast, great handling, fun to drive, looks Fantastic!

Cons

none

I have a 2007 GTI, this is my second GTI and I love them. Great comfort, very fun to drive! Fast acceleration, smooth shifting, I haven't found it's "top end" yet....still trying!!

Pros

very fast, good handling, Good looking.

Cons

none

This is the best car i've driven so far in its class. Dsg is great and is faster than manual gear box. The interior is superb, Good gas milage and very fast, no turo lag at all!

too good to be true! better than my bmw. Its more comfertable and better built. Lot of power and look great.

Pros

fast, fast, fast! Superior handling, better that bmw 1 series and subaru wrx.

Cons

none

This is a beautiful car inside and out, gearbox technology is the best, "dsg" 1:3:5: 2:4:6 have a clutch on their own, so it shifts just perfect! Its fast and fuel saver. NO TURBO Lag at all. The Staring is the same in lamboghini gallardo.