2009 Volkswagen GTI 2.0T Coupe

Pros

Powerful turbo, sporty appearance, great fuel efficiency

Cons

DSG trans. issues, A/C issues, satellite receiver issues, only European hands-free compatibility

Purchased As New

I purchased my 2007 GTI MkV brand new off the show room floor. I now have 26K miles. My transmission has been repaired two (2) times now, I've gone through one (1) O2 censor, two (2) fuel pumps, two (2) satellite receivers, an entirely new A/C system (due to, according to the dealership, the system "imploding"), and two (2) A/C compressors. This car is fun to drive, very quick off the line, has aggressive exterior styling (with the body kit), sporty interior details and styling, tight, responsive handling.... but the repairs that this vehicle has required over the past 12 months are ridiculous. I doubt I'll be confident enough to purchase another VW in the future....read morehide

Pros

Every thing is good about this vehicle

Cons

I have no cons at this time we only put 200 miles

Purchased As New

Handling, performance, comfot, very good for the price rang. after my son got this vehicle I tested and found nothing negative to say. well made.

Pros

Great Power, Smooth ride, 18" wheels, IPod aux dock

Cons

Gas milage

Purchased As New

Just bought a '09 Candy White 3-door GTI, 6-speed transmission a must for any real drivers wanting to experience how the GTI really drives... car looks and drives amazing...i bought mine with the 18" rims and sun roof, was thinking about the Thunder Bunny body kit but it brougt the price up a little too much... turbo feels and sounds amazing...car is rated for 31 MPG but i have not been able to get over 28 MPG..i don't drive it that hard so i dont know why i can't achieve the MPG but i wouldn't trade this for anything else...mine came with a aux plug for my iPod, so i can just plug it in and go, love this feature.....AMAZING VEHICLE...read morehide

Pros

fun and solid in all speeds, FSG for relax mode and paddle shifters for crazyness, the engine sound!

Cons

no bluetooth

My previous car was a 05 S4 which was a beast and a great car but I have to say that I am impressed with the GTI's racing perks and the tuned up engine. The turbo works great and the car is always at your command. FSG is very smooth, it anticipates the drivers input and the gear change is amazing accurate. The paddle shifters are great for manual mode craziness. The engine whistles and growls sound like harmony . You need a race track to fully appreciate the perks of this machine including the Launch Control. Latest German technology perfected with pride. GTI has truly raised the bar for all sports cars....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

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!!

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.