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- Fun to drive
- Comfort and handling
- Hatchback utility
- High build and interior quality
- Available DSG automated manual transmission
- Curb weight
- Rear-seat access on two-door model
- Below-average reliability record
With front-wheel drive and a hatchback body, reviewers are quick to point out that the Volkswagen GTI is not a typical sports car, but there's no denying its fun-to-drive performance and driver-oriented engineering. Steering is precise, acceleration is quick and braking distances are short, test drivers say. While most reviewers give the GTI credit for its overall value, some think other cars are a better buy. The Mazdaspeed3 (*est. $22,340 to $24,155) is most often named as a better performance package.
Several reviews say the Volkswagen GTI weighs more than it should compared to other sporty hatchbacks. The GTI offers Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), an automated dual-clutch manual transmission, which is quite popular among test drivers and does little to diminish the sporty driving experience. Reviewers also like the Volkswagen interior's high quality and comfort, especially the heavily-bolstered front seats. Rear-seat access is not easy on the two-door model, although a four-door is also offered. Some reviews question the car's long-term reliability, citing a below-average history.
Car and Driver names the GTI one of the top-ten 2008 cars, and Automobile Magazine awards it an All-Star honor, although neither article provides more than a few vehicle highlights. More comprehensive reviews can be found at Edmunds.com, Cars.com and Kelley Blue Book.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com editors feel that the Volkswagen GTI is "definitely the best GTI in a long time." The review summarizes the car's strengths and weaknesses, and gives high scores to the GTI's hatchback utility, turbo engine and design. High price and curb weight are downsides.
Review: 2008 Volkswagen GTI Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
2. Cars.com
Cars.com names the Volkswagen GTI as a "Best Bet," summarizing the positives and negatives, plus what's new for 2008. The GTI is a fun-to-drive mix of comfort and performance, but consumers will find that the Mazdaspeed3 "gives more performance at a lower price."
Review: 2008 Volkswagen GTI Review, Joe Wiesenfelder, Aug. 7, 2007
Editors at Kelley Blue Book are impressed by the build quality, interior materials and "best in this class" front seats of the Volkswagen GTI. Despite its hefty curb weight, it handles and accelerates very well.
Review: 2008 Volkswagen GTI Review, Editors of Kelley Blue Book
ConsumerGuide.com rates the Volkswagen GTI on a numerical scale that comes out much higher than the average points for all other sporty/performance cars, and it earns a "Recommended" rating.
Review: 2008 Volkswagen GTI Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, May 23, 2008
5. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors of Consumer Reports last tested the Volkswagen GTI in 2006. Perhaps the most valuable aspect of this review are the reliability and owner satisfaction ratings, based on subscriber surveys.
Review: Volkswagen GTI Review, Editors of Consumer Reports
6. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
Car and Driver includes the Volkswagen GTI in its annual "10Best" awards, emphasizing its fun-to-drive qualities.
Review: 2008 10Best Cars, Csaba Csere and Tony Swan, Jan. 2008
7. Automobile MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Based on testing by the editors, Automobile Magazine names a Car of the Year along with "All Star" picks that just miss that coveted title. Among the 10 All-Stars is the Volkswagen GTI, called a "diminutive hatchback that can shame supercars."
Review: All-Star: 2008 Volkswagen GTI, Sam Smith, Jan. 2008
8. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
In this comparison test, the ‘07 Volkswagen GTI finishes second, losing only to the less expensive Mazdaspeed3. Patrick Bedard commends the GTI's handling, engine response and ease of spirited driving. Rear-seat comforat and a squishy brake pedal are drawbacks.
Review: Power Toys: Five low-buck choices for hightailing it, Patrick Bedard, May 2008
9. Motor Trend
Although a bit dated, this head-to-head comparison at Motor Trend pits last year's VW GTI against other turbocharged European hatchbacks. The Volkswagen GTI finishes first overall, taking fastest times in all the track tests, even against the more powerful Volvo.
Review: Comparison: 2007 VW GTI vs. 2007 Mini Cooper vs. 2008 Volvo C30, Edward Loh, Oct. 2007
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