Volkswagen GTI Review

Volkswagen GTI

2008 Volkswagen GTI 2 Door Hatchback

The Volkswagen GTI is one of the best-known budget performance cars sold in America. For more than 20 years, Volkswagen has been taking its entry-level, economy car-based two-door hatchback model and turning it into a GTI by adding a more powerful engine and brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, and special interior and exterior trim pieces. The result is a practical car that's also fun to drive and desirable.

The original Volkswagen Rabbit GTI stormed onto American shores for 1983 and has been frequently credited for creating the niche-oriented "hot hatchback" market segment. Though many of the original GTI's specs don't seem particularly great by modern standards (its 1.8-liter engine made just 90 horsepower, for instance), it was a lightweight and agile revelation for many consumers used to bulky and underperforming American sport coupes.

Since then, there have been four more generations of Golf- or Rabbit-based VW GTIs, and some have been more highly regarded than others. The latest model is the most powerful GTI yet and could be considered a minor return to glory for the nameplate. Shoppers interested in a used GTI will likely want to do some research in order to determine which model year is best suited for them.

The latest Volkswagen GTI was introduced midway through the 2006 model year. The platform on which it's based is representative of the fifth-generation Golf, which has been renamed the Rabbit for the U.S. market. Highlighted improvements for this generation include a stiffer body structure, a fully independent suspension and new features such as xenon headlights and an available navigation system. The GTI is available only as a two-door hatchback in one trim level.

VW makes many modifications to the GTI to improve its performance and distinctiveness compared to other Golf models. For power, it has a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine called the 2.0T that's capable of 200 hp. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and sends power to the front wheels. A sequentially shifting six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission is optional.

In Volkswagen GTI reviews, this hatchback has earned favorable commentary for its powerful and flexible engine, comfortable seating, upscale interior design and everyday versatility. Downsides include handling abilities that aren't quite as sharp as some competitors' and a price that elevates quickly when options are added.

Consumers interested in earlier GTI models will have plenty of choices. On used-car lots, the fourth-generation GTI, which was produced for the 1999-2006 model years, will be the most frequent. Buyers should be aware that VW frequently overlaps its generational models for the GTI -- for example, both the fourth- and fifth-gen GTIs were sold for the 2006 model year.

The fourth-generation VW GTI debuted in two trim levels -- GLS and GLX. The GLS has a 115-hp 2.0-liter engine and could be had with either a manual or automatic transmission. The GLX came with a 174-hp, 2.8-liter six-cylinder "VR6" and a manual transmission only. The following year, VW replaced the 2.0-liter engine in the GLS with a much more sporting 1.8-liter engine called the 1.8T. Turbocharged, this one produced 150 hp.

In general, this GTI was less sporting than other competing models of its time. This was especially true in terms of reflexes and handling, as the car had a relatively unsophisticated suspension and a somewhat hefty curb weight. It did counter with a high-quality interior and enhanced versatility, however.

For shoppers, GTIs for model years 2002 and newer would be preferable as they had more standard equipment and more power (180 hp for the 1.8T and 200 hp for the VR6). VW also offered a few special models for this generation -- the 2002 GTI 337, the similar 20th-anniversary 2003 GTI, and the rare GTI R32 that had all-wheel-drive and a 240-hp 3.2-liter V6.

The third-gen Volkswagen GTI was available from 1994-'99. For the most part, this model is not as desirable as other generations due to its selection of engines. Though again a two-door hatchback based on the Golf, it debuted with the uninspiring 2.0-liter engine only. Only in 1995 did the VR6 engine (172 hp) finally enter production alongside the 2.0-liter.

The early 1990s GTI was part of the car's second generation. Cars from this period had two versions of a 2.0-liter engine -- the more desirable was a 16-valve version producing 131 hp. Though this car did not quite produce as much excitement as the original Rabbit GTI, it outperformed it in many ways and could be considered the last of the nimble GTIs before VW started focusing more on comfort and features.