Volkswagen GTI

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Price Paid:  $20000.00 from Keffer Volkswagen

Year / Model Reviewed:
2005 1.8 GTI

Summary:
This is my third VW I starterd out with a Scirocco in 1983 and bought the 16v GTI when it came out in 1988. After a few years of bouncing around in Japanese cars with no soul ,I stumbled across my MkIV at the dealership and did a test drive . WOW! I remembered my old 16v with fondness , but this one had way more power and the interior was set up just right .In short someone at VW got all of the shortcomings of the older versions fixed. I love this body style so I will be in no hurry to go after the new MkV which in my opinion is too round , but I guess we will get used to it. So far only one mechanical problem , a squeaky rear shock that was replaced under warranty .

Strengths:
Power ,handling ,style,fun

Weaknesses:
Suspension may be a hair too soft. Maybe a little more turbo boost.

Similar Products Used:
88 GTI, 82 Scirocco

Price Paid:  $0.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 VW GTI 1.8T

Summary:
So far I Love this car. I read the reviews for it but dont see all of the bad things. It hadles very well, it has great power, and is soooooo much fun to drive. The turbo sounds great spooling up and the 5 speed manual just did it for me. The car is beautiful, i have never liked hatch backs, but this is a very pretty car. i got the 17" rims on it and...DAMN!

Strengths:
power handling style space feel

Weaknesses:
the cupholders could use some rethinking, i could have thought of better placement. the sun visors are whimpy, sun glasses are recommended. no fog lights?????? what tha....?

Similar Products Used:
nothing similar 90 plymouth sundance, 94 mazda mx-6

Price Paid:  $19500.00 from Esserman Internation

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 GTI 1.8T Auto

Summary:
I like the car very much but one thing: the automatic box is terrible. Everytime that I stop at a light the car vibrates in a very annoying way. It is not hard, but constant, can't take my mind of it and wishing for the green light. I have been told that is because the tranny is made in Japan, but I don't care, just want it fixed. Task that my dealers and others seem not to be able to do. It is shame that VW brings a car to market with this type of major problem.

Strengths:
Looks & Interior. Size and speed. When it is moving I really like it. Very responsive and sometimes the turbo surprises me but, in a good way. The blue dials are very cool, a joy to look.

Weaknesses:
The transmission, argh!!! I still can't belive they let this kind of mistakes happen. VW wants to sell 40k and 60k cars but if they have these kind of "minor glitches", it is going to be though. Maybe they haven't heard of BMW or MB and what about the japanesse?. Not to mention the dealers, but that, is another horror story. Ah, forgot, the cup holders wont let reach the radio when open, either change the holder or put remote controls in the steering wheel. Did I mentioned the transmission?

Similar Products Used:
BMW 323, MINI

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $24300.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 24V VR6 GTI

Summary:
This is my 3rd VW since 1983, having previously owned GTI's and plain Golf's. I purchased my 24V VR6 GTI fully loaded, with black leather interior, and it has been a dream to own! I've had the car since October 2002 (as a daily driver), and have had NO problems with it whatsoever. NONE! The 24V VR6 engine pulls like the dickens, with gobs of usable torque, and it drives as smoothly as a more expensive German sedan. I truly feel like I have 'the best of both worlds' with this car (luxury and sports), given it's quickness, agility, and luxurious, well-appointed interior. I change the oil only once a year with full synthetic. The interior is expensive looking and gorgeous, with fit and finish that rivals Audi, BMW, and Benz. The red on blue instrumentation comes alive at night, looking like a jet fighter cockpit. Without question, the 24V VR6 incarnation of the legendary GTI was one of the best ever, if you value quality, and a good balance of luxury and speed. The car itself will hit 60 MPH from a standstill in 6.5 seconds. It will also pull hard in most gears, requiring less overall shifting, and better gear useability, given it's excellent torque characteristics. Overall, this is one of the best cars I, or my family has ever owned. It is as reliable as a Japanese car, and even more fun to drive. It puts a grin on my face every time I turn the ignition key, given it's 'fun factor' and reliability. I realize that certain model year GTI's have been plagued with problems, but my 24V has been bulletproof. 'Knock on wood', as they say. I plan on keeping this car well past 100K miles. All in all, a GREAT car and car owning experience!

Strengths:
Torque; speed; agility; overall balance of small luxury sedan and quickness; gorgeous quality interior; FWD in snow; gorgeous 24V VR6 engine 'note' when accelerating; reliability thus far.

Weaknesses:
Not as aggressive looking as a GTI should be for this model year; pricey; not as lowered as body should be.

Price Paid:  $23.00 from smithtown VW

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 GTI 1.8 Turbo- 20th aniver. edition

Summary:
WOW, what can I say. This car is friggin sick bro. It's exceleration is underestimated. I absoultly love the 6 speed trany and the 18inch wheels. Whats not to like about this thing.

Strengths:
TURBO, and I get hella looks in it from the chicas.

Weaknesses:
It wasnt free.

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