That Farfeknugen gimick that was advertised a few years ago (supposed to be the German word for "fun to drive").... that wasn't a joke. Although this car has respectable acceleration- I've driven much faster- but it wasn't as much fun. I get the same reaction from all of my friends who drive it: "this is such a fun car to drive!" Not "fun" like a video game, but "fun" like it is responsive, well laid out- stylish, supreme cornering (especially for novice drivers). And let's face it, German cars are designed by engineers who drive to work WITHOUT A SPEED LIMIT (hello Autobahn!!!). They are built to handle speed, and in the unfortunate case- protect the driver in a collision.

Not much not to like about this car..... except the lack of a cupholder.

I paid $4000- and I would do it again in a heartbeat. After owning 5 european sedans in a row... I decided to try something different. I bought a 1994 Nissan Sentra ..... never again. I drove that Nissan like I was trying to punish it.... foot on the floor ALL THE TIME, but I did all of the maintenance, etc... it gave up on me at 50k miles (blew a head gasket, water pump, warped head... then Nissan corp. gave me a tough time about fixing it.... Now, back to VW. They are FUN to drive, they got style, and they are made to stand up to people who drive them hard (like me). BUY A GTI!!!!!!!!

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CRX Si, Acura type R, Nissan Sentra SER, a modified Datsun 510

The pick up w/the turbo is great. Have not gotten to romp on it yet since it has only 500 miles on it. Handles like a charm, VW got it right with the sport suspension. Its a lot stiffer than my '98 GTi. Monsoon stereo is
killer and the interior is well appointed. MPG is awsome, wish my '98 did as well. Overall, a better investment than anything Japan has to offer.

Cant get my golf clubs in the back with out putting the seat down, could in
my '98 GTi. Cup holders STILL suck (had a Fox and 3 GTi's since 1987 and all had worthless cup holders). Harsh wind noise from sunroof between 35 &
45 mph when open, didn't happen on my 97 or 98 GTi's. Minor stuff to gripe
about. VW has a good product.

22K was a fair price. Its a better buy than a Honda or anyother rice burner. Very well appointed both inside and out. VW has a good product
line and a great service contract.

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1987 Fox GL: if it lasts as long as this puppy did (150k/10yrs)I'll be a happy camper.
1997 GTi: NEVER BUY A 4 BANGER WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (kept it only six months).
1998 GTi: Loved that one, but fell in love with the 2001 1.8t, kind of felt
bad trading her in(like cheating on your wife with a younger woman) but once I drove that turbo, I just had to have it.

Engine, build quality, Monsoon stereo, blue instrument lighting

Stereo and HVAC control layout, a little too softly sprung

I am very happy with my 1.8t GTI. I had previously driven a 1995 VR6 GTI, and wanted to buy a 2000 VR6, but after driving a 1.8t I decided to save the $3000 and buy that one. It is very close if not equal to the VR6 in acceleration, and can be modified much more easily (and cheaper....a chip to bump it up to 185 horsepower will run about $450). I ordered mine with the Monsoon 8-speaker stereo system, and was rather impressed. I've heard better aftermarket systems, but this is one of the best factory systems I've listened to.
The engine is much more powerful than its 150 horsepower would suggest, and you can easily chirp the tires when you shift into second (and sometimes third....). Some people complain about turbo lag, but I really haven't noticed any (the torque starts growing from 1750 rpm up). The handling is a little on the soft side, but that can also be fixed fairly easily.
Overall, I'd recommend this car to someone looking for a practical car that can still keep up with most others that you'll meet at a stoplight. It's got a lot of useable trunk/hatch space, and the rear seats fold down completely flat for larger objects. Very well built, nice materials on the inside, and great blue and red lighting on the instrument panel. Good job, VW....

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None

Good torque, 17" stock wheels with nice tires (Michellin Pilot Sport"), powerful 2nd gear

The brakes are not powerful enough, leans too much in a corner (improves abit after lowered), although improved cup holders are still pathetic. some minor electrical problems, rear headrests are blocking the view, "clunky" transmission, should make it faster to suit the name "Pocket Rocket"

VW should make it faster. Should include "HID" headlights, or as an option.
Quite sastisfied with the car, expect for rather poor conering at highspeed.
My old GTI VR6 can make a 90 degrees turn at the speed of 140 after lowerd, but the new one cant, maybe because its higher and heavier than the old GTI?

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93 GTI, 95 GTI VR6, 96 Jetta GLX, 98 Passat 1.8T, 2000 Passat GLX

Looks, solid

Build quality bad, leans in corners, turbo lag

No way

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Badly

Power, Quality of Build, Features.

Leans too much in corners for a sports car.

This car delivers plenty of smoth power, and gas mileage is actually quite good. The car comes with many features (Monsoon Sound, Auto Wipers, Auto Climate Control etc...) that are only available on cars costing much more. The interior cabin is very quiet at highway speeds. The car does handle well, but just leans a little too much. Thats easy to fix with aftermarket anti-sway bars, or with the newly available VW sport suspension. Car has been trouble free with the exception of a window regulator (fixed under warranty). I know this comparison has been said before, but you really do get the feeling that you are driving something solid and refined like a BMW or Mercedes, and at a price of about $20,000...that's a bargin!

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Civic Si.

it would appear as though I am the only one writing about an A1 GTI. I have the stock motor in it, with little mods, (exhaust, intake, throttle body) and I can spank pretty boys in their civics any day.

I have the wheels/tires from an A3 GTI, and they suck. although, it does make e-brake turns that much easier.

I payed $1,300 for my car, put a new alternator in it, lowered it, and tried not to beat the hell out of it. It has had its problems, but it just turned 17, so you can expect it a little bit. The alternator was the biggest problem, and it wasn't that hard to fix. This car is so much fun to drive. If someone had the time and money, you could bore the motor to a 2.0L, and kill 5.0's. And it has been done.

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1997 Honda Civic... I could kill my car 3 times and still beat it to the next light.

Power, Quality of Build, Features.

Leans too much in corners for a sports car.

This car delivers plenty of smoth power, and gas mileage is actually quite good. The car comes with many features (Monsoon Sound, Auto Wipers, Auto Climate Control etc...) that are only available on cars costing much more. The interior cabin is very quiet at highway speeds. The car does handle well, but just leans a little too much. Thats easy to fix with aftermarket anti-sway bars, or with the newly available VW sport suspension. Car has been trouble free with the exception of a window regulator (fixed under warranty). I know this comparison has been said before, but you really do get the feeling that you are driving something solid and refined like a BMW or Mercedes, and at a price of about $20,000...that's a bargin!

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Civic Si.

Great build quality, superb performance out of the VR6, Great options, I still think the rain sensing wipers are the greatest, nice leather all in all why would anyone by a 3 series BMW, this car has as solid a feel as anything I have ever driven

Cup holders suck, obviously Germans don't have Big Gulps

Great car, Excellent dealer, Bill Britt in fredericksburg, pthe best dealer I have ever delt with, only paid 22,899 with a 6 disc changer and every option available.......There is no car than you can compare this to

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91' Honda Civic, 93' Nissan Altima. There is no comparison

AWESOME VR6 ENGINE, GREAT BRAKES, EXCELLENT BUILD QUALITY AND PERFECT INTERIOR/EXTERIOR DESIGN AND FINISH. SUPER SOLID AND RELIABLE CAR. LOVE THE POWER GLASS MOONROOF. WHY SPEND $10,000 MORE FOR BMW, YOU COULD GET INSTALL A SUPERCHARGER FOR $4,000 AND 18" WHEELS AND BLOW AWAY BMW M3'S

HANDLING TOO SEDAN-LIKE FOR THIS LEVEL OF SPORTS CAR, SHIFTER IS WIERD, SEAT HANDLE KEEPS COMING OFF, WACKY AUTOMATIC A/C (I PREFER DIALS)

I PAID LESS THAN $23,000. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS CAR, WOULD RECOMMEND IT AND DO ALL THE TIME. MINE IS COSMIC GREEN WITH TAN LEATHER. I RECOMMEND THE DEALER (GUNTHER, FT. LAUDERDALE), NICE YOUNG STAFF THAT UNDERSTANDS VW'S. THROW AWAY YOUR TOYOTA AND GET A FUN GERMEN DRIVERS CAR.

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1991 GTI 16V- NEW CAR MUCH FASTER, MORE SOLID, LESS NOISY, HANDLES WORSE (NEW CAR IS HEAVY, 3,000 LBS). LOVED BOTH, BUT THE NEW CAR IS BETTER ALL AROUND CAR.