2007 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews Page 4

Having fun shifting again

Written by: RJM on 08/27/2007

Vehicle

2007 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I've had the GTI for three months now and I can honestly say it's a blast to drive, and with four doors, it's very practical as well. This is my first manual transmission car in 18 years and I'm really enjoying shifting on my own again. The car has plenty of power and very little turbo lag. Build quality is excellent and I've had no issues with reliability. I was tempted to get a BMW 335i, but in Northern Virginia where I live it seems that every other car is a BMW 3 series so the GTI is a nice change and the price is extremely reasonable for what you get.

Favorite Features

Form fitting seats combined with a manual transmission makes you really feel in control.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing comes to mind.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Serious Safety Problems

Written by: Kriss Mellor on 08/25/2007

Vehicle

2007 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)

Review

I owned my 2007 VW GTI for about 6 months and it's been in for repairs well over 2 months in total. The information center was defective. It took over a week to replace. Most serious problem could be related to the engine, transmission, turbo - don't yet know the source. The dealer can't identify the problem and VW tech support has been useless. Possibly related to heat, since it occurs most often when the temperature is high. As you step on the gas the car drops out of gear and will not respond. It feels like you are slamming on the brakes, according to my friend who was driving with me during one of these "seizures". This is a very serious safety issue. Car was bought back by the dealer.

Favorite Features

It can really move, when it is running properly. A blast to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Find the source of the "seizure" problem and fix it for good. If that were to happen, I would gladly buy another one!

8 out 11 people found this review helpful

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Unbelievable for the money!

Written by: HSJ on 08/20/2007

Vehicle

2007 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Sure there are better-looking and sportier cars, but none can match the GTIs combination of good looks, great interiors, very sporty driving and great pricing. I have the manual base car, and the list of "stuff" that is standard is amazing: 10-speaker(!) kicker Monsoon audio, Bi-Xenon headlamps, Driver Information Display (with 2 awesome trip computers), auto up/down on all windows, heated power mirrors, lots of user-programmable features, steering wheel controls, sports front seats, power outlet in trunk, great "mood" lighting at night, map lights all around - list just goes on. I love the interior lighting at night. After this car, other non-luxury cars' interiors seem cheap.

Favorite Features

Looks, interiors, sportiness, acceleration, fuel efficiency (up to 33-36 mpg sometimes), cockpit lighting at night, superb quality materials all around. Supremely spacious and comfortable for my 6'1" frame, unlike other sporty cars.

Suggested Improvements

The headlight switch should have a position for switching on just the parking lights. Apparently the European models have this 3-position switch (Off, Parking lights, Headlights), so why not bring it across the pond?

12 out 13 people found this review helpful

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A car for all moods

Written by: Paul on 08/16/2007

Vehicle

2007 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)

Review

I like this car because it follows my driving moods. Sometimes, I just like to adjust the climate, put it in drive, turn on Sirius Disorder and drive it like a normal car. And it does this marvelously. When I do this, it's fairly easy to get 30 mpg or more (according to the car's computer). Sometimes, I like to pick my own gears, put the windows down and the sunroof back, crank up Alt Nation and strap a brick to my shoe. It handles this impressively as well. And will still get around 27 mpg. No matter how I feel like driving, this car just delivers a great drive. It looks and feels rock solid. There's little features VW doesn't even flaunt giving me the impression of attention to details.

Favorite Features

DSG is brilliant! This dual-clutch automated manual tranny truly is the future of changing gears, if it proves to have a comparable lifespan. 2.0T is uber impressive. I'm a stickler for ergonomics and this car delivers. Everything is exactly where it should be and looks great being there.

Suggested Improvements

I wouldn't complain if VW threw a woofer in the back. Like in Dodge's Caliber. A Daytime Running Lamp Override would be nice. They have that in Europe's version, I guess. Weird. The sat radio song/artist display should scroll. For weeks I thought Interpol wrote a song called The Heinrich Man.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Great Car

Written by: OrangeBlood on 08/10/2007

Vehicle

2007 Volkswagen GTI Fahrenheit 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)

Review

This car is not only a speedy sport compact but a very comfortable car for around town driving as well as commuting. Don't get me wrong, I bought this car because it is flat out fun to drive but it also has tremendous gas mileage too. If you stay off the turbo, you can easily get 30 mpg on the freeway and 26 on the streets. I have driven a few tiptronic transmission cars but nothing that compares. Simply put the car in sport mode, grip the wheel and hold on, no turbo lag. I am a pretty tall guy, over 6' tall, but I can ride comfortably in any seat in the car. The color of the fahrenheit really polarizes folks. It is a love or hate thing but most people will tell you that this car is sharp.

Favorite Features

2.0T engine is great, (look at the numbers, this car does not give up much from the R32 and weighs about 500lbs less), DSG gearbox, Xenon headlights are nice, gauges look good as does the entire interior, SAT radio, MP3 adapter, and the color is loud.

Suggested Improvements

Power seats would be nice. That is all I can come up with. This is a great car.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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My GTI

Written by: Lorraine on 08/09/2007

Vehicle

2007 Volkswagen GTI Fahrenheit 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)

Review

This car is great fun to drive. Sometimes I wish we did not have speed limits. I am an older woman, driving a bright red GTI manual. Loving it, simply loving it. It holds the road like no other. I had an Audi A4, 1997. That car was also manual. My GTI seems quicker,and equally great to drive.

Favorite Features

I love the lane shift blinker. Just tap and it blinks 3 times. For me this car has adequate storage. The floor mats are really nice. I have only used the rubber ones and I think they are great. I love having controls on the steering wheel at my finger tips.

Suggested Improvements

I would configure the speedometer into the computer which is viewed on the middle of the instrument panel.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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When can I drive it again?

Written by: VWGTI2007 on 08/02/2007

Vehicle

2007 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)

Review

The title explains it all, you don't want to stop driving it. This car is the perfect blend of performance, practicality and value. I think it sums it up to say that this car does everything well but not super. As I drive it more and more, I know I made the right choice to jump over to the VW GTI club from the Honda Family. I was very skeptical but so far the experience has been amazing. If you treat a car as a vehicle going from point A to point B, you might not appreciate what this car has to offer. If you treat driving as an experience, this is a must have.

Favorite Features

Bi-Xenon headlights, dual zone climate control, headlight washers, multifunction computer display, 4- doors, DSG, 2.0T FSI engine, 18" huffs, the hatch practicality, rear seat heat vents, heated seats.

Suggested Improvements

Need optional power memory Seats, rattles appear, split dual exhaust, need some additional colors, GTI should have GTI logo on key fob.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Get one now

Written by: happy camper on 07/19/2007

Vehicle

2007 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Very impressive hatchback. I am a big guy and I fit comfortably in this car and oh the speed and agility are unbelievable. I went in for the third car Rabbit and came out with the GTI speedster. I just can't stay out of it and when I turn it off I can't wait to get in it again. I am creating reasons to go to the store.

Favorite Features

The iPod adapter, one touch power windows, 4 doors, roominess.

Suggested Improvements

Work with Apple to allow the adapter to show the title and artist of the track.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Great fun

Written by: Dan W on 07/17/2007

Vehicle

2007 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I've put almost 2000 m. on my GTI. The more I drive it, the more I like it. It's great fun. VW should be applauded for building a terrific car for reasonable $. There is really no competition for the GTI, except for its cousin, the Audi A3. The GTI is quick and handles great; it even sounds wonderful - similar to a Honda VTEC at high rpm and it has a low growl when you give it some gas at low rpm. The rest of the time, it's quiet, as it should be. The build quality is excellent, too. The Civic Si, is no match for the VW in every day driving. The VW has much more low/mid range torque. It's a joy to drive and the Civic would be a chore. And, the GTI's hatchback design is much more practical.

Favorite Features

Power; handling; interior quality and features, including Sirius radio and seat heaters; practicality; nice shifting 6 speed, looks.

Suggested Improvements

Can't think of any.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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2007 4-Door GTI DSG

Written by: VWGTI2007 on 07/16/2007

Vehicle

2007 Volkswagen GTI 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)

Review

A practical sports car if there ever was one. Pros: great power, great room and comfort, lots of features. Cons: Some rattles, could use nicer radio display.

Favorite Features

2.0T engine, DSG transmission, hatchback, Xenon headlights with washers.

Suggested Improvements

Better interior fit and finish to avoid rattles, a lot of plastic.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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