Volkswagen GTI Review

2010 Volkswagen GTI 2dr 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 return to form 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.

Current Volkswagen GTI

The Volkswagen GTI is based on the platform of the fifth-generation Golf, which has been renamed the Rabbit for the U.S. market. The GTI is available in two-door and four-door hatchback body styles. VW makes many modifications to the GTI to improve its performance and distinctiveness compared to other Rabbit 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 dual-clutch automated manual transmission called DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) is optional.

Standard equipment includes xenon HID headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, sport front seats, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat and a 10-speaker audio system. Among the options are a sunroof, a premium audio system, a navigation system, leather upholstery and heated front seats with power-adjustable lumbar support. The Thunderbunny Package adds sporty exterior styling elements such as a front spoiler and a rear valance.

In reviews, our editors have praised the GTI 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.

Used Volkswagen GTI Models

The present-generation Volkswagen GTI was introduced midway through the 2006 model year. Highlighted improvements for this generation include a stiffer body structure and a fully independent suspension. The 2006 model was available as a two-door hatchback only, while the four-door arrived the following year. Minor equipment changes have occurred since then, including a lower ride height in 2008 for better handling.

There were four previous generations of the VW GTI. Most used-car lots will feature the fourth-generation GTI, which was produced for the 1999-2006 model years. 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 had 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 turbocharged 1.8-liter engine -- the 1.8T -- that produced 150 hp.

In general, the fourth-generation 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 countered with a high-quality interior and superior versatility, however. 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-generation Volkswagen GTI was available from 1994-'99. For the most part, this model is not as desirable as other generations due to its anemic base engine. Though again a two-door hatchback based on the Golf, it debuted with the uninspiring 2.0-liter engine only. In 1995 the VR6 engine (172 hp) entered production alongside the 2.0-liter, and that's the one to have.

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.

SELECT A SPECIFIC VOLKSWAGEN GTI MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.