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Volkswagen Golf GTI Review

Consumer Reviews for the Volkswagen Golf GTI

Read recent reviews for the Volkswagen Golf GTI
Overall Consumer Rating
4.4 45 Reviews
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2023 VW GTI 40th Anniversary Edition

Michael, Oceanside, OR, 05/16/2023
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
I had been looking at the 2022 MK 8 since its arrival to the USA in late 2021. Here’s the deal. I only captured my first glance of one about three months ago, passing through the small town I live in. Whenever we went to the dealer, none were ever in stock. When I first read about the 2023 40th Anniversary Edition, I thought this might be the car for me. One of the area dealers showed a … pomelo yellow 40th inbound sometime in March or April, and the salesman kept me posted. We arrived at the dealer the day following its arrival, and when I first laid eyes on it, I was smitten - most beautiful automobile I’d seen in my life! So we took it for a test-drive, and with the adaptive dampers, placed it in comfort mode. While the ride was a little stiffer than my 2017 Golf, the GTI felt incredible. I quickly got used to the clutch and six speed manual shift feel. Quite frankly, though, I was concerned about the infotainment system, as there had been so many complaints about it in the reviews I read. Well, despite the fact I’m an old guy, almost 67 years old, I found using this intuitive, and not the deal-killer I thought it might be. Since the 40th AE is based on the GTI S, it still has a volume control knob, and the climate control is easy-peasy. So not the nightmare I expected. However, I do NOT like the new GTI fuel gauge, please, make it electronic if you will, but give me a traditional looking one, not a straight line that’s tiny like this, then reads out mileage until empty. The other thing I dislike is the inability to easily set a trip meter. What I do like is you have two or three viable options as to how you want your instrument cluster to look. And the color changes you can make inside your car is cool, too. Three other disappointments: no Sirius/XM capability (VW, shame on you cheapskates), and no storage bin under the driver’s seat, and no wireless phone connectivity on the 40th AE (again, shame on you, VW for eliminating this - should be standard on the entire lineup). Those complaints aside, I decided to buy the car and have little regret. Our dealer offered a 10 year unlimited mileage warranty including repair of electronics and replacement of wheels and tires should they incur damage (some of the roads in our area are horrible) which I would recommend. The 40th AE has the 19 inch wheels with 35 profile tires, so there’s little rubber between you and the road. I’ve driven over 1,000 miles in the month I’ve owned it and feel good about the fuel mileage. I’ve gotten up to 37.1 mpg, but I suspect on a long haul I could get 40 mpg on this vehicle. I love the feel of the road, love the cornering, and love the acceleration. I see all these younger guys on YouTube modifying their GTI’s, and quite frankly, there’s no need for that - performance is stellar - you’ll never want for power or have a need for greater cornering ability unless you’re a weekend racer. I plan to leave mine stock (maybe it will be the only one in the country left as it came from the factory). I like the look and feel of the interior, do not object to the materials used, either. Mine has been tight as a drum and rattle-free, even on rough pavement. The fit and finish of both interior and exterior seems perfect to me - something I’ve appreciated about VW over the years. In order to protect my investment, I had a local shop apply Paint Protective Film on the front grill, headlights, front badge, hood, front fenders, A pillars, front door sills, roof, and the top of the rear bumper (where you load cargo) to prevent scratches and rock chips. I think this is wise, no matter the car you drive, as it will reduce if not eliminate damage to your paint. VW has excellent paint by the way, and this pomelo yellow color is just incredible - looks green in some light, sometimes yellow, and what an attention-getter! This is my retirement vehicle that I plan to drive until I cannot drive anymore. Did I make the right choice? Time will tell. I’m happy so far, and I’ve a unique car (quite likely the only one in my entire state) that doesn’t look like all the Japanese and South Korean clones out there. I’ve never had a problem with VW reliability and suspect this new GTI will be no different. Is the GTI the right car for you? Only one way to find out. Drive one. Look it over. But I will warn you, they’re hard to find. They pretty much sell as soon as dealers get them in stock. If my wife and I had passed on buying this one, three other buyers behind me were chomping at the bit, disappointed that we were the ones who left the dealer with it in our possession. So how would I rate it on a scale of 1-10? I’d say about an 8.5 - 9, with my only complaints being the ones I’ve already mentioned. I am a satisfied owner!
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TrimMPGEngineStarting Price
2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)24 - 324-cylinders (gas)$36,090
2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)24 - 324-cylinders (gas)$41,318
2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)24 - 324-cylinders (gas)$44,668

More about the Volkswagen Golf GTI

Edmunds has 635 New Volkswagen Golf GTIs for sale near you, including a 2026 Golf GTI S Hatchback and a 2026 Golf GTI Autobahn Hatchback ranging in price from $33,708 to $42,458.

How much is a new 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI in Santa Maria, CA?

A new 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI starts at $33,708 (including destination charge) in Santa Maria, CA. Prices will go up based on the trim level you choose and any options you add. Keep in mind that prices can also vary from one state to another and even from one dealership to the next.

How much does a 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Hatchback cost in Santa Maria, CA?

A new 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Hatchback starts at $33,708 in Santa Maria, CA. Prices will vary depending on what trim level you choose. Each state may have different pricing, so make sure you enter your correct ZIP code on Edmunds.
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