Used 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI Hatchback Consumer Reviews

As good as everyone said it was

I picked up a 2016 Autobahn with Performance Package, Lighting Package, and DCC a couple of weeks ago. I watched every YouTube video I could find on the car and read all the reviews for the 2015 model and I had high expectations and have not been disappointed so far. The only thing I have found to complain about is the Owners Manual and the fact that VW does not offer a downloadable .PDF version of it. I did not buy the car for its gas mileage and have no clue what it has been so far - I keep the display set to vehicle speed because my old tired eyes have trouble reading low contrast images. The DCC works as advertised and in Comfort mode makes for a nice smooth ride on bumpy roads. When you switch to Sport mode it really becomes a beast on the start and can is a bit much for in town driving but it is sure fun! The infotainment system is good but when it comes to VR the Ford MyTouch system cannot be beat - I have owned two different Ford vehicles with the system and got spoiled a bit by being able to not only control my music selections by voice but even the HVAC system as well. I hope VW is able to weather the diesel storm and brings us more cars like the GTI and R. 04/05/2016: So far I have not had a single problem with my GTI and driving it is the most fun you can have without getting naked first! 04/05/2017: Still enjoying my GTI every time I get behind the wheel! No problems/repairs to date (other than the recall on the fuel system). I have started to shop for my next vehicle but so far I have not found anything that does not come up short when compared to my GTI and after seeing the VW video of the 2018 Golf line I have decided to wait for a new 2018 GTI or Golf R.

The Swiss Army knife of sporty cars

I'm a 50 something male who has owned just about every make of car over the last 35 years. While I've always liked VW cars, this is the first one I've owned. I was considering a Passat, but passed because found it to be too dull. I wanted car that had enough room to haul two teenagers, but was also small enough to be convenient in the city. It had to be comfortable enough for 200 mile round trips which I do periodically. I looked at the a diverse crop of vehicles including a standard Golf, a Kia Soul, a Jeep Renegade, a slightly used Audi A3 and a GTI. After driving all of them the GTI was of course the most fun. So when VW started deeply discounting the GTI in December, I decided to buy one. If you are buying a car for simple transportation to work, the regular Golf is a better choice. It's rides softer and is cheaper. That being said, in its category of powerful sporty cars the GTI is probably the most livable, practical of the bunch. The interior is quiet on the highway, yet still has a bit of a growl when you hit the pedal. On smoother roads the ride is acceptable. On bumpy roads (which are plentiful where I live) the ride is borderline uncomfortable for me. I would prefer a softer ride, but I realize that is the tradeoff for the the excellent handling, power and 18 inch wheels. I sometimes think the suspension of the regular Golf would be a better compromise for me. The interior quality and functionality are remarkable for this price point. I'm a big fan of the clean, crisp, sporty styling both inside and out. It's distinctive without being garish or cartoonish. At 50 I don't feel silly driving the GTI like I might in some other sporty cars that seem geared toward teenagers. It's just about the perfect combination of fun and practicality. It is the Swiss Army knife of cars. In 6000 miles I have not had one thing go wrong or need to be addressed by the dealer. The only part of the car that I'm not 100% keen on is the DSG transmission. It can be a bit jerky with some low speed drivetrain bucking if you're not smooth with the pedal, similar to a manual transmission. The regular Golf with torque converter transmission smooths out these sensations, but also dulls the responsiveness.

Many things to love, but a couple of weird quirks

As the owner of a Mk VI VW “clean” diesel Golf, I was deeply ambivalent about doing business again with VW, but I swallowed my pride and gave the Mk VII GTI a spin. With one drive, I was reminded of all of the virtues that made the GTI a classic. The car just does so much so very well at such a reasonable price. There’s ample room for four real adults, and with the rear seats folded down, I can haul almost anything I’d care to stuff into a car. Fit and finish are superb, rivaling many entry level luxury cars. The doors close with a “thunk” and road noise is admirably dampened. The GTI is a blast to drive The GTI perfectly docile in daily commuting, but wind it past 2500 RPM and it pulls enthusiastically all the way to the redline. The manual shifter is direct and precise and the handling is outstanding. The ride is firm but not punishing, and when I behave myself, I average about 28 MPG in mixed driving. With an engine that willing, I frequently don't behave myself. The 2016’s new MiB infotainment system with Apple AirPlay, while not best in class, is a huge upgrade from VW’s dated infotainment system. Finally I can access and manage my iPhone’s maps, music, and podcasts without fiddling with the phone and risking my life. Wonder of wonders, there’s finally a USB port. No car is perfect, and the Mk VII GTI has some issues. My biggest gripe has been the front seats. I'm 5'11" and 165 lbs, and while I'm athletically built, nobody would mistake me for Captain America. Even so, the very aggressively bolstered seats pinch my upper back (lats) uncomfortably. After a 30 minute drive, I emerge with chafing marks on my upper back. If I can't fit these seats, the average 200 pounder doesn't have a chance. The center console is wider than in the Mk VI and protrudes into the footwell. I find resting my right knee against the hard plastic rather uncomfortable on long drives. The speedometer is unnecessarily "busy" making it difficult to read MPH at a glance. Instead, I project MPH digitally on the center infotainment screen. Finally, the interior of the car is quite dark (even the headliner is black) which is a bit oppressive and makes the car a greenhouse on sunny days. If you live in a warm or sunny climate, tinted windows are a must. Eager to regain customers after the diesel debacle, VW is offering big discounts on GTIs. I got mine for $23,500 out the door, which is just an amazing deal for a car with this many virtues. If I can just figure out how to widen the upper bolsters on the damn driver's seat, I'm set.

Performance Plus

This car is fun. Who knew 4 cylinders could be so enjoyable? The car handles like a dream. Yes, it is a bit of a squeeze to get in and out (I'm 6' tall, 200+ lbs., but once in you are in you are in for a treat. As a daily driver the GTI offers you a fine seat that grips you and dampens the rock and roll in turns. Road noise is controlled. The steering wheel fits your hands perfectly. On a bumpy road (a CA specialty) you definitely feel the bumps but you can reduce the impact by slowing down. Unlike a sports car with limited cargo space, this hatch has plenty of room to carry luggage and passengers. The electronics are, as they say these days, awesome. The price at $30,000 is a steal. Hurry to your VW dealer to check it out - you WON'T be disappointed.

GTI--What took me so long?

If you are looking for a practical car for a family and something that is a blast as a daily driver, this is your car! I've never owned a VW. It's always been Toyota or Honda. They are great cars and have treated me well. I can also say that I've never actually looked forward to driving them as automobiles. I look for reasons to drive this car. I haven't driven a standard in 20 yrs...not a problem. Great feel on the controls. This feels great on the highway at speeds north of 75 ( I use the tollway daily) and it is a pleasure to drive on surface roads. If you want to enjoy driving again look no further. If you are worried about fitting the wife and two kids into the car, stop worrying. If you don't think you can fit luggage or groceries into the space provided, you'd be wrong. Now, don't kid yourself...this is not a suburban or an SUV. This is not a crossover. This is a compact hatchback that can get 99.9% of your daily needs taken car of with ease and a bit of fun. If that sounds like what you are looking for then look no further.

99 mph in the 1/4 mile, 39 MPG real world economy

I got a 2016 GTI S manual optioned exactly as desired with performance pack and lighting group. It replaces my much loved 2010 GTI which had 120,000 trouble free miles. At 3000 miles, I am beginning to understand how it compares. In short, it is better in most every way. The brakes are outstanding. The electronically controlled limited slip differential is best appreciated on cold wet days here in the Pacific Northwest. We are blessed with many drivers roads. On a favorite downhill decreasing radius turn, which my 10 GTI was limted on a wet day to feathering the throttle on exit to avoid wheel spin, the 16 GTI accepts full throttle mid corner and pulls through without drama nearly as if it has AWD. The doors "thunk " shut like a fine German car, road noise is less than the mark 6, the ride is better, and fuel economy exceeds the mark 6 by 4 to 6 mpg. Best tank was 39 mpg at 68 mph highway. Who needs a diesel or hybrid when a car is as fast as a "muscle car" and nears the rated economy of some diesels and hybrids. Worst tank so far was 29. The lighting package is great. The base sound system with CarPlay sounds better, to my ears, than the Dynaudio in the mark 6. Every detail of this car was well thought through by VW engineers. UPDATE- At 12,000 miles I have had zero issues aside from a VW promoted reboot of the MIB II sound system done at a regular service interval. I replaced the Bridgestone all seasons with Continental DWS and am well pleased with improvements in wet weather and all around traction/ ride quality. In total, it remains a refined and fun package. Zero rattles, high mpg and fast as stink.

Das Review

I went into the dealership wanting a 2016 GLI but I could not take my eyes off the red GTI sitting out front. Before I knew it, I was test driving it. From the moment I stepped into the vehicle, I knew I had to have it. There is something oddly satisfying about the look and feel of the cloth interior (as well as the leather). The simple touches that VW added to the GTI (even in the "base model") make this vehicle leaps and bounds more valuable and desirable than any "similar" vehicle. In the GTI S (base model) you get the same quality that you'd expect out of a BMW 5 series. The ride is very comfortable. With one tap of the gas peddle, you hear the guttural growl of the 2.0L TSI engine, and you basically feel as if you're riding a steed into battle. Its an exhilarating drive. I took it home and had my neighbor take it for a spin. He has a 2016 Porsche 911 and when he got back with my car, he voiced his displeasure with the fact that my GTI rivals his Porsche in overall get-up and feel. I call that a win my friends. Get yourself a GTI.

A plesant suprise to something different

So I have had well in excess of 20 cars, I used to race cars professionally 20 years ago and since then I drive 750 miles per week on average as a senior account executive. So.....the car....much better than the 2014 Mazda 3s GT manual hatchback I was driving. Turbo lag....it's there but if you keep it in the rev band (3300RPM and above) no issues. Mazda I did actually like the no lag ever I mean ever with that car. Comfort, more important to me the older I get. Yes this car Is easier to get into, the seats are better and my back is not sore after a typicall 200 mile day. The Mazda I can't say the same, you had to squat to get in, and the seats were just not as supportive. Speed/power, this car will move if you are in the power rev range as aforementioned. Handling, very very good as well, mind you I raced race cars years ago and my son now races professional go karts, so I see flaws in everything else. Stability control. Hmmmmmmmm this is where I may have an issue mine has the DCC Dynamic Chasis Control as well and even turing off traction control setting everything in sport, the car STILLL TRIES TO DRIVE YOU, breaking when you don't want to, breaking a single wheel to supposedly get more speed around the corner, but it defeats the purpose if "you know how to drive a car fast" sure for a novice they are great aids for non novice users such as myself.....off should mean off, if I want no assistance don't assist me. i.e. why I bought a manual in the first place. Am I happy with the car, yes. Could the tweak a few things, sure, all car manufacturerers can. Question is with me is can I get 200K miles out of it like I do with their Japanese competitors. (1st VW, have had 11 Japanese cars over 200k from new with no real major issues)

From a Camaro ss to a GTI

I wanted a car that handled great had great acceleration and stupendous handling so i bought a 2016 Camaro SS...I'm not a young guy so the things i had to give up for the Camaro performance ( visibility, mpg, insurance cost, cargo room, passenger room) started to grate on my nerves and after about 4 months the honeymoon was over. I cross-shopped the BMW 228i, Mazda3, Mustang GT,Subaru WRX, Golf R for a replacement...out of all these cars the GTI proved to IMO to be the best bang for the buck. I ended up purchasing a 2016 Golf GTI with DCC, DSG, PP and Light Package. What a great car. Quiet ride of a quality comfort focused vehicle and the control and handling of a sports car. Great seats and over all interior. Great visibility and usable storage. The only thing I miss from my Camaro is the neck snapping acceleration at any speed. The Golf is plenty fast and accelerates very well for a small engined car though so don't worry about it being slow in anyway shape or form. All in all i am very happy with my purchase. VW could have done a better job with the media phone interface​...but its livable.

Value for Money

I recently traded in a 2007 Audi A4 for a 2016 GTI Autobahn with LP/PP/DCC and have been very happy thus far. I am astonished at how capable and flexible the GTI is in every respect. The car has two different personalities with DCC, in sport mode with the paddle shifters you can stand on it and the car is a rocket. Not sure what more someone could ask for on public roads. Put DCC in comfort and the car softens and shift points become a bit sleepy, not a bad thing for winters in the Midwest. I think the car looks much better with the lighting package and recommend that option. I did test drive the manual as well and it at was fantastic. Buttery smooth and easy engagement point but I was not as fast as the DSG in sport mode. Yes it was a more pure experience but not worth the convenience trade off if you commute in traffic often imo. The only negatives I can think of are minor (to me). The fuel tank is small so I have to fill the car up often. Also I am a big guy and the seats are very snug with the bolstering. Once I am in them they are very supportive and not uncomfortable on long drives, though I would love extended thigh supports. I'm happy I waited for the 2016's, the infotainment seems much improved and it's a buyers market on VW lots these days.

GTI + APR = bliss

Update: 8000 miles. I still really love driving this car. It's feels tight and solid, like it's got rubber washers everywhere to eliminate rattles. The shifter is excellent...buttery. So glad I got a manual. It's small and maneuverable on the outside, but big on the inside (4 guys' camping gear with rear seats down). I'm still happy with the APR re-program of the CPU (305hp/370tq); no mechanical problems. Once it's rolling, the turbo and APR stage 1 upgrade makes it a sling-shot for passing slower cars on the freeway. The stock tires suck, though. I can't wait to wear them out and replace 'em. I have no idea what this car would do from a standing start because I can't get any traction. Lesser cars can get the jump on me. Kinda makes me wish it had the R's all-wheel drive. On the other hand, the 2-door is awfully pretty... ________________ Original Review: I had an Infinity G37, and test drove a GTI but found the acceleration lacking, so I walked away. The Golf R is what I really wanted, but it's out of reach financially. Then I stumbled on the APR software upgrade. Could I have my cake and eat it too? So I got the GTI and absolutely love the steering, shifting, and handling - simply a precision instrument. Fantastic value. The acceleration from a stock GTI is adequate; I could make the passes I wanted with no problem, but still the seat-of-the-pants thrust was less than the G37 (328 hp/330 tq). So I went through with the stage 1 APR upgrade. Man oh man...Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde. At 3500 rpm the car wants to squirt out from under me, like I'm being sucked through a straw. From 210 hp/258 tq to 305/371. Hilariously terrifying...I love it. Warranty? Nothing's going to happen. I'll flash to stock for routine maintenance. And warranties don't last forever, anyway. Live life. The only minor complaint is that the steering wheel blocks the gauges when it's down low in my lap. Otherwise, the GTI feels just as "luxurious" as my G37 did, it's quiet, fuel efficient, easy to squeeze into parking spaces, feels like a sports car behind the wheel, and thanks to APR accelerates like one, too. It's got a bunch of electronic do-dads, too, but so far listening to Howard Stern is the only benefit to that stuff. But as far as a driving machine goes, I got a steal.

GTI is "aufregend" (exciting)!!

Just ask my wife - I looked and looked and looked and looked to find the perfect four door hatch for me. My previous daily-driver was a 2004 Jeep Rubicon (short wheelbase, lifted & gets about 11 mpg around town). Was looking for a four-door so we can have some extra room and actually drive every once in a while when we go out to dinner with friends. I only have about 250 miles on the GTI, but so far - great car, great to drive, lots of fun. Interior is very comfortable! Love the front seats & my wife approves of the rear seats as well. First thing she does when we go car shopping is sit in the back seat to see how "uncomfortable" our friends will be when we drive anywhere - she was pleasantly surprised with the rear seats in the GTI. Very comfortable! For the front - I love the driving position and the visibility is truly amazing! Never had a rear-view camera before & figured it was a bit of a gimmick, but having to back into my driveway at night, I've realized how amazingly easy it is now! Storage is adequate for what my wife and I need. I really like the "dual level" floor in the rear cargo area. Don't know if I simply missed it, but in all the research I did on the car, I never saw that function. Makes it much easier to carry taller items, as the rear deck drops down about 6" or so to rest directly on the spare tire. The acceleration is a blast! Granted I'm coming from an overloaded brick wall of a Jeep, but once the turbo spools up you get an extra kick in the seat of your pants - lots of fun on the twists! The suspension is great too - not too soft, not too firm. Can feel the road without needing a kidney belt on rougher roads. Only "option" I added was the Lighting Package. Really wanted the xenon lighting - makes a big difference (at least to me) on dark nights. The high-beams are nearly as bright as the off-road racing driving lights I have on my Jeep! Like I said earlier, I've only had the car a little over a week & have only put about 250 miles on her (mixed city and highway) & I've found the DSG transmission a dream - looked at the manual, but just couldn't justify having to shift several thousand times per day in So Cal traffic. Paddle shifting is fun on the more spirited drives & shifts while in "Drive" are very quick and predictable.

Great Value

After 3 years of driving a BMW X3 SUV, I decided that I was ready for a car again. I ended up with a fully loaded manual GTI and I'm totally happy after 5,000 miles. First of all, the car has character. It is almost retro with the boxy design and great visibility that is reminiscent of one of my first cars, a vintage VW Rabbit. The interior and the electronics rival cars that are $10K to $20K more expensive. The sport seats are very comfortable and the door and console elbow rests are wide and nicely padded. The car is tight, quick, and agile. It is really fun to drive. I was expecting loud road noise, but the car is actually pretty smooth and quiet. It handles well on the highway, in heavy rain and wind, and in the snow. I would suggest that you turn off the lane departure feature because it gives the steering a little wiggle every few minutes even though you haven't drifted. My combined fuel economy while always in sport mode is 30 MPG. I highly recommend this car because it feels like you nearly get BMW quality at a VW price.

The GTI is Ausgezeichnet! (Excellent!)

I wasn't quite sure what I really wanted, so I shopped around for quite a while. I read review after review of many vehicles including, Audi, BMW, Subaru, Lexus and Infiniti. However, none of them were as fun to drive as the GTI. Also, I have several friends who own BMWs who told me they are in the shop quite a bit. I tested a Lexus IS250 and it was really boring compared to the GTI. Also, the Audi A4 is great, but again, somewhat boring to drive. However, I opted for the 6-speed manual transmission of the GTI and it has been a lot of fun. The 2016 GTI gives you plenty of room and is made of quality materials. I just got rid of my Jeep Grand Cherokee because it was a pile of junk. It was my first American car purchase and sadly, my last. American cars simply do not use the same high-quality materials that foreign manufacturers use. And when they do, the cost is prohibitive and ridiculous. My Jeep cost me $45,000 and it wouldn't stay running, so I decided to go back to the foreign car market. The 2016 GTI will not disappoint you!

Awesome Hot Hatch!

This car is simply AWESOME! The manual transmission is fast and responsive, as is the steering. The seats are incredibly comfortable and the flat-bottom steering wheel is an excellent touch. The cabin is roomy and I love that the center console is positioned slightly towards the driver. The drive feel is incredibly sporty and no matter which drive mode you choose (or literally dictate yourself using the "Individual" drive mode which you can manually adjust to your liking), your ride is always going to be fun and exhilarating. On top of that, this car, while fast, remains controlled and feels safe. I am absolutely thrilled to be the proud owner of this exceptional car!

Mustang GT w/Performance Pack to 2016 GTI SE

Bought a Mustang GT with all options and the Performance Pack, which adds track level suspension and brakes. While I loved the sound and performance and look of the car, it rode so rough that I could not stand to drive it. Traded it in on a new GTI SE with leather, and I got the lighting upgrade. Excellent! Yes, I miss the horrendous power of the Mustang, but the GTI has some zoom too, especially passing at high rates of speed on the freeway - suprised me! The Fender stereo with Sub is the best I've ever heard in an auto, regardless of cost. I get 32.5 average at 80 mph. If you can stick to 70 mph, I have seen 44 mpg more than once. The only cons are the seat bottom and side bolsters - The Germans must think Americans all weigh 150 lbs or less. But after 3K miles, the seat is breaking in nicely. I wish I had also added on the Adaptive Cruise control, though becomes it also comes with Blind Spot Monitors. I also wish I had gotten the performance pack just for the brake upgrade, only because the GT had Brembos, and once you experience those, you will be spoiled for anything else. Overall this is an astonishing car, very quiet and smooth with the easiest shifting manual transmission you'll ever find. My last GTI went 250K miles and had no engine or transmission problems at all, in fact it didn't even burn any oil. VW's will go forever with proper maintenance and they all have 5 star crash ratings and are very fun to drive. Love it.

Awesome car, Buy It

Was considering only a manual transmission and wanted fun to drive. I am 47, liberal. Drove a Mazda 3 hatch and looked at Mini. Mini is way over priced for what you get and size wise. The Mazda was good for point a to b, but no fun factor. The GTI is very fun, enjoy driving it all the time. Its like two cars in one. You can drive it easy and normal and get 32-38 mpg, or drive it hard when you want to. The MPG has been incredible. The sticker lies and is less than you will get. I don't see anyone getting less than 30mpg combined unless they drive it hard all the time. I took it on a trip and had my family of 3, two 40-45 pound dogs and two mini dogs and a cat and our luggage. Yes it was packed completely but it was doable. The manual drives nice. not smooth like butter but very firm and drops into the gear solidly. There is lots of cool storage areas, one of which is a drawer under the driver seat. Also you can store some stuff under the cargo mat area where the spare tire is. I have jumper cables stashed their out of the way. If you want a sporty fun car to drive this is it. Don't get less space for your money with a mini that won't perform like this. The Mazda 3 gives you similar space but won't perform like this. The cool thing is you can drive it with performance when you want and drive it "normal" most the time. Only sort of dislike is the sunroof has that shade that is not solid so you cannot black out the sun. It has a nice tint on it but on a sunny day there is no way to black sun out. The shade helps but is not solid. However you can drive with the roof open or tilted and the shade closed. So that is the trade off. The Android Auto works good so don't pay for GPS, just remember it uses your phone signal and data. If you normally have good signal and not worried about losing signal and getting lost the Android Auto or Apple will be fine.

End of a mid-life crisis

I've owned a 1999 Jaguar XK8 for 17 years. I loved the car but it was time to grow up and stop throwing money at it. There wasn't much on the market that interested me and I had already decided that I was through with "high-end" cars. Always had a soft spot for VWs (a Rabbit and two Sciroccos in my youth) and a bright red GTI sitting outside the local dealership caught my wife's eye. "Cute! Cute! Cute!" she said. Okay, a slightly different take than the Jag (which was an awesome-looking car) but I'm secure enough in my masculinity to overcome even that. So I took it for a test drive. Back to a manual (which you couldn't get on the Jag in the US) and a decent technology package (which didn't really exist back then either). I had a ball. It just felt right to me. I did do some price checking and had a number in mind. The dealer met it and I bought it the next day. It's been over a month. I'm seeing mileage between 34 and 38 mpg (I know how to drive a stick economically when I feel like it), acceleration that didn't have me missing the Jag...too much, and a really slick comfortable cabin - maybe no burled walnut but who needs it? looks like plastic anyway. I might have liked the nav package, but I bought the car literally off the display ramp. An SE with most everything but Nav and the Driver Assist package which I didn't want anyway. The GTI fits that middle range between practical and fun. And that first evening when the "ambient interior lighting" became visible (soft red LED bars in the door and threshold), I forgot about the Jag, mostly.

Very refined GTI

This is my third, and favorite. High value, high quality car. Fantastic feel - materials, road manners, steering, speed, utility and even a bit of luxury. Really great all-around car. My city MPG is higher than our CR-V, even. We live in an actual city, so city MPG may be lower than what most of the country thinks of as city. Highway MPG on the one longish trip taken so far is ~34mpg.

Great choice in a great model year

Downshifted from a boring BMW boat and now there's suddenly a reason to get out every day.

Great car if you can deal with the problems

I just bought a used '16 GTI S with manual transmission. Its a VERY fun car, but with a big asterisks. What is not fun is the constant repairs and cash you have to pay out for this car! They have known thermostat and water pump issues, but VW has not recalled them yet, so this is an out of pocket fix considering many '16 models will be out of warranty soon. Also, the master window switch gave out on me, causing creeky, slow window movement, and sometimes no window movement at all (windows get stuck down). VW has also cheaped out on some parts, leading to cracking, such as the oil pan and the timing cover. All-in-all, if you can get past the mechanical short-comings, and fork out the cash to get repairs, I think its a good car. I usually never buy extended warranties, but I wish I had when I bought this because my mechanic knows me by name now.

GTI SE or BMW 335 xi

I REALLY wanted a BMW - and found a tricked out 2015 335 xi model at year-end which at 8K under MSRP was a good deal. The rub is - at 51K - it was nearly 2x the cost of a GTI. I offered 49.5K and the dealer said nope so I took myself to VW lot and bought a GTI SE 6-speed instead. The GTI is a great buy and surprising on all levels of quality, design, comfort and performance. It's a hoot to drive and an adrenaline rush similar to my BMW test drive experience. The 335 xi felt heavier and more grounded, yet the VW brings far better tech and interior design. With the SE you get Apple CarPlay which pulls nav from your phone to the car display circumventing the need for a separate nav system offered in the top-tier Autobahn version. The SE is the car to get. Yes, I would have loved the 335 xi yet the money hangover is avoided. At 28K this hot hatch is a steal.

This is my third GTI. Do I need to say more?

If you enjoy driving, this is the car for you. If driving is a chore, don't bother. Still the best manual transmission I have ever used. Changing gears is seamless. The handling is go-kart like, without sacrificing comfort. The only issue with the car is that there's nothing below 2,000 rpm, which is quite different from the old VR6 engine I loved.

Great car.. sorta.. assuming VW stood behind it

My wife has a GTI that we bought brand new. Under 5 miles on it. LOVED that car. 3 years later it's leaking oil from the timing chain cover and VW says its not a powertrain component. Aside from the fact that it's absurd to have a powertrain warranty that doesn't cover this, why the heck is a 3 yr old car leaking oil?! As good as it is.. and it is good... no more VW's for me.

A Great car with some issues

I have only driven my new 16 GTI with DSG for 1500 miles. This is my first impression. Overall it is a very nice car. I think the best thing about this car is the rock solid MQB structure. Even with fairly sporty suspension and 18 inch wheels (40 series tires), the structure is never rattled. It is rock solid. It has good sporty suspension AND is a good highway cruiser. Seats are very comfortable. I have been driving 14 Accord and 13 Genesis until recently. When compared to those cars, GTI has the most supportive and comfortable seats. Only shortcoming I have experienced so far is the transmission. The DSG tranny is quick shifting and smooth enough. But when the car is in the normal drive mode, it upshifts too early for my liking. VW probably programmed it to upshift very early for the fuel economy reason. But it makes the car feel slow and somewhat difficult to keep up with the local stop and go traffic when driven normally. It has the sport mode, but the sport mode holds low gears too long for the normal daily drive. It really needs a semi-sport mode which holds the low gears just a little longer than the normal drive mode. The initial quality of the car seems very good. I can't say much about the long term reliability of the car yet.

Awesome car with an Achilles' Heel

You probably have read all of the reviews - best performance car value, great ride/handling mix, great power, great fuel economy, roomy interior, class-leading technology and driver assistance features, great safety ratings. It's all true. Combined with the deals that VW is making right now, it probably sounds too good to be true. That's why I bought one, after test-driving all of the competitors (some more than once). I love everything about the car except for an infuriating Achilles' heel. There's a sharp creaking/cracking sound emitted from the rear of the car intermittently over bumps. Seems to be coming from the hatch or the headliner. I've had it back to the dealer three times to fix this, each time they've either claimed that they couldn't hear it or have added some felt strips/anti-rattle tape here and there and called it a day. It still creaks. Absolutely infuriating, especially since solidity is supposedly a big selling point of German cars. I don't have time to keep bringing the vehicle back to the dealer every month for them to look at this, so for now I'll just keep driving and see if it goes away.

Third time is the charm

I looked at GTIs two times in the past (1998 and 2007) and didn't buy one. This time the GTI won out. The real key to this car is to skip the stat comparisons and drive one. This generation of GTI is the most planted, tightest handling hatchback I have ever driven. The steering has great weight and is so direct as to make other cars feel like floaty old Oldsmobiles. I also like a lot of the design touches, such as the two-level trunk floor and the way you can flip the seat the perfect amount to slide a briefcase onto the back floor. To be clear, the great handling does come with a stiff ride. I am fine with it but those that never want to be jarred should look elsewhere. Also, two years in I am worried that some interior pieces are flimsy. I have had a couple of air vent sliders come off, but rattles aren't yet happening. Overall, the GTI is a really enjoyable car that feels better in spirited driving. And if you can get a good deal, it is a hot hatchback long on value. And the value for the money is pretty powerful. With incentives, I got an S 2-door with 6 spd for under $23,000. That is unbeatable when comparing this car to a Mini Cooper S or a WRX (which I did). I am still only a very short way into ownership, but if this GTI can be reasonably reliable, I imagine I will be a happy owner for many years. UPDATE - 18 months in and the driving is still a blast. The car drives tight and is perfect for the zippy suburban and city driving I do. I will say it has had some minor quality issues. The driver's mirror remote can be flaky, and the rear vents lost their tiny, flimsy pulls. I do think some of the interior trim is on the cheap side, but I also think the driver's seat is more comfortable than any other for me. I was sad to see that VW dropped the classic 2-door GTI in 2017, but that makes me all the more happy I got one!

Good value alternative to BMW 3

The interior and driving experience are at the level of a German luxury brand. There are a few rough edges, like engine noise and the stiff ride which are part of the car's charm. OK, maybe the hard ride loses its charm over time. Every time I drive this car it makes me smile though. Update: there are widespread issues with leaky sunroofs, and my car was not immune, with dripping around the overhead console during heavy rain. It took the dealer about 2 hours to apply the kit to fix the issue. 2nd Update: after a year and a half of ownership, I remain very satisfied with my decision to buy the car. There have been no issues other than the earlier sunroof problem. The 2018 models with 6 year / 72k mike warranty would be a very smart buy. 3rd update: after 2 1/2 years of ownership no further issues, quite reliable.

Perfect except for the hard centre stack

We own a 2016 GTI 6 speed manual and a 2019 GLI 6 speed as well. The GTI is a better quality build but lacks the bells and whistles of the 2019. Apart from some issues with the heater when the car was new (fixed under warranty) the only issue is with the hard plastic on the centre stack, I am 5' 10" and my right knee just kills me as it contacts this hard edge. I purchased a stick on pad off Amazon which has solved the problem. Could use another 30 or 40 hp but all around a fun, reliable and easy to live with car.

I've owned 30+ cars...this one is the best!

I consider myself to be a very honest reviewer - the good and the bad. This is a complete rave review from someone who has experienced nearly every type of vehicle under the sun, and has fallen completely in love with the GTI. I purchased mine right after VW's legal issues, resulting in a fantastic deal. I bought this car for the cost of a base model Golf! First, the performance. Though I haven't modified my GTI, it's easy and cheap to make this car a total pocket rocket. Base performance is already stellar, though. The motor is peppy and eager, and hardly needs to downshift to give you a huge burst of passing speed. Not overly fast, but quick enough to make you smile when you want it to. Power is smooth, and the turbo spools up at the right time. I have the 6MT, which is fantastic. Shifts are snappy, clutch is easy, and the gear ratios are ideal for the right blend of power and efficiency. I often get 40-45 MPG (yes, really!) on my commute, which is on the freeways of Denver. Brakes are awesome, stopping distance is still very short after 34K miles. Technology is good for this segment - Apple Car Play is awesome. Stereo sounds fantastic. I love the data available on the infotainment screen (driving data, turbo PSI, G-meter, lap timer, etc...) I've done a few 10 hour drives, and find the seats to be decently comfortable and great for taller drivers. Not one problem with this car in 34,000 miles! Two downsides come to mind: One, the recommended service interval is 10K miles. Even with synthetic, it will burn off some oil before it's due to be changed - I recommend a 5K interval instead. Second, the rear seat is a bit cramped. It's a compact though, so this shouldn't be news. I can still fit 4 adults, but it often requires moving the front seats up a bit too much for comfort. I trade in and out of cars constantly, but 3 years later I'm planning to keep it indefinitely and pass it down to my son in ten years. That's how much I love this car, and I know it will still be a great car in a decade!

The Daddy Hot Hatch is Back!

TL;DR: Feels properly sporty and responsive, with no compromises. It's a typically perfectly executed German sports car. Punches well above its pay grade and makes neat farting noises. Jeremy Clarkson has one. FULL: I bought my 2016 S new with no options other than the DSG gearbox (shiftable automatic) for $21,999 last year. It was a year-end sale, so you can definitely be pretty spoiled for price as far as the base models go. Some cons: I quickly found that the base headlights weren't great, and upgraded to an aftermarket "lighting package style" headlight kit. It has the same red stripe and U-shaped daytime lights. I went for them mainly so that I could get projector low beams and install a good HID kit. The improvement was day and night, and is a perfect alternative to shelling out the $1000 for the lighting package. Of course, if the parts go wrong, you won't have the dealers to help you out, so be aware that the $500 you save comes with that caveat. The front seats (tartan plaid cloth) are really comfy for short drives, but on two-plus hour drives, my bum starts to ache slightly. The ride is also slightly harsh, but is MUCH more supple than the competition. If you have a choice of tires, I wouldn't go with the Pirelli P7 Cinturato set if you're easily bothered by tire groan. The rear seats would be cramped for three adults, but definitely seat two comfortably. PROS: Lots to say here. By far the best handling I've ever had. It shoves its shoulder into corners like a true 80's sports car, and corners pretty flat. The normal brakes can take some significantly heavy braking, but wouldn't be track-worthy by any means. On normal back road blasts, you really don't get brake fade at all, and usually I take an empty 110 mile route with a mix of corners and short straights. It doesn't really go anywhere so I usually have it to myself. On off-camber corners, you get some loss of grip and understeer, which is especially noticeable without the performance package, but in flat and banked corners, the car uses the brakes to pull the nose closer into the apex, so you do get really amazing grip. Hairpins are an absolute joy, especially with a dash of liftoff oversteer, combined with the immense low-end torque that slingshots you out of the corners. The turbocharger is audible from the interior, especially when you stray over 2500 RPM. The turbo lag is a little noticeable, but is really not a big deal, because you have the power to get through it. Noise peaks at around 3500 RPM, which is also when you start to hear pops and farts from the exhaust. The engine itself is an absolute peach, and combined with the great chassis and fantastic MQB platform makes the GTI a great car for purists and tuners alike. The DSG is sort of a hit or miss, honestly. I love it because I pretty much always take it in manual mode and the shifts are insanely quick, but in auto, it's really clunky at low speeds, which is a common property of dual-clutch gearboxes. You'll get a little lurching and jerking when the gearbox isn't sure whether or not to disengage the clutches, which is why manual mode is usually better for communicating with the car. Also beware that the reliability of DSG's is relatively unproven as of now, so be wary of issues. The exterior styling is a bit reserved compared to its competition, but is much sportier than the Mk. 6 GTI, without being brash or "yobbish." It's a car you can drive up to the valet without judgment and also excite your inner child when you catch a glimpse of its reflection. It's a car that doesn't get old to stare at. The interior is simply fantastic. The clark plaid seats cup you nicely with side bolstering in the back and legs, lumbar support is available, and thigh support is good for taller drivers. The steering wheel feels amazing and looks great. It has buttons on it, but not so many that it's overwhelming. The flat bottom is a great touch, and the size is perfect for fast back road driving and motorway cruising alike. The paddle shifters are well-placed and satisfying to use, but are pretty modest. I prefer to switch gears with the sequential style on the gear shifter itself. It's just that much more satisfying and doesn't move around when the wheel turns. Equipment is pretty simple, but you certainly don't feel like it's missing anything--It doesn't feel cheap. If you slapped a BMW or Audi badge on the wheel, I'd be fooled. I absolutely love the abundance of cubbies. The diver's seat has a small cubby underneath to hide your french fries from a hungry significant other, and many more little hidey holes for clutter as well. There are great styling touches on the doors and sills that tell you that you're in a genuinely sporty car, but you sacrifice nothing in the way of visibility. The infotainment is simple and lacks some bells and whistles, but is easy to master. Basically, to end, when I get home, my face aches from the smiles and G-forces that come with driving this brilliant machine.

I absolutely love this car

I bought a 2016 GTI 4DR Manual SE w/Performance Package in anticipation of returning my VW Golf TDI to VW for the diesel buyback extravaganza. I fell in love with the GTI as soon as I test drove it. The engine is very quick and sounds great. The performance package adds an extra 10 HP and gigantic brakes that make stopping the car not only easy, but strangely fun and engaging. I also opted for the manual transmission because I feel it adds an extra level of engagement that the DSG does not provide (I really did not like the DSG, but I think I'm in the minority on that one). This car also has the lighting package, so the headlights are not only incredibly bright, but they actually move as you steer the car. The interior is beautiful and simple, and although I wish the SE had the option for plaid cloth seats, the leather seats are nice too, and remain comfortable on long drives. I'm 6'2" and I fit easily into this car. There is so much leg room in the front that I can't reach the pedals with the seat slid all the way back. The technology in the 2016 GTI is also a monster upgrade from the 2013 TDI to which I became so accustomed. CarPlay is a great addition, and even though Apple Maps isn't my favorite, it integrates seamlessly with the in-dash touch screen. All of the controls are easy to use and quick to respond. The steering wheel is cool but most of the controls are flat and I find myself looking at the wheel for each control instead of feeling around for them (e.g. cruise control, radio controls, etc.), but that's only a minor gripe. The ride is surprisingly good and road noise seems much lower than my 2013 Golf TDI. The Fender stereo system sounds very, very clear, and has a subwoofer that makes me feel like a complete idiot when it's cranked up high. Overall I'm incredibly happy with this car, and I look forward to every time I get to drive it. Even to work. By far the best car I've owned.

Ray's Rave Review

Check prices of the car before you start to shop. Know what your trade-in (if you have one, of course) value is and what the best 'mark-down price is. Review the Mfg.'s and dealer's tag for costs and see what the guides say about negotiating those costs as they can be quite (too?) high. Know what you want for options and check the value of those. Check out the interiors and if you want an upgrade on an item that is available on the next higher model see if you can get only that item without the balance. I was able to have all leather installed at the dealers replacing the cloth and it looks great. And shop all of the dealers for the best price. I love the looks. performance and fit of my GTI and all of the intuitive electronics. Great looking and very fun to drive.

Hot Hatch is (Still) Hot

This is just a fun car to drive - was lucky to find a Pure White SE w/Performance Package that included the Driver Assistance Package (DAP), Lighting Package (SEL), and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) in Franklin, Wisconsin at Boucher Volkswagen. This combination of packages is very difficult to find because of the DAP - - not many of them out there, and I got a pretty good deal on the price from Boucher as well. As an aside, the dealer was really good to work with - - I flew to Wisconsin from Texas to get the car and the sales rep (Justin Zantow) picked me up at the airport. They were also very candid and transparent about what they could / could not negotiate with on price, down to showing me their numbers and pushing their own finance people to make the best deal possible. The car was immaculate when I picked it up and the sales rep took the time to walk me through the features and get the infotainment system set-up with my phone before I drove off the lot. It's a solid car - well put together and nothing looks cheap or flimsy on it. It's a little beast. I think I've taken advantage of / experienced all of the different facets of the DAP, from lane change warnings, adaptive cruise control, to emergency braking. Some of these were done intentionally, and others happened when other folks did something stupid on the road. Bottom line - - the DAP works as advertised and I highly recommend it if you can find a GTI with it. The Lighting (SEL) package is pretty sweet as well - gives the car a wow factor when you get in or when folks watch you drive by. I haven't messed too much with the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) yet - it is only available with the Performance Package, I think - most of the settings are set to "Sport" except for the distance on the cruise control - - "dumb people doing stupid things on the road" is the best explanation. Probably the only regret is the seats on the SE aren't as adjustable on the Autobahn - - they're not bad, but I'm still getting used to the distance required to hit the clutch properly when shifting. It wasn't worth the extra money to me to upgrade for just the seats and fancier infotainment system. The other beefs, and they are minor, are - The storage space in the center console is barely big enough to hold a large smartphone like a Note 4 or an iPhone. You could keep the phone somewhere else and connect to the infotainment system via Bluetooth to make phone calls, but there's only one USB port and you have to be connected to it to use Android Auto, Apple Car Play, or MirrorVision (?) - (1 year update) one other minor complaint about the infotainment system is the wired connection to the phone to use Android Auto (I don't have an iPhone so I can't comment on Car Play). VW recommends you use the phone manufacturer's cable to connect the phone to the USB slot in the center console. Not the easiest place to get your hands into connect an USB plug, and any wiggle/connection problem on the mini-SD connection with the phone causes the infotainment system not to recognize the phone, preventing you from using Android Auto. - You can only have one active Bluetooth connection with the infotainment system - - I have an Android phone and an iPod and wanted to use the iPod as a data source for my music. A second USB port would've done the trick, perhaps, but I think the designers assumed users would have their music on their smartphone (like an iPhone). The alternatives are to use the AUX connection (basically a dumb line in that you manage from the iPod) or copy your music to an SD card and use one of the two SD card slots in the glove compartment so the infotainment system can read the music from there. Apart from that - the car's (still) a blast, gets great gas mileage and is hella fun to drive even shifting in traffic. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great mix of performance and economy.

My 3rd and best GTI!

When you want to have a performance car it is that for you, when you want to go to Home Depot it is that for you, when you are stuck in traffic it is that for you! All around, in my opinion, the best car for the money out there!

Honest review of this vehicle.

Gettin' the GTi

It is a most civilized Hooligan car I've ever seen! Fun to drive 'spiritedly' without a harsh or 'jiggly' ride. Still discovering all the gadgets and modes. Just made a mad-dash run to Pinehurst NC and back to Willow Park TX with wife and two dogs. "Garth" was packed to the gills and still returned 32.2 mpg (Calculated) for the trip. Nominal Speed +5.

Big Smile Car

The 2016 GTI, my first VW, is my fun car, practical car, luxury car, all rolled into one. I've got more than 5,000 mi on it so far and it just keeps on getting better. If I have one complaint with it, its the exact same as a previous review. It has to do with the drive and sport mode, that comes with the DSG package. Drive mode is the fuel economy mode and is best on the highway at 60 mph or more. Sport mode is very reactive to your right foot and great when you want the car to GO instantly. What the GTI needs is a mode in between the two for normal driving around town. If it had this feature it would be the perfect car for the vast majority of people who love the art of driving as much as I do. Do not know why all the reviews I have read do not mention this fact. Acceleration is very strong, and I'll have to do a lot of soul searching to decide whether I will put a APR stage 1 tune on it next summer. If you own one of these new GTI's, life will be a lot more fun, guaranteed.

Great GTI

Outstanding vehicle in a small package. It is almost as quick my Porsche Cayman and although doesn't sit on the road like the Porsche it is still a blast to drive. Quick, nimble, roomy and great all around vehicle. Have had it for only 2 weeks and 400 miles. Loving it so far. Have had the car for 1 year now. Still a great well made car. Roomy and comfortable.

Supatight Slick Ride

This car continues to impress me! I have the SE with the Performance Package and Lighting Package and 6 Speed manual and it was love at first test drive. My only hesitation was buying another VW product-I had three VW's starting with a Jetta GT back in 1996, a '99 New Jetta, and a 2002 Passat, which were ALL problematic. But that was then, and this is now. After putting over 13K HARD miles on the car (a couple of cross-Texas and cross-country jaunts), as well as in constant stop and go traffic here in Houston, I can honestly say I have had ZERO issues. No interior trim pieces breaking off, no squeaks and rattles, and no engine issues. The EPC light did come on once when I started up the car. I shut the car off, then cut it on again, and proceeded to start a 250-mile road trip right after, and the issue never resurfaced. The Apple CarPlay works flawlessly, and there are even cool performance monitors (like measuring G-forces, etc, and a program that tells you how to increase your fuel economy-it even grades you on your progress. And of course, the handling, braking, and engine power are top notch. This car keeps growing on me, and my VW dealership experience (both in Austin and in Houston) have both been top notch, with far better service than I had with my Mercedes or Audi. My only complaint is that the rims are easy to scratch on the curb if you are a terrible at parallel parking like myself LOL.

Can’t stop loving it

I purchased the car with 65,000 miles on it only because it was hard to find a two door autobahn. I did not want the four-door so I had to search for a 2016. The car had a lot of highway miles a few chips on the front but the interior was impeccable. the performance package works well. I love the glass sunroof and the ride quality reminds me of a Mercedes C class are used to drive. I feel very secure and well taken care of when driving. I also like the size of the vehicle being two door it feels very roomy yet the size is very small which is a feature I like. The backseat is roomy enough with air vents for feet and center. Also love the Fender subwoofer w Apple CarPlay.

"Does it all" Super Hatch Sleeper

With its torque monster engine, traction in the wet can be an issue. Strongly recommend the SE with the Performance Pkg. Great daily driver but also a blast on the winding road. Wish the 6sp manual gears were selected with more of an eye towards performance vs. economy. 2nd gear winds forever (65). VW EXTERIOR COLORS ARE BORING!

The performance car for everyone

The GTI has always been about fulfilling many roles at once. It's a car you drive for fun you can also get groceries in - one you can track and also take you family on a beach vacation in. The Mk7 is a bit bigger and plusher than older GTIs, perfect for us big Americans.. but the weight is still low, the wheel base short, and the p/w ratio good. I leave mine in Sport for the slightly higher steering effort The engine and shifter are a happy pairing with tons of low-end torque. Never mind that some of that nice engine sound is coming out of a speaker under the hood.

Fahren in my Autobahn

I bought my 2016 GTI Autobahn 4-door 6-speed to replace a 2004 MINI Cooper S that I totaled. The GTI is plainly a German cousin to the MINI -- steering is nicely weighted with good feel, with the GTI having a much better blend of handling and ride quality while maintaining a Teutonically firm ride. The GTI has a highly refined, if not luxurious, best-in-class interior, but you don't seem to be able to turn off the radio without turning off the infotainment system. (Like when you're navigating via your iPhone through the integrated CarPlay system.) A couple of things I miss from my MINI (besides its quirky stylistic touches) -- the MINI was supercharged, so response was immediate (the GTI's turbo lag is minimal, but it's there); and the MINI redlined to 7000 RPM, and made sweet music getting there, while I can't tell how much of the sound getting into the GTI's cabin is coming through the firewall, and how much is coming through the speakers(!) from the SoundAktor system. The GTI's fat torque curve (pretty much maximum torque from 1500 RPM to its 6000 RPM redline) is great fun, though. All in all, my GTI feels much like my MINI Cooper S all grown up and graduated from finishing school.

Love it, except...

We've had this 2016 GTI since Oct 2015. Love the way it drives. We got it because our last car (not a VW) was underpowered. Well now we have plenty of power and acceleration. What came as a shock is that the rabbits in New Mexico love this car as much as we do. What happened? After some snow in our rural northern New Mexico area, our check engine light came on. We thought it was something simple, but it turned out that rabbits have been crawling up in the engine compartment, probably to get warm, but while they were up there, they chewed on the wiring, which ended up costing about $450. Neither warranty nor car insurance is covering our damages. Our salesman (and the cc'd sales manager) never even answered my email regarding this problem - Guess they only love you until you've made your purchase. I've been reading that Denver International Airport has a huge problem with the rabbits getting in to cars parked at in their long term parking facility. And the rabbits particularly like the German-made cars. It appears that covering on the wiring of certain makes is made eco-friendly using soy-based materials, and the rabbits love to sharpen their teeth on these materials. This has been going on for a few years now. Hello Volkswagen! Can't you get your design people to order wiring that doesn't appeal to rabbits? Other than this design flaw, our only problem has been a consistent rattle in the door that occurs most often when rpm's hover around 2K.

Fun

MY LITTLE FREULEIN

Very comfortable and Fun to drive. If you need to get somewhere fast the GTI is the way to go. Nimble and precise steering help you ease in and out of traffic.Great gas mileage. The only problem is traction on wet surfaces you need to start out slow and sometimes even get tire hop. The car has 22k miles only changed oil and replaced battery other than that great reliability.

DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!!

Do not be fooled by VW salespeople!! This was my first, and LAST, Volkswagen, without question. I have owned this car for 7 months and it has been in for service 5 times. I should have listened to every VW owner I new, and that is, the car rides great, looks sharp, and "seems" well made. The problem is, they are not. I had Windows rolling down on their own, and not going back up. Bumper was set improperly at the factory I was told, causing issues when closing the hatch. Mystery dent popping out in the side of the door, FROM THE INSIDE, and was told not lean on the door?!?! (I never did). Just small things, but the second my 36k warranty is up, it will start Getting costly. However, the worst part of this car, is the absurd level of noise when driving with the rear windows down. Some of you will say, "oh, all cars do that." And to you I challenge you to drive this car. After being told that by VW, o took it upon myself. I drove 7 different cars at the same speed (45 mph) and NONE of them came close to the noise of this car. UNBEARABLE. I purchased this car having told the salesperson I have 2 large dogs that I planned on having in the car. This is not possible, as the noise is still quite loud, with the front windows cracked as well. Response from VW, "sorry, that is just the way it is." So, lesson learned by me, never again. Poor customer service, poor resale value (thanks to scandal) and a poorly made car. If you want a car that looks nice and is fun to drive (when it isn't in the shop), but is going to constantly have problems and cost you a ton of time, headaches, and money(once the bumper to bumper wears out, then buy this car. But, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

Solid, smooth and fast

This car is everything you want it to be but it is *not * perfect. VW cuts every corner they can find. Expect expensive repairs and indifferent, overpriced service. I believe the performance and very reasonable price makes up for this. Probably. Don't roll these dice unless you can afford to lose. UPDATE : Zero issues at 26k miles. Runs and drives phenomenally. I treat it very nicely. I garage it and I never run it too hard. I love this dub. Update : water pump and thermostat housing cracked and were replaced under warranty. Because secretly I do run it hard a little bit. Dealership did a great job. These parts and many others parts on this car really shouldn't be plastic. Still five stars.

Have Fun--Buy a GTI

Pluses: driving, road handling, performance, smooth shifting, easy clutch, good gas mileage: Minuses: boring exterior, no automatic seats unless you move up to the top trim line, only one usb port, and a bit costly.