Used 2001 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews

Fun to drive between repair shops

I bought my 2001 GTi with 25,000 miles on it and put another 105,000 miles on it over the course of 5 years. While it was comfortable to drive and had nice styling, the car completely lacked reliability. In the 5 years that I owned it, these are the things that broke or degraded prematurely: PCV tubing Ignition coils Ignition coil wiring harness (degraded insulation) Timing belt (replaced at 50,000) Clogged oil pick-up tube Radiator fan (broke) Coolant flange (degraded, leaked) Drivers side seat belt clip (bad sensor) Automatic transmission (failed at 100,000; rebuilt and failed again at 130,000) Broken, leaking axle at 130,000 Leaking power steering pump Cam tensioner Belt tensioner

Love It

I have wanted an MKIV since they came out. I bought a 2000 in 2012 and was in a total collision 3 weeks later. The other girl went to the hospital I walked away without a scratch. As a former mechanic and mobile electronic technician I can tell you the build quality on this car is amazing. It is extremely safe. The only drawback to the car can be the cost of parts. This is one place where is does not pay to cut corners. There are a huge number of aftermarket companies out there that make replacement parts but when they charge $35 for a part that VW charges $350 there is a reason. With this car you basically get an AUDI in a VW wrapper. Most of the parts are interchangeable.

Reliability, Build, and style

I bought my MKIV almost a year ago, and cannot sell it to any offer. Between its peppy engine and reliability, I love it. The 1.8t has been nothing but good news, but be warned..Know how to drive and maintain these cars or you will have issues. I put 40k on it in the past year for work and school, going 100+ on most highway journeys, bringing it to 236k. Besides the belt changes done by the previous owner, it's needed very little work. No oil leaks or power loss, or tranny problems yet. The trannys usually cant pass 150k but I guess im lucky. A con is the materials used in the interior. Headliner falling, door panel upholstery falling off, and finish fade. Numerous modifications available

THE GREATEST CAR OF ALL TIME

Where did it go wrong?!?!

The GTI is fun to drive. The handling and power are average. I recommend the '02 and up GTIs (30 more HP). All the rumors about the electric and use of cheap parts are true. The sunroof drainage tubes are cheap rubber hoses that will leak on you. The power windows will go out on you. The cheaper stock turbo hoses will leak or bust. Get use to seeing the check engine light on. stock suspension is too high and loose for the handling one might want. I recommend upgrading to the 20th/337 GTI suspension. I am on my second oil pan and second fuel pump. Get the timing belt done as soon as possible. If that goes out it takes the whole engine with it. Poor design!!

Great idea, terrible execution

The car could be one of the best for a small sporty cars. My car has been in the shop 12 TIMES for ignition coil problems and there has been little to no satisfaction from Corporate. This is my 4th VW and by far the one with the most problems. The coils will have you in the shop every couple months and the service is terrible.

Excellent car, even for parents with 1 baby!

I love my 2001 VW GTI 1.8T GLS. I bought this car brand new and now I have about 171k miles. This car has been a phenomenal experience for me the past 11 years. In spite of what people say about 'electrical problems, etc.' with VWs, this car had none whatsoever. The only things i had to replace since i bought this car were a new alternator (at 125k miles) and a new a/c compressor (at 168k miles). I regularly took this car in for an oil change and check up to VW. I am sad to let this car go and sell it so i can buy an suv since my family is growing into 4! Im thinking about getting VS again!

Ups and Downs

I bought the car in desperate need of a way to get to work, didn't really research it. The performance is good and bad. The turbo is great, very fun, but the engine sometimes jumps when I try to give it gas at lower speeds. Interior is cheap, I've already had broken lights, switches, and compartment handles. Its also too easy to leave scratch marks on interior parts, just rub your fingernail and bits of black dust come right off. I only average at about 23 mpg which is pathetic. Note to all buyers, solve these performance problems with a manual, not automatic. Alternator keeps giving out at 40000 miles too, not sure about that..

GTI oh my! what an experience.

Honestly I can say owning the VW GTI VR6 was nothing short of a nightmare. I had purchased the top of the line 2001 in 2011 GLX with less then 140,000 kilometers and was the third owner. Over the span of one year it coast me half its value in repairs for parts that are literally prone to failure. Volkswagen knows this but makes no attempt to fix it, simply Google coil-pack failures for the mk4. As a car it is fun to drive its fun. However its heavy slow and antiquated. The whole VR6 thing is overrated till you hit the highway and the bulk of my driving was city so its a pig on gas, changing the oil is at least a 100 dollar job if you do it right and go full synthetic.

gti in audi clothing

So far so good! This car took me a while to get used to because I'm so used to driving second generation gti's, but I really like it now. Not as much fun as the 1st and second generation gti's but but smoother and better all around. Very roomy and handling is up to par. The vr6 is such a nice engine. You move a lot faster then it feels. Definitely a much more solid feeling car. Fuel is pretty good if you baby the car. Easy to drive slow and exciting to drive fast! In my opinion it has an Audi feel to it and the cabin is pretty quiet. This glx model is loaded and I love and use every option. I'm very happy with my purchase!

150k miles new

i have owned vw most on my post high school life. from an 02 5 spd vr6 gti to a 03 vr6 6 spd jetta. great cars when taken care of and modded properly. stay away from the automatics, and enjoy on a back road once in awhile. currently own a 2001 gti 1.8t. great gas mileage. bit of a hit on power from the vr6 cars i'm used to but can be made up in parts and the 1.8 definitely handles better. my current car has 160k on it and runs like new. interior is showing signs of wear around the ac controls, console, and ignition. shall be replaced soon. rolled my 02 gti 2.5 times at highway speed and 3 ppl walked away unharmed. (perrelli tire went flat and came off the rim). so i don't buy perrelli's anymore.

Poor reliability

Purchased car new at dealer outside my home state. I knew I wanted the GTI because I felt like it was a lot of car for the money with some great standard features. It was very hard to locate a VR6 at the time. Experience with the selling dealership was wonderful. However, future service issue experience with Maryland dealers was terrible. When the car runs well, it can be a lot of fun to drive. Problem areas include replacing 2 window regulators, replacing cat converter at 50K, rain sensors not working and poor quality door materials. As of now, I'd never purchase another VW again

Fun to drive. A lot of $$$$ to repair

When I drove this car off the lot it was 9 years old good condition low miles. But within a few months the problems started, needed a new fuel pump trans. started slipping shifting hard intermittently car would die once shut off and required discon & recon of battery at least once a month. Window regulator broken, drivers window switch broken, seat belt & drivers door sensor don't work(purchased it like this) & now with 110k the cat. convert is failing along with the o2 sensors(not cheap parts!) & the current problem is the braking when I first drive in the morning the brake pedal & brakes feel like they're pulsating and then it goes away for the rest of the day might be time to trade...

Five Years Old, Over 100,000 Miles Review

I bought this car in '06 it now has 103,000 miles and is in immaculate condition. Everything works perfectly as if I just drove it off the show room floor. There are only a few minor issues: the right side suspension squeaks, the Texas heat melted the glue on the door liner, the interior squeaks more than I would like, and the center console latch broke. That's it. This GTI has more options on it than any Mercedes / BMW / Lexus of its time. The interior is straight luxury car and as far as its performance goes, well I have yet to get a tricked out Honda to challenge me! They see the VR6 badge and back off. This is my 3rd VW. I've owned two Jettas and decided to have a little fun with this purchase. I will never buy anything other than vehicles from the VW auto group.

Enjoyed my first GTI

I purchased this car used with 28,000 miles on it. The car was very fun to drive as it had a lot of pep and handled like a European car should. The only issues I had were the shifting, which I found to be notchy and not smooth, the location of the cupholders and the lack of power seats. Overall though, this is a sharp looking ride that I very much enjoyed driving. The result was my leasing a 2006 GTI which I absolutely love...GO VW!

Great Car

For the money, this car is tough to beat. It is economical, mostly reliable, and fun to drive. This is the best car that I have owned. It is probably the best 2-door car availaible short of the BMW 3-Series. The cupholders stink, but this is outweighed by its utility, especaillay with the rear seats folded down. I wish I could keep it forever, but I know that as a 2-Door, it is somewhat inpractical. My dealer has been fabulous in maintaining my car and has added to the overall experience. With 53,000 miles, it still runs like new, with minimal maintenance, other than scheduled. If you are looking for a used GTI, look out for boy racers who beat on them, this is, unfortunately, common.

Great Car - My 2nd GTi

I owned an '84 GTi (the original) for 12 years, then a Jetta GLi for 8 more years. After a quick stint with another vehicle, I went back to VW. I bought this car used, with 60k miles already on it. I am now very close to 100k and I absolutely love this car. Only problems I have had is: replacing the water pump (normal) and a bad coil pack (normal?). I maintain it religiously, running only synthetic oil. I honestly never have to open the hood between changes - it uses absolutely no oil, and the old oil is only moderately dirty after 5k miles. One odd issue - I have to top off the power steering fluid every 5k-6k miles and I see none of it leaking out(?)

READ THIS REVIEW!!! ONE FABULOUS CAR!!!

I know cars, and Volkswagens build quality has greatly improved in the MKIV series. The VR6 has a great track record + torque and HP. The build quality, drivability, ergonomics and looks are excellent. The wheels tend to be a bit weak, so watch for potholes! Manual trans. is the only way to go on this car. If you are looking for a sportier, classier, and cooler alternative to a Toyota...then the GTI VR6 is definately for you. Do be prepared for mediocre dealership service. I do most of the car work myself anyway, and this car is a breeze to work on! This car epitomizes all that is great about German engineering. Japan and the U.S. can't touch it!

Lucky me, I got the last 2001!!

I just got the GTI and I am THRILLED. I traded in my 1999 Dodge Intrepid for it. This is faster than my 200hp intrepid, and handles like a little porsche. I put about 400 miles on it since I got it Friday. It's monday as I write this.

Fun to Drive But........

Very fun to drive. Wish they upped the HP in 2001 instead of 2002, but 175 is still pretty peppy. I regularly get 30pmg at highway speeds.

170,000 Miles and Still Going Strong

This is my first VW and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. I haven't had any problems with this car other than having to pop the CD changer in and out a couple times before it will work, and the wipers sometimes are fickle if the temp drops below 40F. I also had to get used to the controls. It's speedy and fun to drive, and my 6'3" roommate fits in it comfortably as well as two sets of hockey gear. With other cars I've noticed lag in power if the car is loaded up, but not this one. It costs a little more to maintain that the average American car, but if it goes another 100,000 miles I won't complain. It does have some quirky design flaws that I don't like, but have been fixed in more recent models.

The pleasures of driving a 2001 GTi VR6

This the 3rd GTi I've owned and have had the car now for about 3 years. I never tire of driving it. The VR6 has such a wondeful power band. It also handles quite well for a hatchback with a V6 in it. I haven't had many troubles with the car at all, and the ones I did were covered under warranty. 2004 VW R32 here I come.

im buying GTIs for my whole life.

I'll make this short. This is the best all-around car you will find. The car is fun as hell to drive, looks good, is practical (as most hatchbacks are), is designed intelligently (for the most part) and the build quality is great. you wont get this much car for this little money anywhere else. forget what you think you should be driving (especially inefficient SUVs), and go to a dealer and take a test drive. Power is more than sufficient. Handling is good for all but the most performance minded. My only complaint is that some dealers are genuine jerks. Reydel VW in Edison NJ is quite good.

MINE MINE MINE!!!

Bought mine new in 07/2001. Added the 17" rims and sport suspension - resulting in absolutely amazing handling. Only 2 warranty items - driver side window regulator (common problem) and an ignition coil blew (apparently a known issue and now replaced with a new design). The dealership replaced both window regulators with new metal ones and both ignition coils with the newly re- designed one. After 2-1/2 years the occasional odd little interior creaks are a bit annoying. Overall I'm very pleased with this wicked little speed demon. The GTI is a fantastic vehicle and is highly recommended!

Poor Quality

Windows fall into the door every alternate week. Excessive body roll, this car is NOT fun to drive.

Big VR6 fan. would buy another any day

I had a 2001 GTI vr6 and man do i miss it.. the only reason why i sold it its because financially i was having problems at that time... But as of right now I'm looking to Buy another one... Throw a nice short ram or cold air intake, a nice greddy exhaust and your driving a beast, sounds and drives like a champ... not to mention if you throw in a turbo in it.. forget it awesome car.

Love the car except the window problems.

hey. I got my car a while back. I do love the thing. I have a problem with the windows though. First I had to get the window regulators replaced. I guess plastic was used to build them the first time. NOW the sunroof is acting screwy. I had to pop that little emergency panel and crank it two inches that it didn't cover on it;s own. Aggravating. The rest of the car is sweet though.

Drive Fast

My 1.8T just turn 2 and it has been fun. I usually buy a new car every 2-3 years because of the heavy mileage I do. However, I think I'll keep this little gem a little longer and maybe do a few upgrades. I just don't think I can part with it. It's fast, handles great, and loves to go hard. You can't beat this car up, it was meant for hard driving. I'm often in the drivers seat for hours at a time a find the seating and controls very comfortable. It has the comfort of a much larger car, yet handles nimbly. The only negative was the window problem others have experienced, but my dealer fixed it right away. No problems since.

value

bought new for less than $20,000 three years ago. the power during the test drive convinced me to buy it. solid feel of a german car puts my old honda to shame. my first car was vw bug in 1972 so it was kind of like coming home to an old friend. the only problem i've had is the engine light sometimes comes on in cooler weather (ignition coil factory recall?). i suppose my only real complaint is that i need to be aggressive with the clutch when the light turns green to keep up with the automatic transmissions.

vroom!!! vroom!!!

this thing flies. i just sold my saab 900 turbo and this thing gets just as much zip for half the cash. handles well with a nice interior. but for a "hatch back" it could use a lot more trunk space. also it's 2002 could we please make it standard to have a cd player. i'm finding along with other vw owners that the stock batteries die early. mine died twice during the test drive!

I love it!

I purchased my GTI in the summer of '03. It's been great! It's reliable and the build quality is strong. It's fun to drive, yet practical. I'd still like a little more power, but it's really all that I need. Road noise was reduced drastically and the ride was greatly improved with the purchase of new tires. I'd highly recommend this car.

Pocket Rocket!!!!!!

This car is a blast to drive. I have had it for 22 months now and I still can not wait to drive it at any chance I get. Great acceleration and handling. Extermely quiet interior too. This car drives and feels like it should cost alot more! The only problem I have had with this car is the power window mechinism in both windows have gone out twice. My dealer has handled this repair at no cost to me even with it being out of warranty.

Great Car

I'm glad I forked over the extra cash for the Vr6, it was well worth it. Before purchasing this car i was considering either a 1.8 rubo GTI or getta gls and the civic Si. I am glad i chose the VR6 GTI. Handling is superb and there is nothing better than a naturally powerful engine. No turbo lag and ltos of torque puts the VR6 engine in front of the 1.8 anyday.

The GTI

I really enjoy this car. It's got good power, it looks good. The hatchback gives some extra space. The moonroof is cool. My problem with the car thus far, has nothing to do with the car but the manufacturer. It seems that all repairs on my car when they become necessary will have to be done at the dealer. An overpriced dealer, where at this point, I've been unsatisfied with their lack of professionalism and lazy service. With all of that said, once again, I love the car, and would consider buying another GTI/Golf in the future if the rectify some of their buisness practices.

2001 GTI GLX

Great car. Extremely solid build and attention to detail. Practicality of hatchback and performance of silky smooth VR6 engine. I have had no problems over the last year.

Rocket in my pocket

Fun to drive car with zippy handeling. Not exactly a power hugry street beast but a refined scalpal. Easily upgraded for 50 more ponies all inside a little chip. Cult like fallowing with dedicated clubs and events. Oh, and a magazine (euro tuner). VW service is a little slow to respond but the car is built well on the outside and under the hood, Audi engineering.

good to go...

Although I have always owned and driven trucks and sport uts, I really enjoy this car. It handles really well and the comfort and security is best of all. Iwould recomend this car to any one friend or foe.

Ignition Coil !?!

My ignition coil failed at 49,000 miles. This is unacceptable and I got no support from customer service. Apparently this is under recall on other engines, but not mine. They were a terrible organizaition to deal with. The power windows failed 4 times, even though they extended the warranty, it was still a hassle to deal with. The car in general has not worn well, I want to sell it immediatly.

Fun to drive but..............

I really like this car but I can't believe the problems I 've had the past 2 years. Five times the windows have fallen down into the doors, various plastic pieces inside keep falling off or break, the headlights suddenly stopped working, and the tail lights have had problems. My dealer has fixed most of these problems without charge but Volkswagen will not even admit there is an epidemic with the window situation and are non cooperative on the customer service phone. The car is a blast to drive but I really have to question the overall quality of some of the design, and Volkswagen needs to fess up to the window problem and do a recall.

1st VW and pleasantly surprised!

Lets see, where to begin. Well, firstly, i bought the car used with 4500 miles on it ( and its 2 years old ) "issues" were the rubber interior door drivers handle was peeling ( not warranteed ), the passenger seat release was broken ( warrantee ). I have owed subaru, pontiacx2, nissanx2 and finally this VW. Since owning the VW for just around 3 months, it is my most favorite vehicle of all of ones i have owned (*pleasantly surprised*) A friend, VW owner x3 now, said dont expect japanese reliability but german character ( handling / feel ) I will have to see how the reliability is after awhile.

Love this car

No mods and I'm terrible at maintenance. I pay about $1000 every other year on maintenance, usually get get rid of the check engine light. Love the car. I'm going to keep it as long as it keeps going. I can't find another car with all the features this has. Manual is the way to go. Even as a used car I would recommend. Quite reliable.

My GTI Review

My GTI has been a blast to drive everyday for almost 2 years now. The 1.8t engine is the same one you'll find on the Audi TT, A4, and A3. I don't think most people realize that. It has a lot of low end torque and high end hp. With an aftermarket chipping program, you will have a 210hp 240tq mini monster. The handling isn't too bad, but with a aftermarket suspension, the handling performance is greatly improved.

GTI glory

Ditch your SUV and enjoy automobile bliss! When you sit down in a GTI you notice how the seat hugs you. When you hit the gas in a GTI you know why the seat hugs you. Having been a former SUV owner I was hesitant to making the switch to a mere car. I found out how the GTI is not just a car, but an enjoyable driving experience. I have owned my GTI for about two months and I am extremely satisfied. From the amenities to the engine this car has it all. (Open the trunk and look at the space.) I thought that a SUV was essential to my lifestyle, but now I would not trade this car for any SUV out there. Do yourself a favor and at least test drive this car to see what you are missing.

Great car, needs some improvement

I went to VW after giving up on GM. The GTI moves quickly and handles beautifully. It's suprisingly roomy for a compact 3-door, with unbelievably cargo carrying capacity. The interior is very comfortable and remarkably upscale for the price. However, there have been some (minor) build quality issues (nothing related in any way to driveability), and VW needs to seriously address these in the future. VWoA also needs to serously improve its customer service, and its dealership network.

all included

what else do you need ? sporty powerfull engine, it feels like a car - much more car than you think - it does not feel like one of those lightweight small cars, it feels more like a car twice it size. Also you will be surprised about the interior space. standup bass, skis ( 210 ) 4 adults comfortably etc

Great car, needs to be better built

Like the title says, I absolutely love the car, but there have just been too many reliability issues. It fits my needs perfectly -- it's sporty, practical, and luxurious all at once. In the GLX level, it feels like an Audi hatchback would feel if they sold one in the U.S. But in the two years I have owned it, I have had to have the driver's side airbag replaced, the airbag wiring harness replaced, the driver's side door realigned twice, a speaker replaced twice, the driver's side window regulator replaced twice, and the engine mass air flow sensor replaced.

Very fun and safe to drive.

I've had this car for over 2 years. The windows have fallen inside the door several times. Though Volkswagen did admit that it was a huge defect on these vehicles, they are replacing all window mechanisms with a complete newly designed piece. It's been now almost a year and the windows work perfectly. Other than that I have no complaints. I love driving the car and am very pleased with the smooth drive. 150 hourses can really give you some serious G-Force! Oh, and one last thing... This car has always made head turns since the first day a owned it. It's sleek European design definitely stands out within the rest.

2001 GTI 1.8Turbo

Great driving. Would like the 2002 180hp engine software. Coolant system leak following delivery. Power window failed X3 due to faulty regulator. All problems repaired under warranty. Generally pleased with car and service

Bang for the buck

Absolutely the BEST bang for your buck. I bargained the price down to 21000 (maybe could of done better?) based on the fact that the 2002's would have 180HP stock. Well for a little more than $500 I added a Garrett chip and a K&N filter, and the car's horsepower jumped to 195 from 150. There are some reliability issues that seem to come up for MANY owners. (coilpacks need replacing, window regulators, and brakes and clutch seem to wear out too quickly) but luckily I haven't seen any of this. Just treat her good, and she'll take care of you.

Very happy

I am very happy with my Green Rave 2001 GTI 1.8T, it is the best car I have ever owned, everything is perfect with it - I still cant beleive the power and performance that it has. I recommend VWs to anyone I know..