Used 2003 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews
WHOOOOOSHHHHH
The original Hot Hatchback and still the best. I drove a SVT Focus for a full day, then a single test drive of the GTI 1.8T was the answer. By far the most 'mature' in this scrappy class - am I getting too old? Is enjoying full torque at 2k RPM too mature for this class? You can't beat the 4 year warranty or fuel mileage if you drive it maturely. Performance is very good, some say best in class. Turbo boost comes on strongly at 2k RPM and is smooth until PAST redline. Brakes are initially very grabby but responsive. Gearbox hates being rushed. RECOMMENDED upgrade is new diverter valve (~$140) to reduce boost-lag during shifts.
Factory Fun
The car drives and handles great if you don't mind the stiffness in ride. Enough interior room to seat someone over six feet comfortably. Get up and go is wonderful at any speed, along with cornering at excessive speeds, tail end doesn't get light and slide all over. I have over nine thousand miles on it with a trip over three thousand miles and never got sick of the car. I had the stereo replaced because of a fault under warranty, but other than that, nothing mechanically wrong. Love the car and worth every penny.
Hot Hatch
Tis car is very useful yet fun to drive. It can handle huge amounts of stuff in the back and still has the power to make you grin. Also, Very good build quality
Rattles ruin almost perfect review
Turob GTI makes this car one peppy ride. Handles like a charm, I have felt nothing like it except my friends BMW M3. Plenty of head room for a tall guy like me (6'4").
First in a Series
I'll update as the miles pile up, currenlty have 320. This is the first week I've owned the car. It's not broken in yet. Thus far it handles well, the brakes are great and the low end performance of the VR6 is very strong and very smooth. The Climate control also works well. I have been back to the dealer once to have the balance adjustment nob on the radio replaced and to pick up the center head rest for the rear seats, which was not included when the car was delivered. The dealer made good on both the day after delivery. So far the car is a blast to drive with no real problems.