Used 2004 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews
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VW GTI
Overall, this is a great car. The engine is smooth and powerful. And the car feels very solid. A little too much performance is sacrificed for comfort.
Cheap Thrill
Although its not exactly 'cheap', the $19,000 + tax I payed for my brand new GTI 1.8T was definitely worth every penny. The engine, if not the smoothest in its price-range, is probably the most powerful all- around. The broad powerband (max torque at 2000-5000 RPMs) is perfect for everyday driving thrills. My buddy who has a BMW 325i thought there was something wrong with his car's engine after driving mine.
- 1.8T 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,4951,960 mi away
- VR6 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $19,0002,120 mi away
The most underrated hatchback today.
i gave it a low rating for performance because the stock suspension completely dulls the handling that this car is capable of. combined w/ the stock all- season Michelins(even on the 17's), the car was a torque-steering boat ride from hell not anywhere near the same league of sharp-shooting zigzaggers like the RSX and FocusSVT, though the 1.8Turbo engine does perform well right out the box. the 5- spd shifter is actually not bad but it could've helped to have it a bit more refined. crisper and shorter throws are 2 things it needs and a 6th gear wouldn't hurt. to make a long story short, this car is capable of so much more than what it offers in stock form.
Drive it. You'll get it.
Volkswagen is right with that one. I test-drove the 1.8T after I took out a Mazda 3 5-door from the same lot... there is no comparison. It feels like you are one with the road, handles great, and there is a lot of power inside. Sometimes, the thought of the drive home is the only thing that gets me through 12 hour days waiting tables!
chris
it is fun and fast and it can be a chick magnet
Damn, it's fast!
The whole process of getting the car was a breeze. The dealership was very very friendly, not pushy at all, like the Nissan and Toyota dealerships here in the Pasadena area. Now, back to the car... this little hatchback is fast! I can barely notice the turbo lag. It comes with a lot of standard features: ABS, side and curtain airbags, full spare. The quality is superb. I know you have probably heard about how VWs are unreliable, but they have had all the problems worked out on the 04 models. I've had this car for almost 3 months now, and I am still very much in love with it. Get it, you won't regret it.
Great German Car/Great price
This car is unbeliveable!! You get all the stuff at a great price. I was looking for luxury performance without the price & Volkswagen did it. Wow what a great car.
So fast
My new GTI is so fast and smooth and I couln't be happier with it. I will be buying my 3 Golf when this is paid off. Matt
A gem in the rough
You won't find a better or more refined ride for the price
Next time, I'm getting the VR6
I've waited 5 years for this GTI. So far it's been great. However, I will say it isn't for the impatient. The power is there, but some times it takes a second or 2. Gear selection is key. Fit and finish of the interior/exterior is good. Controls are within easy reach, but the HVAC knobs are a little too low for my taste. Well, at least the cup holders don't block the radio anymore. The front seats have plenty of adjustment to fit anyone. I compared this car to the RSX & A4 Avant, but liked the GTI better overall. On my next VW, I'm going with the VR6 motor for driving simplicity and for the extra features that come with it. Get the R32 if you can afford it.