Is the 2012 Volkswagen GTI a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2012 Volkswagen GTI and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2012 GTI featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
How do people like the 2012 Volkswagen GTI?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2012 Volkswagen GTI and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2012 GTI 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2012 GTI.
Review
This is a 50 mile "first impressions" for my GTI autobahn, DSG, 4dr. The plethora of positive reviews online are right: excellent build quality, amazing driving dynamics, quiet smooth ride for size, excellent brakes, and great looking with a squat, low stance. The DSG takes getting used to and does feel hesitant at first but "squirts" you around town. As with previous GTIs, torque is abundant. I put two boosters and a nine year old in the back no problem! They are skinny though. Issues. There are a few minor ergonomic foibles. With the correct driving position for me, the steering wheel obstructs the top of speedo. Some controls are too low and parts of them cannot be visualized.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2012 Volkswagen GTI
How can Edmunds help?
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What options are available on the 2012 Volkswagen GTI?
Available Volkswagen GTI 2012 Submodel Types: Hatchback
Available Trims: Base, PZEV, Wolfsburg Edition, Autobahn PZEV, 1.8T, Driver's Edition, Driver's Edition PZEV, Autobahn, VR6, Wolfsburg Edition PZEV, GLS 1.8T, GLX VR6
Exterior Colors: Candy White, Carbon Steel Gray Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Metallic, United Gray Metallic, Deep Black Metallic, Tornado Red, Shadow Blue Metallic, Black Magic Metallic, Black Magic, Reflex Silver, United Gray, Silverstone Grey, Black, Silverstone Gray, Cosmic Green Metallic, Indigo Blue, Reflex Silver Metallic, Satin Silver, Shadow Blue Metallic (Late Availability)
Interior Colors: Interlagos cloth, Titan Black leather, Anthracite leather, Titan Black leather/cloth, Black, Black leather, Gray , Anthracite cloth
Popular Features: Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Trip Computer, Tire Pressure Warning, Aux Audio Inputs, Alarm, Post-collision safety system, Heated seats, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Bluetooth, Upgraded Headlights, Sunroof/Moonroof, USB Inputs, Power Driver Seat, Leather Seats, Navigation
Engine/Mechanics: 4, 6 cylinders
Transmission: MANUAL, AUTOMATED_MANUAL, AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (recommended), premium unleaded (required), regular unleaded
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
