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Volkswagen GTI - What the Auto Press Says

The GTI delivers high performance, handling, and braking, with a well-designed interior and hatchback utility. However, the exterior design could be seen as controversial to VW purists, and its sporty demeanor might be too much for some drivers and passengers.

The 2008 Volkswagen GTI offers exceptional performance, a versatile hatchback design, and a long list of safety features. In addition, reviews describe a well-designed interior with comfortable seating and high quality materials, even for an upscale automobile. Within the upscale small car and hatchback classes, the GTI has one of the more affordable price tags, especially compared to the inflated cost of a Saab 9-3, or what some consider the poor value of the BMW 1-Series. Car and Driver picked the 2008 GTI as one of its 10 Best Cars for the aforementioned attributes and Automobile Magazine recognizes the GTI as one of its All-Stars for 2008.

Are you in the market for an upscale small car or hatchback but not sure about the VW GTI? The Audi A3 has a refined road demeanor, while the C30 offers outstanding safety and a distinctive exterior.

• "The latest generation is a long way from the no-frills original, but VW has effectively addressed the fun-to-drive factor without diluting the sophistication, roominess, and high-quality feel that are characteristic of this family." -- Car and Driver
• "Volkswagen's GTI is magic. What else do you call a diminutive hatchback that can shame supercars? -- Automobile Magazine
• "With its subtly Teutonic styling, the GTI may not look like a performance car. But those inside will have no doubt about its dynamic capabilities. They also will enjoy the room, comfort and cargo capacity of its versatile interior, now accessible through four doors." -- New Car Test Drive
• "Usually you give something up for a sporty ride, or you pay a lot to have it all. But the GTI impresses with moxie and manners both." -- U.S. News
• "The latest GTI is a sweet update of a longtime favorite. Thanks Volkswagen, for not messing up a good thing. -- Sacramento Bee
• "The GTI has its groove back. This hot hatch is a funky hip-shaker that should appeal to both nostalgic types and a new generation of fans." -- New York Times

GTI Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)

There's almost universal agreement that the Volkswagen GTI's driving experience is impressive, and the hatchback's performance ranks well in its class. Most specifically credit the GTI's 200-horsepower, four-cylinder engine for the high fun-to-drive index. Automobile Magazine says, "The latest version of VW's iconic hot bunny may offer only 200 horses under the hood, but a fantastically usable, abusable, and forgiving chassis makes the best of each and every one of them." Read More

GTI Exterior - 7.3 (Good)

In 2007 Volkswagen began offering a four-door GTI in addition to its standard two-door, and both versions are generally seen as striking and sporty. Still, experts note the "design has somewhat polarized VW diehards," as Business Week writes. Split reviewer opinion has also hurt the GTI's exterior score. Read More

GTI Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)

The interior of the 2008 VW GTI's comfortable inviting five-seater wins very broad praise from most reviewers. The New York Times says, "The rich interior flaunts the masculine character and precise feel that VW's are known for." Read More

GTI Safety - 8.8 (Very Good)

The GTI is very competitive for its class with regards to safety, and scores well in government crash tests.  Read More

GTI Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Volkswagen GTI reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Volkswagen's basic warranty is good for the first four years or 50,000 miles. New Volkswagens have a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty. Click here for more information on the 2009 warranty. Read More