#1

in Upscale Small Cars

Based on analysis of 69 GTI reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $23,230 - $24,930
Invoice: $21,656 - $23,310
MPG: 21 City / 31 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.5
Performance:8.9
Exterior:7.8
Interior:8.5
Safety:8.6
Reliability:5.0
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Exterior - What the Auto Press Says

Both the two-door and four-door GTI are sporty and striking, but some say the newest generation's design plays it safe compared to traditional VW styling.

  • "Exterior styling radiated aggressiveness, but it was not over the top." -- Sacramento Bee
  • "An especially ungainly appearance, with an overly aggressive-looking front-end and chunky shape." -- MSN
  • "Cars have faces, and the GTI's face exhibits a smirking grin, with the red pinstripe (just like on the original) at the bottom of the grille for the smile proper and the arch at the front of the hood, over the headlights, as the furrowed brow." -- The Auto Channel
  • "Volkswagen GTI has come quite a way from the square-cornered hatchback of yore. And though its creases may have been softened, its face has been made bolder." -- New Car Test Drive
Review Last Updated: 6/30/09