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Volkswagen GTI - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Volkswagen GTI ranks 1 out of 7 Upscale Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 69 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen GTI, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The GTI has strong performance, handling and braking, along with a well-designed cabin. But the GTI has some confusing and outdated entertainment features, and VW purists are indecisive over the hatch's more modern appearance.

Small but strong, the 2009 VW GTI is well-liked for its versatility, sporty performance and comfortable seating. Add in its great fuel economy, long list of safety features and attractive pricing and the GTI is hard to pass up compared to its less powerful, less flexible but more expensive counterparts. In fact, the GTI was picked as one of Automobile Magazine's All-Stars and one Car and Driver's 10 Best for 2008 and 2009.

Although reviewers find few flaws with the GTI, you might want to consider alternatives. For example, if you're looking for a kickin' stereo, consider the Acura TSX. The crisp quality of its optional ELS Surround Sound System with 10-speakers makes it a reviewer favorite. The TSX's ELS system also has a navigation system with newer features than the GTI's in-dash system.

Another cool option for the GTI is the cheaper Volkswagen Rabbit. The Rabbit doesn't have the same cache of the GTI, but it's very sporty with styling similar to the GTI. The Rabbit also has very impressive cabin features among affordable small cars.

The 2009 GTI has numerous trims. Though there were few design or feature changes for 2009, you can choose the new optional Thunderbunny Package to get sportier bodywork. The 2010 Volkswagen GTI should be available by this fall, with a refined interior and modified suspension.

• "It's been a quarter-century since the first GTI put an exclamation point on Volkswagen's Rabbit lineup, and 25 years of continuous development through five generations have yielded a car that still defines the class it established in that other century." -- Car and Driver
• "A funky hip-shaker that should appeal to both nostalgic types and a new generation of fans." -- New York Times
• "Costing well under $25,000, the 2009 Volkswagen GTI returns to its roots by infusing razor-sharp handling with spirited acceleration. Thanks to the GTI's clever hatchback design, drivers can enjoy true German-engineered performance without having to sacrifice comfort for four people or a roomy cargo hold." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "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." -- New Car Test Drive
• "A sweet update of a longtime favorite. Thanks Volkswagen, for not messing up a good thing. -- Sacramento Bee
• "Volkswagen's GTI is magic. What else do you call a diminutive hatchback that can shame supercars? -- Automobile Magazine

GTI Performance - 8.9 (Very Good)

The Volkswagen GTI's driving experience is impressive. Test drivers generally credit the turbocharged powertrain for the hatchback's 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." Other performance plusses for the GTI include precise brakes, agile handling and some of the best fuel numbers for the upscale small car class. Read More

GTI Exterior - 7.8 (Good)

The 2009 Volkswagen GTI has an attention-grabbing style, but experts like Business Week note the newest design "has somewhat polarized VW diehards." According to descriptions, the newest GTI abandons the more square design of previous models, yet it still features an aggressive appearance thanks to its bold front grille. Read More

GTI Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)

Reviewers love the VW GTI's polished materials and comfortable front row. Forbes says the five-seat interior "brilliantly walks the line between adult-sports-sedan earnest and VW fun." Writers especially praise the GTI's cargo area, which measures 15.1 cubic feet behind the seats in the two door and 14.7 cubic feet in the four-door model. Read More

GTI Safety - 8.6 (Very Good)

The 2009 four-door GTI receives competitive scores for government crash tests, and reviewers have a generally high opinion of the amount and performance of standard safety equipment offered with the hatchback. Read More

GTI Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 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). The 2009 Volkswagen GTI has a basic warranty that is good for the first four years or 50,000 miles. Read More