1999 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1999 Volkswagen Golf GTI are quite satisfied with their experience. They love its attractive design, solid performance, and reliability, often highlighting the fun driving experience and practicality. However, some drivers expressed concerns about occasional mechanical issues, like dashboard squeaks and an underwhelming fuel economy for certain models."
The best car I've ever owned - attractive, classless, design classic, reliable, practical, fast, economical, minimal depreciation
January 5, 2008This is the powertrain the GTI has needed to arouse its lustiest, twistiest tendencies. In the GTI, the VR6 engine breathes out 200 hp at 6200 rpm and twists out 195 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. So equipped VW says it will rush to 60 mph in about 7.7 seconds through its stock six-speed manual transmission. The gobs of torque and smooth six-speed linkage make it a joy to row and go. You might automatically assume that more cylinders means more speed here, but you’d be ill informed. If you choose the four-cylinder, 1.8-liter turbo and the five-speed manual transmission, it’s actually quicker to 60 mph (doing the run in 7.5 seconds) than the more powerful and weightier VR6 option. But saddle the turbo with the Tiptronic automatic and it slows into the mid-eights. Either way, you’re still a few ticks off the quickest, most expensive SVT Focus or Tiburon V-6, too, but not completely out of contention.
August 16, 2012performance is good.8.5 to 60. 130+mph.good allrounder.build quality very good.recaro interior is good.my average mpg is 32.on a run 40+possible.car is fun to drive.it makes me smile.would buy another one.good car.would recommend to anyone.fun and practical.solid build.
October 6, 2010What owners say
The best car I've ever owned - attractive, classless, design classic, reliable, practical, fast, economical, minimal depreciation
January 5, 2008This is the powertrain the GTI has needed to arouse its lustiest, twistiest tendencies. In the GTI, the VR6 engine breathes out 200 hp at 6200 rpm and twists out 195 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. So equipped VW says it will rush to 60 mph in about 7.7 seconds through its stock six-speed manual transmission. The gobs of torque and smooth six-speed linkage make it a joy to row and go. You might automatically assume that more cylinders means more speed here, but you’d be ill informed. If you choose the four-cylinder, 1.8-liter turbo and the five-speed manual transmission, it’s actually quicker to 60 mph (doing the run in 7.5 seconds) than the more powerful and weightier VR6 option. But saddle the turbo with the Tiptronic automatic and it slows into the mid-eights. Either way, you’re still a few ticks off the quickest, most expensive SVT Focus or Tiburon V-6, too, but not completely out of contention.
August 16, 2012performance is good.8.5 to 60. 130+mph.good allrounder.build quality very good.recaro interior is good.my average mpg is 32.on a run 40+possible.car is fun to drive.it makes me smile.would buy another one.good car.would recommend to anyone.fun and practical.solid build.
October 6, 2010I Love my car. It handles great and had pretty good acceleration. It for the most part is stock. The only performance mod I have is a Magnaflow exhaust. The rest is all show. Its lowered on JOM Coilovers, smoked fender and bumper lights, Blacked out taillights, and Joey Modded Headlights.
September 12, 20091999 Golf GTI - 20v Turbo I have owned the car for 4 years and it's been great. Not worthy of a GTI badge as standard, but it's now heavily modified and does the business! This car has covered 137,000mls and still feels and sounds like new. Apart from cambelts and regular servicing, the car has never broken down or failed. The only issues i've ever had are a squeak from the dash and another from the wiper linkage, but very easily sorted - especially now that lots of spares are available. In summary, i would say that if you're looking for an exciting hot hatch, get your wallet out and invest in good quality modifications - But if you want a great looking, economical car which will last, this is the one.
April 2, 2010It's the second car I've owned, a big improvement over the 1990 Mazda 323 I had as my first car. Performance wise, this car has great acceleration but the gas mileage could be a bit better. Unlike the TDI Golf, this car has no Turbo but does have a very heavy V6 engine which could potentially cause some understeer. Obviously this car would just get smoked in a race against its sportier brother the R32. The interior has beautiful black leather and the paint job is Volkswagen's awesome Tornado Red. I've always had a thing for the Golf and its look, so maybe I'm biased. If you live in a podunk town like me, you might own one of the only VW GTI's in town. This is an eye-catching car in a town full of Oldsmobiles and Dodge Neons (LOL), especially after I just washed it and its sexy redness shows. The car has a sweet audio system that can get ear-splittingly loud. Overall I really like this car and would recommend it for anyone who needs to travel a lot and likes speed. But for someone serious about driving and racing, the VW R32 is much more expensive but superior.
February 7, 2008I always loved my VW's but this one may have been doomed from the beginning, my 1999 GTi VR6 was lowered 3", had 17's and rubber band tires, the tires rubbed the wheel wells, I had to replace the spark plug wires $350 for factory replacements, continually there was an ABS light or check engine
March 17, 2008
