Volkswagen Golf GTI (1999 - 2005) Reviews, Pricing & Specs

This 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. Aug 16, 2012

This is the nicest car I've owned and I have owned plenty of American as well as foreign cars. It's nice to have every amenity possible including a cold weather package that included heated leather seat, heated mirrors, and head washer nozzles. The tilting & telescopic steering along with the fully adjustable seats make this car fit like a glove. The premium stereo is up there with high-end luxury models as well as the overall performance. The 200 h.p. VR6 runs perfect and with the paired smooth shifting 6-speed transmission, the drive is anything but dull. Congrats to making an affordable autobahn bred sports car obtainable by the working class. Nov 05, 2011

Snappy, torquey acceleration. Good braking, responsive handling. Has needed repair from time to time, to be expected with VW with high miles. Interior/exterior style is perfect for me. I love how it looks from every angle. Cost of ownership is not bad at all. Gas mileage is good if you drive nicely, still not horrible when driven aggressively. Repairs can add up. Very, very fun car to drive. handles winding country roads like no other.Feb 01, 2011

I am a person who came from the normal car, ya know, the guy in the old yukon on his way to work. My best friend has a brand new Civic Si, and I drive it regularly. I wanted to buy a car that would compete, and I have to say, its the best car ive ever owned, and I'll never buy anything but a Volkswagen again. my 2002 will out-accelerate his 2009 Civic Si, it will out-maneuver it, and its better in braking. true, the Civic feels like you're driving a spaceship, but I hate the harsh ride and crude suspension and seats. the build quality is great. no squeaks, no rattles, no cheap pieces falling off, VW even thought out the feeling of the key. The exterior looks simple, and mean at the same time. I gladly set it in front of my house without worrying about baddies bashing it with bats & such. what I mean is, its not brash enough where people will hate you for owning one. The gas milage is actually very good out of a car that can move like this. Its like an athelete who always seems to not be thirsty til the whole thing is over. But honestly, I am a huge car guy, and there are very few vehicles I've driven that are this much fun. the Corvette Z06 is one of them. Aug 21, 2009

Ideal car for the petrolhead with a family, does the school run and has plenty of room for the shopping, cheapest of the current hot hatches to tax and insure and goes like absolute snot when you put your foot down (this ones been remapped to approx 240hp with uprated brakes and performance filter). Car has famous vw reliability and build quality and will hold its value better than other makes. I keep making excuses to drive it and I can't think of anything else that I could replace it with, but then why would I?Jul 10, 2009

Pretty quick car as standard 180BHP out the factory, Engines are very robust and very tunable. I'm told you can run over 350BHP reliably. Brakes are from an Audi TT, Build quality, well it's German, so... solidly built, no squeaks creaks or anything, it's a very nice place to be behind the wheel. MPG wise it does about 35-40MPG on a run and 30-35MPG around town so it's pretty economical, parts and things are cheap and easy to obtainApr 30, 2009

Handles great, especially in bad weather, though not as nimble as previous GTIs due to additional weight. Mileage is decent even when driven enthusiasically(20mpg city average for mine). Design is clean, functional and understated. Only gripe on the interior is the placement of pullout cupholders above the radio. Still use the stock Monsoon system in mine and it still sounds great. Overall a blast to drive.Dec 13, 2008

Awesome car, fun to drive, with the exception of the turbo lag, the acceleration was great. Could stand to use a few more horses though. Handles great and would handle even better with a few minor suspension tweeks (to much yaw in the rear during hard cornering). Solid build quality/fit and finish. Interior has very nice amenities for the price. AWESOME on gas, Avg. about 31mpg @ 85-90mphSep 04, 2008