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2008 Volkswagen GTI

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Overview

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2008 Volkswagen GTI Review

By KBB.com Editors

Costing well under $25,000, the 2008 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. Although now larger and heavier than the original car, the GTI remains a manageable size and features its most powerful engine to date: A turbocharged 2.0-liter unit pumping out 200 horsepower. Drivers can choose between a slick-shifting six-speed manual or Volkswagen's marvelous Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic, which is without question the best auto-manual transmission money can buy.

You'll Like This Car If...

A powerful, flexible engine combined with flat, responsive handling, a lot of grip in the corners and front-wheel-drive predictability make the 2008 Volkswagen GTI a joy to drive enthusiastically wherever appropriate.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While the 2008 Volkswagen GTI out-muscles the new Civic Si, MINI Cooper S and Mazda3 s, it's also 400 to 600 pounds heavier than those competitors. In fact, this biggest GTI ever weighs as much as Volkswagen's Passat midsize sedan. The extra weight isn't readily apparent, but it's certainly no advantage, either.

What's Significant About This Car?

Changes for 2008 include a 15mm suspension-height reduction, the addition of SIRIUS Satellite Radio as standard equipment and the removal of the Climatronic automatic climate control from all models.

Driving the GTI

Driving Impressions The 2008 Volkswagen GTI drives as true to the original as a 3,300-pound, turbocharged car can be expected. It's on the heavy side, but steering is razor-sharp and cornering grip...

is tenacious and flat (a mid-corner bump can startle the GTI, but it recovers quickly). It's turbocharged, but turbo lag is virtually non-existent, boost is silky, there's plenty of torque available almost immediately and torque steer has been all but eliminated. Like the best GTIs before it, the newest is fun around town and confidence-inspiring on even unfamiliar mountain and canyon roads. The six-speed manual works like a charm, but it doesn't take too long to be won over by the six-speed DSG gearbox that shifts quickly and smoothly at the push of a button. The highway ride might be stiff for some, but anyone expecting this level of performance might find it downright comfortable.

Favorite Features

Six-Speed Direct Shift Gearbox
In stop-and-go traffic it's a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. On your favorite road or track it's a quick-shifting, no-pedal manual. You won't miss the clutch pedal as much as you may think.

Front Seats
Well-bolstered cloth seats and even deeper leather ones provide plenty of support to keep you from having to fight the lateral forces you're having so much fun generating. They're also comfortable.

2008 Volkswagen GTI Details

Interior

The interior of the GTI is crafted with a level of materials and build quality that outclasses some very good competition. Highlights include aluminum pedals and trim, leather steering wheel, handbrake and shift knob and a cooled storage compartment under the front armrest. At night, controls are illuminated in Volkswagen's now-familiar blue and red scheme. In back, passengers get their own heating, ventilation and air conditioning vents, while a 60/40 split folding seatback extends the car's hatchback functionality. Did we mention the fantastic sport bucket seats? They are arguably the best in this class.

Exterior

In homage to first- and second-generation GTIs, the newest model features a thin red grille surround and original-style GTI logos. Other highlights include a honeycomb mesh grille, low-set fog lights, mirror-integrated turn indicators, discreet rear spoiler and red brake calipers visible through 17-inch wheels. Last year's introduction of North America's first ever four-door GTI expands the car's appeal to enthusiasts who now have kids.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Standard equipment on a base GTI includes a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission, HID xenon headlamps with washers, fog lights, power locks with remote keyless entry, one-touch power windows, heated power mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, multifunction trip computer, 10-speaker AM/FM/6CD-MP3 sound system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, cloth seats, tilt and telescoping leather steering wheel with audio and telephone controls (plus paddle shifters on DSG-equipped models), leather shift knob and 17-inch wheels. Standard safety equipment includes front, front-side and two-row side-curtain airbags, plus electronic stability and traction aids. Summer performance tires can be swapped for all-season performance tires at no cost.

Optional Equipment

Equipment not included on a base GTI includes a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), the Autobahn Package with power glass sunroof, heated leather sport seats with power-adjustable lumbar, premium sound system and heated windshield washer nozzles, 18-inch wheels and a navigation system that relocates the six-disc CD changer to beneath the center armrest.

Under the Hood

The GTI's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine benefits from FSI direct fuel injection that helps to counteract turbo lag and provide more of the low-end torque that's long been a GTI calling card. The optional six-speed DSG transmission adds just over $1,000 to the price but provides slightly quicker zero to 60-miles-per-hour runs (just 6.8 seconds, according to VW) and marginally better combined fuel economy.

2.0-liter in-line 4
200 horsepower @ 5100 rpm
207 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 (manual), 22/29 (automatic)

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2008 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 179 Ratings for the 2006 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

9.6/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.5/10

5 years and still in love

By Batman (FL) on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 95,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Power, handling, looks"

Cons: "seats, noise"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Motor Trend's "2008 Car Of The Year". Most fun you can have on 4 (or less) wheels. Unbeleivable control. Not lightning fast but have it pointed in the direction you want before gassing it. I no longer have stoplights. They are now go! lights. Very firm ride with the stiff suspension and low profile/38# pressure tires. Seats are a bit uncomfortable and a little road noise. Small annoyances easily ignored with the power and handling. Pulls strong and feels stable at speeds of 100+. Love the style and look. Still get compliments from strangers even after 5 years. Would definately buy another when this one wears out in another decade."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great car for the value - German quality!

By Raakalainen (AZ) on Wednesday, April 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 101,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great quality, great performance on and off track"

Cons: "A little small for tall people like me"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've had this car for about a year - very impressed. The car might have a few miles on it, but it doesn't matter. Runs almost like the new ones I test drove. The MKIV (early 2006 in my case, the late 2006 models are MKV's) model is the best looking design in my opinion, and the 1.8 turbo engine is much better than the 2.0 turbo as well. Has nearly the same power, but much better fuel economy. If you're interested in a GTI I strongly recommend this year. Performance and handling are excellent, the care in building the car is excellent - nothing will fall apart on you like in many other imports from other countries. I would recommend upgrading the stereo deck though - I have a Kenwood DVD deck in mine with Bluetooth and navigation - basically the same type of system that the newer models come with. Only downfall is the pricing - many dealerships want around $12000 for this car - I was lucky and found one at a dealership for $8000."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Everything you'll ever need from a car...

By Kortakon (FL) on Saturday, March 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 71,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Not the best in any, but up top in every category"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Have been driving for ~6 years, and this is an amazing car. Very sporty yet comfortable, very nicely designed interior and exterior, looks small yet very spacious and practical. Recommended for everyone. I've driven much more expensive cars, and this car does 95% of what they do for half the price!"

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Love this car!!!!

By VWFeck (NJ) on Tuesday, July 03, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 67,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Handling, performance, looks"

Cons: "like most small cars hard to get in/out of"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"never been back to the dealer - not once! Unbelievable power for a 2.0 L, great driver - so fast! out-handles a lot of cars! Will definitely be in my stable for years to come - may end up a track car! Its comfortable, stylish and well made...i recommend it!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Will keep this car until the wheels fall off

By Renee60 (IL) on Monday, April 02, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 66,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fun n fast"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Great car, fun to drive, pretty good on gas but need the premium. Since we have snow purchased Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires that are AWEsome."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Fantastic mountain carver

By Mac (GA) on Thursday, March 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 46,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, efficient on fuel"

Cons: "Could have more factory horsepower, FWD"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is a fantastic little car to own and drive. German engineering and quality. Interior is on par with Audi. Makes me happy everytime I get behind the wheel. Great engine with more potential with a tune. Steering feel is tight, linear and very good at communicating the road. Both options for transmissions are fantastic. Try the DSG automatic if you get the chance. 6-Speed manual is top notch also."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 179 reviews