1988 Volkswagen GTI User Reviews

Flawed, Fast Car — We bought this car in Germany (it is made in the USA) because our Rabbit GTI had been so good. This car did not have Air Conditioning which made it unbearable when we got it back to the States. We had it up to 128 (indicated) on the Autobahn. The main problem with this car was build quality. It never really stopped working but things would break and the tires wore out to quickly. The muffler broke twice. We had A/C installed at the VW dealer and it worked ok, but was not ideal. The headliner fabric separated from the Styrofoam liner and the leatherette seat material wore out. The rear axle was bent when we got it, we had it straightened later. The factory put a screw through the radio antenna and even when this was repaired, the radio reception never was very good. It was made in the New Stanton VW factory in Pennsylvania in the last year it was open. Maybe this is why it was not made very well...

Primary Use: Family transportation

Love It! — appearance, sound, handling GREAT gas mileage.... breaks down and dont expect to pay a cheap amount for it it all depends on what you're looking for in a car, I personally love driving the car. most people hate riding in it.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

First Car First Love — The car is not that fast, yes even VW guys know that. The 16V was a rocket for its day, and the 8v was peaky and it made it peppy but a scion tc is very stout competitor for this hot rod of the 80's. It was my very first car and I loved it, once I didnt have to drive it everyday I stripped it out, but recaro racing seats in it and a roll cage. intake header, exhaust and cam made the 8v a pretty stout motor for the 2,000lbs german rod. It could handle, it sounded mean, it could more than keep up with japanese competiors and it got 30mpg. Then my step brother flipped it...

Primary Use: Commuting to work