2006 Volkswagen Golf GTI User Reviews

German Sportscar For The Masses — This is a GREAT car. It handles beautifully. The turbocharged engine has a super response and is well harmonized with the gearbox.

Dsg / Abt Chiptuning 256hp — Really loved the DSG transmission (double-clutch gearbox). Good performance even if an all wheel drive would be necessary.

German Quality In A Small And Reasonably Priced Package. — This car is amazing, it is my second GTI and this generation is by far the best.

Small But Roomy, Quick And Nimble! —

the first thing that strikes me when i went for a drive, was how small and how easy it was to park, yet how big it was on the inside. It had more boot and legroom than a 3 series BMW or a Subaru WRX, 4 rather full sized adults fit in the car with ease, head and legroom wasn't a problem for anyone. I drive the auto which is the new 6 speed DSG gearbox (which has 3 different modes), smoothest gearbox i have ever felt in a car (especially considering what it has to deal with power turbo lag then boost) but speaking of power, it has alot of it (though mine is chipped increasing power by around 30% which is a relatively cheap and easy process) there are, however, a few failings with the drivetrain or more with electronics (in the throttle) that seem to plaque VW (Golf and Jetta from what i have read), the problem is that there is sometimes a slight delay between the time you press down on the accelerator and the car actually taking off, which if you are on a hill it can cause you to roll back (a good foot or more) before the car takes off, it's like something in the traction control system is having a think before it lets you take off, which sometimes isn't a bad thing (mostly it is though as rolling back uncontrollably isn't a good feeling),the traction control system (which includes a things such as a locking diff anti spin etc)gets a workout as most of the driving i do is in the rain on windy mountain roads, and with it being driven through the front wheels that makes it interesting as it only has to take your toenail to grow a fraction of an inch for it to spin the wheels on take off, luckily the electronics take over and get things under control. The steering is electric, smoothest most balanced i have felt it is light when parking and heavy when on the freeway, i have never driven anything like it (after reading the manual the steering system has some sort of hi-tech magnet system that causes it go light and heavy, neat). The car is incredibly well equipped sunroof, heated seats, dual zone climate control, bluetooth, 6 stack CD player, just to list a few. overall a very impressive package very pleased with it for sure!

Owner for 0 years, 3 months

Miles Driven per Year:4,000

Unless You Hate Hatches, This Is The Best, And Really Only, "hot Hatch". Nice Zippy Car. — I may be biased, because I love Euro cars, and German hatches and sports cars, but there's no denying that the GTI has always had a dedicated following....and that its just a great all-around car even if you're not an enthusiast. The original MKI, the MKII, and the MKV are arguably the best of them all, (although the latest is also getting great reviews.) Its just the full package. Its not a $60k+ luxury car, or a $200k+ supercar, but a great, quick, practical and sporty compact that does everything you need it to unless you have a family of 8 or need to go off-roading. The interior is great, it doesn't feel cheap, (radio needs an upgrade though...), the handling is great even for a FWD car, and its got enough punch from a 2.0 Turbo engine. its not a gas-guzzler either. What more do I need to say?

Primary Use: Commuting to work