Michael C

Reviewed a 2007 Volkswagen FWD on Jun 28, 2011

The GLI is a great daily driver for an enthusiast that is in the market for a sporty import four door sedan. If you've driven an EVO or WRX and didn't care for either, give this a try. The performance bar is lower, but the overall package is refined to a much higher standard. For example, the brakes are a little soft on initial application although they do just fine in daily commuting. I ran the car at Southwest International Raceway, Tucson AZ, several times last year and my best back to back 1/4 mile passes were 14.9@ 97MPH (uncorrected for DA), so the car feels quick, but not fast, certainly not in EVO territory. In daily driving applications the car comes into it's own. The steering is direct and quick. The handling/balance is very good for a sporty car based on entry level roots. It really hugs the corners, but does understeer at the limit due to it's FWD configuration and weight. However at 7-10ths it feels right. My highway MPG is 34-37 MPG...around town MPG really depends on your driving style. On dependability I recommend the extended warranty. My GLI has has had the following parts replaced under warranty; radio, AC compressor, MAF sensor...twice, side airbag sensor, trunk lid struts, fuel pump, and the check engine light came on twice last month only to go off all by itself. Bottom line...it's a fun and quick car with a GREAT interior, love the seats and flat bottom steering wheel, but it does suffer from typical VW build quality and slightly underpowered engines.