2001 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
For 2001, Volkwagen made an effort to upgrade the "fit and finish" elements of its sporty, two-door GTI models, which included the...
For 2001, Volkwagen made an effort to upgrade the "fit and finish" elements of its sporty, two-door GTI models, which included the base-level GLS and the high-performance GLX trim packages. Interior cloth fabrics were upgraded, for instance. The GLS received an upgraded sports suspension, while audio and climate controls were added to the steering wheel of the GLX. Options for both included 17-inch wheels and side-curtain head-protection airbags.
The GLS was equipped with a turbocharged 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder powerplant that generated 150 horsepower. It came standard with alloy wheels, a sunroof, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic transmission was available as an option, as were leather seats and a CD player.
The GLX came with a 174-horsepower, 2.8-liter V6, which was the choice (and recommendation) of many reviewers and critics. A five-speed manual transmission was the only transmission available. In addition to the standard features in the GLS, the GLX added leather seats, wood trim, and an automatic climate control system.
Drivers agreed almost across the board that the GTI was a fun car to drive, and many admittedly drove their cars hard. In some cases the cars responded well, but other drivers noted that problems crept up, such as with window motors or the electrical system, that could be tricky, and sometimes expensive, to repair.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2001 Volkswagen Golf GTI have a mostly positive view of their cars. Drivers love its performance, fun driving experience, and stylish appearance. The turbo engine, acceleration, and build quality received particular praise. However, some owners have noted issues with fuel economy in city driving, as well as reliability concerns and the price of maintenance. Despite the drawbacks, many feel it's a solid choice with good tuning potential."
Love the mk4 styling. Bought this for the VR6 specifically; fantastic sounding and performing motor. Great interior build quality, with plenty of room for driver and all passengers. The GLX trim comes with nearly every single option available so that's always a plus.
March 19, 2012Albeit random electrical issues, this car has gobs of torque, it's SOLID and at 120k miles still behaves as friskily as the day we brought her home. Extremely versatile and roomy, and a breeze to drive in traffic or at 150mph :D
May 2, 2009VW GOLF GTI 2001 good looking , easy and fun to drive, good performance. Performance – acceleration, braking, handling Build Quality – good building quality Appearance – to my opinion, very strlish car. a GREAT original recaro semi racing seats. Cost of Ownership – like 1.6 family car. Fun Factor – very fun to drive
July 12, 2008What owners say
Love the mk4 styling. Bought this for the VR6 specifically; fantastic sounding and performing motor. Great interior build quality, with plenty of room for driver and all passengers. The GLX trim comes with nearly every single option available so that's always a plus.
March 19, 2012Albeit random electrical issues, this car has gobs of torque, it's SOLID and at 120k miles still behaves as friskily as the day we brought her home. Extremely versatile and roomy, and a breeze to drive in traffic or at 150mph :D
May 2, 2009VW GOLF GTI 2001 good looking , easy and fun to drive, good performance. Performance – acceleration, braking, handling Build Quality – good building quality Appearance – to my opinion, very strlish car. a GREAT original recaro semi racing seats. Cost of Ownership – like 1.6 family car. Fun Factor – very fun to drive
July 12, 2008performance - pretty zoomy from the factory, once the car hits 100k things break and it gets pretty costly, but a beautiful, small, light weight car, gets great gas mileage and is very fun to drive, i'd recommend it to anyone
June 24, 2009I have never owned a car I have loved as much as my '01 GTI. Even the fully stock car has enough power for everyday drivers. It is sporty and sophisticated and feels comfortable. For all you speed demons, this car is highly modifiable, I am about ready to push about 285 hp out of mine for less than $500 (thank you ebay!) and that is pre-chip. It looks great... drives better and holds it value very well.
March 30, 2007certainly not the greatest GTI out of all the years, but it's fun, reliable, and comfortable. Don't forget about the legendary exhaust note of the VR6.
June 23, 2008The greatest car I've ever owned. I miss it.
April 20, 2008good performance, Very fast in 2nd gear, good braking as the warning light comes on.. quality german built, spare parts are reasonably priced. a bit heavy on petrol around town but i get 38-41 on long trips. a fun car to drive, but hard suspension....
May 4, 2011Performance - Decent for an affordable car. Build Quality - Every stock bushing=Garbage Appearance - Silver exterior, shaved, debadged, slammed. Black leather interior Cost of Ownership - Gas mileage sucks, especially when your cat is gone. Repairs are few and far between, but expensive. Fun Factor - Always gotta love the sound of a blow off valve
August 12, 2010Nice paint, nice ride, nice interior, decent power, but I hate FWD..
May 5, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $23,450 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.8L 174 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 18.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $19,825 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 150 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 18.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
