2008 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Volkswagen introduced the GTI as an offshoot of the Golf, originally in hatchback form. But after a major redesign in 2006 and the addition...
Volkswagen introduced the GTI as an offshoot of the Golf, originally in hatchback form. But after a major redesign in 2006 and the addition of a sedan version the following year, the GTI returns relatively unchanged for 2008. The biggest changes come in the form of SIRIUS Satellite radio and a special edition in Reflex Silver. Otherwise, the GTI sticks to its time-tested formula, offering an affordable, solidly built vehicle. The hatchback has two doors and seats five, and the sedan seats five as well. But beyond the number of doors, you won't find much difference between the two trims.
Both trims feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower inline-four engine with a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic. Their estimated gas mileage is 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. Standard features include air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, a CD player, ABS brakes, traction control, and stability control. Options include a sunroof, powered leather seats, and a navigation system. In other words, the GTI includes basic performance and safety features, but also offers plenty of stylish options to anyone inclined to pimp their ride a bit. Passenger room comes out to a respectable 94 cubic feet, with approximately 15 cubic feet of cargo room.
How do drivers view the GTI? This established model gets solid ratings across the board. It's not super-fast or -smooth, but it offers an overall fun and responsive ride. It offers pretty good interior room and enough cargo room to hold everything you'd need for trips around the city and surrounding 'burbs. While the 2008 GTI's exterior and interior design won't turn too many heads, they get enough respect on the road to tide over most egos. The GTI's already enthusiastic fan base would, however, appreciate the chance to upgrade to a V6 at some point in the not-too-distant future.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2008 Volkswagen Golf GTI are thrilled with its performance, handling, and stylish design. They frequently praise its powerful engine, quick acceleration, and sporty driving experience. Many appreciate the quality of the interior and find it comfortable for daily use. However, some owners mentioned their dissatisfaction with the rear seat space and certain elements like the tail lights."
Great Condition, value, gas mileage, overall a great buy!
April 21, 2021It's super awesome. Handles real good, drives real fast, really comfortable, gorgeous looking, smooth shift gear, lightweight, surprisingly can fit a lot of stuff, provides good sound sytem, nice exhaust sound, nice engine sound, accelerate effortlessly, the seats are super comfortable and have a very nice interior....A REAL SPORTS CAR!
October 2, 2008This car is a sensation, plenty of power and all the creature comforts of a family car. The handling is smooth and I love the adaptive steering, The gearbox feels solid and precise allowing for smooth gear changes on Volkswagen's manual box. Not to mention, this car looks awesome!
July 3, 2008What owners say
Great Condition, value, gas mileage, overall a great buy!
April 21, 2021It's super awesome. Handles real good, drives real fast, really comfortable, gorgeous looking, smooth shift gear, lightweight, surprisingly can fit a lot of stuff, provides good sound sytem, nice exhaust sound, nice engine sound, accelerate effortlessly, the seats are super comfortable and have a very nice interior....A REAL SPORTS CAR!
October 2, 2008This car is a sensation, plenty of power and all the creature comforts of a family car. The handling is smooth and I love the adaptive steering, The gearbox feels solid and precise allowing for smooth gear changes on Volkswagen's manual box. Not to mention, this car looks awesome!
July 3, 2008The VW GTI is a solid hot hatchback. Much better than the Rabbit or the Golfs. Definitely make the upgrade to this if looking at those vehicles or other hatchbacks. Opt for the manual. Don't let it die! Learn and keep them alive!
August 14, 2013Performance is unmatched, price is good and saves gas. I would recommend this to a single person looking for a fun car with plenty of power and curb appeal. I wouldn't recommend it for a family. I would definately buy another if I get it with 4 doors.
July 13, 2012I love most everything on this car except for one thing and that's the tail lights. I think Volkswagen could have done better with the tail lights. I just didn't like the crystal red tails that they put on them from factory. In 7 years of ownership I did not have any issues with car and never made any weird noises or anything out of the ordinary. Car gets great gas mileage, I averaged about 26 mpg combined. No maintenance costs here, except for cabin air filter that was changed by Volkswagen. Car is plenty powerful it has torque in pretty much every gear, and that feels good. I never felt more in control then with this hatchback, take turns fast, lots of grip in and out of corners and braking power is great as well. If you want to get the hatchback feeling back into your life then this car is for you.
February 9, 2015Performance: it charges like crazy when you put your foot down, the brakes are good, fade free, handling is great for a hot hatch Quality: overall very good, more Audi than VW, but the DSG is tricky Appearance: aggressive stance, yet not too obvious Cost: cheap on gas for a sports car, easy to maintain Fun factor: this is where everything I wrote above doesn't matter anymore; it's a BLAST
January 5, 2010After nearly 2 years with this car I still enjoy getting in it as much as I can and I get bored very quickly. It doesn't have the outright pace of the my old Evo VIII but it can hold it's own on a race track (and beaten up on a few Evo's in the process). I have yet to find a new car in the US market that has the performance, build quality, practicality, and solid gas mileage for the price this car cost me. And I drive a lot of flippin' cars!
September 15, 2009Quick response, acceleration, great braking and handling. A classic from the VW family with a lot of power. Great design and form. Excellent car with a lot of technology. GTI is a great car for great drivers. I love it!!
August 12, 2009This is a really sporty, great handling little car. Easy to park and drive - has great acceleration and cargo space. Wonderful for someone who has lots to haul or owns 4 dogs like me. I highly recommend this fun car.
December 28, 2013Trims & specs
Base MSRP $23,230 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 200 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,730 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 200 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
