2006 Volkswagen GTI 2.0 FSI from North America

Summary:

VeeDub in the house!!!

Faults:

Got an airbag fault at 2200. The dealership replaced the passenger side airbag igniter.

General Comments:

I love this car!! Performance, great mileage and a mature appearance. I wanted a sporty compact car so that I could enjoy driving without paying an arm and leg for gasoline. Being forty-two I feel that a Evo/WRX/Civic Si/SRT-4 are not age appropriate. Kind of like a middle-aged man wearing Vans and having a ponytail or a middle-aged woman wearing her teenage daughter's clothes. You get the picture and it's not pretty. The GTI is not flashy, but I get compliments all the time. A lot of people have fond memories of the original. The engine is smooth and powerful with lots of low end torque. The suspension is firm, but not at all uncomfortable. I have yet to make it break loose in a turn and I try on an almost daily basis. The interior is very high quality with plaid seats made of a very durable feeling fabric. The steering wheel rivals anything made by Momo. I have the satellite radio (Sirius) which I am trying to like, but I really can't find any stations that I enjoy. All in all this car is a joy to drive and I highly recommend it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 20th May, 2006

18th Apr 2010, 01:12

Ha! I laughed when I read this review... you've pinpointed quite accurately what I consider to be my problem... I'm 44 years old, and I'm struggling to find the next car... I love monkeying with cars, and I love performance driving, but I don't want a car that looks 'age inappropriate'... I'd actually love to have a Civic Si hatch, but I'd feel a little stupid driving it. Your comments have made the GTI a pretty appealing option.

2006 Volkswagen GTI Pkg 1 2.0L turbo from North America

Summary:

Wooohooo!

Faults:

Haven't owned car long enough to encounter issues. Will update this if possible if problems arise.

General Comments:

Very quick, not the fastest thing on the road, but no slouch at all by any measure. The linear powerband kind of fools your 'butt' dyno, but this *is* a quick little monster. The DSG transmission is a fairly new technology to the US; the 2 clutches in the system make for extremely fast shifts, and the absence of a torque converter means there's no power loss penalty - there's paddle shifters on the steering wheel too.

Handling is good, but as with any stock car, it can always be improved with aftermarket suspension/sway bars, etc. In stock form, it has a goofy 4x4 look and really needs to be lowered 1-2" to improve the stance/look of the car. The ride is firm and fairly taut (this is a sporty car after all).

Interior is as always VW top notch design; great bolstered seats, dash layout, etc. - the only caveat is that the stock audio system is somewhat *blah*, but it does have XM or Sirius and plays mp3's which is nice. Xenon/HID headlights are standard. It's a hatchback, so it has a fair amount of hauling capability with the seats down.

This car would get a perfect 10 score if the jacked up suspension wasn't a minor nagging issue, regardless, I must say that driving is enjoyable once again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th May, 2006

15th May 2006, 17:45

Nice review. Keep us abreast of any problems with the car. Or anything you find delightful for that matter.

24th Jun 2006, 18:29

Just for info. When VW released the 'new' VW Golf GTi in the US - they raised the ride height!! So, yes it does look a little jacked up.

All I can think is that they think the US buyers want a softer set up than European buyers.

5th Sep 2006, 19:39

I understood that they lifted both the GTI and rabbit to meet US bumper specs - height, etc. Drove a GTI in Ireland two years ago and it handled superbly-much flatter than the US version. Am trying to decide if I should sell my 03 Ann Edition GTI (stock lowered about 3/4") for a new one, but I know I'll miss the corners.

30th Oct 2006, 19:17

Hello again from the original reviewer - new lowering springs were installed (Eibach Pro-Kit, lowers about 1.0" front/rear). car looks much much nicer, the stance is exactly how it should be. ride seems a tad bit stiffer of course, handling has been improved. for about $300-$400, it's a modification that is well worth it, imho. sure, I've voided my warranty relating to any of the suspension, but I'm not worried about it.

15th Apr 2007, 11:14

With regards to the previous comment, if you wish to avoid having your warranty voided by lowering the vehicle, you should have the car lowered by a VW dealer. If a certified VW dealer does it, then the warranty is preserved.

3rd Nov 2010, 18:40

Update from the original reviewer - the GTI is running strong and has been a joy to drive over the last 4 years. This car is an excellent balance of performance, comfort, luxury and utility. I don't think I'll ever get bored with it. If you're looking for a quick hatchback that doesn't feel like driving in the penalty box, you should seriously consider a GTI.