2008 Volkswagen GTI Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
21 -22 City / 29 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
200
Seats
5
Front angle medium view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle John J
The Volkswagen GTI is an economical sports car built to be very reliable.
I was first drawn to my car because of its styling, I like that it has a sporty appearance. I also was very impressed by the transmission, which was a big factor in me purchasing it. The only downfall for me now is that it is getting older and needs some work.
accountCircle Jacquie S
It's safe and reliable! It also has heated seats and a sunroof.
The car has been great ! Me and my fiance traveled across the united states in it with no problems the whole time. It's two-door , slapstick , white with black chrome rims.
accountCircle Chie D
It's a highly rated, all around amazing car. Great for a fun driving in the mountains and for everyday errands.
I love my car. It's stylish, smooth, comfortable and reliable. Great performance, smooth shifting. It handles well. Mine is a 4 door and it's been real easy to put my baby-now toddler in the car seat too.
accountCircle Sarah N
The clutch is like butter - very fun to drive
I bought my GTI in 2017 and have not had any problems with how it runs. It is a great little zippy car. It is very fun to drive and handles well. Although the car is small (and fits into inconvenient parking spaces with ease) it feels spacious on the inside. The only issue I have is the same in this car as it was in other VWs I owned. I find the upholstery on the ceiling of the vehicle sags and does not stay adhered to the top. I live in a hot area, so I know that does not help on top of the car being a decade old. Everything else is everything I hoped for and more.
accountCircle Joshua K
Very very very very fast gti.
My vehicle runs like a just came off the lot in 2008, it has 0 problems, a stage 2 tune, upgraded brake system, stage 2 clutch, cold air intake, turbo upgrade, and carbon rims with Toyota tires.
accountCircle Annie P
Despite it being quite old, it still runs very well!
I love my car because it always fun to ride in it. It's also quite fast and sturdy. The speakers are also working great!
accountCircle Jay D
Gti - great, affordable performance.
The gti is a great car, particularly the mk5 generation. Fast enough, especially with the dsg transmission, extremely fun to drive, exceptional handling on the twisties. Responds to simple modifications well as VW has a top notch computer system in this car.
accountCircle Kiwi S
First car ever. Spacious and very comfortable for family and travel.
Absolutely love my car! I can put my back seats down for more storage and transportation and it has a very smooth drive. The gas last a while in the tank and for the most part it does not have many issues and I brought my car used. If anything is wrong with the car it will tell you the second you turn it on, just read the dash area and there is a manual that explains all the lights and possible issues with the car. Only problem is, because it is a Volkswagen, it is never much of an "easy fix". You always have to take it to the shop to get bulb change, new gas tank, even changing the tire is a hassle sometimes but I wouldn't change it for the world!

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Chanse G
Premier cargo space for sure
It does have ample cargo space which I find beneficial. Drives very well. I haven't had many mechanical issues
accountCircle Shallah L
The car is fast for the type of engine it has. It handles well.
The car is small. It seems to attract the rain when you try to roll the windows down during a shower. The water drips directly onto the switch for the window causing it to go bad

Volkswagen GTI Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
2dr HB Man
200 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats
car
2dr HB Man *Late Avail*
200 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats
car
4dr HB Man
200 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats
car
4dr HB Man *Late Avail*
200 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats
car
2dr HB DSG
200 HP 26-26 MPG 5 Seats
car
2dr HB DSG *Late Avail*
200 HP 26-26 MPG 5 Seats
car
4dr HB DSG
200 HP 26-26 MPG 5 Seats
car
4dr HB DSG *Late Avail*
200 HP 26-26 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2008 Volkswagen GTI Owner Reviews

4.50
12 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 67%
4 stars 17%
3 stars 17%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Chanse G on March 3, 2021
Premier cargo space for sure
It does have ample cargo space which I find beneficial. Drives very well. I haven't had many mechanical issues
accountCircle Jacquie S on January 25, 2021
It's safe and reliable! It also has heated seats and a sunroof.
The car has been great ! Me and my fiance traveled across the united states in it with no problems the whole time. It's two-door , slapstick , white with black chrome rims.
View All Reviews (12) chevronRightAlternative

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Weihua L.

It is a sporty car, it can be very fast yet in the meantime it can be practical and comfortable to drive on the road, it can fit many staff although it is a small hatchback, it is reliable, cheap to maintain I like this car a lot.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Weihua L.

As any other German cars, this car tends to have little problems after five or six years of life, which is a little expensive, the mpg of the car is not perfect for its size, averaged about 30 mpg which is subpar for the current standard.

Ranks #4 Small Cars by Owners

The 2008 Volkswagen GTI has an average owner rating of 4.50 out of 5 which ranks it #4 of 29 other Small Cars.

1
car
2008 Volkswagen R32
5
2
car
2008 Honda Fit
4.56
4
Tie
car
2008 Volkswagen GTI
4.5

Ranks #8 Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2008 Volkswagen GTI has a combined MPG of 34 which ranks it #8 of 30 other Small Cars.

1
car
2008 Honda Civic
36 MPG
2
Tie
car
2008 Kia Rio
35 MPG
8
Tie
car
2008 Volkswagen GTI
29 MPG

Is The 2008 Volkswagen GTI A Good Car?

Absolutely fantastic. So fun, practical, and efficient. The fun factor is huge and plaid seats bring the style big time. The car is eye catching and more importantly, reliable. Save the manuals!
Eric M.
Yes absolutely. The car runs smoothly, and is very fun to drive. It is small enough to fit in spaces but feels roomy inside
Apple M.

How Reliable Is The 2008 Volkswagen GTI?

The gti has proven very reliable. Maintenance is key. It does not ask for much, and it gives so much. Just change the oil, give the correct fuel, and watch out for the timing chain.
Eric M.
It is very reliable, the only issue I have is the adhesive for the upholstery does not hold up well in heat and it is starting to sag
Madison R.

Is The 2008 Volkswagen GTI A Good Value?

I paid around 5000 for the vehicle last year. It is in excellent value. The car is perfectly affordable, and wonderfully rewarding.
Eric M.

Related Articles for 2008 Volkswagen GTI

From the Vehicle History blog

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Safety & Reliability

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NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

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Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test
(Not Tested)
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety