Great car, but can get a little tight on space with small kids.
Great car that is really fun to drive! The quality of the interior is very nice for the price point and the seats are very comfortable. The only real downside to the car is the lack of “trunk” space. When you fold down the rear seats, there is plenty of storage space. However we have two small children and the child seats make it really inconvenient to fold the seats down. I really wish we had a performance oriented wagon (e.G. Golf r wagon) available in the us.
Bob T
on May 26, 2021
Gti 2016 has a turbo and that helps this small car.
The car needs maintenance often and is costly to operate. It is supposed to use regular gas but now they recommend premium which is more expensive. It is a turbo and has good power. It has a hatchback which I hate and I prefer a regular trunk. Not much room in the rear seats.
Leeann C
on April 22, 2021
VW gti speed demon machine pedal to the medal gone in seconds smooth vibration.
I bought the can used from CarMax so far no problems it has do-able features such as all wheel drive, bucket seats / automatic and manual shift settings, 2 cylinder, 600 hp, low mileage, runs like brand new I am simply satisfied with my purchase and will be using Volkswagen in the future.
Roberto G
on April 20, 2021
The benchmark for hot hatches.
In the manual option, you are going to have the most fun. Not super fast, but zippy enough to be able to use the power band whenever you want. Aftermarket upgrades are in abundance. A stage 1 tune alone is enough to make the car twice as enjoyable. Maintenance is generally pretty simple to do on your own.
Sue T
on April 11, 2021
Every day should be track day!
A great car for track days! A great everyday car! Comfortable car to take a long road trip in! It is got a manual transmission! Long live manual transmissions! I think I got one with either a bad paint job or there's too much road construction debris where I live - lots of chips in the paint on the front bumper & hood.
James P
on February 18, 2021
Best car I have ever had, period
I absolutely love my car. The interior is so nice compared to previous cars I have had. I have the gti power package and I love the red brake calipers as well as all the red badging. This has been the best car I have ever owned.
Mike C
on February 13, 2021
Quick overview of GTL features.
Great fuel economy, high quality interior parts and features, reliable performance, tasteful design, excellent sound system, transmission works great, has quite a bit of cargo space, very comfortable seats, fun to drive, interior Accent lighting looks fantastic, included the lighting package and the front headlights are amazing.
Jake S
on February 10, 2021
My car is really fast kept up with an Audi staged 1.
I love my performance pack it is tuned and it drives so well but I have had some problems with my struts they have been squeaking a lot and I took it to the dealership and they told me it was my springs and it wasn’t even my springs the whole time it was my struts anyways the inside is nice and I love the little golf ball shifter.
Ben K
on January 9, 2021
Great car minus the durability of the tire tread
Have had no issues at all outside of the fact that my tires wore quite easily. I've only had the car for about 2 years and they are already to the point where it is recommended that I change them. Outside of that though, the car is very comfortable and roomy as long as you don't have more than 4-5 people, and the stock sound system is great.
Jonathan C
on December 6, 2020
A great value hot hatchback.
Headlights are hard to change by yourself. Driving is a lot of fun. Gas mileage is ok. Seats are very comfortable after driving for a week or so. Have had random issues with bluetooth but there is a chance it was my phones fault. Would definitely buy another gti.
Trey A
on November 24, 2020
Absolutely incredible vehicle.
Literally nothing bad to say about it. Fast, good looking and fuel efficient. I have had my vehicle for about 3 years now and I have done everything from taking it to work to driving across the country. Maintenance is a little pricey, but I have had no major issues to deal with. German engineering at its finest.
Jeff R
on October 11, 2020
Volkswagen never disappoints!
It is been a decent car. I find the interior very comfortable and the details in the styling are great. I didn't want a standard but the I love that the dsg transmission gives me the option to drive it like a standard. The added pickup that I have in dsg mode gives it really nice pickup!
jaclyn W
on October 7, 2020
It's the best and looks nice
I like the plaid seats i like it has a turbo, It's fast fun to drive looks great
Jonathan C
on September 7, 2020
It's really fun to daily drive.
Love the performance of this car but maintenance is difficult to do yourself without a lift or some specialized tools. Comfort is great and is a great daily driver. Another downside to the car is requiring premium gas. This with maintenance is somewhat expensive for this somewhat cheaper car.
Juan A
on September 1, 2020
Great daily commuter car for those who want some style.
My VW GTI has been a great car so far. Sporty, sleek, handles well and fuel efficient. Inside the cabin, seating is spacious and comfortable, the sound systems is crisp, and the UI is intuitive. There are plenty of on screen features, designed consciously to not be overwhelming.
Andrew f
on August 30, 2020
It is very fun to drive even just casually around the city.
Very quick to get around and good enough gas mileage for commuting to work. Audio is amazing and android connect works really well with my phone.Only complaint is the sun/moonroof is a little hard to move.
Brittiny H
on August 28, 2020
Good for family with just a couple kids, and does awesome for groceries.
The hatchback is a really handy, especially for groceries. It is the perfect size for a family with two kids. My husband loves that it can be automatic and manual both. We have tinted windows, which is even better for us in Florida. Or else it would be too bright in the car.
Sam T
on August 18, 2020
No matter what year you get, it's a quality product.
Nice little car. Good performance from a reputable company. Low maintenance and good cargo space. Very fast.
caroly6n b
on August 7, 2020
Economical and reliable if you are looking for a compact hatchback
Like the peppy ride, but a little low and tight to get in and out of
Colleen M
on June 23, 2020
2016 VW gti is an excellent daily driver.
My vehicle is very reliable, I have never had any issues. The performance is excellent. I could drive this car all day, very comfortable. It has heated seats with 3 settings, powered windows and locks, it has a lot of settings you can personalize for your driving experience.
Sara H
on June 17, 2020
It is a v6, so it is not a gas saver.
An affordable car that feels like it is more expensive than it is. I love the design and quality of the car. The only thing I do not like is that I didn't get a better package.
Kenia S
on May 26, 2020
It is a safe vehicle, very good safety ratings. Back up camera is very useful for parallel parking.
I like the ease of mobility with the vehicle, turns very well and drives smoothly. I do not like the low profile tires because they are at higher risk of damage due to potholes or driving distances.
Winston H
on May 20, 2020
Performance. Speed. Style.
I love the performance options of these car as well as all of the classic Volkswagen features found in the car. The wheels, suspension, engine all speak to my need for speed, performance and style. I have always been a fan of Volkswagen and will continue to purchase them for years to come
Megan T
on April 20, 2020
Cute and fast 2016 VW gti.
Fast reliable cute car. Decent gas mileage especially when using supreme fuel. Although more space inside the car less when it comes to packing up the hatchback unlike older gti models. Has the ability to go long distances without any issues solid heavy car.
Ben B
on February 11, 2020
Golf gti is the perfect starting car!
A 2016 Volkswagen gti is the perfect car to get. If you are looking for a car with a little pick up and go, this is perfect. The interior always makes you feel like you are sitting in luxury. Not to mention the price is really reasonable, and is one of the main reasons I bought it.
Matt K
on January 28, 2020
Subdued performance car with everyday liveability.
There are small rattles in the interior of the car likely coming from the hatch. No problems otherwise, it is fast but relatively efficient, reliable and has all the features you'd need in a modern car. The xenon headlights are very bright and add to safety.
Robert A
on December 20, 2019
It is ok, nothing great and good as a car for personal use.
It has a dash computer that often lights up for different problems that are nonexistent. It has to use premium gas even though it say regular or else you get engine problems. Its seats are ok but hard to egress from the car. It has a hatchback that I dislike.
Drew E
on November 25, 2019
Born on the autobahn and it shows.
The car has been nothing but dependable since day one of ownership. It is very quick and it really likes to whip around corners. It was born on the autobahn and it shows when you take it on road trips, the car is super quiet and comfortable no matter the length of the trip. The in-dash control system is amazing and by syncing your phone you can get full access to android auto or apple CarPlay on the larger screen.
Rachel S
on November 20, 2019
I love the black trim on my white car it really makes the details pop.
Beautiful interior and exterior, drives amazingly, no problems in the year I've had it. Gas is not too pricey with the turbo but repairs and oil changes can be on the more expensive side. Only problem I've had is with the engine light staying on even though there nothing wrong with my vehicle. This happened after I got an oil change and it won't shut off.
Ashley S
on October 27, 2019
Great, versatile vehicle!
I love the performance, handling, and acceleration of my GTI. It is comfortable for both city and highway driving. I have had problems with a leaky sunroof, however, which has had to be repaired repeatedly.
Erik M
on September 20, 2019
Golf review highlighting some known problem areas
Does have some squeaks and rattles after only a few years. Some minor engine stuff had to be replaced under warranty. Does seem to have a reoccurring tire balance problem. Nothing seems to stay consistent. Overall it's a fun little car if you're looking for a quick around the town car
Paul J
on September 6, 2019
Fast, easy to park and good looking.
No problems whatsoever. It us the perfect city car. It is peppy so you can merge on busy city streets and you can park anywhere.
Oliver T
on September 3, 2019
Golf gti fun driving machine.
The gti is a very reliable long distance cruiser. I use it to commute about 320 miles every other weekend and enjoy every minute of it. Powerful with good road handling capabilities therefore it is a lot of fun to drive, especially with the manual transmission. The service costs are very reasonable and the car is very fuel efficient.
Abigail B
on August 31, 2019
It is a lot of fun to drive.
Cost of the maintenance. Some glitches with the electronic system and getting devices to synch with the car.
Audrey G
on August 29, 2019
My review on my favorite car.
Everything is up to standard and even the after sales service was great. I got into an accident where my bumper was destroyed but when VW took it back they restored it to like new. I am a frequent skier and the car works well on icy and slippery roads, highly recommend.
Sam B
on June 29, 2019
GTI: Great sporty car that's also practical
Great car, fun, sporty, good technology. Has been reliable so far. Very comfortable ride, good storage space for the size
Mike D
on June 28, 2019
The GTI is the quintessential hot hatch and rivals any of its competitors.
My favorite qualities about the GTI are the usability and performance. I have been able to fit more in that care than I would have thought, and have used it to move from one house to another and transport goods for events, parties, and projects. The performance is top notch, sporting about 230 whp and 260 ft-lb of torque. The 6-speed manual transmission is among the best I have driven in cars of similar price. It is very smooth and the clutch is fairly light. It is very comfortable and has a very clean, upscale interior. The Apple Car Play, introduced in the 2016 model year, is a great addition.
Shan D
on June 27, 2019
VW gti reliable and so much fun.
Purchased new with 9 miles on it 3 years ago and it is an awesome car. I have packed on the miles and have not had to do any repairs yet. I run studded snow tires in the winter and have not had any issues. The low clearance has been a challenge a couple of times. I love my gti.
Alicia D
on June 15, 2019
Reliable, spacious, great turn radius Volkswagen.
I love my gti, it runs great! It is very reliable. It is comfortable on long drives. There is a lot of space in the back seat and in the hatchback area for transporting groceries, suitcases, etc. The VW dealership is also great with any check ups that I need done. I also think the car has a great turn radius, you can easily make sharp turns.
Alfredo A
on May 12, 2019
Sporty and fun to drive hot hatchback.
Sport suspension, power steering, turbocharged, paddle shifters, selective drive mode, performance tires, 2.0l engine, touchscreen display, VW car-net app-connect, available adaptive cruise control (acc) helps maintain a preset distance from the car in front of you. When activated, if the car in front of you speeds up or slows down, the sensors can detect the change and your car follows suit.
Greg F
on May 4, 2019
Seat belt is too far back.
The only problem I have with my car is that the seat belts are two far back. I have to reach very far back behind my seat to get to the seat belt.
Rye I
on April 12, 2019
VW gti, always quality and reliable.
The performance of the gti is amazing. The ability to change the driving modes, depending on how quickly you want the car to react is incredible. The gti is able to turn on a dime, which makes U-turns easy. The seats are comfortable, which make longer trips easy. The seats are low, so if someone with hip problems or an elderly passenger is riding in the car, they may need assistance getting in and out of the car. The turbo is really felt in the 3rd and 4th gears (we have a manual transmission). The car is very reliable and is able to tell you when the tire pressure is low, fluids are low, maintenance needed, etc. Since the oil is completely synthetic now, it helps keep the car running cleaner, as long as it is changed when needed. Highly recommend the gti.
May O
on April 11, 2019
Comes with great features
It has a sporty feel. It's equipped with newer tech such as apple play and a touch screen radio/nav system. I like that it came with built in subwoofer and accent lighting on the doors. I don't like that some of the plastic paneling comes off very easily and it's not very good on gas, especially in sport mode.
Michael N
on April 7, 2019
Not a bad car but also not great.
The GTI is a nice car overall. It has potential, but in stock form it doesn't inspire confidence and is slow to respond. The brakes are great. I'm not sure if I would buy another GTI. This has been an incredibly reliable car considering how bad VW has been in this area with their past generations.
Matthew V
on April 4, 2019
It's a fun car to drive with great gas mileage and reasonably priced!
I do not regret buying a Volkswagen GTI! From the roar and quickness of the stock engine to the stitched leather wheel and the way the inside looks is super clean! And if you drive stick its some of the most fun i've had behind the wheel!
Louise G
on February 14, 2019
The 2016 golf gti s is the perfect car.
I have found my 2016 gti to be my perfect car. It is very fun to drive, with a high suspension and sensitive steering. There's a ton of customizable features, like where you want the music to be centered, and the interior feels really luxurious and cool. It is got a great balance between being comfortable and fun.
Mike W
on January 22, 2019
Great car for the price and would highly recommend.
Autobahn series with all the bells and whistles. No complaints. Great little manual car. Lots of space and runs extremely well.
Chad P
on December 6, 2018
Plaid seats and manual transmission for the win!
The gti is ideal combination of fun and practicality! It's good on gas, fun to drive, and can fit lots of things in the back with the seats folded down or room for other passengers. My favorite design detail are the Clark plaid seats that are not sold with any other car in this market.
Marian S
on November 23, 2018
Gti is a super dependable and affordable sporty car that is fun to drive.
My car is super dependable. The warnings system lets me know way ahead of time when maintenance is upcoming. My car rides smoothly and is spacious on the interior to comfortably fit four adults. I really love the apple play too, it is super easy to connect my phone and use the controls on the steering wheel or voice commands while I am driving.
Brian I
on November 20, 2018
Quick, comfortable, and fun to drive.
The gti is more fun than it has any right to be. The snappy acceleration and comfortable interior are out of the range of other cars in its class. It has been extremely reliable and I have had no major repairs in 70000 miles. I really like the integrated CarPlay features, and the styling is aggressive but subtle. It is also extremely mod-friendly, in that you can easily upgrade the performance of the car with aftermarket tunes and parts.