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2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI

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$24,995

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Hatchback

Body style

28

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

168” x 56.8”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(51 reviews)

The good:

  • Acceleration
  • Handling
  • Brakes
  • Interior quality
  • Crash tests
  • Roomy backseat

The bad:

  • Rickety climate controls
  • Somewhat numb steering feel
  • Price versus other sport compacts
  • Reclining adjustments in two-door version
  • Multimedia-system graphics
  • Styling hasn't evolved much

10 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Notable features

  • Two- or four-door hatchback
  • Manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission
  • Related to Golf, Golf R hatchbacks
  • Turbocharged four-cylinder engine
  • Backup camera now standard
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto now standard

2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI review: Our expert's take

By Kelsey Mays
Photo of Kelsey Mays
Senior Consumer Affairs Editor Kelsey Mays likes quality, reliability, safety and practicality. But he also likes a fair price. Email Kelsey Mays

Consumer reviews

(51 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.6
  • Interior 4.8
  • Performance 4.6
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 4.5
  • Reliability 4.7
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Most recent consumer reviews

Brilliance diminished by lack of quality controls.

The engineering and design are outstanding . The driving experience is very special for this price range. It’s real fun to drive. It’s an icon. Let down by quality issues unknown to Japanese vehicles and ridiculous service and repair costs. I love the car but dread any encounter with the dealer in North Tampa.. I think their service charges are equal to BMW and Mercedes.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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GoKart with a turbo

this car is amazing for the price point its currently sitting at, coilovers and new tires and you can hit corners at 80mph. pretty decent gas milage too

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Best daily driver that wont break the bank

This car has been a dream of mine ever since i sat in the mk7. The only problems i have against all mk7 golf's are. 1. If the have an automatic tranny in them, they dont perform as well as a manual. 2. They are kinda lose around tight turns and if you have the lane assist package you will be fighting the wheel to keep the line. Other than those 2 slight issues, i find this car a fun, efficient, reliable, and overall great vehichle to buy. But like me, get a manual transmission... best car to learn and the only way to have em built.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 51 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4
Overall rating
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
11.1%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Volkswagen
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
144 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
MY 2016-MY 2017 vehicles/75,000 miles; MY 2018- MY 2019 vehicles/72,000 miles; MY 2020 and newer vehicles/75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
Vehicles purchased on or after 1/5/21: MY 2017 & older, 2 yrs/24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2018-19, 1 yr/12,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2020 & newer, 2 years/24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty
Dealer certification required
100-plus point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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