2012 Volkswagen GTI consumer reviews

DSG is excellent, with very smooth changes. The quality of the interior is excellent. Performance is good.

GTI is just the best value in sporty compacts. compared to mini, mazda & audi. It doesnt do everything great, but overall its just better. Not the most powerful engine, but its way fun to drive (mazda 3 has more HP, but how much straight line accel do you need in the suburbs). The wheels and pirelli tires really do rock, plenty of lateral G's. It has great styling, no one has to guess which car you bought (mini has the edge there though, if that is most important to you). Same engine as the audi & the mini's are more expensive and just too small. Audi's get pricey way too fast. For the options i got (sunroof and Nav), this car was a great deal. Plenty of zip - I got the manual, but the DSG with paddles is great. The only down sides: no options available, just trim levels. no interior color options, just leather or cloth (vw take a lesson from mini, is it so hard to offer tan leather? I would have bought the autobahn). The nav system is nice to have integrated but a $150 Garmin is better for just pure nav, this doesnt speak street names. The stereo is just so-so (unless you get the upgraded autobahn unit). i will likely get better speakers, but keep the head unit, it is integrated to the drivers display very nicely. Reliability is hard to judge since it is new. Initial delivery was spotless and havent had a problem yet.

I have a 2009 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI, which I love (but am concerned about the High Pressure Fuel Pump failures that have become far to common!). We needed a second car and I was considering a new Golf TDI, but the Service Manager at the local dealer suggested I try the GTI. Really glad we got that advice!

I just hit 1,000 miles, and I've loved every second. The ergonomics and quality interior are something unexpected in this price range. The road performance is second to none in it's class as well.

If you're an enthusiast of sport minded vehicles, you won't be disappointed with the VW GTI. I chose the 6 speed manual with the convenience package. It's a well appointed automobile, good seats, decent stereo, and the ergonomics are great. I'm 6' 2" and there is no shortage of leg or headroom, which was my complaint with the 2012 Civic Si (my second choice of cars this go around). Driving this car puts me in mind of one of my former cars, '05 Cooper S. Nimble, taut, and fun to drive. The GTI is responsive in the curves, and not shy about being pushed to redline. A good choice of performance oriented vehicle, granted, you won't be blasting past the Subaru STi, (another former car) or the Mitsubishi EVO with only 200 horses on tap. It is a very entertaining driver's car with great attention to detail. This my first VW, I doubt it will be my last. I can truly see the Golf R in my future. (hint, hint)