2006 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews

Might as well buy one

Written by: lschw on 03/07/2008

Vehicle

2006 Volkswagen GTI New 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Got a 2006 GTI after my 2004 GTI was destroyed by lightning. I don't like the non-linear response of the turbo, but after two years and 16,000 miles I no longer care. This GTI is more powerful, faster, and much roomier than before. Gets 23mpg in town and the low 30s @ 75mph with cruise. In mkIV GTIs the ESP (traction control) would slam on the brakes at the worst possible time. No longer. VW has transformed ESP into cornering ecstasy. Take a corner too fast, it scrubs off perfectly. Step on the gas in high speed corners, some wheels accelerate and some brake, the car digs in, and away you go. Only a computer can calculate and respond fast enough to do that. Just amazing!

Favorite Features

Go with DSG if you just can't handle a stick, otherwise get the 6-speed manual, its great. The independent suspension is a major advancement. I took my GTI on a 3,600 mile road trip that was more pleasant than any long trip I have taken in any auto. The GTI's ergonomics and amenities are top notch.

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of ridiculous stereo governor that turns down the volume when it thinks its too loud, even though it is not! More knee room under steering column. Busy gauges subscribe to today's trends rather that keeping the beauty and readability of the mkIV dashboard.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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I love my car

Written by: erw on 02/29/2008

Vehicle

2006 Volkswagen GTI New 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

This is the funnest car to drive for the money. It is the best on the freeway. Girls love this car, I get compliments all the time. I had one problem with a rattle but the dealership fixed it. I love how I can drive it way fast and aggressive or slow and easy and get great gas mpg around 34-38 mpg if I drive good.

Favorite Features

Everything, it's so fast, especially on the freeway. There is a ton of front and back seat room, and lots of trunk space.

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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German Engineering

Written by: Matthew on 12/12/2007

Vehicle

2006 Volkswagen GTI New 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I love my GTI. It gets good gas mileage. I usually average about 24 mpg in city/highway driving, and I'm not easy on the throttle. Got over 27 mpg going from IL to Dallas TX with an average speed of 70 mph. The power of the 2.0T is amazing. It pulls even from 6th gear, as long as it's in boost. I can't wait to get APR Stg 2+. I should be looking at around 240whp and 270wtq or around there. I always find an excuse to take the long way home, this car is addicting. Even with all of the TSBs, a few recalls, etc., I still love my GTI. Good job VW!

Favorite Features

HIDs, Vag Com tweaks, R32 spec tailights (not stock on US spec GTIs), tuneable engine, most of the things I have added; cosmetics, suspension, rims, downpipe, intake, flash, boost gauge.

Suggested Improvements

Fewer TSBs! I've had my car in for the speedo TSB, fuel line rattle, radio clipping, other small rattles, the door jam icing TSB. I've only had one check engine light from the intake flap motor. If this vehicle had less dealer visits, it would be all the better.

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Love/hate relationship

Written by: lilcoop on 10/21/2007

Vehicle

2006 Volkswagen GTI New 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I loved my GTI from the 1st time I drove it. I even traded my BMW 330ci for it. I love my GTI, still, except I hate it when it doesn't run. Which is altogether too often. Unfortunately, I feel I have to let it go - there have been so many little bugs and repeated 'check engine' lights. It has 42k on it, and has spent 14 days in the shop for warranty items, in addition to regular service. I can't afford to come out of work to a car that needs to go for service or won't run. It makes me sad that it isn't reliable. I love my fast.

Favorite Features

Performance, handling, great seats!

Suggested Improvements

Build quality, reliability.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Great Car

Written by: drew on 10/20/2007

Vehicle

2006 Volkswagen GTI New 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Well, I'll admit I never even test drove a civic si, or any other "competing" car in the same segment. I already know the GTI handles great, has very easy power (especially with mods), and that the looks were leagues ahead of other hatchbacks (interior and out.) I love the plaid seats, the subtle yet aggressive lines, and most of all the motor. With a 2 liter I'm making 260 wtq and 230 whp with just chip, exhaust, and intake. I find that more then enough for a daily driver and equal or better then any other stock hatchback out there. I've had only one problem with the car, an airbag light I got fixed under warranty. I've watched other hatchbacks come out, and am very glad I chose the GTI.

Favorite Features

Easily moddable engine, great chassis, love the interior and always get good comments on how nice it is inside. It also sort of puts you into a very hospitable community of VW diehard fans I never experience with other marques.

Suggested Improvements

Needs an LSD first, and with that it should come with more power stock. With just a chip these cars make a considerable amount of power/torque, proving just how detuned the motor is from the factory. I also would love to see an awd 2.0t gti/R20 (R32-esque). Could easily compete with the WRX.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Way too many small & stupid problems

Written by: Vik on 04/04/2007

Vehicle

2006 Volkswagen GTI New 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I have had so many problems with this car in terms of rattles that it's not even funny. In terms of engine, driving, fun factor, etc., it's great, but when you have to turn your stereo on every single time you drive just so you can drown out the sounds of the rattles, that stinks. I really like the way this car looks, handles and drives, but I have had way too many little problems with this car, noises, quirks, weather strips coming off, to ever want to buy a VW again.

Favorite Features

Interior design, fun factor to drive, the European features.

Suggested Improvements

Work on the interior build quality. Why the heck does this car feel like it's coming apart?

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Just what I expected and more

Written by: drew on 02/21/2007

Vehicle

2006 Volkswagen GTI New 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I don't really feel like typing out a long review, but I've owned an '03 GTI before this and the jump from a previous generation to the current generation is so substantial that it's as if they rebuilt the entire car from the ground up. The chassis' rigidity is superb and the motor is definitely worthy of the awards it has been receiving, both for around the town and even on a track. While this may not be a performer like the STi or Evo, it holds it's own quite well. If it's stock performance really bugs you enough, there are many tuner choices for just a simple ECU upgrade that pumps the car up ~50 horsepower and ~80 torque. I've no complaints with the car at all other than no lsd.

Favorite Features

the exterior, awesome interior, the wheels look great once the car is lowered, and I truly love this motor.

Suggested Improvements

More power never hurt anyone, nor did an lsd... Apart from that the car needs a better stereo and to be about an inch to an inch and a half lower.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Fun, Fast, and Full of Smiles

Written by: BLiaw on 01/07/2007

Vehicle

2006 Volkswagen GTI New 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

As a spare car in our garage, the GTI sees very little mileage (2,000 miles in our 8 months of ownership). Its build quality is exceptional for a vehicle of this price. There are standard features on this car which cost more on cars costing up to 2.5 times as much. It was against my better judgment to buy a 1st year model car, but problems have been minimal. Overall, this car has been a great buy for the money.

Favorite Features

The xenon headlamps, turbocharged engine, and excellent interior quality.

Suggested Improvements

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Fast and Safe Car

Written by: Joy C. on 01/03/2007

Vehicle

2006 Volkswagen GTI New 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

The GTI is fun to drive with its 2.0 turbo engine. It has lots of pickup when you need it. Its fuel economy is outstanding. In the city it gets 28-30 mpg, which is higher than it was rated.

Favorite Features

The good fuel mileage, excellent stereo, and smooth transmission.

Suggested Improvements

None

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Best Car I Have Owned

Written by: chris on 12/28/2006

Vehicle

2006 Volkswagen GTI New 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

This is by far the best car I have owned. It's safe, I get about 30-35 mpg on the highway, and the car is quick out of the box. I did have mine chipped by GIAC and I am now in love with this car. The gas mileage is the same and it's a blast to drive. Also, I have yet to take it to the dealer for any warranty issues. VW has stepped up their quality big time from previous generations. This car brings me back to my first car which was a 1984 Rabbit GTI.

Favorite Features

The DSG transmission is great. This car has good build quality and provides a great bang for the buck in terms of performance, and interior quality compared to Civic SI and Mazdaspeed3.

Suggested Improvements

Give it more power to compete with Mazdaspeed3 and limited slip differential.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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