Here Are The Best And Worst Volkswagen Golf GTI Models Over ...

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the most iconic nameplates in the world. This is the marque that many gearheads credit for bringing the hot hatch to a whole new level of performance and public appeal. But it hasn't been an easy journey for this two-door masterpiece.

Updated July 2023: Are you in the market for a Volkswagen Golf GTI? If so, you'll be happy to know that we've updated the content of this list with more information regarding the best and worst Golf GTI years to consider.

The VW Golf GTI started life as a very tame hatch that only someone interested in a small ride with a tolerable performance at a low cost would consider buying. But then, the marque rapidly evolved, with VW focusing on giving it as much performance as possible without compromising the hatch appeal that attracted so many buyers to it.

In this piece, we'll look at five of the best GTIs ever produced and five that were, well, lemons with a touch of vinegar.

Using information from Car Survey, RepairPal, and Car Complaints, we've compiled the most and least reliable Volkswagen Golf GTI models over the years.

6 Best: 1983-1984 Rabbit GTI MK1

Reasons To Buy: Classic Design, Reliable Powertrain, Fuel-Efficient, Practical, Cult Following

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This is the original VW Golf GTI and the one that began America's hot-hatch culture. The 1983-1984 Rabbit GTI Mk1 was an amazing car that North America had to wait six years to get. And when it landed on the shores, it arrived as the 'Rabbit' instead of the 'Golf'. But it had a slight problem.

Compared to the European version, the Pennsylvania-built Rabbit GTI Mk1 lagged behind. While the Euro-spec GTI Mk1 made 110 horsepower due to less-stringent emissions rules, the American model generated 90 hp from its 1.8-liter engine. As you'd expect, the European GTI was also faster, with 0-60 mph taking 9.1 seconds; the top speed was 113.1 mph. The U.S.-spec Rabbit GTI Mk1, for its part, took between 10 and 11 seconds due to a combination of lower horsepower and additional U.S.-spec equipment that added weight.

Nevertheless, a combination of five-speed close-ratio transmission, 14-inch alloy wheels, and sport-tuned suspension made the Rabbit GTI Mk1 an amazing car to drive. Moreover, at the time, you could get it for less than $10,000.

Pros:

• Fun and exciting to drive
• Holds its value over time
• Good fuel economy
• Spacious interior
• Impressive handling

Cons:

• Underpowered engine

5 Best: 1985-1992 Golf GTI MK2

Reasons To Buy: Reliable, Attractive Design, Versatile

Collecting Cars

After the Mk1 came its wilder brother, the Mk2. The GTI Mk2 brought significant upgrades to the original GTI in 1985, including increased engine power and more equipment.

At launch, the 1985 Golf GTI Mk2 packed a 100-hp 1.8-liter four-pot engine. The previous GTI package was rounder, slightly larger (it added 7 inches of length, 3 inches of wheelbase, and 2 inches of width), and came with a slicker package. This made it a very satisfying offering.

In 1987, VW gave the GTI Mk2 a massive performance boost by adding a 16-valve cylinder head that boosted the four-pot's output to 123 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque, with that output channeled to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transaxle. The vehicle also features a manual sunroof, air conditioning, an AM/FM cassette stereo, and 14-inch teardrop wheels.

Pros:

• Sophisticated suspension system
• Increased power
• Advanced safety systems for its time
• More interior space than its predecessor

Cons:

• Limited comfort features

RELATED: This Is Why The Volkswagen Golf Is One Of The Best-Selling Cars Of All Time

4 Best: 2000-2006 Golf GTI MK4

Reasons To Buy: Dependable Hatchback Practicality, Reasonably Powerful Engine, Upscale Interior

Wikimedia Commons/Johannes Maximilian

The VW Golf GTI Mk4 is sadly considered, by some, as one of the most unloved Golf GTIs in history. To others, this is one of the most underrated GTIs ever sold. But the former have reasonable grounds for their argument.

When the Mk4 GTI launched in North America, it had an unexciting 2.0-liter, 115-hp engine that many likened to a tractor. It was very slow and definitely not worthy of a Volkswagen GTI chassis. However, VW was quick to fix this problem. Soon, the GTI was rolling into showrooms with a revamped 1.8-liter 20-valve turbo-four engine sourced from Audi, that produced 150 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque.

Pros:

• High-end cabin
• Robust engine
• Fantastic handling
• Excellent aftermarket support

Cons:

• Limited cabin space
• Not as fuel-efficient as newer models

3 Best: 2007-2009 Golf GTI MK5

Reasons To Buy: Strong Engine, Posh Cabin, Available Sequential-Shifting DSG Gearbox

Wikimedia Commons/Bidgee

It had been decades since VW sidelined the Golf GTI and did little to improve this otherwise great nameplate. But then, 2007 came with significant changes for the hot hatchback after VW redesigned it in mid-2006. Volkswagen got serious with the GTI and launched the Mk5, a much-awaited redemption for the nameplate.

The new VW Golf GTI had a stiffer body with a multi-link independent rear suspension, six-speed manual transmission, standard 17-inch alloy wheels, and a peppy 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder turbocharged engine making 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. The high output meant the GTI Mk5 was also reasonably quick, with the acceleration from zero to 60 mph requiring just 6.7 seconds.

All these were a first for the GTI. Plus, this new GTI had a slightly lower ride height, allowing better aerodynamics, handling, and comfort.

Pros:

• Strong performance
• Impressive acceleration
• Great handling
• Highly Reliable
• Eye-catching exterior design

Cons:

• It is heavy

RELATED: These Are The Best Features Of The Volkswagen GTI

2 Best: 2009-2013 Golf GTI MK6

Reasons To Buy: Remarkably Fun To Drive, Powerful (200 hp), Fuel-Efficient

Wikimedia Commons/M 93

This is not entirely a new car. The 2009-2013 Golf GTI Mk6 was a refresh of the old Mk5 that drivers were wildly in love with. Thus, the 2009-2013 Golf GTI Mk6 packed all the goodies the previous generation GTI had.

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VW endowed this car with precise steering, the utility of a hatchback, brilliant ride handling, great balance, and a few revisions in the interior. As a result, the 2009-2013 VW Golf GTI Mk6 looked slicker. The body panels were also redesigned for a slicker exterior look.

Pros:

• Lively driving experience
• Swanky cabin
• Outstanding ride quality
• Great fuel economy

Cons:

• Limited storage space

1 Best: 2015-2021 Golf GTI MK7

Reasons To Buy: Beautiful Exterior Design, High-Quality Interior With Modern Amenities, Good Fuel Economy

Volkswagen

This is the GTI generation that is dominating the roads in a rather competitive hot hatch market. Along with the eighth Golf GTI generation sold since 2022, the Golf GTI Mk7 is, by far, one of the most advanced Golf GTIs ever produced. For the 2015-2021 Mk7, VW developed a new platform that elevated this incredible range to near perfection in terms of refinement.

The Mk7 GTI ticks all the right boxes. It is fuel-efficient, powerful, quiet, and very comfortable as a cruiser. It is also an entertaining car to drive as you speed it down your favorite back road.

Powering this car is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 210 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with that power handled by a standard six-speed manual transmission (a six-speed automated manual transmission is available as an option). When equipped with the optional six-speed automated manual transmission, this hot hatch sprints to 60 mph in a mere 6.1 seconds, which is impressive.

Pros:

• Latest modern technologies
• Striking exterior design
• Smooth, responsive, and direct handling
• Roomy passenger and cargo space
• Available adaptive suspension

Cons:

• Can be expensive