Volkswagen GTI

Name: 2009 Volkswagen GTI
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The R32 is a more powerful, luxurious and higher-priced all-wheel drive version of the impressive Volkswagen GTI. It provides superior handling balance, accelerates briskly, sounds muscular and brakes well. Occupants are pampered with comfortable seats and a high-quality cabin, along with decent ride-comfort and noise levels for this class. The automated manual transmission can be used as an automatic or a clutchless manual.

2009 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

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Volkswagen GTI

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2004

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2010

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2015

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2021

2022

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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2009 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2009 Volkswagen GTI

$4,900 - $5,100

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Audi A5

$5,000 - $6,175

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Audi S4

$7,350

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Audi TT

$5,525 - $11,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 BMW 1 Series

$4,800 - $6,600

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Cadillac CTS

$4,500 - $17,275

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Dodge Challenger

$6,400 - $13,875

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Dodge Viper

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Ford Mustang

$6,125 - $25,650

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Honda Civic Si

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Jaguar XK

$8,725 - $11,000

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Lexus SC

$ NA

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Mazda RX-8

$4,425 - $4,900

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Mercedes-Benz CL

$7,600 - $12,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK

$6,175 - $7,375

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Mini Cooper

$3,400 - $4,375

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

$3,525 - $4,425

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Nissan GT-R

$40,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Porsche 911

$33,650 - $65,400

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Volkswagen Eos

$3,075

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Volvo C30

$3,600 - $4,675

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Volvo C70

$4,975

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

2-door hatchback

4-door hatchback

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2-liter 4 turbo (200 hp)

6-speed sequential
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2022-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2022 Volkswagen GTI builds on the long-running tradition of elevating a mild hatchback into a fun-to-drive, yet sophisticated, practical alternative to sports coupes. The GTI's improvements aim to sharpen the handling, up the power and upgrade connectivity and infotainment. The new GTI is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Power has increased to 241 horsepower. The 2022-2024 GTI models came standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, which was optional for 2022-2024 models, became the only transmission option for 2025. Older models come with a large 10-inch infotainment screen, while 2025 models get a new 12.9-inch display. The interior can be dressed with plaid upholstery-a nice historic nod to the original GTI. FCW, AEB, BSW, and RCTW are standard.

2015-2021

2015 Redesign Year

The GTI is one of the most practical choices among sporty cars. It's quiet, civilized and doesn't wear you out on long drives. The interior is very well finished, with luxurious materials, comfortably supportive seats and a comprehensive, yet easy-to-use infotainment system. The basic S model gives you a lot of bang for the buck. It's well equipped and doesn't lack for essential features. The only practical reason we'd opt for a more expensive version is to get the HID headlights, as they perform much better than the standard halogens. You can get the better lights on an S model, but only with an automatic. Updates for 2016 included optional forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning, all of which became standard in 2020.

2010-2014

2010 Redesign Year

This redesign of the GTI brought modest changes. The four-cylinder Golf R adds more power and all-wheel-drive. The GTI excels at combining everyday practicality with being fun-to-drive. Agile handling, gutsy acceleration and a satisfying sound come with comfort and refinement. Remarkably, the GTI retains most of the civilized demeanor of other Golf models, making it suitable for everyday driving, while still bringing a smile to the face of a driving enthusiast. The hatchback adds versatility. Fit and finish are very good. The seats are supportive and sporty, yet comfortable. Stability control, traction control, antilock brakes and brake assist are standard equipment.

2006-2009

2006 Redesign Year

The GTI is a sporty version of the Golf. Since 1999, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine has powered most GTI models. The sporty VW hatchback is a credible alternative to a sports sedan, with capable handling, a relatively comfortable ride, a well-crafted interior and a surprisingly roomy back seat. Special limited-production R32 versions have a V6 and all-wheel-drive. These one-year-specials appeared in 2004 and again in 2008. A four-door version of the GTI became available in 2007.

1987-2005

1987 Redesign Year

The Golf exudes a feeling of precision and solidity unusual for a small car. It is available in 3- and 5-door hatchback body styles and GTI trim line marketed as a sporty alternative to standard Golfs. A responsive four cylinder provided base power, but a stronger V6 was available in top GTI models. The Golf was redesigned for 1999, and became quieter and more comfortable, with a higher-quality interior. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine was introduced a year later. The R32, a V6-powered AWD model, arrived for 2004.