2008 Volkswagen GLI Review discusses a souped-up Jetta.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

2008 Volkswagen GLI Review

The GLI is a turbocharged variant of the Volkswagen Jetta that debuted in 2006. The Jetta debuted in 1980 and quickly became Volkswagen's best selling vehicle in the U.S. The Jetta was named SmartMoney's "2006 Best Premium Compact Car."

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Volkswagen GLI won't turn heads with its fairly tame exterior. But it's a zippy, well-built car that doesn't falter at everyday tasks. It's also one of the best equipped vehicles in its class. What it lacks in form, it more than makes up for in function.

What's New For 2008:

The Jetta GLI is now simply known as the GLI. Automatic climate control is no longer available. The Farenheit package has been replaced by the Autobahn package.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Jetta 2.5 stars for overall mechanical reliability, 3 stars for overall design quality, and 3.5 stars for overall performance and design. The last generation had issues with rattling speakers, stuck clutches, coolant leaks, engine noise, hard starting, rough idling and vehicle noise. It was recalled seven times. The current generation has had issues with high resistance airbag connectors, underpowered fuses, stuck fuel doors and transmission noise. It's been recalled twice for malfunctioning brake light switches and potential fuel leaks. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Jetta earned 4 stars in government frontal crash tests and 5 stars in side tests. In IIHS tests, it earned "Good" for the front and side, and "Marginal" for the rear. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, full side airbags, and stability and traction control are standard. Rear side airbags are optional.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Beefy engine
+ Fun to drive
+ Full safety features

Cons
- Average reliability
- Boring exterior
- Basically a Jetta

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Mazda MAZDA6 iSports Sedan GT includes an automatic and leather seats, but lacks navigation and has over 40 less hp. The Subaru Legacy Limited has AWD, leather seats, a moonroof and an automatic, but lacks traction control, navigation and has 30 less hp. The Honda Accord Sedan EX has a moonroof and an automatic transmission, but lacks navigation.

What Others Are Saying:

"The Teutonic tricksters at VW have done an admirable job of taking the "pocket rocket" genre, which they created with the original GTI, from crude little economy car with hot performance to a sophisticated, modern performance sport sedan at a price that puts them in most buyers' ball parks." - The Auto Channel

"Less like the old Jetta, more like an Audi." - Car and Driver

"Anyone that isn't hung up on badge prestige won't be disappointed with the GLI. It's fast, fun and no one will be making 'unpeemp ze auto' jokes at you while you drive it. The GLI is one of the 'funnest' cars in the VW stable, so anyone that wants to experience true Deutschland-approved fahrfergnugen should check this sedan out." - IGN

Read more about the 2008 Volkswagen GLI at the Volkswagen manufacturer web site.

Published on Monday, February 4, 2008 - Email to a friend

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