Volkswagen GLI Review

Can't afford one of those pricey German sport sedans? Don't want the negative stigma that might arise when you show up to the office in one? Well, there's a pretty happy alternative available on the used car market. The Volkswagen GLI was a blend of the regular Jetta's four-door sedan body style with the GTI hatchback's performance modifications.

Although the GLI name had been the top-of-the-line Jetta trim level for several years (and across two generations), Volkswagen broke it off as its own model for 2008. In addition to sharp handling, a strong turbocharged engine and a pair of slick transmissions, the GLI also boasted the solid European construction and high-class fit and finish you'd expect in a less humble luxury vehicle, and it did so for a manageable price.

Essentially, VW's Jetta GLI was the cheapest and least pretentious way to get into a recently used German sport sedan. Should you desire a new car, but like the idea of the GLI, it's likely to return once the Jetta is redesigned in the near future.

Most Recent Volkswagen GLI

The VW GLI was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. This engine was a smooth operator, and it could propel the VW GLI to 60 mph in about 8 seconds. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, but VW's slick six-speed DSG (direct shift gearbox) automated-clutch transmission was a very attractive choice for those who like to change their own gears as well as those who like the car to do its own thing. Despite its performance potential, the GLI returned average fuel economy in the mid-to-high 20s.

The Volkswagen GLI's interior was also a strong area, with excellent materials, nice fit and finish and a fair amount of space. Standard features were plentiful, including high-end items like xenon headlights, 17-inch wheels, heated sport seats and a 10-speaker stereo. Options like 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a sunroof and upgraded audio systems brought it closer in content to those higher-priced sport sedans, and you could also specify a hard-drive-based touchscreen navigation system with an integrated hard drive, USB port and SD card slot.

Though the GTI is better known in enthusiast circles than the GLI, the fact remains that most Americans prefer a sedan to a hatchback. Fortunately, whether driven on curvy back roads or congested city streets, we found it really made no difference which you chose -- both were equal fun. The GLI may not have offered the same thrills or luxury as one of those "real" German sport sedans, but as a cheaper, unpretentious alternative, the Volkswagen GLI was as good as it got.

The Volkswagen GLI debuted for the 2008 model year and didn't change much. Changes were light in its two years in existence. Originally, the optional navigation system lacked a hard drive, touchscreen functionality and multimedia inputs, and heated seats were optional. Previous to '08, the GLI was considered a trim level for the regular Jetta.