DecodedCars2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints1 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 50 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 29 highway), 14% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Golf/GTI — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Golf/GTI →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTI | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +14% | $3,300 | 355 |
| GTI | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 24 | +10% | $3,400 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Ford Focus | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 96,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Golf/GTI years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 11 |
| 2022 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 81 |
| 2021 Golf/GTI | 33 | – | ★★★★★ | 1 | 7 |
| 2020 Golf/GTI | 32 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 6 |
| 2019 Golf/GTI | 32 | – | ★★★★★ | 6 | 63 |
| 2018 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | ★★★★★ | 6 | 29 |
| 2017 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | ★★★★★ | 5 | 117 |
| 2016 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | Not rated | 9 | 85 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →