THROUGH ALL SEASONS,TOTAL DRIVING MASTERY

I purchased my 2003 GTI new in May 2003. Since then I now have 40,000 miles as of November 27 2005. My car is Silverstone Gray with Gray leather interior with every Option package. This car pleads to be driven.

I am updating my review to first explain my feeling of the GTI's stock performance before my little modifications. The transmission works very well although I would like to see a shorter through into each gear. The stock brakes are very responsive with no fade under any street, highway, backroads. In the winter the brakes Anti Lock brakes works very well although the stock Michelions tires dont. I recommened a winter tire for those of you lucky enough to enjoy the GTI's Electronic Stabalization Program (ESP)in the winter. The ESP works flawlessly, I purposely tried to bring the car to a fish tale, the ESP kept me on the straight and narrow endlessly even with the stock tires. The 1.8 turbo engine is very able with much low end torque and seems to never end. Thier is some noticable turbo lag if your accelerating in the wrong gear under 2,000 RPM's. This engine was made to rev so don't drive it under 1750 RPM's. The suspension provides a firm tight feel on most paved roads. Even with a full hatch of luggage the ride is smooth. I don't drive my GTI off paved roads so I cannot comment on dirt trail driving. Onto the noise level. The interior noise is very quit even under acceleration. The only noise level that is noticable is the sunroof under windy conditions if you don't pull the sunroof visor forward. The front seats are very comfortable with all manual ajustments including lumbar support. The heated seats warm quickly and is a very welcome comfort on those freezing mornings. The rear seats are comfortable but of course lacks leg room if the people in the front are tall. Front and rear seat all have full adjustable headrestraints up down and forward and back. The visibility is very good in this vechicle although removing the center rear headrest is recommended for a full rearview look. For me all interior accessories are easily reached without leaning forward. All the Buttons and dials are firm and do not feel cheap. The Monsoon stereo system is clear and loud if the need arise. Trunk space is ample for a car this small and with the rear seats folded down will carry a trip for two across the states with no regrets. With very much highway driving I recieve 30 to 34 Mpg. The lower reading is when thier is mild to high winds. In the City the MPG is from 24-28.

*It is important to remember that my Golf is a GTI 1.8T therefore it has stiffer suspension and larger rims than a base line Golf. Some items I discussed on my GTI are not offered on the base line Golf.*

The ride is firm and quit no matter if in the city or highway or on a curve infested back road. I live in northern Michigan and the Electronic Stabalization Program (ESP) works flawlessly. On snowy or icy roads it feels as if I am driving an all wheel drive vehicle. I purshased a pair of 16" Volkswagen steel wheels for winter with some meaty snow tires a full set of splash guards and it looks like a little rally car. I just love this car.

Over the last two years of ownership I have installed a short through shifter, stock size vented and crossed drilled rotors front and rear, Apr's stage one upgraded ECU "which I at least recomend to all!!", stainless steel front brake lines, AWE tuning boost guage because it has the exact backlight as our dash. Autometer steering cluster gauge pod "the one where the boost gauge sets to the left so you can see the warning lights. I also recentely replaced my spark plugs with Dinso Iridium plugs and believe the already smooth running turbo is even smoother now!

All these upgrades took me two years to purchase and I installed them myself not a problem. I wish to purchase more aftermarket products over the next few years. I was very much happy with my Gti stock but fell in love with all the easy upgrades that truly add a totally different angle of things "if you know what i mean" You can get much info on aftermarket parts online and Eurotuner Magazine is truly a sweet Volkswagen magazine.

If you are like me and maintain your Volkswagen mostly yourself or just what to learn more about the specs of your GTI I recommend buying the service manual from Bentley Publishers, you will not be disappointed as this manual has more info than you can imagine.

Alright I have to get to sleep, Happy driving to you and remember drive your 1.8t the way it was designed. You know what I mean, Be Safe!!