1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6 review from North America

I've had various sensors and pumps go wrong with the car. It has been maddening at times. Things like a camshaft position sensor that made the car shut off dead while I was driving. It took them a lot of time to find out what was wrong with it that time. There have been other little things that seem to cost some $$$. Most recently I was told that I need a secondary air injector pump and valve assembly to pass inspection ($1,300). I know my car has a lot of miles on it, but things like this drove me crazy about once every 1.5 years during my 9 year owning of the car.

First the engine is nice and torquey. It just pulls very strongly from down low and then pulls you (with torque steer) up to about 6000 RPM. The car pulls strongly at highway speed, but runs out of steam way up there as all cars do. I routinely took it to 100 MPH and once to 130 MPH (it's electronically limited top speed). It also has a nice exhaust sound to it.

The transmission is a bit sloppy, but from what I gather, it is a common trait in VWs. Overall it was acceptable. That said the clutch for me was very stout. I'm getting rid of the car now after 180,000 miles and it is still on the original clutch with no signs of slippage.

It handles pretty well and felt like a solid German car should, but it could have been a little tighter and the suspension could have been lowered about an inch. Both for aesthetic value and performance. Usually going into a corner you go in fast let the car lean and transfer its weight around then really carve through.

The interior is very practical for a coupe. I could fit so much back there with the back seats folded. I even went to Canada (9 hours) with 4 passengers and their luggage once (although I wouldn't recommend it for the passengers). The drivers side seat ripped about 5 years after purchase and the headliner gets dirty. Overall wear and tear average.

The car looks great. Nice, simple and muscular without being cute. I think my 3rd gen car looks better than the 4th gen they just stopped making, but not as good as the new 5th gen that just came out.