New and Used GTI Prices, Volkswagen GTI Model Years and History

Volkswagen GTI was virtually unchanged for 1998, with minor updates being made to upper trim levels and the VR6 getting a complete makeover. Remote keyless entry was made standard for this model year. The Volkswagen GTI was offered with two models for 1999, the third and fourth-generation, with a restyled and smoother GTI for the fourth-generation being more attractive. The GLS Turbo model debuted in 2000, boasting 150 horses. New side mark lights, trunk entrapment buttons, cup holders and head-protecting airbags were the big news for 2001. The GLS and GLX trims were gone with the wind for 2002, with a new 180 hp turbo engine available and an upgraded VR6 engine with double-clutch that boasted 200 horses under the hood.

 

Volkswagen upped the warranty to four-years/50,000-miles bumper-to-bumper, up from two years/24,000 miles this year, too. In 2003, stability control with BrakeAssist was added and backlit buttons were made standard. The 237 hp R32 debuted in 2004, marking the big news for that year. Model years 2005-2006 featured only updates to upper trim levels. Updated wheel styles, lowered riding height, a tire pressure monitoring system and iPod integration were the major updates for 2007.

 

Trim level updates for 2008 and the addition of the Rabbit GTI in 2009 rounded out the changes for these model years. A redesigned Volkswagen GTI debuted in 2010, offering a sleeker style, improved performance and new luxury features. Model years 2011-2013 only saw subtle changes following the redesign. The only update for 2014 was the discontinuation of the two-door model.