2002 Volkswagen GTI Base

The Volkswagen GTI, it can be argued, is the one that showed America that small cars can be fun. The 1.8-liter turbocharged engine gains 30 horsepower from previous years and is now rated at 180 hp. If speed isn't enough, the Volkswagen Golf plays many roles and plays them well. It's a practical car. Two people can sit comfortably in the back seats. The hatchback design means you can fold those seats down and cram amazing loads of stuff into the cargo area. Being in one is pleasant. The Golf is one of the most refined compacts available, exuding precision German engineering, and upscale trim and a high level of standard equipment make it comfortable.