Shown: 2003 Volkswagen Golf Match. Photo: Harvey Bold, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Newest year: 2006
Gas
Diesel
Small cars

2000-2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG & Fuel Cost

7 model years · 21–38 MPG combined

Combined

City

Highway

Annual fuel cost · GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD

$3,210

15,000 mi/yr · premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)

Cheaper to fuel than 6 of 10 small car configurations, MY2006. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.

Next generation: 2007-2008

2000-2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI at a glance

The 2000-2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI covers 7 model years in the EPA database (59 configurations in all), rated 21–38 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2006, costs about $2,780 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD (34 MPG), at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). Powertrains over the years: gas and diesel. EPA changed the ratings in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. The best combined rating in the generation, 38 MPG, was reached in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.

2000-2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI by model year

2000-2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI: EPA combined rating and yearly fuel cost for each model year
Model year	Powertrains	Combined	$/yr	EPA ratings
2006	Gas, Diesel	22–34 MPG	$2,720–$3,650	Ratings changed
2005	Gas, Diesel	22–35 MPG	$2,700–$3,650	Ratings changed
2004	Gas, Diesel	22–36 MPG	$2,620–$3,650	Ratings changed
2003	Gas, Diesel	22–38 MPG	$2,480–$3,650	Ratings changed
2002	Gas, Diesel	21–38 MPG	$2,480–$3,650	Ratings changed
2001	Gas, Diesel	21–38 MPG	$2,480–$3,650	Ratings changed
2000	Gas, Diesel	21–38 MPG	$2,480–$3,650	First year

What the 2006 GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD costs to drive

Per month

$268

$3,210 a year ÷ 12

Per 25 miles

$5.35

Per 100 miles

$21.40

Five years

$16,050

5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level

vs the small car median

$440less a year

Class median $3,650 a year, MY2006

Based on 15,000 miles a year and premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG

EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.

Versus 2005: The most efficient configuration moves from 35 to 34 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,700 to $2,780, $80 more.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L

Combined

22–25 MPG

Per year

$2,720–$3,650

See gas configurations

Diesel · 1.9L

Combined

32–34 MPG

Per year

$2,780–$2,950

See diesel configurations

Gas configurations (6)

2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S6) (Most efficient)	2.0L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	22	29	25	$3,210
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	27	24	$2,720
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	29	24	$2,720
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	21	29	24	$3,350
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd	2.0L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	21	29	24	$3,350
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S5)	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	19	27	22	$3,650

4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Diesel configurations (2)

2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI diesel configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	31	40	34	$2,780
Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S5)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	28	40	32	$2,950

Diesel is priced at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

2005 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG

22–35 MPG · $2,700–$3,650/yr

EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.

Versus 2004: The most efficient configuration moves from 36 to 35 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,620 to $2,700, $80 more.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.8L

Combined

22–24 MPG

Per year

$2,720–$3,650

See gas configurations

Diesel · 1.9L

Combined

32–35 MPG

Per year

$2,700–$2,950

See diesel configurations

Gas configurations (5)

2005 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd (Most efficient)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	21	29	24	$3,350
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S5)	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	19	27	22	$3,650
GTI 2.8L 6-cyl	2.8L 6-cyl	FWD	19	27	22	$3,650

3 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Diesel configurations (2)

2005 Volkswagen Golf / GTI diesel configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	32	41	35	$2,700
Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S5)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	28	39	32	$2,950

Diesel is priced at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

2004 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG

22–36 MPG · $2,620–$3,650/yr

EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.

Versus 2003: The most efficient configuration moves from 38 to 36 MPG, down 2. Its annual cost goes from $2,480 to $2,620, $140 more.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.8L

Combined

22–24 MPG

Per year

$2,720–$3,650

See gas configurations

Diesel · 1.9L

Combined

32–36 MPG

Per year

$2,620–$2,950

See diesel configurations

Gas configurations (5)

2004 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd (Most efficient)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	21	28	24	$3,350
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S5)	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	19	27	22	$3,650
GTI 2.8L 6-cyl	2.8L 6-cyl	FWD	19	27	22	$3,650

3 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Diesel configurations (2)

2004 Volkswagen Golf / GTI diesel configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	32	42	36	$2,620
Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S5)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	28	39	32	$2,950

Diesel is priced at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

2003 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG

22–38 MPG · $2,480–$3,650/yr

EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.

Versus 2002: The most efficient configuration stays at 38 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,480.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.8L

Combined

22–24 MPG

Per year

$2,720–$3,650

See gas configurations

Diesel · 1.9L

Combined

33–38 MPG

Per year

$2,480–$2,860

See diesel configurations

Gas configurations (6)

2003 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	29	24	$2,720
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	21	28	24	$3,350
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	20	27	23	$2,840
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	20	28	23	$3,490
GTI 2.8L 6-cyl	2.8L 6-cyl	FWD	19	27	22	$3,650
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S5)	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	19	27	22	$3,650

4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Diesel configurations (2)

2003 Volkswagen Golf / GTI diesel configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	35	44	38	$2,480
Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	29	40	33	$2,860

Diesel is priced at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

2002 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG

21–38 MPG · $2,480–$3,650/yr

EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.

Versus 2001: The most efficient configuration stays at 38 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,480.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.8L

Combined

21–24 MPG

Per year

$2,720–$3,650

See gas configurations

Diesel · 1.9L

Combined

33–38 MPG

Per year

$2,480–$2,860

See diesel configurations

Gas configurations (7)

2002 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	21	28	24	$3,350
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	20	27	23	$2,840
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	20	28	23	$3,490
GTI 2.8L 6-cyl FWD Manual 6-spd	2.8L 6-cyl	FWD	19	27	22	$2,970
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S5)	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	19	27	22	$3,650

Show 0 more configurations

2002 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost (+1)
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
GTI 2.8L 6-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd	2.8L 6-cyl	FWD	18	26	21	$3,110

3 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Diesel configurations (2)

2002 Volkswagen Golf / GTI diesel configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	35	44	38	$2,480
Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	29	40	33	$2,860

Diesel is priced at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

2001 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG

21–38 MPG · $2,480–$3,650/yr

EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.

Versus 2000: The most efficient configuration stays at 38 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,480.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.8L

Combined

21–24 MPG

Per year

$2,720–$3,650

See gas configurations

Diesel · 1.9L

Combined

33–38 MPG

Per year

$2,480–$2,860

See diesel configurations

Gas configurations (7)

2001 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
Golf 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	22	28	24	$3,350
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	22	28	24	$3,350
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	20	26	22	$2,970
Golf 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	20	26	22	$3,650
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	20	26	22	$3,650

Show 0 more configurations

2001 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost (+1)
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
GTI 2.8L 6-cyl	2.8L 6-cyl	FWD	18	26	21	$3,110

4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Diesel configurations (2)

2001 Volkswagen Golf / GTI diesel configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	35	44	38	$2,480
Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	29	40	33	$2,860

Diesel is priced at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

2000 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG

21–38 MPG · $2,480–$3,650/yr

EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.8L

Combined

21–24 MPG

Per year

$2,720–$3,650

See gas configurations

Diesel · 1.9L

Combined

33–38 MPG

Per year

$2,480–$2,860

See diesel configurations

Gas configurations (9)

2000 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	21	28	24	$2,720
Golf 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	21	28	24	$3,350
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	21	28	24	$3,350
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	19	26	22	$2,970
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd	2.0L 4-cyl	FWD	19	26	22	$2,970

Show 0 more configurations

2000 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost (+3)
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
Golf 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	19	26	22	$3,650
GTI 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	19	26	22	$3,650
GTI 2.8L 6-cyl	2.8L 6-cyl	FWD	18	26	21	$3,110

4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Diesel configurations (2)

2000 Volkswagen Golf / GTI diesel configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
Trim	Engine	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb.	$/yr
Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient)	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	35	44	38	$2,480
Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd	1.9L 4-cyl turbo	FWD	29	40	33	$2,860

Diesel is priced at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Fuel cost by state

Yearly cost of the GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD: $3,830 in California and $2,790 in Texas, a $1,040 difference.

California $3,830
Washington $3,600
New York $3,170
Florida $2,930
Texas $2,790

Gasoline prices: California: California state average; Washington: Washington state average; New York: New York state average; Florida: Florida state average; Texas: Texas state average (Sep 2026).

Fuel cost in every state

Similar cars

Closest combined MPG among MY2006 small car models.

2006 Volkswagen Jetta

25 MPG · $3,210/yr

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt

25 MPG · $2,610/yr

2006 Lexus IS

24 MPG · $3,350/yr

2006 Audi A4

24 MPG · $3,350/yr

EPA ratings: fueleconomy.gov file of Sep 29, 2026 · Prices: EIA regular gasoline, U.S. average, Sep 2026 ($4.36/gal) · 15,000 mi/yr, 55% city / 45% highway · How we calculate

Generations

All Volkswagen Golf / GTI years All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

What gas mileage does the 2000-2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI get?

EPA rates the 2000-2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI at 21–38 MPG combined across 59 configurations and 7 model years. The most efficient version, the 2003 Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD, is rated 38 MPG (35 city, 44 highway). By powertrain: Gas: 21–25 MPG; Diesel: 32–38 MPG.

Which years had the best MPG in the 2000-2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI?

The Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 38 MPG, in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. The lowest top rating, 34 MPG, was in 2006.

Did EPA ratings change during the 2000-2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI?

Yes. Ratings changed in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI per year?

Driving 15,000 miles a year at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD costs about $3,210 a year. Across all 8 configurations the cost runs $2,720–$3,650 a year. That is a $930 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.

How much does it cost to drive a 2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI 100 miles?

About $21.40 per 100 miles for the GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $18.13 and $24.33 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.

Is the 2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI more efficient in the city or on the highway?

The GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD is rated 22 city and 29 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 7 MPG.

How does the 2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI compare with other small car configurations?

The GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD costs about $3,210 a year to fuel, $440 less than the class median of $3,650, and less than 6 of 10 small car configurations. The comparison covers all 286 rated small car configurations for MY2006, not weighted by sales.

Is the 2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI different from the 2005 model?

The most efficient configuration moves from 35 to 34 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,700 to $2,780, $80 more. EPA lists 8 configurations for 2006 against 7 configurations for 2005. See the 2005 Volkswagen Golf / GTI for that year.