2nd Gear is How Tall? // 2025 VW Jetta GLI Review

[@IronmanV5]

I don't know what is more impressive, this review or the fact that you managed to have socks that matched the paint color.

[@johnturner4400]

Sarah got VW to match the paint to her socks.

[@jb5nf]

​@@johnturner4400😂 exactly

[@KBTibbs]

Sarah is a professional, okay?

[@RocktCityTim]

I had a bright red '89 Jetta GLI - Recaro Seats and BBS wheels. I still miss that car.

[@bxc184]

Tornado red. I miss mine.

[@chrisc4288]

I currently have a T-red 1989 GLi… it’s now 20v swapped but I still have it… It equipped with 91 grey GLi interior. Love it car… abs/esp was included with the 20v conversion I did, and in this car it’s a major upgrade

[@RocktCityTim]

@@chrisc4288 It's such a wonderfully designed car. @sarahntuned - there's one for you to track down, restomod and install the 6cyl from the Carrado!

[@mxpxguy79]

Just picked up a 24 leftover GLI. drove it from Dallas to Florida where I live, Hands down the best long distance drive experience I've ever had. The seats were comfortable, the suspension was amazing and it has plenty of power. I ended up paying 27k OTD which is a real bargain, I feel like every mile is a smile :)

[@TechnicallyJustin]

Love my 19 GLI. Even the S cheaper seats than the autobahn are fantastic (and heated). Just love the whole thing. Such a great ride

[@CreateR900]

I have a 24 as well. Great daily!

[@NilsLorvick]

I've owned 4 VWs now, and seat comfort is something that I've always been incredibly happy with.

[@mr_spoopy2286]

had a similar deal go down with my 23, love the car.

[@Tectonicia]

The fact that still exists in 2024 is amazing. Not everything as to be a Crossover or SUV. This still space for Sedans and Hitchbacks.

[@Nel33147]

I would have agreed with you when I was younger , but now entering my seventies I can see why smaller crossovers make sense. Easy ingress and easy egress. Mazda CX5 …… no CVT and naturally aspirated. 2 things I don’t want to worry about ….. CVT and a turbo.

[@canto_v12]

@@Nel33147 Agreed, CUVs are just an evolution of the car. Sedans and hatches are great for shorter people, taller folk do better in cars with taller bodies.

[@73Fluxx1]

A 6 speed manual sedan, a rare sight for sure. What a shame everyone's so enamoured with SUV's that actual car's that are meant to be driven are becoming something rare.

[@user-xd1ze4jf6e]

Practicality and ergonomics. I grew up on GTi (real ones, with 2 doors!) and love them. But also love going from a small hatch to a big hatch (SUV/CUV) when I needed a family car. Still want a 2 door hatch for a run about. Using a 2001 TT still, because there is nothing as practical on the market to replace it with 2 doors. Mazda 3 is closest..

[@josephpanozzo4815]

I wish VW still offered the Rabbit/Golf hatchback for the US market.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

​@user-xd1ze4jf6e If I had to buy a 4 door manual hatch...I would get Mazda 3...if sedan...CT5V Blackwing....realistically this GLI though....but I am poor so I will keep driving my 1998 5 speed Nissan Sentra

[@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer]

@@fortheloveofnoise This car is way, way, way better than a Mazda 3.

[@Primus54]

That’s a lot of car for the money… especially with the performance and tech features it has. Yay for the “anti-theft” 6-speed! Thank you, Sarah. 👍👍👍

[@TreHco939]

I have to disagree. A 2019 gli has almost the same tech and exactly same mechanics and you can find it in the low $20s if you look well. I have a 2019 and can't justify upgrading to a new one.

[@jb5nf]

​@@TreHco939No new 2020 models at my local dealership 😢

[@jeremyrimmer9247]

“Anti theft 6 speed” love it1😂

[@Primus54]

@ You are comparing a new versus used vehicle, apples and oranges. My comment is based upon what this new vehicle offers versus other new vehicles.

[@enmass90]

anti theft six speed is such a stupid myth lol. plenty of cars with manual transmissions get stolen all of the time. My neighbor's WRX just got stolen the other day. The question is about desirability of the parts on the vehicle.

[@AaronCarp]

VW can still put out a driver's car today. My 17 GTI has 120K and I do the maintenance and am meticulous about it. Fun to work on and super tunable.

[@Scott2-dj9gv]

I bought the 2025 Jetta SEL and love it! With under 400 miles I took it on a 3000+ mile trip and averaged over 42MPG while basking in comfort. Love the car!

[@ChristSotos-fy4vw]

It's so nice to hear a REAL review instead of a complete bash against VW for some shity reasons (like where it's being made) my daughters is such a great car for 6 years now thank you very much,oh ya never even noticed your fashion material until i read th comments 😂

[@marcom2248]

What's wrong with the place where it's made?

[@andrewjarvis7777]

@@marcom2248 nothing is wrong with the place, just that many people I think prefer to have their vehicles not sourced out to mexico to be built especially german cars

[@ChristSotos-fy4vw]

@@marcom2248 nothing at all but some people feel that Mexico is bad then some think it's still made in Germany because it's a VW

[@marcom2248]

​@@ChristSotos-fy4vwOK, I get it. But hasn't VW a long history of building cars in Mexico? Thats nothing new.

[@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer]

@@marcom2248 People think that VW made in Mexico are less reliable not knowing that the place is 100% automated.

[@nowitzoverhead2873]

My pride and joy is my 03 mkiv gli vr6. Glad to see they are keeping this car alive. Yay 😁

[@JesseArt]

LOVE the VR6. I wish VW would bring back a modern version.

[@trevlanes]

My wife had a 2003 24 valve GLI with a six speed. Probably the best car we’ve ever had. Drunk driver killed it while I was parked on the street :-( I’ve always gotten my eye out for another one. I know they’re out there.

[@davecaporicci6015]

Another sample of a detailed, interesting and well shot review! Oh, and let’s not forget fun and entertaining!

[@slackerman9758]

No kidding. I love the foam hand too. Useful and comical.

[@douglasboyle6544]

5:24 your reflection in the center cap was a nice touch. Very cinematic

[@karacha]

Probably one of the best cars for the $$ right now. Great review!

[@betteheadbettehead4800]

I got a Golf R in February. Love it!

[@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer]

That's another level

[@StoopDogg89]

I'm on my second GLI. Had a 2015, now I have a 2020. Great cars!!!

[@FireWoodOfficial]

Your annunciation of the letter T is impeccable. JeT TA. 😂

[@ianprice2298]

I have always had a soft spot for the Jetta.

[@chriskroenung4825]

I had the first Jetta GLI loved that car

[@indycollie6424]

My mk3 has been the best car I have ever owned, going on 15 years, over 240k miles. This is the first new car I've actually been interested in.

[@jeremykerr1414]

Had a 2003 Jetta GLI VR6 Grey fully loaded! Was my fav car I’ve ever owned minus the cost…lol wish I kept it.

[@ak2112]

The exterior facelift is such a huge improvement.

[@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer]

Nah, the rear was way better on the previous model other than that yes, it's not bad

[@irritablearchitect]

A wagon version with this spec would be fire.

[@ricome169]

I would buy 2.

[@stephenlepore4476]

Probably available every where but the usa

[@irritablearchitect]

@@ricome169 - 😁

[@ricome169]

@@stephenlepore4476 that's true. I have a alltrack they still make them in in Europe but stopped them here ln 019

[@shroomyesc]

@@stephenlepore4476 They make a Jetta/Bora wagon for China but otherwise the VW wagons of this size everywhere else are Golfs

[@charlesbrowne5307]

You always put a smile on my face Sarah! Today I realized by watching your face getting ready to "give it the beans" how much your really love to race around and drive fast. So cool.

[@pjl4562]

This is EXACTLY the review I was waiting for! Thank you so much!!!!!

[@rockman4699]

Aloha Miss Sarah AKA the hardest working KZbinr. Hope you had time for a nice meal yesterday. Greetings to Charlie.

[@terryhughes7196]

Thanks for keeping the manual transmission Volkswagen

[@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer]

I just think it's weird that GLI is manual but not the R....

[@tns5044]

My first car was an 1980 Jetta. To say that i have a weak spot for these is an understatement. Excellent review as usual Sarah!

[@gregw988]

I don't know what is more impressive, this review or the fact that you managed to have nails that matched the paint color.

[@nxtstps5926]

So stoked to hear this review. Like all your reviews its interesting, detailed, informative, practical well thought out. Seriously I think you're one of the best car reviewers there are. I watch almost all of them. Almost always learn something new or interesting about each manufacturer and model of vehicle. Love your boundless descriptives on textures, smells, sounds, drive characteristics and all terminology that lands the point. Love how much you pay attention to the design and details as well as your constructive critique or offerings of what could be changed or made better or when somethings hella dumb and totally gimmick. Not to mention all the quirks and trinkets you find and point out. I think the GLI is sick af. Oh and haha your outfits damn you go the extra mile all your car review outfits are also highly detailed and well thought out. Bravo

[@iarpak]

My first new car was a ‘90 Jetta GL, when I was 22, 5-speed manual with the VW tear drop wheels. Only 100hp but absolutely loved that car. Blast to drive. Replaced with a used ‘95 GTI VR6 manual 2-door which is one of my favorite cars that I’ve owned. Excellent review as always and I’m really happy that they’re still making a manual GLI. Sad no more manual in GTI though.

[@371508129]

I wasn’t even thinking about VW but I think that now I will take a closer look at this car.

[@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer]

Great experience for your $

[@wilbready]

I had a 2006 Golf base model and it was a blast to drive. I always said it thought it was a Porsche being so tight and nimble with excellent build quality. Nice to see some things don’t change. Thanks for the great review! ~WilPaul

[@twotrackjack2260]

I really like the GLI, it's awesome that you finally got to review one!

[@dgmithril]

A manual Mk V GTI was my first car I bought on my own and so GTIs will always have a place in my heart, but the loss of a manual transmission means my next VW will probably be this Jetta GLI. Very useful video!

[@btolley100]

i love that it keeps your driving mode between drives. MY RCF always reverts to normal so first thing in the morning I have to twist the sport button.

[@IanForsythWestCoast]

Great review! Came for the gams, stayed for the thoughtful, funny and informed presentations. Although I’m a VW fan boy, I’ve never had the pleasure of owning or even driving a GLI or GTI. I know! Timing I guess. I’ve owned five classic Beetles, ‘65 red convertible, ‘67 white bug, ‘75 Anacona blue Le Grande Bug, ‘64 deluxe sedan, ‘74 orange Sunroof auto stickshift SuperBeetle, a 4sp silver 411, 2 gen7 Golfs, one gen 7.5. That’s 5 classic Beetles, one 411, 3 black Golfs, 2 fun Tiguans, and a Taos in a pear tree, but no G’s. 😔

[@chorseundgrd]

I have a '19 6 Speed Autobahn. Great car. Hard to replace because it's such a great value. I installed coilovers and better tire/wheel combo. Car drives like a luxury sport sedan. Interior is a a bit creaky, the beats sound system is really unbalanced. You'll need to eq some of the highs out and mellow out the bass. There isn't much midrange. But with a bit of adjustment it's not bad. Much better than the base system. I recommend oil changes every 5-7k, not 10 like the manual states. The 2.0 drinks oil, you'll want to top up about every 3k ish miles in my experience. Water pump likes to go around 60k so I'd be proactive there. It's very easy to do oil changes, use an extractor. Most maintenance is on youtube or forums. MPGs are great.

[@Gtiperf]

Funny that you said the water pump goes around 60 k 😅, that is exactly when it broke in my 2017 GTI Performance (german spec)

[@LearningJeff]

I can’t help it, I like the V W’b too. The VW products are what I started driving. I had various models through the mid ‘90s. Always a driver vehicle, easy maintenance.

[@bmwloco]

Used to sell VWs. Had a mom order a GLI. 2 kids. No Mini Van for her. Took 9 months for VW to deliver it.

[@StevenLeeT.44]

Your reviews just keep getting better & better! I’m mesmerized by the details you provide. Along with your sense of humor and color coordinated outfits, no one could do it better. Manufactures should be knocking down your door providing vehicles for review. (Especially TESLA)

[@oliverrojas3185]

Thanks for the excellent detailed description of the 2025 VW Jetta GLI's underpinnings. Very thankful VW is still willing to invest in a 6 speed manual GLI. Glad it's not a super aggressive ride. Even if it was, in today's urban, congested United States roads, there aren't a lot of opportunities to safely exploit a GLI's higher limit handling capabilities. The generous product feature content of the Jetta GLI makes it a highly valuable consumer purchase. For some, the 28 Avg. MPG displayed on the dash is still respectable fuel economy allowing for guilt free fun. Thanks for reviewing this vehicle.

[@eppyz]

Thats 28mph's with Sarah thrashing it around, her words not mine.

[@niklaswejedal463]

"Speedholes - makes your car go faster!" - Another great review! Thank you for what you do and Stay Awesome!

[@B5Daytona]

I had a 2020 GLI Autobahn it was a great car. Glad to see the new one is still awesome. Also I bought the Robo-bubble set!!!! Wooohooo!!

[@oTitanBlacko]

I own a 2024 40th Anniversary GLI with DSG locally in Tucson. Only 1,984 of them made in the US. It’s great. 2nd GLI I’ve owned. Also a VW service tech.

[@eppyz]

Local dealer has like 6 of the 40th anniversary GLI's still on the lott. They are having trouble selling them. Guessing because they are all manuals. Thought about getting one but my wife can't drive a manual bummer🙄

[@oTitanBlacko]

@ Great time to learn how to! lol. If you buy a 40th, they also send you this glass plaque in the mail with your vin and the production date of your car. It’s kind of neat.

[@redporschekilla]

My very first car was a 1982 Jetta GLI MK1….. will never forget this pocket rocket….

[@BeagleLady]

Loved watching this. Solid car! I am a big fan of VW GTI / R.

[@timbrown9731]

Once again, Sarah has been able to match her outfit to the color of the vehicle🔥

[@RetirementGoals1]

Great review. Hopefully VW doesn’t kill this car off with their EV plans.

[@betteheadbettehead4800]

I changed the shift knob on my chair 2024 mk8 Golf R and it made a huge difference. I had that same knob

[@wild_lee_coyote]

Robo Bubble is an amazing product it is as much a value as the GLI is. Robo Bubble is also a manual, but it’s not as harsh as other manufactures. It works as hard as Sarah does.

[@bobbyjones2112]

Yeah, those are nice looking. I like the gray color that looks like that!

[@milodemoray]

That really is impressive scoring for a sedan. Then again I think it is a Volkswagen thing. I had a 1986 CLX, which pushed 111kw on the Dyno, and it was a blast. Low profile Goodyear Eagles, a freeflow exhaust, a close ratio racing gearbox, and a smart body kit. It was very, very quick, and it out handled anything on the road at the time.

[@uriellopez4134]

I just got my 2025 gli 2 weeks ago and I don’t regret it it’s so smooth and it’s in my budget for someone my age

[@mostcom]

Once again, a most comprehensive and complete presentation. The Sarah take that surpasses all. As a value packet sedan with enough performance and comfort features, this standard shift model I feel will be a welcome remnant looked back on favorably. Is my perception off when I feel that the body styling leans more JDM than Euro? A plus when your cup holders give you the side eye. We hope you had sushi for Thanksgiving day meal.

[@kevinhill5531]

My Thanksgiving break is complete... live feed and now a spicy VW review. One love ❤

[@alaskabornheathen8902]

What a seriously lovely color. It’s like Lunar Rock with a splash more blue. Take notes Toyota!

[@SamLed1111]

On my 9th VW and my 5th GLI. GLI love is forever. Never had a problem minus my 99 VR6 Jetta (bought new) with electrical gremlins, etc. Traded in my last GLI (2018) with 150k on the odo for a '24. Most fun you can have for under 40k.

[@AngeloKagadis]

As always an amazing car review!!! That black thing on the rear parcel shelf is actually the center seat belt mechanism! Looking forward to your next car review!!

[@Torsee]

4:05 Always love the Braking test camera angle on the front tire! You can almost see the antilock brake intervals.

[@frant1cOne]

"I don't mind the fake noises in this car" beep beep beep, excited horn noises. I do like that you honked the horn. You should do that in all your car reviews. I bought a car once and was really excited about it, until I beeped the horn. It was a Subaru and I was severely disappointed.

[@neoanderson7]

Always dressed accordingly. 🙂 You definitely agree with the VW's. Still completely honest about the review though. Editing always on point as well..👍

[@peterteague6184]

Chef's kiss 😘 on this review... Dubs 4 life

[@WWarped1]

Such a great little car, eat up the miles in comfort with ease. Great video, as always. I could picture you having fun owning a GTI/VR6/ or R32 or some sorts.

[@jmusquiz75]

You should definitely have over a million subscribers. Most car reviewers are like boring zombies babbling like nerds spending more time bitching about what they don’t like and putting viewers to sleep. You got spice! Keep it up! Maybe you can review my old beast.😎⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviewer!!

[@stephensangalli]

Thank you, great review. ❤

[@JasmineForrest-x9k]

tunedbyai AI fixes this. VW Jetta GLI Review

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

Thanks for the vid, love your work. The "nerding out on the tech specs" is awesome, love it. And maybe it's just OCD but I love how you try to be matchy matchy with the color of the vehicle you are reviewing - a little detail that is really nice for at least some of your viewers. Thank you.

[@tensortab8896]

Had a 2 liter 4 speed Jetta about 10 years ago. It was great having a stick, and I could teach my kids.

[@danielfoster2339]

Another great review, cute outfit too Sarah!🎉

[@Parker53151]

Great way to begin the morning! Thanks, Sarah.

[@tomdrummy4984]

Love Sarah ❤️ …….Hard working, amazing builds with quality workmanship………and awesome car reviews in very cute outfits ! 😃

[@europana7]

Always looking forward to see the perfect matching outfit … 🎉

[@Opt1685]

Pro tip for any GLI buyers: toss out those crappy Hankook tires. It is the worst part about the car.

[@devn3813]

Exactly. Literally any continental or Michelin will be better.

[@JagAss-ls7ie]

If you could put any tire on there, what would it be?

[@devn3813]

@@JagAss-ls7ie DW06+ or the Michelin pilot sport all season or 4s

[@TimVachter-yk5gu]

Sarah you are so interesting to listen to I alway love the VW GLI but never own one but the VW IS Becoming very beautiful car thank Sarah for the information

[@garytate8284]

My 2014 GTi is one of the best manual sports cars I have ever had. Brilliant build too.

[@johnmbell4642]

Hey Sarah, Great review as always so much fun. awesome to see it still has a manual option. Sad to hear about the GTI no longer having a manual. I think I knew that but I probably suppressed it the memories of that golf ball shifter. Those were the days.🙂 hope you had a great pre-Thanksgiving🐧🐧🐧👍

[@kevinwhite6176]

I have a 2019 GLI 35th anniversary edition with the 7-speed DSG. It's a great car. It's "a GTI with a trunk", and the longer wheelbase makes for less head toss. The DSG is great, although I don't really agree with the way D and S are programmed. D lugs the engine and S fast-idles and is fine until you have to floor it and then you roar around 2 gears too low for like a minute straight. If I get sick of it, I can just put it in manual mode and you get snappy fast flappy-paddle shifts all day. The suspension stays in comfort mode. Who really wants 'sport suspension' driving around on the street? The torque and engine tuning is just great. The boost threshold is so low you're never caught without that "area under the curve", the engine pulls pretty well to high revs, and you have enough power to wring it out all the time and yet it's not crazy. It's been a great car.

[@morrigansraven61]

Thanks for another great review!! Great matching outfit too!

[@henriknilsson7851]

If the dead pedal is useful I am in love with this car.

[@richki.24]

I love how you give detailed specs, thanks ....

[@charlesmack2078]

Sarah… Thanks Mucho for an xlnt and honest review of the VW GLI

[@texx1017]

Those Pretoria wheels are the same ones on my 19 Golf R except mine are 19's with a 45 offset. There is a new 24 R at my dealership with the same wheels. 6 year old model wheels on a new car. Those front rotors are the same size as my R. Just FYI you can put lowering springs on these and the active DCC dampers work just fine.

[@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer]

Do you think we can put a 45 offset on the GLI or would you do it?

[@mikeklein4949]

Thanks Sarah, as always, full of info, entertainingly delivered.

[@erikschuddeboom3223]

I’ve got a six speed 2020. Fantastic car. Also had an ‘89 Trophy back in the day.

[@SupergurlKara]

❤️ that your outfit and your nails complement this Jetta's baby blue color. Just more evidence of your attention to detail, you OCDiva.

[@timothycoyne5874]

Great review as usual! This is a lot of car for the money IMO. Still, I bought a new Civic Si a couple months ago and I love it. But I’ll admit I’m jealous of some of the nice features on the GLI.

[@skip70]

Solid in-depth video. Professional, with a side of Girly humour.

[@JohnDarwin7]

You're unique vocabulary is freaking awesome love it.👍

[@blackjackpinoko]

Sarah knows her German, perfect pronunciation

[@robsinHL]

Got a GTI last month (6 speed) sounds very similar to the GLI, love the shit out of it.

[@viper2131]

sounds amazing for oem!

[@chrish1721]

Always seem to find your vids informative and interestingly entertaining.

[@MichaelP-g5n]

I had a 2008 GLI, with a stage 1 and dropped. It was a fun car to drive.

[@davidgiesfeldt6650]

I’ve owned 106 cars, 54 have been VW. I’m running 2020 Tiguan SEL R line premium bought during COVID… and I recently restored a 1968 Beetle (3rd owner from new in CA). I was #9 on the list for ID buzz… now I’m thinking about the last of the manuals…thanks.

[@slymarbo4046]

I've got a mk7 Autobahn tuned catback and lowered such a fun car

[@mbgangstanative]

Whole lotta color coordinating going down in this video. 🙂

[@mrwest5552]

Beep Bop Boop ! your detailing product integrated with your spicy vehicle review , so intelligent Sarah. 👍

[@stevethorn2108]

color coordinated sara wow ... kool

[@Splendid_Lad]

I love this car. Definitely a car I wouldn’t mind owning. Thanks for the review!

[@1989jeev]

Love the way you perform these car reviews 👌🏻