The Volkswagen GTI sports coupe, which was based on VW's popular Golf hatchback, was available in two varieties for 1991. The base GTI came with a 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that generated 105 horsepower, while the GTI 16V trim package dropped in a 2.0-liter double-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine and goosed horsepower up to 134. Both versions of the GTI came with a five-speed manual overdrive transmission as standard equipment; a three-speed automatic transmission was added as an option to the base GTI package.

Standard features for the GTI included power brakes, power steering, bucket seats, alloy wheels, a tilt steering wheel, a rear window defroster, foglights, and a tachometer. The GTI 16V added Recaro seats and 15-inch wheels, among other features. In addition to the automatic transmission, optional equipment included air conditioning, a sunroof, and a cassette player.

The GTI got high marks from drivers for its "cool" and "fun" factors, and many noted that the car tended to turn heads. It also could be something of a rocket, so naturally engine performance and handling were rated in a positive way by drivers. The Recaro seats and interior were noted as being particularly comfortable. On the negative side, drivers noted that gas mileage could suffer when the car was pushed to its limits, and repairs, when needed, could be expensive.