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It's easy to see why the Volkswagen GTI was our first two-time AOY winner (in 2007 and 2010). Everything about this car is almost perfect. The 2.0-liter turbo-four feels much stronger than its 200 hp/207 lb-ft ratings suggest. There's lots of room for passengers and cargo in a compact footprint. Interior materials are as nice as you'd find in a non-luxury car. And the chassis is tuned to be rewarding on a spirited drive without being punishing on a commute. All of that for under $25,000 makes the GTI very special.