When I think best, I think favorite. I know this is far from the "best" car, but I absolutely adored my first MKIV GTI. It was a 2003 1.8T in Tornado red.

It was my first hot hatch. It was the quickest car I had owned at the time. I think the MKIV is a FANTASTIC looking hatchback and has aged well. This introduced me to the "euro" and VW scene. I made lifelong friends and still keep in touch with a few people that I met through that car and local get-togethers.

It was the first car I had a tune on (and any aftermarket parts!), the first car I bought wheels for and lowered, and the only car I've ever paid off. Unfortunately, I was rear-ended by someone in a 3rd gen Firebird going about 40 mph, he pushed me into the car in front of me and the car was totaled.

I've certainly had "better" cars since then, but I still get excited every time I see a clean MKIV GTI.