1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0

Summary:

Not what they used to be

Faults:

Drivers seat cushion starting to sag.

Whole exhaust system replaced.

Radiator went at 90,000 miles.

All power windows system replaced before 60,000 miles.

Trunk lock system went at 80,000 miles.

Trunk light works intermittent.

Clutch went at 70,000 miles.

Battery replaced at 60,000 miles.

All struts replaced at 55,000 miles.

Rear struts replaced twice in three years.

Rear springs replaced at 90,000 miles.

Rear brake cylinders repaired twice in 3 years.

Cruise control went at 60,000 miles.

Spark-plugs wires replaced twice in 3 years.

Car idles when cold.

Oxygen sensors replaced at 45,000 miles.

General Comments:

I'm from Mexico. I had a Volkswagen Golf from 1997 to 1999 and never had any problem with the car. That Golf was manufactured in Mexico and I bought in Mexico. When I changed the car I decided to continue with VW because of its good reputation of quality and durability. I went for the Jetta GLS manufactured in Mexico, but designed to be sold in the US, I bought it as an exportation model, so my car mileage, speed and everything else is measured using miles and gallons. Since it was designed to be sold in the US, I thought the quality would be better than my previous Golf, but this Jetta makes me double think about VW reputation, because of all the parts that needed to be replaced, and the car hasn't met the 100,000 miles. My family also owns some Jettas IV generation and the problems with locks, power windows, gas and water pumps, braking system continue. Definitely I'm thinking in replacing my car, but this time I'll go for a French or Japanese car. VW is just not what it used to be, the German reputation of built to last is gone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th May, 2004

23rd Jul 2004, 04:25

I agree the jetta is a pos. the power windows stink one breaks after another.

2003 Volkswagen Jetta Luxury VR6

Summary:

Do not buy it!

Faults:

- Springs came out from under chairs, can no longer be adjusted.

- Car consumes oil

- Power window regulators have failed.

- Center armrest broke!

- Cup holders in rear broken.

- Sunroof not water proof. 1 cm of water on the car floor after a heavy rain fall!

- Car "creaks" when going over speed bumps and up driveways.

- Entire dashboard area creaks will driving.

- Door panels creaks will driving.

- Gas flap door.

General Comments:

Nice looking car, but that's it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd July, 2003

9th Aug 2003, 13:53

Wait a minute! It's a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Luxury VR6 and you bought it in 2002???

I didn't understand, nothing! Could explain to me, how did you get a 2003 Jetta in 2002?

16th Aug 2003, 11:29

Most cars come out a few months before their actual model year. that's how it was bought in 2002. I know the dealerships in my area are already selling 2004's.

7th Aug 2008, 12:10

Just to reiterate, the automobile model year does not correspond to the calendar year.

New cars typically start coming into car dealerships in the Summer and begin to be sold in earnest in the Fall.

Thus sale of the model year 2003 begins in August/September 2002.

And manufacturing of new car models starts even earlier!

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0

Summary:

It's less than what the salesman offer

Faults:

- First of all the dealer give me the car with some scratches in the paintwork, one week later they fix it.

- When the day it's cold or in winter when I start the engine it fails for the first kilometer then when get warmer start to run smooth.

- The sound it's very nice for the cost of the car.

- The car it's very slow even if it has the 2.0 Liter engine.

- The seats get dirty very quick (obvious it's not the leather kit)

- It has very nice handling in the curved roads.

General Comments:

It's a nice car, good looking, even pretty, but the performance has a lack of punch. The handling it's just fine and can effort some mistakes of the driver.

The interior it's not so roomy, but quite comfortable.

For the price I pay for it, I think I won't buy again a Jetta, maybe a Beetle or a GTI, but not a Jetta.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th May, 2003

7th Oct 2004, 15:33

The 2.0 is the slowest engine option and the Mk IV body is heavier than previous Mks. This makes for the slowest possible Jetta on the market.