Faults:

Shortly after purchasing (approx 10,000k) had the engine light come on and the vehicle when into safe mode. It was only a faulty sensor but it took many trips to the dealer to find. Frustrating for a new vehicle owner. So I gave the car good reliability but the dealers lower marks for the time it took to correct the problem.

General Comments:

Really a pleasure to drive. With the heated seats the longer winter warm ups aren't a problem.

Starting the TDI in the winter. No problem even at -30c (I add fuel anti gel if it's getting that cold.)

My fuel mileage is still improving as time goes on.

The 2004 PD TDI engine is quiet and clean. Only at idle would you know it's a TDI.

I prefer the driving characteristics of the TDI to the gas version. Very torquey and fun.

A little more power would be nice but am happy to sacrifice a little speed for the MPG's and the environment.

Five speed shifts buttery smooth. Always puts a smile on my face.

Hoping to pick up the new Jetta Wagon TDI for my growing family. Wish the Van came in a TDI version.

Faults:

Shortly after car was purchased catalytic converter needed to be replaced around 56235.

Airbag light came on shortly after, needs new drivers side airbag.

Temperature sensor failed, was replaced at same time of catalytic converter (56235).

All was covered under warranty due to the fact that I just purchased the car almost two months ago.

General Comments:

Not very impressed about the reliability. Rust spots were improperly repaired to look like when I bought the car that there was no rust. The rust came through the touch-up paint shortly after the car was purchased. Not very impressive.

Car handles wonderfully, interior is very comfortable, quiet ride. It can be a bit pokey on the acceleration front, but it only has 115 Horsepower, so that's not too surprising. Interior has very nice high quality plastics, feels like a much more expensive car, plus it looks great.

Faults:

We purchased this vehicle because we owned a 1990 Passat purchased from Europe when we were diplomats. We loved the vehicle, always reliable, repairs were too expensive. As soon as it cost 1100 dollars for a muffler, that vehicle needed to go.

The Turbo is acting up lately, we are not sure why - the vehicle does not climb past 2000rpm's and the normal turbo sound is gone. The vehicle drives like a normal sluggish diesel.

When we purchased the vehicle, we noticed air coming into the vehicle (not from the windows), it was freezing in the winters, even though the heated seats and heat was on. After fighting with the dealership and eventually switching dealers, we had the drivers side door adjusted and body work done caused by eventual rust/paint damage due to the door being miss-aligned.

The switch for the passenger seat heated seat went out at 120,000kms. - Replaced due to a defect in the heated seats, warranty was extended until June of 2009.

Also, when it was damp/raining outside we noticed the car would Chatter on the get go - it was not from poorly skilled drivers (standard) - Pleading our case the dealer agreed to go "fishing" - It was deemed that the flywheel had a defect which eventually caused damage to the whole clutch system. - Replaced at no charge.

The car also idles very rough - we had something replaced but I cannot remember - also under warranty. Still must be because it's a diesel.

General Comments:

On the city roads - This vehicle gets 800 or more KM's to a tank. With todays gas prices, it's 70.00 to fill.

Very reliable, besides what is mentioned, this vehicle is fun to drive and can beat any other import around the turns/speed wise.

For a 1.9L diesel engine, this car has plenty of power, and will squeal your tires if you know how to drive it.

The interior gets dirty VERY quickly, but there is certainly Volkswagen quality.

The 8 speaker sound system sounds AWESOME. Don't count on lots of bass, but count on a quality sounding system.