Made me VW loyal
Minor transmission leak, which was covered by warranty. Issues with stock stereo, which was under warranty and replace by dealer. Minor occasional electrical glitches.
Overall, I am very happy with this car. I have had it for 8 years and just bought a new Jetta. I am very VW loyal!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st June, 2003
Not that great
When I got the car, I had the serpentine belt, timing belt, and v-belts replaced, and also the spark plugs.
First to go was the water pump.
The O2 sensor went bad, and it smelled horrible when I was driving it.
Then it was the clutch, that one hurt the pocket.
Fast idle valve has been broken the whole time.
Since I have had the car, I have put a couple of aftermarket parts on it.
First was an intake, haven't been able to find a company that you get a polished tube with it.
Next, was a front strut tower bar. Amazing at how much it helped cornering.
Last (hopefully I will be able to sell the car) is a short shift. Much shorter throw.
Seats are comfortable. Great to go on road trips.
Factory stereo is amazing, great sound quality. No one believes me that the speakers are factory, however the tape deck is annoying.
Car is not that fast, have been beaten by Civics that I shouldn't have been beat by.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 13th April, 2003
My daughter and I negotiate over whom gets to drive it next
Left half shaft required replacement. Not a big deal if you do the work yourself... was relatively easy and part inexpensive ($60). A "triple square" socket is required ($6).
So far, knock on German metal... no other problems...
This car is a blast to drive... after driving this car, you cannot help, but smile... sufficient power to be fun and great handling. The trunk is huge, the seats are comfortable and it has dual airbags.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st August, 2002
Very Nice
The only thing remotely resembling a problem with my Jetta is one of the dash lights burning out (boo-hoo). I find it strange to hear of so many problems with Jetta A3's on this site. I think that half of the reason is people not taking care and proper maintenance of their Volkswagens!!
Best and most reliable cars ever built...Period!!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st July, 2002
A joke
Left speaker went out due to electrical shortage.
Timing belt went at 43,000 miles.
I acquired a coolant leak at 55,000 miles.
My transmission went at 68,000 miles.
I replaced my timing belt ($400.00) with a "mom and pop" shop only to find out after -- that the car was covered up to 50,000 miles under a second owner clause. The upsetting thing was the dealer never informed me I had a warranty at the time of purchase.
There is absolutely no excuse for a transmission to fail with such low mileage. This fault just cost me $3,000.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 29th July, 2002
Not worth it!!
This car is the worst. I had it this car less than 2 years and barely 55,000 miles when the transmission went out. Unfortunately the dealer warranty was for 1 year and the manufacturer warranty is for 50,000 miles.
Horn has stopped working, the side molding falls off, other small stuff.
When the transmission blew I called the manufacturer, they didn't have any sympathy for the fact that I'd had the car 1.8 months and hadn't even put 10,000 miles on it. Tough luck was their response. The dealer wanted $4950 to fix the transmission. I searched everywhere to get someone else to fix it, as soon as I said the words 1995 VW Jetta, the response was the same "Can't do it, only the dealer can fix it." They certainly have you over a barrel. And to top it all off, over the last day or so I've begun to feel it stick again! I just checked and I'm ten days from the expiration of the 1 year warranty on the new transmission. I'm not able to pay another $4000 on this car. I will never buy another VW again! I drove my Honda for 13 years, 103,000 miles before I had these kind of problems.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 5th June, 2002
I have had my 95 Jetta III for 13 months now. In these thirteen months, I have had to replace a suspension spring, both front struts, my ABS light stays on (sensor problem), the radiator and cooling fan motor core support beam has rotted, and water leaks into the car when it rains. I have only put 14000 miles on it since its purchase. This car it an ongoing nightmare.
5th May 2003, 11:59
I recently purchased a 1995 Cabrio. The car had 62,000 miles on it. Within 200 miles the transmission went out. Repair costs $3000. I am now told that I should also invest in a ECM. Dealers stock the CLK transmissions in their parts department. This should throw a flag of caution for anyone. Dealers stocking an entire transmission indicate a major on going problem. I am sorry I purchased this car already... RD in Sac.