Faults:

Cruise Control stop working around 80K.

Battery replaced at 60K.

Front passenger power window lift replaced two weeks ago $300 bucks.

General Comments:

With the exception of the battery dying (after 4 years, which is normal), this car has worked every time I've turned the key which is most important. Aside from the minor stuff like the door moldings (which I fixed by spending all of $3.00 for glue), the non-functioning cruise control, and the power window lift, I have had no problems with this car. The battery is the only component under the hood that has been replaced (still has originial transmission, starter, etc.)

Faults:

Vital screw came loose in transmission around 100 miles.

Stock tires wore out too quickly. Due to defective brand.

Driver's window makes grinding noise when it is rolled up.

Brake pads worn and replaced around 92000 miles.

Windshield wiper switch broke due to wiring malfunction. (Apparently, this is a recall issue.)

General Comments:

I purchased my Trek to replace my 1989 Honda Accord, which was stolen and stripped (later found with nothing on it or in it). I debated on whether or not to purchase another Honda since the Accord LX-i was very fun to drive. But my family is 30+ year Volkswagen owners and swears by them, plus the fact that my first car was a 1979 Rabbit. So I gave in and got the Trek version (mostly for the new bike).

The car was inexpensive (in VW standards) and stylish. It came with a rear spoiler, sunroof, fog lights, auto locks, auto windows, sport wheels, sport seats, the Trek bike and roof rack. Aside from the "package" items, the car is fun to drive!

Even though it's only a 4-cylinder, 2.0 liter, the car really picks up and goes. Gas mileage is better than expected. Having owned the car for six years, I swear it gets better all the time. Last time I checked, I was getting 35 miles per gallon (highway of course). And I've topped out at 110 miles per hour with no effort (that's as high as my adrenaline would let me go).

The seats are comfortable, the cabin is roomy, the trunk is large (much larger than the Honda), shifting is smooth, and if I close my eyes I could swear I'm driving German luxury without the sticker shock.

I've had no disappointments with the car except for the tires. I was made aware that defective tires were used that year, and I didn't realize I had a tire warranty. Also, the cup holders were a poor design.

At 107,000 miles, I'm ready to put on 107,000 more!

Faults:

Just about everything major went wrong with this lemon.

Bought at 18,000 miles, problems started at 23,000.

Transmission starting getting louder and louder. Gears are not kicking in or switching. The car jumps when the gears finally do change. I took the car to the dealership twice while still under warranty, and no one saw any problems. I was dismissed with a $500 tune up. Transmission problems continued getting worse.

Next, the engine lights started going off like it was the 4th of July. I took it to the dealership, under warranty and of course, they couldn't see any problem. The lights intermittently go off and on, still. If you want the engine light turned off after it's turned itself on, you have to go to a friendly Volkswagen dealer, who will do it for you for $75. I finally took the Jetta lemon to a mechanic who said there may be a major problem with the engine.

At 50,000 miles the AC had some major issue and it cost me $400 to fix it.

At 55,000 miles right front wheel bearing needed changing, $280.

At 56,000 miles I need to change shocks.

I emailed the friendly customer service Volkswagen manufacturer to complain about this car. They were quick to return my call, only to say that they are sorry, but they can't do anything. Not even a $5 coupon for oil change! I figure they must be flooded with phone calls and can't afford $5 for every customer.

General Comments:

Don't ever buy a Volkswagen! I have friends who have some major problems with their newer models just like I had with the 1997 jetta. Dealerships will dismiss your major and numerous problems, and the manufacturer will tell you that you're stuck with it.

Volkswagen! Good luck with your business, you'll need it!