Faults:

Cup Holder has been replaced 3 times. Twice by the manufacturer at a dealership, and most recently for over $80 at at third party shop (over $60 just for the part).

A row of the Instrument panel isn't lit anymore.

The engine light is constantly on. The dealership replaced two 'failed O2 sensors' for over $300 a piece. This usually solved the problem, for a while. The light came back on a month or so after the last replacement, so I have not been able to work up the nerve to pay another $300 to get a faulty sensor fixed.

The car rides very rough; it has difficulty between 2nd and 3rd gears. The dealer told me to switch to Shell (they said BP used high alcohol gasoline which doesn't work well in the Jetta's engine) gasoline of the highest grade, which is very expensive.

The hinge in the glove box broke.

During a recent oil change, I had to have the oil pan fixed because someone had cross threaded the oil plug. Though this is not really the manufacturers fault, the mechanic has stated that this is more common since manufacturers have started making the oil pans from cast aluminum. This fix cost over $300.

The front of the car has been ripped/popped of a number of times from getting caught on standard parking blocks when backing out of a parking space. Again, maybe not the fault of the manufacturer, but it happens a lot, and I've never experienced it on another car.

General Comments:

This has been a hard lesson. I absolutely fell in love with the Volkswagen image, design, and initial quality. However, the maintainance of this car has exceeded that I would expect on any car. Each repair feels like I own a much more expensive import. Even though I love the design and style of these cars, I will not purchase another one. I know too many people that have Jetta's and Golfs from 1999-2001 that have had too many problems, from simple fit and finish issues to major engine faults.

Faults:

Driver's side window fell at about 50,000 miles. Apparently a common problem. Car is a VW certified pre-owned so it was covered by factory warranty. Dealership replaced clips that hold window with newer metal clips (on both doors!). No problems since.

Odd yellow goo coming from bottom of doors on outside of car. Can't tell where exactly it's coming from or what it is (seems like some sort of grease). Read that others have experienced this too. Wiped it off and haven't seen any more since -- maybe we'll get some next summer when the heat comes back.

General Comments:

We bought this car for my wife to use as a work commuter. She loves it. I drive an 86 911 so I had no hesitation investing in another German auto. The Jetta handles great and has decent pep (would like to check one out with a manual tranny tho!). Smooth ride and a very comfortable interior (I'm 6'3" and don't even have the seat all the way back). The heated leather seats are sweet too. Solid radio system (has 6 CD changer).

Currently looking to sell my Chevy (winter car) and pick up a mid-90s VW.

Faults:

1- Tape Error, will not play tapes.

2- Rear driver side Window does not go down properly.

3- Rear driver side door will not lock properly at times.

4- Carburetor (Throttle body as VW calls it) died and was not covered under the warranty VW gave me.

5- Water Pump had a leak.

6- You can't park correctly up to a parking curb, the front end goes over it fine, but when you back up it pops the front. The 3 front grille guards popped out. Lucky for me I didn't realize this until the next day due to it being dark outside.

7- Overall Dissatisfaction with VW service.

General Comments:

I think it speaks for itself.