Faults:

The automatic window gearing makes a horrible sounds when pulling the window up.

The light on the dashboard blew out.

Battery leaked. Battery acid ate a hole in the power steering fluid tank, necessitating the replacement of both units.

Faulty intake hose (possibly as a result of a shoddy mechanic who "repaired" the previous problem).

Front right light blew out at 70K miles.

General Comments:

Very fun car, although a bit underpowered for the performance-minded enthusiasts. I would recommend this vehicle in the VR6 trim, as it has sufficiently more power.

The cockpit of my Jetta is extremely comfortable in both front seats and in the back. However, do not expect to comfortably sit in the back with two other, large people for a long period of time.

The manual transmission is extremely responsive, while the suspension is willing to zoom through corners. At 87 thousand miles, there is no signs of this car slowing down. The clutch is due for replacement, although that has lasted far more than I could have imagined, considering this was my first manual-transmission car.

The suspension still feels as stiff as the first day I bought the car, while the steering wheel is still firm. My previous car, a 6-Cylinder Mazda 626 EX was almost like a Yugo when compared to a Jetta.

The 6-Disc trunk-mounted CD-Changer kept the music running, the moon roof kept the sunshine in, and the bucket seats kept my 200-lb body well contained and in control of the vehicle.

I have never regretted buying this car, and would recommend it to anyone. My next car will probably be an Audi or maybe a Porsche (all within the VW family), but I don't suspect that to be for at least another 100,000 miles.

Faults:

Cup holder fell apart at about 24,000 miles.

Told at 40,000 miles by the dealer I needed a Mass air flow sensor. (however one was not needed)

Also at 40,000 miles recall on O2 sensor.

At 57,000 I needed a new fuel pump and the throttle assembly kit which ran me a total of $1300.00.

General Comments:

I think it's insane to want $100.00 to replace the crappy cup holder.

I find it VERY interesting that just about everyone who owns a Jetta (1999 or newer) always needs a mass air flow sensor. I think it's a money-making scheme on VW's part.

I also find it ridiculous that I needed a new fuel pump at 57,000 on a 3 year old car... also the fact that I needed to replace the throttle assembly kit at MY expense. It took a MONTH to get my car back with no help from VW.

Faults:

Heating and a/c dash lights went out at 30 000 km.

Air bag light went on at 35 000 km.

General Comments:

I have enjoyed this car, but after 3 years, I didn't expect to have to take in the car for some mysterious air bag malfunction.

I did notice deep rumbling noises occasionally during the winter but, only on very cold days. The noise lasted for a minute or so then, subsided. I was told that this was nothing to worry about.

Faults:

Car starting breaking down two weeks after warranty expired. bracket for automatic windows broke. Brakes went bad, had to be replaced. Still having problems with air-flow sensors. The air-flow sensors keep going bad causing car to stall out.

General Comments:

Car is comfortable and an easy ride, but generally speaking it's a lemon.