1999 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0L from North America

Summary:

Don't waste your time and money with a Jetta

Faults:

Engine has slow oil leak: this is never acknowledged by the dealership, but it can be catastrophic on a small engine and high RPM car like this one. I have only avoided disaster because I pay close attention.

Transmission does not engage or is rough: This has happened twice and both times dealership confirms that this is a sealed transmission (in other words, it should not normally require frequent change and requires VW tools to do so anyway) Even though the powertrain is under warranty, they have charged me over $127 for adding to the transmission fluid (note this is more than doing a complete trans fluid flush on most cars!!)

Malfunctioning oxygen sensor: had to request for cash back since the dealership "overlooked" the fact that it was already a recall.

Battery: its already on its 3rd one.

More minor:

- "goo" below both front door edges. this is some very thick lubricant that obviously does not belong there unless you enjoy paying for dry cleaning and doing laundry.

- Also, front cup holder stays jammed closed, so solution is to leave it open at all times: not convenient.

- carpets don't stay in place, the design to hold them in place is ridiculous.

- side mirror adjustment sticks out too much, and broke in the first month of ownership.

- glove box hinge broke easily due to bad design.

- gas mileage is high for a small car.

General Comments:

It has that cute car look, but don't be fooled, this is just a cheaply made car. Owners like me are regretting that we gave them a second chance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd October, 2003

9th Aug 2004, 09:06

I wholeheartedly agree. My cup holder is jammed and now broken completely, and the glove box broke a year after buying the car. The window also fell into the door which was a recall. The oxygen sensor was replaced, another recall, yet when I took it back yesterday, the computer shows it is malfunctioning again. The check engine light has been on since a week after I got the car and after numerous trips to the dealer, I've decided to stop to stop adding to this moneypit.

1999 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0 from North America

Summary:

European perfection

Faults:

Stop light had to be replaced.

Driver door light does not work.

Because I live in Florida headlights went kind of cloudy because of the sun.

General Comments:

Even though is a 99 is the newJetta.

I cannot judge the rest of the owners, but in my case I am perfectly satisfied with the car and as every vehicle it needs maintance.

Absolute German beauty.

Awesome to drive.

Everyone admires the design of it.

Volkswagen sound system with CD changer is amasing.

The color of the instruments attracts everyone.

Excellent gas millage, I went from Miami to Orlando with less than 1/2 a tank.

A perfect European automobile.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th October, 2003

1999 Volkswagen Jetta GLS from North America

Summary:

High priced hassle

Faults:

My sunroof opens by itself sporadically. It has been fixed once and still does it.

Passenger side window regulator motor has broken two times where the window wouldn't go down at all. Both were fixed under warranty.

The passenger side window fell down into the door thus another bad regulator motor. The dealer told me it had been over 12,000 miles (only 10 months) since they replaced the part and it would not be covered. The service manager told me this was a problem unique to me and if it was a common problem he would "have people beating down his door every day". Obviously it is a common problem per the recall. Had to call the customer service number to get it paid for.

Airbag light came on after hearing a loud rattle for several months in that area. I was past warranty and they told me it would be $1100. Again I called the customer service number because I was told it was a defect and I refused to pay for it especially since it was a safety issue.

Check engine light came on and stayed on for a month after getting it back from getting the airbag fixed.

Both back and front ashtrays broke, I do not smoke.

Cup holder broke.

Blew a fuse in the lower part of the dashboard.

Pulled away part of the front bumper because it sits too low for concrete edging in parking lots.

Driver side window just fell down in to the door three days ago. Get to take it in for the fourth time.

My roommate has a 2002 Jetta GLS and her window has fallen in to her door twice so far.

General Comments:

I would never buy another Volkswagen and would not recommend it for anyone else I know.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th September, 2003