1999 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Recommended

Faults:

The window regulators have needed replacement in almost all of the windows.

The front bucket seats have gotten worn.

But other than that, this is a reliable, high performance car that rides like it's on rails.

I am a loyal VW owner and have had two Jettas. I am pleased with their performance compared to the performance of Mazda, Toyota, and Hondas I have owned.

General Comments:

This car really does handle like it's on rails. The old body style is very nice, and the interior is much nicer than that of my Passat that is 6 years newer! I would recommend this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th April, 2009

1999 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Look into a non-german vehicle, this one's a headache

Faults:

The first major malfunction was the passenger side window slipping off the track.

Then the lock on the passenger side stopped locking and unlocking with the rest of the car when the auto lock button is pressed.

The horn stopped working.

The alarm lights no longer flash.

The key (I only have a valet key, not keyless entry) doesn't work in the door, the lock won't turn, I leave my door open all the time. My car is pillaged on a regular basis.

The cat converter cap cracked and made a rattling sound, it was extremely expensive to fix.

The engine burns oil.

The reflector lights by the front tires have popped out on both sides. One fell out somewhere never to be seen again, the other I push back in whenever I notice it, but it usually just hangs from its attachment piece and will probably be gone eventually too.

The piece on the driver side visor that flips open to the mirror broke off, which in turn meant the light that goes on when that piece is pushed up was always on. I took it out and upon trying to replace it (unsuccessfully) it blew its fuse and the engine refused to turn until it was replaced. It took this happening a few times to figure that out.

The cooling system got a nasty leak and had to be replaced.

General Comments:

The car is cute, but not as safe as they say. Mine folded like an accordion during a mild fender bender that merely put a scratch on the other vehicle involved.

So many glitches. As soon as something's fixed something else breaks.

Lumbar support, even when cranked way down in seat, is way too much.

I'd say should have power seats but VW seems to be clueless about wiring the electrical systems in their cars, so I'm actually glad it's not.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th March, 2009

14th Mar 2009, 13:03

Care to explain how a car that was rated as "safe" by the IIHS and NHTSA didn't perform very well in your crash, specially when you did not mention the model of the other car involved and the speed you two were going?

Please, tell us the whole story.

14th Mar 2009, 14:59

You bought an used car in a rather shabby condition, on top of that, a used car notorious for being unreliable in a rather shabby condition.

Now, when you say the car is not as safe as they say (by "they" I assume you mean the IIHS and NHTSA), what exactly do you mean? Did you get yourself hurt in the accident? And what was the other car involved?

Please, tell us the whole story.

16th Mar 2009, 10:30

Any by the way, the Jetta is built in America! Could explain some things?

15th Dec 2009, 16:12

Wow, I have a 1999 VW Jetta and I absolutely love it!!! I've driven other makes and models, and I've come to the conclusion that I love German vehicles... I even purchased a new Jetta in 2007 and continue to drive the 99. Honestly, though the new has more safety features, I feel safer in my 99 - When I'm traveling on the road, I can feel that my Jetta is heavier than other cars like my previous 91 Nissan Maxima, which burned too much gas, my 2001 Chevy Malibu, which just felt cheap, and my 97 Toyota Camry, which had constant brake problems.

I will admit that the VW is more costly to repair, but I don't have to repair it as often... the parts are better quality thus far, they are more expensive to replace, but you get what you pay for.

Looking at my mother, who has a 2005 Kia Optima, and my little brother who has a 2003 Ford Focus (That I told him not to buy because they are Fix Or Repair Daily's), and all the issues they have with the cars that are newer models, I downright love my Jetta's. It is my 99 that I end up having to loan them when their new models break down.