Faults:

1 of 2 coil packs failed - $800 at a smaller shop (not dealer)

Broken hinge on glove box.

Broken lock on glove box.

Broken latch on center console.

Broken cup holders (flimsy plastic that ejects from dash and causes your drinks to cover the vents)

Broken ash tray in back (don't use but doors to it are always opening)

Oxodized headlights that you either polish or replace for $150 each.

Electronics that are faulty and for which VW is notorious for. I had lights for my air controls that never worked and a short in my dash lights that would cost hundreds to fix.

The Monsoon radio system with amp that came with the car is decent but the 6 CD changer worked sporadically. Would skip discs and say that there was nothing in the slot.

This car can have many electrical and mechanical nightmares which is a shame as it could be a great car. I didn't have it happen, but I have read that the windows could drop down into the door when rolled up and you have to spend hundreds to fix each one.

The keys are laser cut and have a chip in them. A replacement must come from the dealer for $150-250 per key!

In the repairs I have made, simple things cost 30-40% more than domestic, much more than I thought an import would cost.

General Comments:

This car handles beautifully and feels solid when driving.

The VR6 has great acceleration. Only gets about 25 MPG on the freeway though.

The controls are intuitive and the dash lights up a nice red at night.

I had the 5 speed and the shifter nob is the perfect size with a sport feel to it.

The 4 wheel disc brakes have great stopping power.

The trunk is enormous!

5 star crash rating with side impact air bags.

An all around decent car if you can find one in top condition. If you get one that needs repairs, expect to spend hundreds more than you would on a GM or even another import. If it is in need of repair, save yourself the money and buy something else.

Faults:

This car is a piece of crap. I would never buy one ever again!!!

Always has problems, everything breaks on it.

I needed a new motor at 80,000 miles. Have been to the dealership over 10 times for the same problems; they are so slow.

General Comments:

This car runs like crap and is really slow.

Faults:

Transmission blew at 100,000 miles.

Clutch went out with the transmission.

Glove box broke within the first week.

Headlights out due to a faulty light switch on the first day I owned it.

Seat spring broke within first month.

Center console broke within the first month.

Glove compartment broke within 6 months.

VW logo fell off of 2 wheels last year.

Bumper fell off from going over a small bump in my driveway.

Sensors go crazy when it gets hot outside, usually at temps of 90+ degrees.

Windows fell down due to faulty latches.

Customer service unwilling to buy back or take any responsibility for what I considered a lemon.

General Comments:

The 2000 VW Jetta 1.8 T was a real lemon. I always thought people were unlucky to buy a car that they considered a lemon, but I now know that it has happened to many VW owners.

Since I purchased the Jetta in 2000, I have had way too many problems with the car. I meet Jetta owners at least once a week that complain about the same problems I have had.

Volkswagen really screwed up when they sold these lemon cars to American consumers between 2000-2003. I know I will never buy Volkswagen again, and I tell everyone who thinks my car is cool, cute, whatever to not dare buy a Volkswagen.

I feel cheated by Volkswagen, and I associate their brand with dishonesty. I think there should have been a total recall of Jettas 00-03. The car should have been pulled off the market. I think someone with enough time and money should sue the company. Thousands of us purchased these lemons, and Volkswagen should pay.