2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0L 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

A piece of trash. Avoid

Faults:

The check engine light comes on every 250 miles. I've stopped taking it to the dealer for each occurrence, due to the fact they charge me every time. Had the car to the dealer (under warranty) 7 times in the first year to fix: airbag light (4X) and the check engine light (4X). Dealer is HORRIBLE.

Rear brakes are gone at 30,000 miles, I think the O2 sensor is gone, as the check engine light is on AGAIN and the exhaust smells of sulfur.

The car is garbage, glad I leased and get to turn it back in. Only 9 months to go, woooohooo!

My old VW Corrado with 135K miles was more cost effective and reliable than this. AVOID!!!

General Comments:

Seats are very uncomfortable, especially for long trips. Better off replacing seats with plywood, or some straw mats.

Nice looking, but that's about it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th March, 2003

2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8 turbo from North America

Summary:

It's the most expensive lemon I have ever bought!

Faults:

Where do I begin???

Headlight out after 2 days of owning car.

Glove compartment handle pulled right off after 1 week of owning car.

There is a strange "griding noise" that happens often when I am driving slowly in traffic that is correlated to the transmission changing gears and actually makes the gas pedal vibrate. The dealer looked at it at least 3 times and could not replicate the problem. I have given up on the problem and it still happens after 2 1/2 years.

The check engine light came on and I had to replace a mass air fuel sensor.

2 weeks after the fuel sensor failed, my oil light started blinking. I drove the car right to the dealer and after looking at it they told me my oil pump was faulty (luckily for me still under warranty). Then the light started blinking intermittently again and when I brought it in they told me the sensor was broken. Then 2 months later, the light came on again, this time not blinking, but was on constantly. This time my car was in the shop for 2 1/2 weeks. Supposedly after looking at it, they couldn't even figure out what was wrong - they even had Volkswagon reps look at it. So instead they had a refurbished engine shipped from Germany and they replaced the entire engine. (once again, luckily for me this was under warranty)

Since my engine was changed, I have had a problem with the car locking while I am sitting inside. This weekend I even locked my keys in the car. Seems as if I have a faulty driver's side door sensor - it doesn't recognize that the door is even open because it locks when the door is open too. I still have to call the dealer to see if they can fix it, but I hate my dealer and really don't want to go back there.

I know there are more things I am missing, but these are the ones that I can think of right away.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th March, 2003

2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6 2.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

A high speed compact luxury car

Faults:

The only problem I have had with my car is a broken armrest lid.

General Comments:

The VR6 engine is great. It has a lot of power and great acceleration.

It also does not get very good economy ratings (I avg. 18 to 22 mpg)

The interior (black leather, luxury pkg) is comfortable. I like the blue and red instruments, tilt and telescoping wheel and the multi adjustable driver's seat.

I have NEVER had to visit the shop for ANY repair work (other than regular maint.)

I really enjoy this car and I have never had any problems with it. Bye far the most reliable car I have owned to date.

I like the fact that I can buy a car with EVERYTHING you could want such as: traction control, four airbags, ABS, moon roof, CD changer, etc...for under 25K It does not get any better.

I would recommend a Jetta to anyone.

Just find a good dealer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th March, 2003