2000 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0 from North America

Summary:

German engineering and style at a great price

Faults:

The air conditioning/radio panel rattles and the dealer is unable to locate the problem and fix it. It gets really annoying right about now. When the warranty is over I'll take the panel apart and fix it myself!

General Comments:

The 2.0-liter engine seems to be underpowered compared to cars like Dodge Neon or Ford Focus. It only produces 115 hp which is less than impressive for a fuel-injected engine of this size.

Nevertheless, the handling, the awesome looks, and overall driving capabilities of this car make up for whatever is lost by the weak engine. Other cars can go faster but only in the straight line. This car can take serious curves at high speeds without any roll or even a hint of strain.

Also, the Monsoon sound system sounds better than a number of so called "custom" systems that I've heard before. The sub-woofers in the back can make your spinal cord resonate in a pleasant way.

Another great thing is the trunk size. It doesn't look big on the outside but it is big inside.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th June, 2001

2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6 2.8 VR6 from North America

Summary:

Performance and handling at an unbeatable price

Faults:

The only thing wrong with this car is that I probably shouldn't have settled for an automatic, but it was the only Silver Arrow VR6 with the sports luxury package (17 inch rims and sports suspension) around.

General Comments:

I don't know why most of these reviews on the website are bad, I suppose only the ones really mad at the car because of a defect are the ones posting.

My car has been perfect for the 14,600 miles I've had this car.

It handles extremely well on corners and has never ever given out in cornering or high speed handling.

However, with the sports suspension and the 17 inch rims with the low profile tires, you sacrifice ride comfort over the stock wheels a little.

With the aggressive handling abilities of this car, they should have put sports seats that don't let you move laterally.

The interior is very well thought out and basically dissolves the competition.

Loads of low end torque will let you enjoy driving in traffic much more than a torque-less inline 4. Just to point out, the peak torque is around 3200 rpms, with 145 ft. lbs of torque (to the wheels) at 2200 rpms and 80% of the torque on tap from 2500 to 5500 RPM. A former natuarally aspirated inline 4 driver will definitely love the VR6 engine.

One drive of the Jetta with the VR6 will make you a VW lover forever, its handling characteristics is superior to the econo boxes we call Civics, but you pay for the difference.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2001

1st Jul 2002, 12:21

Just wait until you hit 20-thousand miles.

30th Sep 2002, 17:19

I loved mine until it hit 24,503 miles. That was four months ago it has been in the shop 3 times since then (it was never in the shop before then). Luckily my extended warranty covered most of it. So I am only out of pocket $600. It is going back to the shop tomorrow because the horn sticks - looks like a short, but they are unsure. Cost?? Approx $300 this time, plus no car for a week or so. I won't be a Volkswagen owner ever again!!

5th Nov 2002, 16:08

I agree with the other comments -- I loved mine until 18,000 miles. Even minimal reliability is just not there.

2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8 from North America

Summary:

If I had a choice for any other car... I would still stick with the Jetta!

Faults:

The window alignment was off, causing the window to drop. Dealer fixed it through the warranty.

Unlock button on the key stopped working due to a low battery. Dealer fixed it right away through the warranty.

General Comments:

Great brakes... they have saved me many times.

For a 4-cylinder, it has great acceleration.

Although the stereo system works well, I do wish it had a pause and repeat button.

The sun-roof opener is so easy to use.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th May, 2001