2001 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 1.8T 20V from North America

Summary:

The best car I've ever owned

Faults:

A wire fell out of the solenoid that prevented the car from stalling. Warranty Repair.

Finish beginning to wear off the ashtray lid.

General Comments:

The engine is one of the best I've ever experienced. Torque is available everywhere in the rev range. The engine is efficient, even with lead footed driving.

The transmission is rubbery feeling, and the throws are long. The clutch take up is good, and the feel is good.

Steering is excellent, the car tracks straight even in heavy wind.

The "sport suspension" is relatively soft, there is a lot of body roll under hard cornering, but it isn't too much of a problem.

The sport seats have great fabric. They are some of the most comfortable.

My only complaint about the car is the fact that there isn't a light in the trunk. It's hard to find stuff in the dark.

Regular maintenance is important. The car is like anything else. If you treat it right, it will treat you right.

In conclusion, the car is the best one I've ever owned. It's even pretty good looking. Once you go German, you'll never go back.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th April, 2005

14th May 2005, 14:42

It does have a light in the trunk. It is located on the driver's side by the carpeted opening door. Your light is probably just out.

2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 1.9L turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

Economical and reliable

Faults:

Based on all the reviews, I got very lucky with this car. Other than routine maintenance (fuel filter, oil, timing belt, etc), it has never been in the shop.

The dealer service department is very poor to deal with.

General Comments:

It is very difficult to get into and out of the rear seat.

The rear brakes are wearing abnormally fast.

I wish I could have waited for a car with the manual gear box. The automatic is marginal at best.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th January, 2005

9th Mar 2005, 13:52

Has anyone run into the air intake being carbon fouled. It ran like the turbo was out, but the dealer knew right away "it couldn't be the turbo, they never go out, it usually is carbon build up."

The car has 62,000 and serviced every 5000 mile with synthetic oil and Volkswagon parts by a reliable repair shop (not the dealer). The drive trains are suppose to be under warranty for 100,000 but this was not.

My mechanic, whom accompanied me to look at the problem, said he has serviced and rebuild hundreds of diesel vehicles and has never seen this problem before. He suggested it was a design flaw since they knew ahead of time what it was, but they denied that.

They wanted 600 to fix it, plus the 95 to find what they already knew. Anybody else run into this. My mechanic says the turbo is leaking oil back into the intake manifold and should not, causing the build up, which is a design flaw. Volkswagon knows this, but won't admit the problem.

Other than that the car has been great. You will know when it happens, the power really falls off. Volkswagon should be fixing this for free!!

2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 from North America

Summary:

European Style in an Affordable Package

Faults:

The armrest swivel was broken upon purchase. I have not bothered to replace it, because the armrest position is comfortable for my use.

I have received a brake switch recall which was replaced. The brake switch was not malfunctioning prior to replacement.

Some of the plastic trim "coating" is peeling for no apparent reason. The "cubby hole" above the radio, and the plastic trim around the shifter are the only areas in which this is occuring.

Squeeks and rattles while driving is somewhat annoying, and the road noise while driving is too noticable. These are merely annoyances, as I usually keep my radio turned up loud enough that I never hear them. But it is embarassing for such a new car, when I am hauling passengers with the music off.

General Comments:

I am very pleased with my purchase. Besides the brake recall, and routine maintenance, I have never had to invest any time or money into this car.

I am very religious about maintenance, changing the oil frequently, and servicing items at the recommended interval. Perhaps this is the reason my vehicle has been completely trouble-free.

I love the way the car looks, and drives, it feels much more expensive than it really is. I have received many compliments about the cars looks, even having people mistake it for a BMW.

The attention to detail is amazing. It wasn't until I bought my Volkswagen that the meaning of "German Engineering" finally made sense. It's not a Mercededes, but it certainly is noticeable.

The VR6 engine is unique. It is apparent that VW really paid attention to what real world drivers are looking for. The horsepower rating may seem a tad lethargic, however when you hop in for a drive, you'll never know. The power is there when you need it, all the way from 2000rpm and up, unlike other cars with higher hp numbers, needing to be revved to obtain power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th January, 2005