2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0 from North America
Summary:
The Jetta is a true Honda-Eater
Faults:
Nothing has gone wrong.
General Comments:
The 2.0 may only have 115 hp, but runs very well and easily passes Honda's and Toyota's that have a little more power than the Jetta.
The forth generation of the Jetta and Golf is very sleek looking and easy on the eyes. The Jetta stands out in the crowd from all of the other cars, even though some manufacturers seem to be copying Volkswagen's looks. Inside and out my Jetta looks absolutely stunning; everything seems to be manufactured with armored-car construction.
The driver is always the center of things in this car; the seats are very comfortable and never make you sore like Ford's and Honda's. The seating position is high and very adjustable; you always feel in control.
Most of the controls are simple to use and the lighting is the most impressive in the industry. There was attention to detail in every aspect of this car's design.
Some owners give Jetta's and Volkswagen's in general a bad reputation because they've either experienced poor service at the dealership or are over-exaggerating the severity of the problems they experience. Many of the problems noted in other reviews are caused by abusive driving ("ragging") and would cause similar problems in all cars. The most common issues with Jettas are 1. window regulators (which were recalled on most models), 2. Ignition coils (which were recalled on most models), 3. Brake light sensors (which were recalled on most models), and 4. Mass air-flow sensors (which I've never known anyone with this problem so I'm not sure if it was recalled). Don't let over-exaggerating owners deter you from purchasing a Jetta; Jetta's and Volkswagens have been in my large family for years with no problems what so ever.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th July, 2004
18th Jul 2004, 12:09
The vast majority of VW owners who have posted comments about on this list are unhappy with their cars and the service from the dealership. Some might be over-exaggerating, but the unhappiness of the owners seems to be borne out by other surveys (such as Consumer Reports). VWs have less poor reliability. By the way, I have a 2000 Honda Civic with 93,000 miles on it. Nothing as of note has gone wrong with it. Why don't you report back when your car has done 93,000 miles, and we will see how happy you are then.
23rd Jul 2004, 16:12
Frankly, I'm borderline insulted that anyone would suggest the problems I've had with my VW Jetta are because of the way I drive it. I treat this car better than 95% of the population treats their vehicles. I've never raced it. I've never even red lined it. I had no problems with my previous cars (Toyota Camry, Honda Civic). Everything points to this car being piece of garbage.
And that's before we even consider the after sales service you're likely to get at VW vs. Toyota or Honda...
18th Jul 2004, 03:28
I wonder how someone can exaggerate over a broken MAF sensor or an ignition coil. Either it is broken (and in the worst case you are left on the emergency lane) or it is not. People who have changed MAF twice or more during the car's life, or have been left stranded 4-6 times with a bad coil just cannot be overreacting: there are cars not suffering from such faults, and they happen to be japanese. Now could one argue that people who buy VWs rag them, whereas people buying Honda's do not? Based on the number of blue faces in this site and some web search, I think the answer on the above question is no.