2001 Volkswagen Jetta VR6 1.7 from North America

Summary:

A nice car to look at, but do not buy, it falls apart

Faults:

Rear tail light out within 1 week. replaced by me.

Replaced entire wiring harness, shorted out. Replaced at no cost.

Temperature Control sensor, kept blowing out the fuses. Part on order.

Check engine light keeps coming on currently being diagnosed.

Front seat loose, finally replaced, bad bracket.

Driver side window broken, shot down to the bottom of the door, fixed with out cost.

General Comments:

I at first loved the car, the handling and the comfort and so forth. This car has low miles since I car pool, with this in mind I cannot understand what the heck is going on with this car?

Everything that is going wrong with the car at this point is costing me due to the stingy 2 year warranty.

What is in store for me in the future? One thing for sure NO MORE VOLKSWAGEN products!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th August, 2003

2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6 from North America

Summary:

A Marketing Masterpiece

Faults:

Front Doors rattle a lot on uneven surfaces.

Got stuck in Park twice, I couldn't move the shifter (and I'm pretty strong), dealer had to replace some switch which tells the transmission that the brake is pressed so it can move out of park.

Brake started making weird sound every time it was pressed, sounded like a spring! can't remember the problem, but cost $100 to fix.

Strange engine sound when I accelerate, especially on hills, dealer claims he can't hear the sound, but car sounds like a tractor. Best description is it sounds like you stuck a pen in a fan. At one stage this went away after the oil was changed, but now it's pretty consistent.

The upholstery is a joke, everything sticks to it, impossible to keep clean.

General Comments:

I wanted this car for a very long time, wish I had researched more. Am thinking of buying a Honda Civic Hybrid, it's cheaper and uses way less gas. But I have to say it's a very fun car to drive (if you can ignore the engine/door noises)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th August, 2003

2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6 2.8 from North America

Summary:

Drives great, but has a lot of electrical bugs

Faults:

To start off, I am still happy with the car. It drives really well especially after the modifications have done which have nothing to do with the problems.

Here are the modifications: (~ 2000$)

1. Garrett Performance EPROM

2. K&N air filter

3. Electrodyne Cat back Exhaust

4. Bilstein Shocks and Struts

5. Neuspeed Sport Springs.

The car handles very well, however there is a lot of road feel (I like that) and its probably running about 20 HP more than stock and its noticable. I won't spend any more on modifying this car due to the recent problems that magically seem to surface right after the car is out of warranty (2 yr for the 2001's)

Here are the problems that seem to intermittently happen.

1. EPC light (Electronic Power Control). The service manual says the light comes on when there is a malfunction with the Electronic Throttle system (its probably the module).

2. ABS and ASR light - I will have to take in b/c I heard there is a recall on the ABS control unit.

3. Window Regulators - just the front (a $500 repair!!). The backs haven't gone out yet, but will cost just as much to fix.

I will have to take it to the dealer and pay them to fix (especially b/c of the recall part), otherwise I would take to the shop I always go to. I am frustrated b/c I love the car and its paid for. I had the same issue with the 1995 Saab aero I had and I sold it to get a more reliable car (VW - I have learned a lesson.. I should have gotten the Acura Integra GSR instead).

General Comments:

The car is fun to drive, its handles well (after the suspension mods).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th August, 2003

26th Mar 2004, 05:34

I also own a 2001 Jetta VR6 but have made no modifications to it. I went ahead and purchased the 75000 mile electrical warranty, but I find that I have not needed it. The car is close to hitting 50,000 and so far no problems. Maybe there is a possibility that the people who are modifying your vehicle don't do much work with the Jetta (at least not the newer ones). That's just my 2 cents.

20th Oct 2004, 13:10

I'm not sure if you'll ever read this, but I own a 2001 Jetta and my front window regulator's failed. The dealership covered the repair on both front windows through VW. You should ask them about this. I love my car, but I have had the same issues presented here.

8th Feb 2005, 21:34

I own 01 Jetta VR-6 with 45,000 miles and finding out the hard way fun is not cheap. So far its only cost me $145 Bucks because of my Extended warranty, but I don't think I could afford to keep her. Sounds like the car has a lot in common with the above Comments Mass Air, EPC light and now the Trac Control / ABS light which the dealer can't find the problem with. I'm beginning to think Imports are not what there crack up to be. The car does drive and handle great when she not in the shop.