1998 Volkswagen Jetta GT review from North America

Small oil Leak from oil pressure switch when new.

Wiper motor defect when new.

Recent upper strut bushings.

The Jetta GT is a pleasure to own and drive with it's German personality and styling showing throughout. The exhaust sings with every movement of the accelerator and it steers like a go cart. Suspension is compliant over bumps without introducing much body lean. Firm and supportive seats. Flawless black factory paint and panel fit. high quality materials and design throughout. 25 more horsepower wouldn't hurt a bit, but once rolling the Jetta has a command of the road and will cruise a 80+ mph all day every day. No squeaks or rattles after almost 5 years. Huge trunk without compromise to body styling.

Honda and Toyota freaks will quickly point out that their cars are more trouble free, especially if they happen to be a bean counter who never drove anything, but a golfball. The Japanese are probably still better at initial quality statistics, but their cars are boring to the point of inducing sleep.

Start the Jetta, drop the clutch and let it do it's thing.

Warranty claims fix niggling details and then you're left with a truly unique car in it's class with 250,000+ mile durability.