2000 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews from North America

Old car, but a solid performer. Needs control arm bushing, and strut tower bearings and bushings. Otherwise, quiet, dependable, and solid.

Like the height adjustable seats and solid road feel on the highway. Cruises easily at 80, even though it is only a 115 HP engine.

The trunk has a ton of room, along with pockets on the sides to stash things, so they don't roll around.

Front wheel bearings replaced in 2009, not too surprising with the mileage. Had to replace the wheel bearings again. Both sides. I think the wheel bearings are not made to previous standards.

Engine has been running good, and I faithfully change every 10,000 Km with synthetic, however I recently noticed that low growl of the turbo is missing when I put the foot down at 80 to 90 kmph. I have never experienced turbo problems, and don't know where to start. I'm hoping for 500,000, and I'm heading for Florida next week. Have I got time to solve this?

At 63 miles per imperial gallon /4.54 litres, I'm okay with my Jetta.

Only things wrong were radiator that needed replacement, and a new battery, both of which I was aware of before purchase.

All major repairs done at 200,000km or before including timing belt, water pump, clutch, and all other major repairs, as well as minor fixes and fluid replacements.

The car not only was an amazing drive and a pleasure to look at, it also saved my life.

Comfy interior, classy exterior, great engine, and awesome safety. Was hit head on at about 60km, car took all the hit and saved me; miss her dearly.

Key to this and any VW, is to keep it regularly maintained, and find a small, local repair shop specializing in Euro cars. These guys give the best bang for buck on repairs and service, keeping costs low.

Broken window clips (driver's side window falls down).

Catalytic converter replaced at ~40,000 miles.

Driver's airbag wire in steering wheel "worn out" at 30,000 miles.

Battery drain problem (battery dead if it sits for more than about 3 days - 2 dealers unable to fix).

Manual transmission gets stuck in 5th gear at 200,000 miles.

Engine check light always on (gas system seal failure).

Cup holder broke at about 40,000 miles.

Center console latch broke 40,000 miles.

Heater core replaced about 100,000 miles.

Cam timing chain replaced at 170,000 miles.

This car has been a lemon since I bought it. I loved my previous car, but based on my experience with the Jetta, I will recommend some other car than Volkswagen. I will not buy another Volkswagen.