2001 Volkswagen GTI GLX review from North America

Where do I begin with the problems? At approximately 30,000 miles I had to replace the MAF(Mass Air Flow)sensor.

At the same time they replace the drivers side door mirror because the defrost feature had stopped working.

At 40,000 miles I had to replace the ignition coil pack and I cleaned and reinstalled the MAF because it was malfunctioning again.

At 52,000 miles I had to have the steering wheel control module replaced because it had shorted out and the steering wheel controls for the radio, horn, and cruise controls had stopped working.

I also had to replace the driver's side door mirror again because the defroster element had burned out yet again.

I was also informed that all four of the shocks/ struts are in need of replacement. At 50,000 miles this seems really premature.

The leather interior and many of the "plush feeling" components are wearing very prematurely and look to be several years old and not only a few years old.

Yeah, VWs are great cars... for the first year or so and then you really get to find out by what they mean when they say "Drivers wanted".

The maintenance and repair costs are unacceptable in my opinion.

More often than not, dealing with the repair or service departments at many dealerships is an unpleasant experience that takes a reservation many days in advance and they will keep you vehicle for what seems to be an inordinately long time.

When the car is actually working properly it is a fun car to drive, but more often than not it seems that it sits on the side of the road or in the garage with the "Check Engine Light" on yet again.