2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6 from North America

Summary:

More fun for the money

Faults:

No mechanical or electrical problems whatsoever.

Rattling sounds from rear doors when going over bumps.

Occasional vibrations from rear speakers at loud volumes.

General Comments:

I have owned Volkswagens since 1986, and love the marque. I traded an 8 year old Jetta in on an Audi A6 lease car that was nowhere near as reliable or as fun to drive as the Jetta. Before I even turned in the Audi, I went out and bought another Jetta. I have read many negative reviews of this car, but having owned three, I can say I have never had any more serious problem than replacing a muffler after about 5 years in one car. I've also owned a VW Fox and a VW Golf, but the Jettas far outperform these other models. I would recommend a Jetta. Just be careful of your dealer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th April, 2003

13th Jan 2007, 07:54

How is this car today?

2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 1.8 turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

The TDI will make your wallet very happy!

Faults:

None... flawless performance.

General Comments:

This is the TDI automatic, which is producing 38 MPG city driving.

Well built, with superior workmanship.

The Monsoon sound system is spectacular.

Trunk is exceptionally large, as is the space for the driver and passenger.

The back seat is a bit small, but still very usable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th April, 2003

2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Frustrating piece of junk

Faults:

Trunk lid came from the factory with no paint on a single spot. Had to be repainted, took 1 week with me driving a loaner (Golf).

Radio started flashing "safe" for no reason at 10,000. Had to be reprogrammed by the dealer. I read the manual and it told me I could have done it myself if I had a special tag the dealer was supposed to give me. He neglected to give me this when I bought the car. He also did not give me the tag when the radio was reprogrammed.

The check engine came on for no reason. Car had to be reprogrammed. The dealer never told me he'd need both keys.

Window clips were recalled.

One of the "loaner" cars I got from the dealer had a joint(drugs) in it. No kidding. The dealer then tried to imply indirectly that it was mine.

The oil light came on. Checked oil, there was none in the tank. Completely dry. I'm now on a oil consumption test.

General Comments:

Worst experience dealing with dealer and Volkswagen. No satisfaction and could have been arrested (drugs). I thought buying a new car I'd get something reliable and avoid the hassles of a used vehicle.

Never again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th April, 2003

24th Apr 2003, 13:48

Regarding oil consumption - VW (the manual anyway) recommends using SAE 5w-40 engine oil. This is a pure synthetic oil, and is manufactured only for VW's. I had the same oil consumption problem as your self, it turns out the dealer (yes dealer) was using 10w-30 oil. Burns like hell. Check your invoices. Make sure whoever is changing your oil is using the proper stuff.

26th May 2003, 01:01

The comments that have appeared on this web site seem to indicate what I have always expected and suspected: that is, that VW makes junk cars and that their dealers are not interested in treating customers well.

19th Jan 2004, 08:22

I'm the original poster. I'll just add that since posting my message, the CD changer has broken. All it says now is "disk error".

The car got stuck in park at a traffic light, because of a bad brake light switch. Had to be towed.

Brakes wore out in the rear after 23,000 miles, needed new rotors.

Yesterday my VW developed an ABS light problem, the ABS is no longer working and a light is permanently on in the dash. VW said "sorry, there's no guarantees on anything, this stuff is all made by humans, VW has fulfilled their obligation to you. "