2003 Volkswagen Jetta from North America

Summary:

Overpriced for sub-par quality and service

Faults:

Radio/tape/cd went bad @ 50,120 miles.

Dealer refused to honor radio replacement or EC Plug under 50,000 mile warranty. Zero tolerance obviously.

EC Plug & catalytic converter bad @ 50,000.

Shifter locked @ 45,000, had to replace.

General Comments:

Loved the way the car handled and drove on the highway.

Using cup holder prohibits operation of radio.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th December, 2004

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Good looking car, but poorly built engine

Faults:

Currently I own a 03 VW Jetta GL. The transmission is already having problems. The dealership (ANCIRA out of San Antonio) has been wonderful. I have had the car in the shop a few times to try and find out what the problem is.

When the car shifts it feels as though the transmission is going to fall out! I hear this is a common problem with the Jettas, but you would think that would have recalled the cars. Transmission problems!!! that is a serious issue!! don't think I would ever buy a jetta again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd December, 2004

5th Dec 2004, 08:10

I had a 2002 Jetta (automatic). It had transmission problems... harsh upshift from 2nd to 3rd gear. The problem? Leaking seals. Transmission replaced. A month later, did exactly the same thing. The problem? More leaking seals that caused oil to mix with transmission fluid. Transmission replaced again. Still didn't shift properly. The problem? All the linkages and cables in the shifter needed to be replaced. Was the car finally fixed? Don't know! Dumped that lemon the next day and bought a Volvo.

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0L Gasoline from North America

Summary:

A fun car that with some quirks

Faults:

When I got it, the center brake light was disconnected and the left rear break light was missing.

My center console latch broke at 10000 km.

Car consumes around half a quart of oil per 8000 km.

Front and rear speakers sounded really bad during it's second winter. This was especially apparent when the temperature dropped below -20 C. Now that it is spring, they are fine.

AM radio started having poor reception at 24000 km.

Black velour seats are beginning to fade slightly.

General Comments:

The car is pretty fun to drive even for the 2.0 L engine.

The car handles well and is good on gas.

Mechanically, the car has been very reliable. Will always get you from point A to B. It's just the little things.

The interior is really nice. The nicest interior in it's class.

The car is pricey, but comes with a lot of features such as heated seats. Overall I am happy with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th March, 2004

2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 1.8T from North America

Summary:

Wolfsburg is German for

Faults:

Needed new Wiper Blades = $0.

Purchased winter floor mats (not standard equipment, even in Canada!).

General Comments:

I got my 1.8T Wolfsburg Edition (GLS) Jetta almost a year ago now and I have not for one second regretted my purchase! The 5-speed manual is a must when coupled with the turbo-charged 1.8 it is amazing what that little engine can do! It is a blast to drive and all the standard safety features give it that added edge of comfort and security behind the wheel. The Wolfsburg Edition in '03 came with LOADS of extras at only a slight increase in cost over the standard GLS, however they really only add to the already existing amazing features available in GLS and GLX Jetta lines.

It, of course, does not compare directly to the higher end BMW, Mercedes, or even Audi "comparables" but buck for buck I truly believe the GLS Jetta is a far better buy. Take one out for a test drive... but bring your pocket-book... you may fall in love.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st February, 2004

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLX 2.8 VR6 from North America

Summary:

A little expensive, but a fun car

Faults:

So far so good.

General Comments:

This car is sporty, quick, and comfortable. Changing the oil is a little over engineered with a hard-to-find filter though. The premium gas requirement is getting expensive too, but the good gas mileage makes up for that. All in all I'm very pleased. The dealership has been wonderful to work with too, which is surprising since most of them have a bad reputation. All new cars are quirky and made like tuna cans, the Volkswagen Jetta is no different.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th October, 2003