1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLS from North America - Comments

Broken front coil spring

broken rear coil spring

replaced starter motor

rear shocks

power steering rack starting to leak

exhaust system

exhaust manifold cracked

stuck door latch had to be replaced

2 power window motors failed

1 power window regulator failed

worn out front seat mountings

windshield defroster

electrical problems.

About the only good things I can say about this car are it has a nice clean design, doesn't use a lot of gas, decent factory radio and speakers, and spacious trunk for the size of the car.

However this over-hyped econo-box has been expensive to maintain and is not worth the money. I've spent almost $2,000 on repairs in the last 8 months since I bought it. If you are over 6' you will feel cramped when driving.

It has a weak suspension that bottoms out easily when driving on gravel roads.

The miniature storage bins that are molded in the center console and door are were too small to get my hand into. The tiny drink containers are next to useless.

The factory alarm system sucked and never worked right.

The car I had didn't have a glove compartment. I hated that.

It was noisy on the highway over 60 MPH...

I've finally gotten rid of this lemon.

The car you purchased was well used. a few of your gripes can be answered with normal wear and tear. I do agree however, the cup holders are next to useless.

My 1996 Jetta GLS, which I bought in 1997 with 1600 km (I live in Canada) has been a costly disappointment. Beginning two months after the expiry of the warranty period which was two years, the rack & pinion power steering assembly blew a seal and had to be replaced, three months later it had to be replaced again for the same problem. In the subsequent years the problems have been mainly and repeatedly electrical: the throttle position sensor was replaced, the insulation of the wiring harnesses on all four doors hardened and cracked prematurely, causing short circuits which rendered the power windows inoperative, the module for the alarm system blew making it impossible to start the car, the alarm switch on the trunk lid failed. The car has now its third water pump and third exhaust system. In summary, the car has been most unreliable and has left me stranded several times. Having said this, I love the way the car handles, the firmness of the ride, the trunk space, the solidity of the chassis and the all around visibility from the driver's position. As much as I like these features, I will not buy another Jetta. I am now at an age (close to retirement) when transportation must be more reliable.

I really enjoy my 1996 Jetta! I bought it in 2001, so it was already well-used (by 2 previous owners) and with quite a lot of miles. It has served me well on several VERY long trips and I appreciate its low gas mileage and dependability, even in cold, cold weather! The only maintenance that it has needed by a professional was a window motor went out (perfectly understandable considering it was the driver's window and most used, plus the car's age!!!) and the Jetta's 100,000 mile engine check. Which, I might add the dealership in my town threw in for free with the window motor replacement- VW dealerships really seem to care for owners, even though it was such an old car!

All in all it was the best investment I've ever made and I am very happy with it. (Besides the cup holders that hold, and only hold, a standard 12 oz. can and the lack of a glove box!)

Thanks!