1999 Volkswagen Jetta LX review from North America

The sunroof will not open. It the interior cover jams and comes off of it's tracks.

The interior dash lights stopped working.

The plastic closure on the visor broke off causing the light to stay on all the time.

The above problem caused to battery to run dry. The battery then would not take a charge. When I went to buy a new one I found that you can only buy one from the VW dealer, and they are quite expensive.

Some wax-like substance leaks from the frame on hot days. This stained the interior and accumulates on the running boards, perfectly positioned to stain your pant leg as you step out.

The engine temperature alarm nearly always goes off about 30 seconds after starting.

The front right wheel makes a nasty grinding sound while braking. I have a bad feeling about that one.

The driver's side window has completely come off it's tracks and falls down inside the door. Amazingly it has never shattered.

Aesthetically this was a great car.

At first we were very happy to have it as it was our first new car.

But, soon the constant little problems completely changed our impression of this car. It is a terrible lemon.

And, unfortunately the warranty has expired even though we've only put 12,500 miles on it. We dislike it so much we won't drive it unless we absolutely have to. And then, it often won't start when we do need it.

I will never, ever, buy another Volkswagen. I feel like I've been had.