1990 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg review from North America

Where do I begin. Upon buying this car used back in 1999 the AC was already out.

The suspension needed to be replaced with new springs and two tires needed replacement. This was expected being a 9 year old car, but things only got worse.

In the first winter the speedometer went dead. It only works when it's above 50 degrees outside.

The power steering went also went out.

The battery needed replacement.

The alternator also needed replacement.

The muffler has been replaced twice.

The car generally bogs down now at speeds above 40 mph. This is a dangerous condition especially when merging onto highways. I don't know what the problem is and the mechanics don't either. It can't make it up steep hills at all.

Just recently the light switch on the car went dead. This should never happen in a car. I could only use my brights for a week. I have a part time job at night so this was horrible.

My drivers side, side-mirror has fallen out and is being held in place with super glue.

Just two days ago my drivers side door handle snapped off. This is the second handle this has happened to. Only the front passenger door has no problems. The door handle design on this Jetta is so bad. I think the manufacturers must have been on crack to make the actual lever the size of a tooth pick. If you live anywhere where the weather freezes do not even think about getting this car.

Cold weather operations are also unreliable. I don't know how many times now the car has not started on a cold day even with a new battery.

There is another serious problem involving highway driving. If I take my Jetta on the highway for over a half an hour and turn the car off at a gas station or whatever it will not start. It takes at least another half an hour to sit before it will start. I have learned to keep the car running when getting something to eat or using the bathroom because if I shut it off I will be stuck for over a half an hour. The Volkswagen dealership does not know what to do about this.

If the car is working it handles pretty well.

For being a 12 year old car it still looks great. The factory paint is almost untouched and after a good wax it looks new.

I am a student and this is my first car. I will NEVER buy another Volkswagen product again. I know a used car will have some problems, but this is ridiculous. By calling this car a lemon, I am giving it a compliment. It's much much worse.

Is anybody looking to buy a Jetta? I have one for sale.