1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX from North America - Comments

Right front window regulator works, when it feels like it.

02 sensor went within a month of purchasing the car.

The right front wheel bearing went within two months of purchasing the car.

The secondary air pump ($800.00) went within two months of purchasing the car.

Repeated Check Engine Warnings.

Left front CV arm replacement, resulting in new, unexplained problems.

Continuing expenditures.

I have an absolute passion for anything gas consuming. In the last 16 years, I have owned two motorcycles, three Jeeps, a Mustang, an Integra, a Celica GTS, an RX7 and it just seemed natural that my collection should include a German vehicle. Although a BMW crossed my mind, I wanted to start at entry level and ventured into the world of the "Jetta" set. Well, within a month of my acquisition, my faith and my spidy senses started tingling when my troubles with my Jetta VR6 began with Engine Warning lights, failed bulbs for the headlights and interior cabin,...and that, as they say, was just the beginning... unbeknownst to me at the time I acquired the Jetta, there are very few mechanics in my City who actually understand or are familiar with the peculiarities that accompany the Volkswagen automobile. My nearest reliable source of VW technology is an hour's drive away. That, coupled with a minimum three day wait for a part, equals one very unhappy owner. In the five months, 8300 KM that I have owned this vehicle, I have expended over $2,000.00 in parts and un-skilled labour, have endured a total of 9 days without transportation waiting for parts, and essentially used up all my vacation time to run to garages seeking out help for the problem of the day. Last week's expense started with a mysterious "clunk" from the undercarriage, which has resulted in the replacement of the CV arm, and a new unexplained front-end dragging when maneuvering into either a right or left hand turn. Needless to say, I have run out of money, patience and vacation time to cater to this German piece of junk. I can't even look at a VW symbol without wanting to throw up. I will never, ever return to a Volkswagen product. Symbols of "status" can sometimes cost you more than they are actually worth. My advise to the person in the market for used German technology is to 1. only buy from a reputable dealer; 2. have the car put through a diagnostic assessment before you buy; 3. realize that a part replacement will take up to three days; 4. not every garage in town will be able to work on or accurately diagnose problems with German cars and, most importantly, if you cannot be talked out of buying a Volkswagen product, make sure you have plenty of cash to pay for the abundance of parts you will have to acquire during your ownership! And to think I sold my troublefree '92 Celica GTS for this!!!

Sounds like somebody got up on the wrong side of the bed. I've had my '97 GLX since it was new, and have had absolutely nothing out of the ordinary go wrong with it. It's now for sale, with over 101,00 miles on it, and it looks and drives like it's nearly new. I bought another VW -- my fourth -- and each one has been a pleasure to own and drive.

A caveat to other readers: one owner's bad experience should not smear the reputation of a whole manufacturer. Check around; do your research.

I agree with the original comments made. I have had almost IDENTICAL problems with my VW Jetta VR6 GLX. It is a blast to drive. It is extremely comfortable, but my husband and I just can't continue to sink our money and time into it.

We've had sensor problems, rim problems, power steering rack problems, and we basically just ignore the ever-present Check Engine Light.

Like I said before, it's a wonderful, powerful, quiet, luxury drive, but not worth the expense. We are getting a Toyota. Sorry VW, but we just can't afford you.

I have owened a VW jetta Glx 97 for about a year now I bought it used of course I hve had little problems with it.. I race so I can expect a few here and there my coil pack craked and I have been having ABS problems and no-one around has the hook-ups, but I deal with it I love my jetta and will purchase anotheer... good job volkswagon!!!

I hve hd my jetta glx 97 for about a year clutch coil pack and shift linkage bushing replaced... but street racing so all were expected... love it love it love it I love it it beats anything else on the street just hard to find mods, but will so ya love it!

I bought my 97 Jetta GLX brand new in June of 1997... Other cars I've owned have come and gone since then, but as the years roll by, my Jetta continues to prove itself to be very reliable. It's 11 years old now and is still on the road with 141,000 miles on it.

I recently bought a Ford Escape, and if it lasts half as long as my Jetta, I'll be amazed.

I had a 97 Jetta GLX for over ten years and it was a complete nightmare. It consistently broke every 2-3 months. I am not kidding. I sunk probably $10K into repairs over the life of the car. Ridiculous. I own a Honda now and am the happiest car owner alive. God, I am so happy not to have go deal with that Jetta again. Also, Honda service feels like it is 1/10th the price of VW service. Man, I will never get another Jetta. I shudder just remembering how painful it made my life.

I loved the old VW's of the 1970's and 1980's. During this time period VW made very fun to drive and semi-reliable cars.

Then around 1990, VW started building CRAP cars that break down all the time to make more $$$$.

I owned at 1980 GTI 16v that I drove for 15 years, and put 320,000 miles on it with only normal maintenance, and this car NEVER ONCE let me down.

Based on the above cars reliability, I foolishly purchased a 1996 Jetta GLX VR6 that I drove for 2 years, and during the 2 years I owned this car it was NOTHING but trouble, constantly broke down at least once every 2 months even with ALL MAINTENANCE done by the dealer. A 1990's VW Jetta is piece of JUNK. If you own one, you better sell it NOW before it breaks down again and costs you another $1200. I have several friends who also own VW and ALL of them have the same problems I have had. Transmission problems, engine sensor problems, CV Joint problems, windows falling into doors, electrical problems, etc. etc. etc.

Thankfully I sold my Jetta to some poor fool who took one look at its leather interior and shiny paint and fell in love with it. I'm sure he's stranded somewhere now waiting for a tow truck as I write this...

I currently own a Subaru with 180,000 miles and it runs PERFECTLY and I've never had a problem in 30,000 miles of driving. Japanese build super reliable cars that are just so much better than VW.

Well.

I've purchased used 1997 VW Jetta (GL I think) about a year ago. Haven't had any problems with it yet. Well, except one, a friend of mine decided to wash an engine in my car, so I had to replace an ignition coil, but that was not manufacturer's fault, instead it was our stupidity.

So far I feel comfortable with Jetta reliability, despite the fact that it is 12 years and and has 150,000 miles on it.

Just though i'd put in my two cents in, good luck to all you car buyers.