1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL review from North America
"Oh so many problems"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Get ready, this is a long one.
Exhaust pipe fell off at 90,000 miles.
Have put two new starter switches in.
Replaced all plugs at 60,000 miles.
Trunk lock has suddenly disappeared.
Alarm very rarely "chirps" back.
Alarm will occasionally trigger and go off for no reason.
Needed new o-ring.
Replaced oxygen sensor at 100,000 miles.
Car is now in the shop because it does not start when it sits in the sun.
Locks on three doors have come off.
Car currently needs a new clutch, ignition switch, and overall new wiring.
Cup holders are absolutely useless.
When using cigarette lighter, it pops out and flies into the backseat (I'm not kidding, I have to hold it in so I don;t set the darn car on fire!)
The side paneling on the car is currently super-glued on after mysteriously falling off.
The overall wiring in this car is crazy - my "check engine" light comes on all the time, now my airbag light is on - which will cost another $500 to fix.
General comments?
This is an overall unreliable car - it is crrently for sale because I never know when it will start. I've sunk about $4000 into fixing it already.
Things I like:
Trunk is huge.
Has pretty good pickup, and fun to drive when it's running.
Great turning radius.
A good-looking car.
Recommended reviews
| Engine is strong, VW of America Service the worst, and interior electrical not so hot to be polite |
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| Not with a ten foot pole, unless you plan to impale it! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.0 Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 4 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 30000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 106000 miles |
| Previous car | Nissan Maxima |
| Date of Entry | 2nd April, 2003 |