1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL review from North America

Just about everything major went wrong with this lemon.

Bought at 18,000 miles, problems started at 23,000.

Transmission starting getting louder and louder. Gears are not kicking in or switching. The car jumps when the gears finally do change. I took the car to the dealership twice while still under warranty, and no one saw any problems. I was dismissed with a $500 tune up. Transmission problems continued getting worse.

Next, the engine lights started going off like it was the 4th of July. I took it to the dealership, under warranty and of course, they couldn't see any problem. The lights intermittently go off and on, still. If you want the engine light turned off after it's turned itself on, you have to go to a friendly Volkswagen dealer, who will do it for you for $75. I finally took the Jetta lemon to a mechanic who said there may be a major problem with the engine.

At 50,000 miles the AC had some major issue and it cost me $400 to fix it.

At 55,000 miles right front wheel bearing needed changing, $280.

At 56,000 miles I need to change shocks.

I emailed the friendly customer service Volkswagen manufacturer to complain about this car. They were quick to return my call, only to say that they are sorry, but they can't do anything. Not even a $5 coupon for oil change! I figure they must be flooded with phone calls and can't afford $5 for every customer.

Don't ever buy a Volkswagen! I have friends who have some major problems with their newer models just like I had with the 1997 jetta. Dealerships will dismiss your major and numerous problems, and the manufacturer will tell you that you're stuck with it.

Volkswagen! Good luck with your business, you'll need it!