1999 Volkswagen Jetta GL review from North America

Cup Holder has been replaced 3 times. Twice by the manufacturer at a dealership, and most recently for over $80 at at third party shop (over $60 just for the part).

A row of the Instrument panel isn't lit anymore.

The engine light is constantly on. The dealership replaced two 'failed O2 sensors' for over $300 a piece. This usually solved the problem, for a while. The light came back on a month or so after the last replacement, so I have not been able to work up the nerve to pay another $300 to get a faulty sensor fixed.

The car rides very rough; it has difficulty between 2nd and 3rd gears. The dealer told me to switch to Shell (they said BP used high alcohol gasoline which doesn't work well in the Jetta's engine) gasoline of the highest grade, which is very expensive.

The hinge in the glove box broke.

During a recent oil change, I had to have the oil pan fixed because someone had cross threaded the oil plug. Though this is not really the manufacturers fault, the mechanic has stated that this is more common since manufacturers have started making the oil pans from cast aluminum. This fix cost over $300.

The front of the car has been ripped/popped of a number of times from getting caught on standard parking blocks when backing out of a parking space. Again, maybe not the fault of the manufacturer, but it happens a lot, and I've never experienced it on another car.

This has been a hard lesson. I absolutely fell in love with the Volkswagen image, design, and initial quality. However, the maintainance of this car has exceeded that I would expect on any car. Each repair feels like I own a much more expensive import. Even though I love the design and style of these cars, I will not purchase another one. I know too many people that have Jetta's and Golfs from 1999-2001 that have had too many problems, from simple fit and finish issues to major engine faults.