2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS from North America - Comments

The power windows slipped their tracks and wouldn't raise and lower.

There was a problem with a wire connection in the ignition resulting in unreliable start-ups.

There has been a persistent electrical problem that 5 trips to the dealership still cannot fix. The car beeps at me and dash lights flash as the dash dims and clock resets.

Horn and alarm go off randomly.

Occasionally does not start.

The engine sometimes surges.

The belly pan has fallen off twice.

Power locks intermittent.

This car has been a maintenance nightmare.

I love the gas mileage and bio-diesel option.

Ground clearance is too low. Sometimes I can't even make it over speed bumps without scraping bottom.

I really hate to see people get away from Volkswagens, because I really enjoy the way they di you do have a few options.

If you MUST have a diesel, take a look at the Jeep Liberty CRD, believe it or not the Liberty is a well rounded vehicle and is also extremely reliable. (I own a gas engined '04 Limited, and it is absolutely one of the best vehicles I've ever owned- and I've owned over 20 vehicles).

If you can give up the diesel and want reliability, ground clearence and decent mileage, take a look at the wagons offered by Subaru.

I wouldn't recommend the Ford Escape Hybrid, as the Escape and its twin Mazda Tribute, as they have a spotty reliability record and their build quality is not as good as any vehicle I mentioned above, and in my opinion is far below anything built by Volkswagen.

In fact you might even take a look at a Passat Wagon with 4motion, but if ground clearance is a big issue a Subaru or Liberty would serve you better.

Good luck in finding something that best fits your needs.

I too owned a Jetta Wagon it was a GLX with the VR6, it was a fantastic vehicle, but didn't fare well in snowy conditions. The Liberty handles the snow much better. Just make sure you get one equipped with ABS, if this is the route you take.