2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition review from North America

Soon after I got it the wire to the third stoplight was frayed and the dealer repaired it.

The rear spoiler broke in the center - probably because friends use the spoiler to open the trunk.

The BBS wheels corrode easily - I clean them regularly with a gentle cleaner and take them off in the winter, but one is starting to corrode already.

I think it's great.

The engineering on the engine is superb, and wins many awards. It's power output is high for its size, yet it's efficient and smooth. The gears are spaced well, but the shifter action is too sloppy. I changed to a performance tranny oil which helped.

The car is fast, efficient, quiet and comfortable on the highway. I cruise at 85 like it's nothing, and still get 29 mpg at that speed. It's stable - I came across a bunch of deer in the middle of the highway and swerved and braked, and the car was stable and safe, and slowed and turned without drama. Many other cars I've driven would have killed me. Crash test safety is excellent, and my insurance costs are low as a result.

Around town, it is small and parks easily, has a tight turning circle and still has room for four people and their luggage or groceries.

I think it's great looking, the interior design is comfortable and ergonomic, and there are many thoughtful luxury touches.

My only disappointment is that the shifter is still a little sloppy and the rear axle is a little too slow to react on twisty roads - it's probably the best torsion beam ever made, but it's how VW cut costs. After two years, I'm still surprised that the features and design quality rival cars that cost twice as much. I'm planning to put 250,000 miles on it.