1999 Volkswagen Jetta GL review from North America

Front brakes were replaced at 30k miles and again at 60k and now again at 99k.

Rear brake lights/fuse all blew out within a weeks time.

Battery died due to poor-quality stereo that locked up in the powered on condition. The only way to reset the stereo is to pull the fuse.

Yellow grease poured out from all 4 doors in the heat.

Paint is faded and in poor shape.

Plastic grills in the front bumper missing after 15k miles.

Poorly engineer bumper / poor quality attachment caused the bumper to sag / fall off, which I repaired with a hand full of drywall screws because I just didn't care anymore.

Cheap plastic parts in the cabin are all slowly breaking (cup holder, glove compartment)

Both front seats have lost some sort of big spring, which seems to have no effect on the seats themselves.

Trunk keyless entry unit cracked and jammed the lock. More cheap plastic parts.

AM stereo picks up loud buzzing from the engine, making it useless.

Cheap tape deck started flaking out at 30k miles, died at 70k, showing a constant "Error".

Various O2 / Air Flow Sensors have died, some under recalls, some not.

AC unit loses charge very fast, leading to its lack of use.

Cheap rubber trim around the edges of the door have all constricted / expanded due to the heat and have fallen off / sagging.

Antenna has cracked / sagged due to sun exposure due to MORE cheap plastic parts.

All things said, I'd never buy a VW again. Terrible car, terrible engineering.

The car looks great brand new.

Car handles well.