1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL review from North America
"Fahrfer-rrific"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Alternator cracked and needed repair at 114000 miles.
Battery died in extreme cold weather.
Driver's side Seat adjustment knob fell off
air conditioning had some trouble holding a charge in hot hot Texas.
Drivers side windshield/roof molding fell off.
General comments?
My raspberry jetta is amazing. 118000 miles and drives almost like its new. It was my little sister's car before I got it as a pass-me-down. She drove is in Dallas and never had any overheat or significant other problems. I live in Denver and it has been amazing. Handles the mountains like it was born here, including Trail Ridge Road in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Bounced an elk off its front drivers side fender and almost no significant damage. Has handled the snow and ice this winter better than any other car I've had. I passed SUV's and Subaru's who couldn't make it up some of the hills near my home. With regular, all-weather radials. Handles nice, quick car.
Some idling issues in the hot weather. Battery died in the deep cold, but jumped it back to life on the first crank. Overall a gem. I will drive this car until it falls apart around me!
Recommended reviews
| Engine is strong, VW of America Service the worst, and interior electrical not so hot to be polite |
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| Not with a ten foot pole, unless you plan to impale it! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 4 cylinder. Manual |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 113000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 118000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Camry |
| Date of Entry | 16th January, 2007 |