1996 Volkswagen Jetta GL from North America - Comments

The whole wheel and brake system had to be replaced at 60,000. This included: axles, struts, strut mounts, and a bunch of other things that I can't remember. Repairs were somewhere around $700.

At 65,000 miles, the car would not start if it was raining or even damp outside. Total repairs were $1,100.

My driver's side lock came out and the alarm wouldn't turn off.

My horn starting going off one day for no reason while I was driving on the highway. The horn wouldn't stop so I had to pull the fuse out until I got it fixed. Faulty wiring somewhere behind the wheel was the cause.

Dash lights (for stereo and air controls) stopped working. Not a fuse problem.

Tail pipe fell off and I was told I had to replace the whole exhaust, catalytic converter system. Repair nearly $700.

Beautiful car and it handles wonderfully.

Excellent sound system.

This car is incredibly roomy and comfortable.

As much fun to drive as a BMW.

Basically, this car is fabulous on a superficial level. It's gorgeous, fun to drive, and handles like a dream. However, if you don't have serious amounts of money to spend fixing it, I wouldn't recommend purchasing one. For only a few thousand dollars more, you can get a BMW 3 series which is 100 times more reliable than a Volkswagen. VWs, after all, are just as expensive as BMWs and Mercedes are to repair.

I purchased a 1995 VW Jetta, the transmission immediately went bad. Cost me nearly 3000 to fix, and wasn't much better after the repair. I also had problems with my car alarm, it wouldn't shut off and killed my battery. Both of my door locks have fallen out. I couldn't agree with you more they are a beautiful disaster.

These guys are right... I own a 96 Jetta GLS and my transmission went out- cost me $2500.00! My locks fell out and my alarm will not shut off! My rear windows also broke. My oil sensor will not shut off either. This is all before it flipped 100,000 miles! This car sucks!

Same here, I owned a 1996 Jetta GLX with the VR6. Transmission has problem after problem, never shifts right even after service. 3 windows stopped working, passenger window regulator had to be replaced twice. The Jetta is broken down more than on the road. I sold mine thank God before I went bankrupt. If you own a Jetta GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN!! If you get it running half way right, sell it right away before it brakes again! At 125000 miles the Timing Chains must be replaced or they can fail on the VR6, this repair cost about $2300.00!! Never Again will I buy a VW. Just get a BMW or Mercades where if you have to pay big $ for a repair you can at least count on a LONG period before something else goes wrong.

I got nauseas for a minute after reading it cost you $2,300 to get the timing change replaced. That's obnoxious and no car is worth that. BMWs are just as expensive to repair and in my opinion overrated and the Mercedes I had was terribly unreliable and also overrated. Toys for the rich is all they are. You are right about the superficial aspect of these cars, including my Mercedes!

I had a 1996 Volkswagen Jetta and that's the biggest mistake I've ever made.

Not everything was that bad. I'll never forget two happy days it gave me: When I bought it, and when I got rid of that piece of junk.