Strong Torque from the 1.8L Turbo, Solid structure, Great stereo, Styling, driving value for the money.

Backseat is a joke, shifter is notchy, suspension is too soft, questionable fit and finish quality.

GLS 1.8T vs GLS/GLX 2.8 V-6
The 1.8T is much lighter than the VR6, so it does not understeer as much as the VR6. The VR6 is way to nose heavy, a previous post says its handles like a BMW (get a life, nothing handles like a bimmer - I know, I traded-in my 3 series for the Jetta). All things aside, the GLS 1.8T with Lux Package is the choice for driving enthousiasts, save the $1200.00 for the VR6 and opt for the 1.8T.

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BMW 3 series : Jetta is no bimmer, it's also no bimmer in cost (GLS 1.8T)vs BMW 323i

Great looking, fun to drive, good gas mileage, classy looking dash. Loved the car until we hit the 40K mile mark on the odometer! Volkswagen was very receptive to our concerns right up until 24K miles...

bought 12/5/98...12/10/98 driver's outside door handle wouldn't work, the cable at door latch had to be reattached...
then, at 16K miles
2) cylinder failed on door
3) radio static when shifting
4) passenger side kick panel kept falling off
5) fuse panel keeps falling off
17K miles
6) replaced center console screw cover
7) fuse panel still loose
8) replaced radio because it still had static when shifting
23K miles
9) antenna replaced, still having problems with radio, tape gets hot when in cassette player
27K miles
10) engine has a miss in it, did oil change and normal maintenance
37K
11) gas door switch fails (after a fight with VW, they did pay for this under warranty)
46K miles
12) rattle underneath car, says there is a rock in pan
47K miles
13) front O2 sensor fails
14) rear, middle seat belt locks up and needs replacing
15) still rattling underneath, even though they say they've removed the rock that was making the noise
16) knob for rearview mirror breaks off, whole unit has to be replaced
17) using oil. We are told they burn oil at a rate of 1 quart every 1000 miles!? We have changed oil faithfully every 3000 miles!
55K miles
18) Mass Air Flow Meter fails
19) ABS light comes on periodically, we are told there is a bug on one of the sensor windows for the ABS system
20) Battery cable is corroded, fusebox needs to be replaced
21) plastic piece on cup holder breaks off
22) rattle in dash
23) trim material around driver door is coming loose
24) rubber is flaking off on handles inside doors
25) chrome on shifter is coming off

We bought this car to drive it for 300,000 miles since that was what we believed the VW reputation was all about...no more...we can't afford to keep this car!

If you love to drive, love a great handling car, love to be seen in a classy vehicle and have lots of disposable income and lots of patience for the aggrevation... buy a Jetta. My guess is most people don't want those kind of headaches!

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We drove a 1984 Monte Carlo SS for 103,000 miles with no problems, a 1980 GMC Van for 110,000 miles with no problems, and a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville 86,000 miles with no problems. We can't make a comparison because we haven't gotten close to the mileage on other cars we've driven.

What can I say...this car is an absolute dream!! As a gift from my parents from convocating from university, I must say, I could not of asked for anything more incredibily awesome! Everything about this car is fantastic! I ordered my car fully loaded (automatic, luxury package, leather package, monsoon sound system...and the list of features that came with it can go on and on!). This car is extremely fun to drive! I love the ride, the how is keeps you in touch with every undulation on the road. The 1.8T is incredible and offers that extra umph, that is seriously lacking in the 2.0L. Also, I should maybe clarify something that I think is misleading to some people. Although it has been said that with the 1.8T engine to use premium gasoline, it is NOT necessary, AND you CAN use regular gasoline. However, unless you want the highest level of performance from the 1.8T (and the car is very deserving of it), you might want to pay the extra bucks for the premium. Keeping in mind the current gas prices however...NO THANKS!!
I also love the design both exteriorly and interiorly...very simple and modern...which I appreciate. The Jetta also has a look all of its own. It seems stands out from other car models, and, as such, gets noticed. Silver exterior with black leather interior is definitely the way to go...very sleek and impressive looking...you won't be sorry for picking that combination. Also I love the new multi-function steering wheel that VW just came out with. Very handy, while keeping your hands on the wheel. Overall, this is truly a great car, and the list of postives things I could talk in regards to this car are endless...so I will stop now. All I can say is that this car is definitely a driver's car!

I really have nothing to complain about. However, I know it has been said many times before and I will say is again, more rear leg room would be a bonus....but that's it.

Like I said before...the VW Jetta has been an awesome car for me so far! No problems as of yet. I had my heart set on a VW Jetta from day one...and gave little thought to any other car. As soon as I test drove the Jetta, I was sold, and knew that eventually I would be the proud owner of one. And now I am! As a new graduate straight out of university, this is the perfect car, and I would recommend it to any young person. However, the Jetta is a fairly pricey car, and the only reason I have one now is because my parents bought it for me. However, if you do have some money put away, and are looking at buying a car, I would seriously stop in at your local VW dealer and take a Jetta out for a test drive. Once you do...you will be hooked and want one as bad as I did! Have fun!!

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Jeep Grand Cherokee-->can't really compare the two (totally different class)
Z71 Chevrolet Truck-->again, cannot really compare the two.

This car handles really well, large trunk, thick tires, great gas economy (35-45 mpg), dashboard lights are blue and red, cool laser cut key which is like a small knife where u put the blade away so the key wont cut into your pocket, u can open the trunk with a button on the key, also the car has a built in alarm system and a panic button on the key with sets it off, quick acceleration and braking, the exterior looks great, no wind noise when driving fast, car doors feel secure, the seat can be adjusted to fit any size person, everything under the hood looks neat and the hood doesnt need to be held open.

The only things i would have rathered is more leg room in the back for the passengers and a little compartment in between the driver and passanger seat. Also i like how the cup holders come out like a cd drive, but they dont feel too secure if u put a large and heavy cup on it, it would be nice add a bigger cup holder next to the driver

I did a lot of research before choosing this car, I ended up thinking of the Jetta tdi or a honda civic, but after looking at the prices and seeing what i get with the Jetta compared to the civic I chose the Jetta, They were going to charge me about 17,000 for a civic LX(it doesnt even have abs). With my jetta i have abs, 4 break pads, alloy wheels, better built car, better engine, better looking car, better feel and better features. Like the alarm, the laser cut key, the alarm siystem, how the hood and trunk open, bigger tires, the diesel engine which deseil engines last longer then gas engines and it also wastes less gas. Just more for your money if u look at everything that comes with the car. Seeing how i can get this car for just a few thousand dollars more It was well worth the money. And if u can believe it my mitsubishi eclipse cost just 1000 less and it only had an automatic transmission, everything else was standard.

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The first car i had was a 91 chevorlette corsica, that was a pretty good car and lasted, it didnt break too quick and one of the back seat doors felt loose when opening and closing. The other car i had was a 99 mitsubishi eclipe, this car drove well and braked fine, but the car seems too pricy for what it comes with, also the trasmission broke in the first year and a couple of times i had trouble starting the car. I love my jetta now i just hope it doenst give me any problems with anything major.

Reliability, mileage,space for passengers, big trunk, pep.

weakness to rust. Fairly important in Manitoba where the streets are covered in salt half the year. Prone to oil leaks. Rear doors have a tendancy to jam.

I purchased my little jetta 3 years ago from a retired couple with only 75k on her. No problems at all (except for the rust which I was already aware of) for the first 2 years by which time the car was already 15 years old. Only in the past year after doubling the klicks on her and providing only the barest minimal of maintenance have issues developed. Namely the rear passenger side tire falling off. I blame myself however and not the car, I really drove her to the ground. I am hoping all VWs are so reliably built and am looking to purchase another in the near future.

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not really sure havent owned anything similar

The look and finish of the VW can olny be compaired to the B.M.W or Audi. I own the T.D.I. and the fuel milage is great. If this car would last and not fall apart it would be the best thing on the road for the money.

Car is falling apart after only 40k.

Things seemed to be going O.K. until 40K. After that milestone a bolt holding the turbo charger fell out and needed to be replaced. The glove box plastic piece that hold the door on broke. The glove box door now hangs by the top lock. The driver side door has something loose in it and the window can no longer be rolled down. The armrest top broke at the base. When you open this or put your arm on it the top flings off. The dash lights are also going out. Only the powertrain has held up somewhat. I fear for what is going to break next. We as customers should take up a class action lawsuit for this insult. Does VW think it will stay in business with this kind of product? Look at all the other bad reviews on this site. IF someone tries to sell you any VW just walk(or run) away.

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For the love of God buy a Honda!

The car ran for about 5 minutes after leaving the dealership before the check engine light came on.

Sooo many problems with the car and the dealer. Bent motor mounts. Bent rims. Crappy tires...so far I have had 14 flat tires. This is not the car but the dealer. Every time I brought my car to the dealer they switched tires on me with "better ones" from a lease. This morning...The car completely died. I have no idea what happened, but the horn was going off for about a half hour before it just stopped. I have barely driven the car and every day it is a headache. My suggestion to anyone wanting to buy a VW...If you feel lucky then go for it. I do know some people that VW has worked for them. Always little problems but whatever. If you can stand the headache go ahead. If you live anywhere near Jersey City...DO NOT go to AC VW. They suck! Besides miss diagnosis several times with problems. They took tint off my windows and missed the adhesive! And it took them 2 weeks! The last time they were supposed to replace a motor mount and put on new rims. Well, after 6 weeks I got the piece of crap back and no new rims and tires off of another car. It only took 4 days before I got 2 flats. So Beware of AC VW in Jersey City, NJ!!

DO NOT BUY A VW UNLESS YOU FEEL LUCKY AND HEADACHES ARE NOT A PROBLEM FOR YOU!! NEVER GO TO AC VW IN JERSEY CITY, NJ!!!!

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The only other car I ever owned was a Chevy Corsica. It was the best car ever. May not have looked that good but drove through anything. I only wish the Jetta drove like it!

German engineering, Looks, Handeling, Engine, Build Quality, Dash Lights :)

Back seat leg room, Quirky rear ash tray/cup holders, No rear armrest, Should have power lumbar support.

If you compare the list of standard features on the GLX VR6 model to similar cars you won't find a better deal. This car will outperform an A4, or 325 any day. Drivers wanted!!!

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1997 Jetta GLX VR6-Sluggish compared to new VR6 engine.

I Love it! It looks great, smooth ride, and handles well. You can hear and feel the quality when you close the doors. All the other Jetta drivers notice you and smile when pass them. All my friends are jealous of my car, and wish they had it. The red and blue instrument panel looks awesome at night, and the key is pretty cool too. The heated seats keep you toasty when it’s cold. The car comes with tones of little features that u might never use, but are there if u need them (such as putting the windows up/down with the key from the drivers outside door lock, the auto up/down windows, and front window pinch protection).

The check engine light came on the first day I had it, but it was nothing serious, I think it was because I tried to mess around with the headlights, (they told me it was because the new vehicle computer didn’t like me messing with the headlights), I took it back to the dealership and they had it fixed in about 10 minutes. Since then, there have been no problems. Another one of my minor complaints is the legroom in backseat, but I don’t really care because I never sit back there! The 2.0L is a little underpowered, but not bad for 115 HP. The first dealership that I went to was HORRIBLE!! So I purchased it from a MUCH better dealer, which was a little further from where I live, so this was a minor inconvenience because of the distance and the wait for my car, but the service was much better.

Other than the check engine light, and the rear legroom, this car has been awesome. It has lived up to its expectations, and was worth the money. You can tell by the feel of the car that it will last you a long time, and has many safety features (front, side, curtain airbags, and standard ABS) I love VW's, and most other German engineered cars, and for the price, I would by another one in a second (with the 1.8T engine). It really is a poor mans BMW :-)

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2001 Honda Civic- the Jetta beats the 2001 Civic in every way and no standard ABS on some Civic models? Sounds strange to me!

Gorgeous car. Handles well in rough weather. Generally dependable, when not in the shop.

There is something wrong with the manufacturing of this car. I have had to replace the window regulators and motors (both driver's and passengers' sides front AND back) numerous times because they have become inoperable for no apparent reason. My electrical system periodically goes haywire and tries to lock me in my car and the rubber strips on the outside of the doors are falling off. This is not just my problem, I find out now that MANY owners experince the same things!

Though I love how my car looks and was elated when I bought it, I do not trust it anymore. I am tired of getting the run around from VW Service and being treated like an idiot when they can't figure out how to fix my car and take my money for doing so. It has a great warranty, but once it expires, they get their money back from you ten times over. Problem is, unless it is fixed, which means that the windows function, I cannot get rid of this car. I wish I would have been made aware of these difficulties before I bought it- unfortunately, my research did not turn up these problems. I am very disappointed in VW and don't think I will ever buy from them again. I wish those of you with VW cars good fortune. Hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones. If you are a prospective buyer, please be careful. Though not all owners have problems, those of us that do are literally paying the price.

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Pontiac Grand Prix and Grand Am- I miss those cars. BIggest problems I had were paint peeling from the side view mirrors