The car had few "strengths" per se. It had a bunch of mediocrities that might pass for strengths. The engine (4-cylinder) was OK if the A/C was off.

Too much wind noise while driving on the freeway.
Motor was way too weak with a full passenger load.
Electronics problems almost killed me.
Engine occasionally cut out, even after supposed maintenance.

The model year Jetta GL I got was downright nasty. Other than having an engine and four wheels, I don't think it really qualified as a decent car.
Interior is no good. No glove box. Poorly placed cup holders. Horrible electronics (both the speedometer/odometer lights and the passenger side visor lamp shorted out).
Paint job wasn't up to snuff either. Maybe it's just because I had a black car, but I've never seen a car show swirl marks more.

My final thought? Don't buy this year model. I've heard better things about newer models, so make sure you check them out before settling on the '95.

This car is great. I feel completely safe and I love to drive it. Already 25,000 miles on it and NO problems at all. We are so happy with this car and we know the next purchase will be in the VW family. The extra ammenities that this car has are awesome - the 100,000 mile warranty on the engine/transmission - how can anything compare within the price range??? In response to Mark's question about the Jetta versus a Cavalier. There is no comparison at all. I've had 2 Cavaliers and honestly, I will NEVER buy a Chevy again. They were always breaking down and the car felt horrible. My car insurance rates went down when I got the Jetta because it's so much safer. The Jetta is amazing and I would totally recommend that you give it some consideration. You'll be glad you did!

I love the Jetta - completely satisfied. Would totally recommend this to anyone who's looking for safety, features, quality at an unbelievable price!

Well-built, awesome mileage, decent power, good handling, HUGE TRUNK!!

Rear Legroom leaves a lot to be desired unless you have small friends or kids. The TDI requires synthetic oil which is fine for durablity, but it gives the dealer a perfect opportunity to ream you! I paid $88 for an in-between oil change between factory-paid services. I'm doing it myself for these in-between ones from here on out!

Beautiful design & attention to detail inside & out. Good handling & ride compromise. Very high quality machine, feels more expensive than it is. It's like a Audi A4 for a lot less! The mileage with the TDI engine has been excellent. I get about 40 mpg in town with the A/C on and my foot on the gas! I have seen 52 mpg on the highway. I was also surprised at the power this engine has. It's not a VR6, but it's no slug either. It also starts well in the cold, even at 10 below! I have 10,000 miles on it so far with no problems at all, aside from a minor recall that involved pulling insulation from the pyrotechnic seatbelt retractor to keep it from catching fire. This car has gotten more compliments than any car I have ever owned. VW definitely has it figured out these days.

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This car completely blows away the Saturn I used to own.

Great handling and style. Hugs the road. Very good acceleration. Quiet, comfortable. Good leg room in front and back. Huge trunk. Good stock stereo.

Black interior cloth attracts lint. Only around 23 MPG.

I love this car! The only midsized car to carry a V6 engine, which gives it a lot of kick. Hard to keep under the speed limit. Car tends towards the 80-90 Mile/hour range. ABS, Blue lit instrument pannel, power windows and doors, telescoping steering wheel, alarm, A/C, cruise all standard.
A little more expensive than other cars in it's category (i.e., Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic) but shouldn't even be considered equal as it is far and away better. Plus, once you add all the options to the Honda or Toyota, the price difference is negligible.
I recommend this car to anyone who likes to drive (and it's practical if you have a family).

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Olds Alero, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla.

How would you guys compare this car to say a cheaper built american car like a chevy cavalier. i don't actually own one but am looking at a TDI

Drives nice when it is not in the shop

My car has had numerous visits to the dealership for service. There is a new problem each week. I would strongly advise people not to purchase VW's. Some of the problems have been under warranty but the quantity of issues makes it necessary to have a second car or alot of free time to spend in the shop.

Extremely unhappy with VW's reliability and would not recommend to anyone.

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Honda Accord, Mitsubishi Galant

Great handling, classic good looks, HUGE trunk and fairly decent rear seat room. Both the driving position and the visibility are excellent.

The 2.0 engine is a bit week. The stock suspension is a bit soft. The stock brakes are a bit weak. And no center armrest really annoys me.

When I first got this car I was a bit indifferent towards it. But now I love most of it. I've never had so much fun driving in a car. I find myself taking the longer and slower and just plain out of the way routes home in search of lonely twisty roads. After driving the completely redesigned Jetta/Golf's mine feels dated. So far the car has been very reliable. The only problem I've had was a piece of side molding come off. The car as 42,000 miles on it, and still feels pretty solid.

Comfortable and looks nice

Every six to eight weeks I have a car repair bill.

Would not recomened this car to anyone. I bought it with a VW certified warrenty and had to use it several times. Several items were not covered either such as the exhaust what needed replacing at 37,000 miles. Now that the warrenty expired I have been hit with repairs that have been coming out of my own pocket. I hope other people had better luck.

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Honda Accord 1991

None

It's too easy to flip open the fuel inlet door. There is no warning light on the dash. The trunk does have an open lid warning light, but you can't lock it without stopping and getting out. There are allot of warning bells and stuff to remind you of everything except the sunroof. Needs one. I always forget it's cracked open. Creak's allot for a compact. (at the center posts).

Cloth seats are very fragile and I can tell stain easily. I scotch gaurded it first thing. It attract hair, lint, dust, feathers, everything. I wanted leather, but it just wasn't in the card's. Popping the hood for friends is kind of embarrasing. It's like "Checking Oil for Dummies". They hide everything in the compartment except this giant bull's eye dip stick in the center. Not a hit at truck stops when the burly drivers look over your shoulder to check out your diesel power.

Bicycle roof racks are great. Yakima's fit in the side slots easily.
I like the diesel except the smoke in the morning.
It is very quick off the line at stop lights.
Brakes good.
FUN! I like the diesel power. It humms baby. Just turn on the cruise and listen to that diesel simmer on down the highway for hours. Watch Mustangs
pass you over and over.

I recommend it!

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'69 Beetle. Both are fun.

Great A/C, No problems, 4 doors, Cheap and reliable

Brakes often weren't working, I wrecked it

Definitely recommend. I paid 700 for this car with 105,000 miles, and never put one dime into it besides regular maintenance. My only regret was the fact that I was 16 when I had the car, and my inexperience caused me to wreck it.

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Geo Storm--much better