Bought this when gas prices first started to rise about a year ago.  The TDI engine technology greatly improves fuel mileage over the best gas engines, and even other diesel engines as well.  The Germans put some ingenious little touches into their cars which help increase comfort and convenience.  

The absolute worst car I have ever been associated with.  This thing has more problems
than the Hindenburg.  The water pump went out at 90,000mi, had to pull the engine to
replace it.  At less than 4 years old it wouldn't pass emissions tests.  The catalytic
converter went out at 40,000 mi.  The A/C has gone out now at 106k mi.  The engine
develops this sludge crap even with chemical flushes every 10k mi and high quality oil and
filter changes every 3k.  The speedometer goes crazy if you go over 65mph and never
registers above 60mph again until you come to a full stop.  And if you happen to get
above 65 and set the cruise there, once it goes out hold on!!  It floors in and won't stop
until the engine hits the rev limiter at 125 b/c the stupid ECM still thinks the car is going
60.

turbo diesel injection, 50 MPG, good power. blah blah blah, love the sound once the turbo spools up.

The fourth generation Jetta and Golf introduced in 1999 has given compact cars a new standard in interior appointments. The Jetta is vastly improved in interior appointments than the 3rd generation Jetta.

The fourth generation also changed VW image around for better and worse. Despite its attractive looks, the Jetta suffers from electrical problems such as Radio, power windows, cd changer, etc. Moreover, in recent times, there has been a recall for coilpacks that need to be replaced in 1.8T engines due to cylinder misfirings.

Despite the problems the fourth generation Jetta has, it is still an exceptional entry level european ride. It gives off a sense of confidence and more importantly it feels safe inside. It rides heavier than most other compact and as a result feels very substantial when crusing on highways and small roads.