1996 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The Volkswagen Jetta offered something for just about everyone in 1996. Looking for an entry-level vehicle that offered dependable transportation, a stylish design, a roomy interior for a family, and good gas mileage? You could opt for the Jetta GL, with a 115-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and such features as bucket seats, power brakes, power door locks, a five-speed manual transmission, and an anti-theft alarm system.

Looking for a few more features? The Jetta Wolfsburg Edition offered a rear spoiler and a power moonroof, while the Jetta GLS offered air conditioning and power windows as standard features.

Need more power? The Jetta GLX was equipped with a 172-horsepower, 2.8-liter V6 that provided ample power for this four-door sedan. The GLX also came with a full package of standard equipment, including a sunroof, air conditioning, power windows, anti-lock brakes, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, cruise control, and power heated mirrors.

In all, seven different trim packages of the Jetta were available, including the Trek, City, and TDI turbodiesel sedans. Volkswagen couldn't be accused of offering limited choices for '96.

As far as drivers were concerned, their opinions of the Jetta were nearly as extensive and varied as the model offerings themselves. Many drivers applauded the Jetta for its design, engineering, roominess, handling, and reliability, but others complained of numerous problems with the car, and noted that repairs could be expensive. ,