1997 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Volkswagen made a few adjustments to its Jetta lineup for 1997. Gone was the Wolfsburg Edition, while new to the lineup was the Jetta Jazz, which was geared toward music enthusiasts and equipped with special upholstery and an upgraded sound system with a CD changer. Similarly, the Jetta Trek was aimed at biking enthusiasts, and came with a roof-mounted bike rack, special cloth seats and instrument gauges, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and foglights. A sporty Jetta GT was also added.
Still in the lineup were the stalwarts of the Jetta lineup, including the Jetta GL and the Jetta GLS, both powered by a 115-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine linked to a five-speed manual transmission, which was standard. The entry-level GL package came with bucket seats, dual airbags, power brakes, power steering, power door locks, tilt steering, and an anti-theft alarm system, while the GLS added cruise control, power heated mirrors, air conditioning, and power windows.
Also available were the Jetta TDI turbodiesel and the Jetta GLX, which was equipped with a 172-horsepower, 2.8-liter V6 engine and came with a full range of standard features, including a sunroof and anti-lock brakes. Leather seats were optional.
Drivers had mixed opinions of the 1997 Jetta. Some offered high praise for the car, citing its roominess, reliability, handling, and performance as positive points. Others were less than enthusiastic about their cars, noting a lack of quality and the need for numerous repairs.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
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by Trey C
Aug 04, 2012
For the price that you pay, it was worth the money. It could have had a lot
more pick up, but what do you expect for the price? It was actually pretty
fun to drive for a base model, entry level car. It was an overall cheap care
to own.Aug 04, 2012
by Anonymous
Apr 12, 2012
Had 3 jettas GL, GL Trek and my current 97' Jetta GLX. Loved every single one. The VR6 has 250,000 miles, just did a tune up and it runs like new. This is a very smooth riding vehicle and I don't think I will ever buy another car besides a Jetta. Favorite car to drive. Has amazing features like heated seats, sun roof, power windows, door locks and mirrors. The car overall is just outstanding in quality for having 250,000 and being about 15 years old. Apr 12, 2012
by Robert L
Jan 21, 2012
Performance is adequate for around town driving and highway travel, But not entirely impressive, Although has a substantial amount of torque at low revs making for extreme user friendliness during around town driving. Extremely easy car for first timers to learn to drive stick in.Jan 21, 2012
User rating:
by Trey C
Aug 04, 2012
For the price that you pay, it was worth the money. It could have had a lot
more pick up, but what do you expect for the price? It was actually pretty
fun to drive for a base model, entry level car. It was an overall cheap care
to own.Aug 04, 2012
by Anonymous
Apr 12, 2012
Had 3 jettas GL, GL Trek and my current 97' Jetta GLX. Loved every single one. The VR6 has 250,000 miles, just did a tune up and it runs like new. This is a very smooth riding vehicle and I don't think I will ever buy another car besides a Jetta. Favorite car to drive. Has amazing features like heated seats, sun roof, power windows, door locks and mirrors. The car overall is just outstanding in quality for having 250,000 and being about 15 years old. Apr 12, 2012
by Robert L
Jan 21, 2012
Performance is adequate for around town driving and highway travel, But not entirely impressive, Although has a substantial amount of torque at low revs making for extreme user friendliness during around town driving. Extremely easy car for first timers to learn to drive stick in.Jan 21, 2012
by Bryan M
Jan 20, 2012
this is a fast, corner hugging beast of a car... with some mods it could be incredible. but like all VW when they expirience issues they become a bit of a nightmare to work on. but nonethe less i enjoy bombing around town in it.Jan 20, 2012
by Jes K
Dec 31, 2011
Price for me was awesome! It was free. :) I haven't had to put much work into it. It's slow, but it get's me from place to place and I have alot of fun driving it. It's a 5 speed manual and get's about 30 mpg. I think it handles pretty good, It'll take a moderate curve at a bout 70 without slipping. Dec 31, 2011
by Mathew Z
Nov 20, 2011
I loved the look of the car when i first bought it. It had such an aggressive look to it. The seats are not comfortable when it comes to driving long trips.I just recently brought the car. The previous owner crashed it badly. So i took it from his hands took care of it. And now almost finished with the car making it 100% back to normal.The car was in the shop all month last Oct/2011 i had the clutch put in, coil pack and starter. The car runs new and feels like it runs stronger than before.The acceleration picks up very quick. Braking is very good, it would be better if i had premium padding but the slotted disk rotors are a plus. I love this car its so fun to drive. This car has a lot of potential the fastest i went with the few mods i have is 151mph. which is not bad at all.Nov 20, 2011
by Courtney P
Sep 14, 2010
Although my current vehicle is a 2004 MINI Cooper S, the VW Jetta is probably one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. The 2.8L VR6 model is fast as all get out, luxurious, and I've had some of my best moments in that car.Sep 14, 2010
by Chris P
Sep 12, 2010
All and all i really love this car. The power that it has is grat and it really handles like a champ. I really dont like the whole wheel bearing thing but hey i can deal with that other than that 5 starsSep 12, 2010
by Lester M
Apr 11, 2010
We loved our Jetta GT. It was the last hurra for this body style and had some nice features which gave it just a bit more class. The rear spoiler, standard on the GT looks just right on the car as do the GT only wheels. The GT seats were supportive and comfortable on the longest trips. The car had the great handling VW's are noted for and the power was better than adequate. It had very good mileage, but I couldn't tell you what it was off hand. It was built very well, but the cup holders were rather flimsy, reflective I think of the German's attitude about them. (they don't like them-you are supposed to be driving the car, not eating, drinking, and yacking) Recommended.Apr 11, 2010
by Mathew M
Apr 01, 2010
This was a great, sporty German tuned compact sedan. This was simply
wonderful. We got the car in 1999 and kept it well maintained right up
until its death in June 2007. This car was fantastic to drive, handled like a
dream with the stock sport-tuned suspension and the 2.8L VR6 was
always sprited, sporty, and 'ready-to-go' Apr 01, 2010
by Stephanie C
Jan 26, 2010
This was my first car my mom bought it for me for my 18th birthday for 6,000 dollars. I had very minimal problems with this car I had to replace the distributor cap and eventually the transmission gave out on the car. But other then that an all around great car.Jan 26, 2010
by Patrick L
Jan 14, 2010
Performance wise this car, stock 2.0, is slow but that can be taken care of with a few minor upgrades(ie. exhaust, intake, cam) all in all it isnt too bad. Build quality.. lets face it, its a mk3 it breaks a lot, maybe not always "broke down" but something is always broken haha. Appearance, yous may not like it but you give this car some coilovers, wheels, and a good wash and it is one hell of a looker in my book. Overall, i really hate how much i really love this car, i have thought about getting something different, something newer, but i know deep inside it just wouldnt be right. :)Jan 14, 2010
by Mark C
Oct 21, 2009
This car overall is a pretty good car. For only having 115hp it is quite peppy. But that is because it has higher gear ratios in the transmission compared to most other VW's. The motor is running as strong as i could ask it to. Although the motors are really strong in these cars, the transmissions are not that good. Although it shifts smoothly, i feel that the transmission could have been built beefier. The lack of sway-bars on the car is also a problem to me. My car does have a cat-back exhaust from Magnaflow. And if anyone has a MkIII jetta or golf i would recommend getting it because it sounds amazing and it definately makes the car drive more spirited. A list of parts to go on the car: cold-air intake, high-flow cat, header, tuned ECU, KONI Special D struts, Eibach Sportline lowering springs, aftermarket wheels, short-throw shifter, bigger throttle body, and possibly a new, bigger camshaft with adjustable timing sprocket. Oct 21, 2009
by Tim M
Oct 16, 2009
Performance- From factory: nothing to brag about. Great low end torque. Good gas mileage, VERY dependable.
Build Quality- Its a VW, so its got its quirks, but a well built car IMHO
Appearance- The Mark 3 Golf/Jettas are one of my favorite generations of VWs design history. Stays true to previous generations "look". Everything else afterwards was a big change
Cost of Ownership- Get past maintenance, and its pretty cheap to own. Low insurance rates, and great MPG
Fun Factor- My favorite car I've owned so far... ad some mild mods to it, and its a blast to drive.Oct 16, 2009
by Michael B
Sep 02, 2009
I love my car because it's red and a VW. It has an high lift cam and reinforced valve springs. The gas mileage isnt bad , mostly because i dont drive it very far between fills. The interior is in great shape, power windows and doors and A/C.Sep 02, 2009
by Ricky M
Aug 24, 2009
solid built car. currently has original transmission, clutch and engine at 190,000 miles. all that needs replaced is transmission. engine still runs beautifully. easy and cheap to maintain if you can do some of the work on your own. mechanics will get you for all you're worth just because it's german, so do your research. made me a vw customer for life.Aug 24, 2009
by Davy H
Aug 08, 2009
Fun to drive, Economic, Durable... Interior is pleasing to the eye and for the most part efficient. Haven't had many problems with it yet, other than stuff that generally goes out on older cars anyways. Got mine for $2k, been driving it for two years. Haven't spent more than $200 on repairs, though the transmission is starting to go. But at 200k miles, its expected. Manual is the best. Love this car.Aug 08, 2009
by Nick T
Jul 30, 2009
very quick car, amZing on the corners, and a must for the mountains. plenty of room for passengers and a smooth ride for all. gas mileage was definitely a plus. sporty and easy to accessorize. parts readily available and affordable.Jul 30, 2009
by Marko L
Jul 20, 2009
Amazing handling, fun to drive, fuel efficient, BUT THE GREMLINS are endless! US version was made in Mexico, not Wolfsburg, so the electrical demons never give up. Issues are obnoxious to chase down, but make you feel like a man if you win. IF.Jul 20, 2009
by Stephen L
Feb 04, 2009
Handling was great. I miss my stick shift. You were one with the road in that car. It was black (hot in the summer) and had a great stereo system. The car rocked. Handled well in its first, only, and last wreck - kept me safe for sure.Feb 04, 2009
by Hyrum M
Jan 17, 2009
Two of the power windows and died. VW used a air system to power all of the locks and to regulate the cruse control. With that, my cruse control hardly ever works. However this Jetta does get great gas mileage! Jan 17, 2009
by Adam B
Sep 30, 2008
The jetta is pretty simple- no power windows- and not very powerful, but it has been reliable so far, is very sturdy even after11 years, and is running great at 132,000. It's great to have a small, reliable car that get's great mileage (30mpg in the suburbs) but is somewhat unique. It isn't the fastest, prettiest, or coolest car I've ever seen, but it has more personality than your average car.Sep 30, 2008
by Brian L
Aug 21, 2008
My car may be falling apart, but it's fast and handles great, I love my two ton paperweight. Plus, it's a standard, so people who don't suck at life can drive her. Compared to my folks '06 VW Passat, it's a rattletrap, but that's perfect for me, I can feel the speed.Aug 21, 2008
by Mary C
Aug 13, 2008
she was my first car and just needs some TLC to get back to that point. she put up with me through a lot and held strong. cozy, roomy and fun to drive. solid gas mileage as well. i hope she's ready to stand up to a few more ohio wintersAug 13, 2008
by Ryan D
Jul 23, 2008
My precious Jetta. My sister bought this many many years ago. I have always loved this car and it has NEVER let us down. Every other MKIII Jetta or Golfs are nightmares. This is a diamond in the rough. It just hit 106,000 miles and it runs and drives like new. I just put a throttle body, valve cover gasket, intake gasket, cooling fan switch, brakes, and a tune up on her. The paint is not the best quality. It is the VW toranado red that always fades. It handles pretty well, it isn't the fastest car but I would take reliability over speed now. The gas mileage has gotten pretty bad and I don't know what it is that is causing it yet. It is the GL trim package, do no crazy electrical issues, I just lubed the sunroof so it closes and opens great again. The only issue I have with it is the intermittent wipers have never worked. Its no big deal though. No crazy squeaks or rattles to speak of, nice cd changer (factory) good sound. tight shifting still, the side trim always comes un-glued though.Jul 23, 2008
by Anonymous
Jul 13, 2008
with the right amount of work this car is great! it has great acceleration, they last forever, this car is fun to drive, the 5spd rocks V-DUBS 4 LIFE!!!Jul 13, 2008
by Erica T
Jul 11, 2008
This car was probably hands down THE BEST CAR I'VE EVER OWNED. It never gave me any problems...ran like a dream and had all the space i needed when i had to carry stuff.Jul 11, 2008
by Cynthia C
Jun 26, 2008
used to love it on open roads. funnest car i have ever driven. AWESOME gas mileage. safe and reliable. i learned how to drive a stick in it though, ended up grinding up the clutch. my baad.
and then i totalled it.....
i will never want any other kind of car. i am in love.Jun 26, 2008
by Davide O
Jun 24, 2008
It wasn't a bad first car, aside from the automatic tranny, four spoke baby carriage wheels and the Mexican build qualityJun 24, 2008
by Doug M
Apr 09, 2008
I loved this car, drove great, very comfortable, I think it looks great too. Not a leader on the power side though. I put euro headlights and a badgless grill and it looks even better. I miss it.Apr 09, 2008
by Ethan S
Jan 22, 2008
you would love the handling on the car buttt its not as fast as the 1.8t Jan 22, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 24, 2007
German performance on a great budget!Dec 24, 2007
by Anonymous
Dec 11, 2007
the car is alright if it is well maintained. problems with the tranny are inevidable with this vehicle but anything else is up to the ownerDec 11, 2007
1997 Volkswagen Jetta Pricing
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