1997 Volkswagen Jetta User Reviews

Quick With Problems — i love it, even tho its not in perfect condition right now. everything is common problems, its just that its all coming all at once instead of spread out.

Absolutely Fantastic Car. —

Absolutely fantastic car. I bought this car for 3 reasons; replace the Bonneville, getting used to driving a manual on a day to day basis, and it was dirt cheap, costing me about 50% of market value. This would become a huge bonus at the unfortunate end of its service life. I intended this car as a learning car to get used to driving a stick shift so I can get the Miata that I always wanted. But, this was such a great car that after a few months, I decided to keep it and put the Miata plans on hold. Coming off the Bonneville, I imagine any car would be a great car by comparison. But I truly lucked out here. Friend of mine back in high school had the exact same car and it made a huge impression on me back then. So when I saw this for sale, at the price it was at, I couldn't pass it up. And it turned really well. For a compact car, this was quick thanks to the powerful stock V6 in this trim level. It also had all the toys that I could ask for; power everything, heated leather seats, moonroof, premium 10-speaker audio with 6CD changer, and did I mention a fantastic V6 under the bonnet. Sure it drinks premium, at the then exorbitant price of $1.929/gallon. But I was able to get away with alternating 93 octane gas with 89, at a lifetime average of 25.88 mpg. Black on black with tinted windows, before the 32% mandate in Georgia went into effect, it looked absolutely bad asp. The only complaint was that the stock 15 inch alloy wheels looked too puny. Had I kept it longer, I almost certainly would've swapped them out for 16s or maybe 17s. But that was not to be. While crossing an intersection on 30 June 2005, it was struck on the passenger side rear door by a clueless driver running a red light in a Honda CR-V. When the other driver's insurance company declared my car a total loss, they paid me nearly twice as much as I had paid for it 9 months earlier, thanks to the bargain basement price I bought it for. Service Date: 8 September 2004 - 30 June 2005 (destroyed) Gas used: 89 and 93 octane over 12000 miles, per gallon cost ranged from $1.699 (12/24/04) to $2.319 (4/11/05).

Alright... — 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 owner

Owner for 4 years, 6 months

Miles Driven per Year:20,000

Good Car For A Daily Driver, Don't Take It On Road Trips. — 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.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Loved It. Recommended — 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.

Primary Use: Family transportation