1998 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
For 1998, Volkswagen made some changes to its lineup of special-edition Jettas. The Jazz and Trek, available the previous year, were gone....
For 1998, Volkswagen made some changes to its lineup of special-edition Jettas. The Jazz and Trek, available the previous year, were gone. New to the lineup was the Jetta K2, designed to appeal to winter sports enthusiasts. It came with either skis or a snowboard, special upholstery and gauges, and an upgraded stereo system, among other special features. In addition, the Wolfsburg Edition returned to the lineup.
The Jetta K2, as well as the Wolfsburg Edition, the base-model Jetta GL, the sporty Jetta GT, and the higher-end Jetta GLS, came with a 115-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that had been the workhorse of the Jetta fleet for a number of years. It was linked to a five-speed manual transmission, which was standard. A four-speed automatic was optional.
Also in the lineup was the Jetta GLX, which was equipped with a 172-hp, 2.8-liter V6 engine and came with a full range of standard features, including a power sunroof, air conditioning, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, antilock brakes, a Bose audio system, and a sport-tuned suspension.
Drivers had mixed opinions of the 1998 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.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers really enjoy the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta for its reliability, handling, and fuel economy. Many reviewers express their love for its performance, particularly those equipped with the VR6 engine, which offers plenty of power. However, some owners noted that repair costs can be high and that the standard 2.0L engine lacks pickup. Some also experienced electronic issues and found parts hard to source, which detracted from their overall satisfaction."
you pay a large price for parts and fuel bills. but really its all worth it once you put your foot down and you hear that v6 shout and see the horizon show up in a rapid motion,plus its nice having all the extras you get from having the executive model
September 18, 2009Very reliable car and has great gas mileage. I've since replaced the sway bay bushings, the suspension, brake calipers, rotors, coolant hoses, timing belt, and the window regulator for the passenger door. For a car that is almost 11 years old it's very reliable and everything works perfectly since the day I bought it. Has a good amount of torque from a small 2.0L engine and acceleration is descent for a an engine this small. The handling is alright but I wouldn't recommend it as a track car because of it's poor suspension geometry. Overall it's a very fun car to drive and would recommend this car to anyone looking for a cheap German engineered sedan.
June 17, 2009Besides the fact that you never forget your first car (or was about girlfried?)... anyway, this is the best Jetta ever made, great performance, has owned for 135,000 Km and has never had a single failure and compared with the A4 versions, this one has a great space in the cabin and an awesome trunk space.
March 7, 2008What owners say
you pay a large price for parts and fuel bills. but really its all worth it once you put your foot down and you hear that v6 shout and see the horizon show up in a rapid motion,plus its nice having all the extras you get from having the executive model
September 18, 2009Very reliable car and has great gas mileage. I've since replaced the sway bay bushings, the suspension, brake calipers, rotors, coolant hoses, timing belt, and the window regulator for the passenger door. For a car that is almost 11 years old it's very reliable and everything works perfectly since the day I bought it. Has a good amount of torque from a small 2.0L engine and acceleration is descent for a an engine this small. The handling is alright but I wouldn't recommend it as a track car because of it's poor suspension geometry. Overall it's a very fun car to drive and would recommend this car to anyone looking for a cheap German engineered sedan.
June 17, 2009Besides the fact that you never forget your first car (or was about girlfried?)... anyway, this is the best Jetta ever made, great performance, has owned for 135,000 Km and has never had a single failure and compared with the A4 versions, this one has a great space in the cabin and an awesome trunk space.
March 7, 2008the vr6 provided plenty of power, and it handled like a dream. it had every power option except heated seats. it was black with black leather seats, a very sharp looking car. the only problem was when it blew a head gasket (the old vr6 enginges are known for that). it was a real pain to fix because of the lack of room. later i found out that it's only a hand full of bolts to take the whole front end off.(oh well)
April 1, 2008The 1998 Jetta, built in Mexico, handles exceptionally well for the cost. New, it was priced under $20,000 with a fairly loaded package. The car has retained its residual value, and is still worth anywhere from $4-$7K depending on condition. The car has a good track record mechanically, and the manual transmission is fun to drive. The sound system is also solid. Good gas mileage -- 30+ miles on the highway.
September 19, 2007Very good, reliable small city car. very high fuel economy. Peppi performance up to 30 MPH, excellent handling and braking. not to good on trips over 100 mi., it would beat you up. Timing belts are expensive to replace. Maintenance cost are low, but finding the proper oil was some times hard, as are fuel filters if a dealer is not close, and not all dealers stock them. Needs to be driver over 50 mi. regularly to keep the turbo operating at peak efficiency.
November 1, 2010If you want a good VW, this is it. The Wolfsburg models are usually a little cheaper than the VR6 models, but come with all the best upgrades--better stereo, cloth racing seats, spolier, moonroof. Powertrain-2.0L 4-cyl suited with a 5spd. Runs strong with plenty of highend torque. Body-4-dr Red with Black cloth interior. I love driving with the sunroof open. Costs- Great on gas (avg.30-35mpg) Mostly cheap to repair. Easy to work on.
August 4, 2008Overall this is an amazing car. I've only had it a few months but i'm in love with it already. Lots of power, compact yet spacious, great handling, and amazing build quality.
July 10, 2008VR6 is all i got to say, got to go low and slow but mean and fast when Civics mess with you, looks good simple and clean done right with the right rims and exterior work. My car is in very good condition for being 12 years old paint is in good condition, if you just keep up with the car it will love you back.
April 22, 2010One of the best car I have ever owned , I sold it with 287000 kms on it. Talked to the owners friend and it now has over 400000 kms. The car only needed regular maintenance and the heater core was replaced at 275000 kms.
November 24, 2009
