1999 was a changeover year for the Volkswagen Jetta, with some of the previous year's models still on sale for several months, and a new, next-generation version introduced later in the model year. With this new version, the Jetta's body was enlarged slightly, the engine and interior were updated, and the list of standard features available throughout the line was expanded.
The new Jetta GL sedan got an updated 115-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and came with a list of standard features that included a keyless entry system, power door locks, anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, air conditioning, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and an anti-theft alarm system.
Also available were a new higher-end Jetta GLS trim package, a GLX version with a 174-horsepower V6, and two new TDI turbodiesel trim packages. All versions came dual airbags and anti-lock brakes, among other features. The GLX came standard with leather seats and a power sunroof.
Overall, drivers were impressed with the Jetta's handling, smoothness over the road, comfort, and roominess. And while some drivers praised the overall build quality of the Golf, others noted frequent problems and reliability issues with the car.
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
Well the only thing good is that it has four wheels an engine manual transmission and freakin fantastic gas milage. I mean getting 34 mpg out of a 2.slow i mean a 2.0 is nice. the maintanence costs....not so muchApr 13, 2015
by Anonymous
Jan 19, 2015
I absolutely love my VW Jetta. Its has been a GREAT car for me. It is by far my favorite vehicle I've ever owned. It has been reliable. I feel safe driving it, ive never worried about it breaking down. I'm really looking forward to purchasing a newer model. Highly recommended! Jan 19, 2015
by Anonymous
Nov 30, 2014
it comfortable to drive has loots of power , nice sound system , its sitting on 17 low pros . Black with a racing stripe just an all around nice and fun car to drive . i also have a 2002 jetta 1.8l turbo and a 1999 vw beetle with the 2.0l Nov 30, 2014
User rating:
by Andrew S
Apr 13, 2015
Well the only thing good is that it has four wheels an engine manual transmission and freakin fantastic gas milage. I mean getting 34 mpg out of a 2.slow i mean a 2.0 is nice. the maintanence costs....not so muchApr 13, 2015
by Anonymous
Jan 19, 2015
I absolutely love my VW Jetta. Its has been a GREAT car for me. It is by far my favorite vehicle I've ever owned. It has been reliable. I feel safe driving it, ive never worried about it breaking down. I'm really looking forward to purchasing a newer model. Highly recommended! Jan 19, 2015
by Anonymous
Nov 30, 2014
it comfortable to drive has loots of power , nice sound system , its sitting on 17 low pros . Black with a racing stripe just an all around nice and fun car to drive . i also have a 2002 jetta 1.8l turbo and a 1999 vw beetle with the 2.0l Nov 30, 2014
by Tania R
Apr 06, 2013
Overall I enjoy driving it, automatic, easy to park (medium size) ,cd player (8 cd carrier) am/fm radio, black exterior and interior, with automatic door safe look, spaced trunk for caring lugged or grocery shopping, 3 persons will be seated very comfortable on the back.
Apr 06, 2013
by Matty P
Mar 02, 2013
A little buzzy saloon with no power. i love this cute little car and all of its inconvenient little quirks. this cars has its many ups yet plenty of downs. this car is a 50/50 chance. you either pick a good one or a mess. i was skeptical to buy the new generation of a whole new design of everything, but im kind of pleasantly surprised. i have the 2.0l inline 4 and its dreadful. it makes the whole car vibrate, shake, and rattle. its pretty unrefined, and i found it to be a german car thing, but it revs all the way up to 3000-3500 rpms before it shifts,(i guess thats why it uses so much oil!) and when it shifts its a slow abrupt one. id hate this car if it wasnt so quirky and reliable. i have banged it off almost everything in the bronx and it still drives fine. gas mileage is slightly mediocre for such engine dullness but the handling also makes up for that. it has such good sticky handling around turns but has a serious traction issue if its not 100% dry out. the trunk is huge but more space should have been given to the rear seats, because it is so tight. now here comes my main issue with the car. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SUCKS. if its not one random light on the dash then its another light that wont turn on in the cabin, or if i put on my turn signals or even my headlights, the radio statics really bad. the radio for some reason had static since i bought it. i thought it was just the antenna , so i bought one and it cleared a little, but still sucks. through all these times i still love it because this car is so forgiving and just so......AH! i cant describe it! i just have such a passion for this car and i love it no matter what, i plan to drive it till its dead!Mar 02, 2013
by Trevor B
Apr 05, 2012
Awesome car. Takes turn amazingly. Nice acceleration. Wicked fun. My
friends fight with each other to drive when we go somewhere (Usually
the carpool car too) MKIII model, I personally like the boxy look (maybe
just a bias but whatever.) A lot of options to choose from to
personalize. Two Bose in the back - can really pump some noise. Apr 05, 2012
by Anonymous
Feb 18, 2012
I have been very pleased with this vehicle! So much so, I am looking into purchasing a new or newer used Jetta. You get what you pay for, and what my family payed for in 1999 was a solid and reliable vehicle and I can say that in 2012, this 1999 Jetta still holds true to that.Feb 18, 2012
by Anonymous
Jan 10, 2012
Great handling and exceptional mileage. Lowered 1.5 inches with Eibach Springs. Original Turbo and Clutch after 289,000 miles! I like it better than the new models I have tested, and will continue to run this one for many more milesJan 10, 2012
by Alan B
Oct 26, 2011
performance is great, quick acceleration, good braking, tight handling,
Great gas mileage, however parts are extremely expensive
Grinded while shifting even after getting new trans and clutch, floor boards rusting out is a common problem
overall a fun car to drive, Oct 26, 2011
by Anonymous
Oct 07, 2011
I like this car so far, very cute, comfortable! I havent had the car long enough to really give a good review so when I have more to say I can come back and tell you my review on the car and hopefully the car will be good to me!Oct 07, 2011
by Glenn M
Apr 04, 2011
great performance - fun to drive! good acceleration [optional 6 cylinder sport engine], braking & cornering. body in good shape but missing some trim pieces. leather seats very comfortable on long trips. rear bumper cover got scratched up from parallel parking - so replaced with a black cover which looks fine [see pic]. gets good gas mileage for a peppy car because of the car's size.Apr 04, 2011
by Rusty H
Aug 18, 2010
2.0 inline 4 cylinder
5 speed
lowered 3 inches with eibach sportline springs and KYB struts all the way around.
I drive this car daily for the $20 every other week its costs me in gas.
Its kinda quick beat a eg hatch with lsv tecAug 18, 2010
by David P
Jun 08, 2010
acceleration is great, not the fastest car ive driven. but it sure is fun! Brakes are
great, stops on a dime. handles great! i feel like i'm driving a racecar! Appearance
isn't great but i do need a paintjob and other exterior things. interior is great! only
about $30 to fill up and i can for for two weeks! all around a blast to drive! I
recommend it to everyone!Jun 08, 2010
by German H
Mar 02, 2010
Vdub for life i love v dubs they are so well built and the quality is amazing. You dont pay much but you get a ton in return. I absolutely love driving my volkswagen anyday any time any where . VWMar 02, 2010
by Samuel G
Dec 05, 2009
Classic Volkswagen everything. It has typical
performance for a 90hp diesel. Build quality is very
good (German Engineering). As far as appearance
goes I'm a huge fan of German styling and the cost
to maintain it is minimal. Is it fun to drive? It is a
Volkswagen so... heck yes! German cars always
handle better! I love it! I would definitely
recommend this vehicle.Dec 05, 2009
by Andrew S
Dec 04, 2009
Handling is really nice with the suspension, it
makes you feel like youre going 80 when your
actually going 140. fairly cheap on gas, about 40$ a
week depending on how much you drive. The
engine is pretty well bullet proof. Dont purchase an
older automatic, they tend to crap out somewhere
between 230k and 300k, but if it laster past that,
than its probably good to last you another 400k.
they look nice if you keep it clean and maintained.
Its a very fun car to drive, easy to handle and
control, and fun to zip around corners. But take
care of it! they are expensive to upkeep.Dec 04, 2009
by Dane L
Nov 01, 2009
It is slow, handles/brakes fine. Extreme BSR issues, interior sucks, looks cool, gets about 29mpg no matter what. It is fun to drive, but what stick isnt? Repairs are not as costly as one might think, that is all.Nov 01, 2009
by Scott T
Oct 17, 2009
Acceleration wasn't the best, often needed a lot of power to switch gears. Brakes were always kinda squeaky even after getting them replaced. Exterior paint was chipping in a couple spots. Interior paint on door handles was wearing off. Glovebox door was broken and center console cover broke. Factory alarm would activate 30 seconds after unlocking the car even if I was in it, unless I turned the car on or opened a passenger side door. Had to replace one of the power window motors. Hood latch broke and also had to be replaced. Mileage was pretty good but probably not what you'd expect from a Jetta. Otherwise it ran good, didn't need much done under the hood. Power moon/sunroof worked great and speakers sounded amazing. Black/tan interior, chrome shift panel and blue/red dashboard lights were awesome.Oct 17, 2009
by Roudi S
Oct 14, 2009
This was the first car that I have ever owned,
bought for me by my parents. I knew then I wanted
something that looked bold, stylish, and crafted
with a touch of German. Not throwing out the idea
of owing a Civic, but every kid my age had one.
Little did I know, I ended up in the land of Vdub.
What came along with owning a VW, was the sub-
culture that came behind it. Through shockers, and
love amongst Dubbers; it seemed almost as a cult.
However, a cult with tastefully modded vehicles,
unlike their counter part japanese street tuners.
Stretch tires and RWD fitments on a FWD car with
huge spacers became a fashionable thing to do
amongst dubbers, completely senseless, but cool.
At the time, these where in the discussion boards
and a power struggle between VW and Honda
fanboys were hitting the drag strips.
I enjoyed the quarrels, and participated in many
discussions. It became my passion, my pass time,
my studies...
From then I grew with real knowledge from
mechanics and physics. What I had gained from this
car, was once a great time in my life. From
knowledge, wisdom, the right mods, the wrong
mods, friends, and stories. This car was the love of
my life!
It was a Love/Hate story. Had I have know at the
time of purchase I would have gone with a 1.8T 5-
speed gear shifter, instead with no knowledge I
opted for a 2.0L grand-ma/sissi boy gear changer
aka automatic transmission. Performance wise, it
was very weak. It was never built for performance
actually . Yet it felt nice as it revved to 3k RPM
before shifting gears. Higher gear ratio's made it
very "torquey"! Suspension was solid and kept the
car on the road very well. Compared to those
japanese vehicles, it was smooth and not as
bouncy. It felt solid, it felt German.
Built quality seemed impeccable, especially the
interior was very comfortable and un-boring as if
nothing seemed cheap. Even though it really was!
Broken glove box, plastic molding from the dash
kept breaking off, and the lighting from the heater
dial would never light up when you want it to and
the heater never seem to kick in just right. Windows
either fog up after awhile, then you would have to
trickle with the dials to get it back on, it was a
constant adjustment. Finally, you would always
have a burnt stop light bulb or a burnt headlight
that was nearly impossible to change behind the
battery. To top things of the 2.0L burns oil faster
than a Buggati Veyron hitting top speed with a full
tank of gas! On a final note, it had a very poorly
design by having its engine sit so low as for the oil
pan to knock every bump on the road. I had gone
through 4 oil pans within it's life span.
In the end, I loved it! It was beautiful, was
comfortable, and was fun to drive. Those were just
minor details that some will cry over, but not I; a
person who just absolutely enjoys driving. Whether
it just be around the city that I've grown to love &
call home.Oct 14, 2009
by Richard C
Sep 04, 2009
Performance -
acceleration: good
braking: really bad
handling :correct
Appearanc -
interior: pure swag
exterior : not too badd
rims: ordinary
Vr6 engine is very sick to drive with good tires
the front of the car have a nice attitude and the oem smoked tail light is fun too.Sep 04, 2009
by Ben W
Aug 11, 2009
its got good performance and all that jazz. runs well, no major
problems, but it seems to be the little things that go wrong
with it. for example the windshield wiper motor went out, and
was expensive to fix. same story with the air control switch.
good car, expensive minor details.Aug 11, 2009
by Francis G
Jul 31, 2009
over all performance is good, looks is ok, handling is decent. the newer ones are better for both. wish the backseat had more leg room. maintenance is a little pricey, so is any mechanical work that might be need, both parts and labour.Jul 31, 2009
by Zachary K
Jun 30, 2009
Drives well, brakes well, handles GREAT, pretty reliable,
looks great in and out, good gas mileage, easy to maintain,
SOOOOOO much fun to drive. I love this car and plan on
keeping it until I have children of my own. One day it'll be
lowered, flat white with a black roof, have a roof rack, and
some nice 17x8's up front and 17x9's out back.Jun 30, 2009
by Josh G
Jun 08, 2009
Its only a 4 cyl. but it really puts all of it on the road. Very low center of gravity makes handling perfect. Small car very easy to get through tight spots. Parking is almost never a problem. Fun car in general.Jun 08, 2009
by Griffin J
Apr 15, 2009
Great build quality, minimal repairs. Good options and good choice of interior materials. Pleasing yet practical styling in typical VW manner. The performance on the 2.0 liter is reasonably snappy, and good on gas, but not a huge thriller on the straights. Gearbox is slightly clunky. However, great handling with compliant ride quality make it a fun and economical city car.Apr 15, 2009
by Nathan T
Jan 20, 2009
Always wanted a diesel car. Glad I got one. Gets 50mpg on the highway and no less than 43 no matter how hard I run it on local runs. Will run 75mph at barely over 2500rpms. Car has 240k and, while some extras no longer work (heated seats, etc.), it doesn't appear that it will ever wear out. Biggest drawback is that is nearly impossible for a non-VW mechanic to work on as the motor is absolutely shoehorned into the engine compartment, and everything on the car is controlled by seemingly 10 different electric gizmos. Also requires about the most expensive 65 series tires money can buy. Bottom line, it does use some expensive parts, but they last forever, and I can't complain.Jan 20, 2009
by Joel W
Dec 15, 2008
The performance could be better. Has a couple rattles but thats ok for a 10 year old car. Appearance will be improved. Gas mileage is about 28mpg and I drive it very hard. This car is awesome to drive, I love it!Dec 15, 2008
by Chelsea C
Dec 08, 2008
My car is a beast. It's a "wolfsburg" edition.... I like to call it the pack-leader, because it seems to feed monthly.The build is very tough and can withstand a great deal of beating. I love driving it though; the handling is great. It packs a lot of punch for just a four cylinder. The gas mileage is awesome. It gets about 28-30 miles to the gallon (highway). It's not high maintenance, just the usual stuff. The interior is very roomy for such a compact car. Dec 08, 2008
by Philip B
Oct 03, 2008
I like the amount of torque that comes with it. You can customize these cars in so many different ways to fit your profile. There is a great official manual that the experts use to work on this car. It makes it very easy to break down your car and make the customizations yourself. I think with just some basic customizations you can make this car turn into a very sporty, fast sedan. German engineers really know what they are doing. I have 101,000 miles on my car and it actually runs better now than the day to bought it off the lot. Like I said with a few modifications to you can turn this "adorable" car into a little monster!Oct 03, 2008
by Alex D
Sep 02, 2008
Good performance but a little loose on the handling. Interior quality leaves a little desired but I'm loving the sound quality of the stock stereo. gas mileage is a lot better than reported especially on the manual transmission, and spare parts are fairly cheap as this generation of the Jetta is still in production in Mexico.Sep 02, 2008
by Anonymous
Aug 25, 2008
Performance - Pretty good performance, could have been a little better.
Build Quality - I put this thing in 2 ditches and it still kept going... Tough little car!
Appearance - I really liked the way it looked, kinda elegant looking.
Cost of Ownership - good on gas, not too many maintenance costs...
Fun factor- it was fun to drive.Aug 25, 2008
by Richard J
Jul 17, 2008
Its a solid long lasting car. Unfortunately a little slow,
they call it a 2 point slow for a reason. Pretty good on
gas, could be a lot better. I got it from some ukie that
called himself a dealer. People say that because its
foreign its more expensive to fix but thats bull.Jul 17, 2008
by Alex D
May 30, 2008
first change to the mk IV body style great fun and easy to drive with a stick but it handles a little heavier than the GLI May 30, 2008
by Erika A
Mar 13, 2008
One morning i went to go to the store rolled down my window and it fell all the way in the door. Same happend to the otherside a few months later. I have also problems with the entire side of the dricers door panel does not work! Not the gas pop, the trunk pop, or any of the door locks. I love this car and I payed a lot of money for it and it shouldent be falling apart.Mar 13, 2008
by Ed-e A
Nov 26, 2007
costly repairs...but everything else was awesome.Nov 26, 2007
by Anonymous
Nov 11, 2007
I like it but it is getting old and the hoses need fixing and the air conditioning need
evacuation. Definitely get it checked out before buying it.
Nov 11, 2007
by Anonymous
Oct 17, 2007
When the car is running it is a great car. but with all the electronics it makes it hard to find a problem and to fix itOct 17, 2007
I've contacted two locksmiths to come and look at my car because we lost the fob key and wanted to reprogram. Both said when trying to get the key code to program the key that there was no key code and that there was no way of programming a key, but it might be a technical issue that they didn't know about. When I tried turning the spare key in the ignition they key goes all the way through without the car making any noise or effort to start. Is there a way to fix it? A battery problem?
My ‘99 Jetta is having issues with starting after it has been sitting over night. Some times it will take 3-5 times and often stall once or twice within those. Once it’s up and running it’s perfectly fine and runs well and even throughout the rest of the day it runs fine. We’ve already replaced the spark plugs, fuel pump, fuel filter, coolant temp sensor and wires. We’re running out of ideas.