1998 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews

Too Young To Die

Written by: Vector on 06/05/2008

Vehicle

1998 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

I purchased my Jetta in 2001, with only 17k. In the 7 years that Ive owned it, the rubber on the sides fell off, the cruise control went out, the keyless entry stopped working, the airbag light goes on and off, and worst of all the transmission is dying at 86,000 miles. The repair shop (a costly VW only shop) could not fix the cruise, the key or the airbag light. They said that I will have to get a new tranny, which would cost more than the car is worth. It takes a lot of effort for it (automatic transmission) to get up to 20 mph (gets up to 50 rpms), and it jerks into second gear. Once it gets to 60 mph, it's ok but it takes a lot of work to get there. Not so much fun to drive now.

Favorite Features

Square design, large amount of space in the truck/back seat

Suggested Improvements

Better transmissions!

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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I love this car

Written by: Midori Alexandros on 03/27/2008

Vehicle

1998 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr Wolfsburg Sedan

Review

It has been a great- car. We have had to do a lot of mechanical repairs to the car, who ever sold it did not do them and that was probably why they sold it in the first place. We have done timing belt/tensioner, both drive axles, breaks, struts, engine mounts, and turn signal switch, spark plugs, plug wires, and had the engine detailed. The car has been excellent with no mishaps.

Favorite Features

I love this car, I love the way it is shaped, it's very boxy and sexy.

Suggested Improvements

More comfortable seats.

2 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Nothing but problems

Written by: Brent on 01/16/2008

Vehicle

1998 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GLX Sedan

Review

Ever since i have owned this car, i have had to keep putting money into it. New spark plugs, new transmission, window mount broke twice, faulty wiring, engine mount broke, emergency break light stays on some times; it is by far the worst car that i have ever owned. I will NEVER own another volkswagen again.

Favorite Features

It stays warm during the winter, and doesn't get stuck in the snow.

Suggested Improvements

Everything, especially the transmission

0 out 3 people found this review helpful

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The engine won't quit

Written by: NotherJettaOwner on 12/19/2007

Vehicle

1998 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GLS Sedan

Review

We bought this Jetta back in the beginning of 2001 with nearly 48k on it. This year, I took an outside sales job and I've pushed it from about 137k to 160k and counting. Its days are numbered, as I haven't done much upkeep outside of oil changes, but this sucker still doesnt burn a drop of oil. The coolant is starting to leak a little. Both windows on the driver side are off track and are held in place by pieces of wood propping them up. Radio reception is awful. Transmission will stick going uphill from time to time. We superglued the rubber molding to keep it in place and that has worked pretty well. Knock on wood, the car has never left me stranded.

Favorite Features

Car goes when I say go - even at this stage of the game. Still averaging 27 mpgs and can get up to 31 on all highway.

Suggested Improvements

Make sure the electronics work properly. The rubber molding problem was, I think, fixed in newer models. Make the spark plugs easier to access for tune-ups.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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This is a fun car to drive

Written by: B4B on 10/10/2007

Vehicle

1998 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

I purchased this car new in 1998 and have been religious about maintenance and fixing things before they become expensive problems. I've driven 160,000 miles with no major repairs and still enjoy driving this car. If you stay up on maintenance (yes - brakes, struts, engine, etc.), this car will reward you every day - it is a fun and responsive car to drive and blast through turns. There is a certain "structural integrity" to the Jetta that Hondas and Toyotas lack. It handles well, has a responsive engine for its size and is great to drive. Great on gas too - I get 31 mpg highway.

Favorite Features

Solid ride, great handling, excellent brakes, responsive engine, great on gas.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holder can't accommodate large size from Dunkin' (have to remove ash tray), otherwise I'm pretty happy.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Jetta...Da Da Da

Written by: Tina on 09/19/2007

Vehicle

1998 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

A Jetta is a great car that's a lot of fun to drive. The style appealed to me and it handles like a sports car, there's a lot of kick to it. It's a solid built car that feels safe and reliable. Downsides: snow can easily clog up the small wheel wells. I've had issues with the doors freezing shut (the door seal is almost impenetrable). Have had issues with the side molding. Also had the cruise control system replaced once and now it's not working again. The maintenance can get expensive and now that I've gotten past 100,000 mile point, my wallet has begun to experience the "joys" of car ownership. Despite the issues, I would recommend a Jetta and will probably buy another one.

Favorite Features

Huge trunk, body style, porcelain blue metallic paint, 6-disc changer, sporty handling, fuel efficiency.

Suggested Improvements

Side moldings that stay on, a more responsive keyless remote (mine is sporadic), larger, more accessible cup holders that you can actually place a beverage in (how are you supposed to fit a tall cup directly below the radio console??).

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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I'll Buy Another

Written by: La Bomba on 09/09/2007

Vehicle

1998 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

Purchased used from Ford lot during yr 2000. Upgrade options include sun/moon roof and remote key access. Weak on acceleration and tops for cross-country touring/hwy driving. Solid feel with matching reliability. 1.8L fuel injected gets about 33/44 mpg road/hwy, a must in today's economy. Tight in the back for big folk; however, far roomier than the VW Bug. The battery linked factory VW radio was a mess, so I upgraded it with a Pioneer system. Wide wheel base with FWD a plus in weather. Roomy trunk. Lots of elbow room up front. Stout frame is a snap to parallel park in urban places. Nasty tacky exterior rubber door guards fall off too much. Overall: very good touring sedan (A-).

Favorite Features

Elbow room in front and trunk capacity in rear. Terrific factory installed sun/moon roof. Interior seats are of high quality.

Suggested Improvements

The rubber door guards are problematic. Also, wheel wells should be larger to accommodate chains in weather. The dash design could have a better cup holder and compartment(s) for toll change/tokens. Dash needs a slip guard between dash and windshield to avoid small items getting jammed/lost.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Easy to Drive

Written by: jordanv2323 on 07/31/2007

Vehicle

1998 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr Wolfsburg Sedan

Review

Probably the eaisest car to drive. It is great for its day!!

Favorite Features

4 wheel disc brakes, clock next to speedometer, corners unbelievably.

Suggested Improvements

Not heavy enough for winter driving without studs unless you're a great winter driver.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Drove for 9 yrs and LOVED IT!

Written by: Kim on 06/08/2007

Vehicle

1998 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

So much fun to drive even in the 9th yr. It's got a great kick and the interior held up well. Very reliable! The only things I've ever had to do besides tires and oil changes is replace the clutch once. Granted I only put around 8-9 thousand miles a year on it. But I drove it hard and in lots snowy/rainy weather conditions.

Favorite Features

The look can't be beat! 5 spd control is a seriously fun ride. Small but large windows make it feel very open.

Suggested Improvements

The moldings on the exterior doors will fall off. Just make sure you don't lose them.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Thank You, Can I Have Another

Written by: chefbob on 07/23/2006

Vehicle

1998 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr TDI Turbodsl Sedan

Review

I have this car for eight years now. 227,000 miles later and I am still getting 45 - 50 mpg! I love the car but I hate the dealerships! Even though I have had minor problems...glow plugs, hoses, batteries nothing is ever in stock and takes weeks to get. I have found a local mechanic who works on the diesels and I'm very happy now. Change your oil, timing chain, and get your manifold cleaned at around 100,000 miles along with the innercooler and you will love this car. I'm trying for 300,000 miles as long as I can stay away from the dealership.

Favorite Features

The great gas mileage, gas mileage, gas mileage!

Suggested Improvements

Improve the radio, engine noise, add heated seats and mirrors, and diesels take some time to warm up.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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