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Used 1994 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
30 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1994 Jetta, so we've included reviews for other years of the Jetta since its last redesign.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Great car

VWred-dragon, 02/03/2004
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought my 94 GLX VR6 in September of 2003 with 103,000 miles on it. The car was purchased in good condition, I had to do regular 10 year expected maintenence on it but nothing out of the ordinary (repacked wheel berrings, tune up, accessory belt, fixed a tiny coolent leak, valve cover gasket, and motor mount) the car runs great and performs excellently. (My model was made in Germany, not Mexico)

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Jetta Fan

KendraH, 02/17/2009
1993 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought one used from a private sale. It had 100 thousand miles on it when purchased. It had over 200K miles on it before we turned it in. The cost of the repairs were worth more than the car when we replaced it. The ride was very smooth, as you could ride the highway in third gear and not realize it. Only major repairs we needed to do was for brakes and muffler. This was the first Jetta I owned and made me a huge fan of Volkswagens. It made a great family car. Due to its size, was able to park in the school's parking lot very easily amongst all the minivans and SUVs.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

this car runs great

just keeps running.., 12/24/2008
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I purchased this car from a post on Craigs List for $850 cash. The gauges did not work, the a/c had been bypassed, and the catalytic converter was shot. But the car ran good. Good clutch, strong runner, no leaks anywhere. The car has somewhere around 135k miles. I have been replacing little things that should have been fixed or replaced during this cars 14 years of life. However, the parts aren't that expensive if you buy them used from the internet. Remember...you have to maintain Jettas to get the life out of them. I will drive this Jetta until it gets tired, and it gives 100% everyday. This is a good car, to say the absolute least. Thumbs up. I will always drive VW.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

My Beloved Jetta, will be missed :(

Cory G, 01/15/2009
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my first car which was My Beloved Jetta in 2007. I really enjoyed that car so much that I was going to hook it up with some nice stuff. It was used so I knew what I was getting. It was green, 5 speed manual, sunroof, am/fm cassette radio, what I wanted for a first car. I had to sell it because it failed inspection for emissions, sunroof leaked, gotten into a couple of fender benders :(. I miss that car. I drive a Chevy HHR now, still miss the Jetta.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great engine

Helder, 10/19/2009
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this car back in 2004 with 185,000 for $250. It needed timing belt, tune up (park pugs, wires, dist. Cap, belts and filters, rear shocks and brakes). The car looked in good shape no rust, interior was perfect, & the privious owner had just replaced the the muffler & tires. A close friend happens to be a master VW mechanic so all parts and labor only cost me $750. For $1000 dollars I figured the car could laet another 2 years. To my surprise it ran very good, fast, economic, & fun to drive. After 5 years I put more $$ into it: new starter, radiator, rotors & pads, muffler, & master cylinder ($880 parts & labor). It still running strong today 23, ooo miles. Oil change done every 3,000 miles

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I'll miss my Dub!

Asetroz6, 11/02/2009
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Purchased in 1996. Over 170000 miles and still ran strong. I put all but 43000mi. Owned for 13 years. Seats very comfortable. Used to Auto Cross and even beat a few Vettes! Good stereo, enough room in the back seats for adults on a hour trip or so, ran it hard and on long trips and only the usual repairs.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Little Black Money Pit

Armory6, 03/14/2010
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This was my dream car. It was my first car and despite everything, I still love it, but will not buy another VW. It seems like everything has gone wrong with this car. The computer was installed wrong when the car was built and never worked, this makes it hard to find a mechanic to work on the various problems it has. The distributor went and was replaced, replaced the fuel pump, the ignition switch, both oil pressure sensors, A/C compressor doesn't work, most of the hoses were replaced due to cracking and leaking, the sun roof won't open and also leaks, the seat adjustment knob covers fell off, the handle to the glove box broke and won't open, now the oil pump.

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5 out of 5 stars

Super Happy

Eric "VWRACER", 07/15/2002
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I currently have over 251,000 miles on my 1994 Jetta...all I gotta say is, I love it. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned...I trust it more then my other car with only 40,000 miles on it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Good Car

vwboy94, 02/19/2003
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this car with 75000 miles on it, it had no previous problems and so far hasn't had any new ones. The car is reliable, and fuel economical. I can get about 25-30 mpg depending on how I drive the 5 speed manual. For a small engine and only 115 horsepower this car can go.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Fun Car

Thur, 07/20/2004
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is a great vehicle. I bought this car with 180,000 miles and have had to do a few repairs (new A/C compressor, rear wheel bearings, power window regulator, shift linkage bushings, valve cover gasket, timing belt), but I attribute this more to the high mileage and previous owner than to the quality of the vehicle itself. It is a fun car, quick, great paint, and excellent for city driving. Would definitely recommend.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

What a car!

Rooddog, 11/10/2004
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is a great car! I use it to commute to work, and get 30-33 mpg, even got 35 mpg right after a tune up. It accelerates well, handles fantastic, and won't break the bank. The doors and other panels are well insulated, cutting down on road noise. But changing the shocks in the rear - is a pain in the rear.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car - If You're a Mechanic

garypollard, 04/18/2015
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought mine used from Craigslist with 193,000 miles on it. Immediately had to replace serpentine and v-belt, as they quite literally flew off the car. 0-60 is exactly 8 seconds, which is not terrible for such a small engine. Will handle corners well at 75 MPH. Watch for intake system, as the MAF and O2 Sensors tend to fail after 100,000 miles. Also watch for exhaust leaks at the flex pipe. This is my second VW (had a '99 Cabrio GL), and these problems were on both. Overall, it does decently on gas. $10 lasted me a week, and that's driving from one city to another to get to school. Do your maintenance, and please do it on time. Early is best. It will last forever if you do.

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5 out of 5 stars

Love my VW!

JPBR26, 06/16/2003
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The sunroof broke on my car shortly after I got it, but other than that, it's a beautiful little car. Great gas mileage, and you can't beat how quick a VW 4-cylinder is. Zippy little car!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

VW Vento (UK) Jetta 111 (USA)

Phil G, 03/22/2002
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Should have got one of these long ago.Solid build. Everything works as it was designed to. Great mpg (av 39mpg)UK gallons. Good handling, ideal town car. Bit high reving on motorway with 3500prm only giving 77mph. My GM Vecta gives 105mph @ 3500rpm.. But a real cool car.

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5 out of 5 stars

1994 Jetta GLX

Bruno Callucci, 10/28/2020
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Best car I ever owned. Bought new in ‘94 and put over 200000 miles on the original clutch. Unbelievable! Other than window regulators, nothing but routine maintenance. Wish they were still that reliable.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

It's an OK Car

Poodle, 06/24/2008
1993 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had this car over 15 years. It was built great, but would have major mechanical problems when any problems happened. I had two A/C units dropped into this vehicle and one transmission job done. Overall, it got me to work and back and was very dependable.

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5 out of 5 stars

Consumer Rating

HUmsafar, 12/16/2002
1993 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

it is Excellent Vehicle in that period

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4.63 out of 5 stars

my first and only

nstab, 12/30/2003
1993 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

really a great car, one of the most responsive i have ever driven and quick off the line. Gave great fuel economy and i really loved it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

VW Jeta Diesel in Minnesota - First Year

stormovick, 02/01/2004
1993 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Cold winter driving was my main concern with the diesel engine but with the electrically heated seats and it's good heater, this is the warmest car I've owned. The manual gear box makes better milage and shifts easy. Comfort on long trips over 1000 miles was an other concern I had: not to worry, the ride is not too rough and the good handling makes driving fun. Short trips have cut my mileage down but I've still averaged 47+ for the first 22,000 miles.

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1.5 out of 5 stars

little black lemon jetta

Black lemon jetta, 05/06/2002
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car had a little over 50,000 miles on it and I have driven it less than 6,000 every year. So, when the second time I used the sunroof and it completely broke, I was a little dissapointed. The cup holder in the back broke, the seat recliner handles just fall off and won't stay on, the antenna fell off when driving down the highway, the driver's seat broke underneath ($1,700 to fix) and the engine overheats if it is a hot day, or you are in bad traffic- then the oil light beeps on. The check engine light is always on, but it has been checked out and supposedly everything is fine. The car gives me 18mpg in town. The radio doesn't work if I have something in the cigarette lighter.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

The TANK

dimoVW, 05/29/2002
1994 Volkswagen Jetta Limited Edition 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

YES the TANK...i have beat on this 1994 jetta...however, changed oils every 3,000 miles...Happy to say this jetta has just turned 160,000 miles and many more to go......keep a good thing going!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great Car!

Svor, 07/06/2002
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My Jetta has been a pleasure to own. Bought it with 50k and just hit 100k, with only one problem. The sunroof broke about 2 weeks after I bought it. Cost over $600 to replace the track and $350 to replace motor. Other than that just brakes and tires.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

It was NightMare.!!

Do/Doug, 10/11/2002
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

As soon as i got a used jetta, the oil pressure light came on very often. I fixed the oil pump and main bearings by paying 800, and then the head gasket may had been cracked by aging, which caused oil to leak out. it cost me 700. What a goodness.! After all, one day it started hesitating during acceleration. Gee, the fuel pump sounded like whining. it made me pay 400. Water got through the sunroof. Darn.! Next, a/c comp. was gone. It rendered me suffocated, and I spent 500 bucks. Finally, the engine would shut off by itself recently, so what I had to do was to sacrifice it. lots more. Highly not recommend this one for the poor like me.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

damn good car

shawn padilla, 03/01/2002
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this car has been great, but I've had some problems with the electrical, 2 of my windows don't work.

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2.13 out of 5 stars

Buyer Beware....

Kristen, 02/13/2005
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my car after totaling my existing Jetta. Of course, I wanted another Jetta because my first performed so well, not to be the case with this car. The radio has broken, the dash lights don't work, the door locks and power windows are broken, as well as the power sunroof. I've had the car in the shop so many times I could have paid for a new one. I've contacted my local dealership, VW of America all the way up and no one has provided me with any help. The car was a lemon a month after buying it and hasn't changed since. I'll drive the car into the ground because for the life of me I can't sell it and the dealership won't give me any value for a trade-in.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Love hate relationship with Red Jetta

squinty, 10/23/2003
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought the 94' Jetta GLX in 2000 and it only had 28,000 miles. Lots of little irrating things have broken. both window regulators for the rear. Rusted around trunk, left rear blinker is blown. Air bag not working.... Driver seat loose. Just plain annoying!

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3 out of 5 stars

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT A DAY MAY BRING!

Christin, 11/10/2003
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I drove my '94 Jetta for 2 years...including the past 3 months it's been sitting in my driveway, not worth putting another nickel into it. The worst part about owning this car is that Volkswagens are harder to fix, so the labor costs more, and the parts are so expensive. Simple spark plug wires cost me $100.00! My car just hit the 120,000 mile mark...I know they're supposed to run forever, but no one ever mentions how much it will cost to keep them running. I finally decided to count my losses and recently sold it for 1/5 of what I bought it for 2 years ago.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

better than my two Corollas

amir, 06/13/2003
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Has been more reliable than two Toyota Corollas that I have owned in the past. Drove it cross country. The 10yr/100kmi warranty came in handy to fix the transmission at 98000 miles. Sad day when I sell it.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

..And Then It Died...

Ray 20, 07/02/2003
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Well, I had my 94' Jetta Gl 5 Years and not 1 Problem. Routine Maint and Oil Changes. From 50k to 106k it ran perfect, then one morning the transmission died and killed my Jetta, repairs would have been over 2,000.00, so I sold it for $750. Sad end to a great car!

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5 out of 5 stars

Maintain Correctly and it will last

Mike, 04/27/2008
1994 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It's always been a great car. Everything on still works the way it did when it was brand new. I read these comments and sorry folks all these problems are created by trying to take the cheap way out in Preventative and scheduled maintenance. Tip for all you with trans woes, trans fluid breaks down just like oil, change it every 40K. Service it at the dealer they know best.

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