Skip to main content

Used 1996 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Consumer Reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
81 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.5 out of 5 stars

Minor Problems

bec, 11/30/2002
1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased my 96 GLS not too long ago with 55k right now I have 60k. Theres only a few minor problems with the Jetta basically, the window regulators, CEL, noises mostly alot of electrical problems. Other than that the vw runs great.

Report Abuse

3.25 out of 5 stars

Automatic Transmission sucks!!

hatemyjetta2, 12/03/2002
1996 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Definitely had trouble with automatic transmission at around 99,000 miles. Even though still under warranty, the dealer screwed us and VW did not stand by their warranty. Also had problems with it quitting while driving in rain. VW was never able to figure out the problem after several shop visits, but my husband did--it was the ignition coil $240.00 parts. Also had to replace ignition and the drivers door lock-only now we have 2 separate keys to start and open the car door. No doubt its a good little engine--but auto trans and electrical sys clearly has problems. A stick shift is probably your best bet.

Report Abuse
1996 Volkswagen Jetta for sale near you
Showing 0 of 0 listings
Sorry, there are no 1996 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles for sale in our network.
See all 0 listings

3.38 out of 5 stars

Big Disappointment

fielder3rd, 12/21/2002
1996 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought mine used w/ 23,000 miles. Looked good,ran fine, fun to drive. Then, as soon as i got over 80,000 miles the thing started falling apart....literally. The third brakelight in the rear window fell off. The side moldings on both front doors came off. The passenger side front door lock assembly came out with the key one day. Then the crankshaft broke. I had it rebuilt to the tune of $2200. I foolishly thought that if i had it repaired the car would be good to go for a long time without another major repair. Wrong. The ECM went bad @ 100,000 miles. I traded the thing in on a 2000 Maxima. Good riddance.

Report Abuse
Advertisement
Build Your Volkswagen Jetta
At a Glance:
  • 5 Colors
  • 4 Trims
  • 1 Package
  • $21,995*starting MSRP
Build & Price vw.com
* Starting MSRP of $21,995 for a 2025 Jetta S 1.5L TSI® with 8-speed automatic transmission. Prices exclude destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

4.63 out of 5 stars

J's house of euros

VentotrekLE, 12/02/2003
1996 Volkswagen Jetta Trek Limited Edition 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It's really nice, i am very much drawn to this vehicle, despite its problems.

Report Abuse

4 out of 5 stars

devil in disguise

kimbot, 11/16/2003
1996 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Things that are still not working: Speedometer Trip Gas gauge Things that don’t work like they should: a/c Things that broke/are breaking too soon/too often: Brakes Transmission Things that should not have happened: Gas mileage poor now huge Coolant leak Oil leak too many O2 senors replaced. tried so many times to get speedometor to work, every time it would break within a few days. transmission went out after 75,000 miles. brakes always felt funny. automatic transmissions are crap. manuals seem to be better

Report Abuse
Items per page:
5