1996 Volkswagen Jetta Review
1996 Volkswagen Jetta Review
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Used Jetta for sale
Appraise This CarVolkswagen Jetta model years
Volkswagen Jetta types
- Sedan
- Diesel
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
A new three-bar grille is added up front. GLX models get a firmer front suspension and new "Bugatti" style wheels. New colors sum up the changes.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$185/mo for Jetta GLS
Jetta GLS
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Volkswagen's sedan version of the Golf, the Jetta, has always been one of our favorite sedans. Like most cars conceived in Germany, the Jetta has an uncanny ability to keep the driver in touch with every undulation and irregularity in the road without sacrificing comfort. It has a cavernous interior, logically laid-out controls and displays, and zippy performance.
GL, GLS, Trek, and Wolfsburg Edition Jettas offer enough oomph to keep most drivers satisfied, when equipped with a five-speed transmission. The optional automatic saps what little power the Jetta has to offer, and we don't recommend it. Most drivers who want a Jetta will be of the persuasion that eschews the autobox in favor of rowing their own gears anyway because, let's face it, why buy a VW if you don't enjoy driving?
Driving enjoyment is what the top-of-the-line GLX is all about. Sporting a powerful and compact V6 engine, thick alloy wheels, and newly lowered sport suspension, the GLX is a poor man's BMW 325i. If you have a need for speed, this is the Jetta to buy.
This year, Jettas get a sharp new grille, smoother automatic transmission, and a new Bose stereo system is available. Three new colors are available for 1996. A Turbo Direct Injection (TDI) arrived in showrooms mid-year. Volkswagen claims this car will change the way you think of diesels, touting how quick, quiet and clean it is. We don't think Americans will be interested.
Regular Jettas are a blast once they're moving. Sharp steering response, a taut chassis, and a superb driving position combine to make you forget about the wimpy 2.0-liter, 115-horsepower engine under the hood.
Reliability has been a problem with Volkswagens in the past. However, a new 10 year/100,000 mile warranty backs up the powertrain, and free roadside assistance is provided for the first two years of ownership.
Not that you couldn't afford to fix it once in a while. The uplevel GLS, loaded with antilock brakes, sunroof, CD changer, and a fun-robbing automatic transmission, doesn't crack the $20,000 barrier. Prices like these make the Jetta very competitive with the Chrysler Cirrus, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord. The GLX undercuts premium German sedans by thousands of dollars, without sacrificing performance, features or that Teutonic feel. Sign us up.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Volkswagen Jetta.
5 star(36%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(29%)
2 star(11%)
1 star(1%)
82 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
The best I've had
SHIREEN, 04/08/2009
1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
I bought this car used with 98,000 miles on it. I had the timing belt replaced when I bought it. It was an oil leaker when I got it but had the valve cover gasket and new oil filler cap put on it. NO oil leaks or burning. I've owned Toyota and Nissan and Honda, but I love this car. It runs great and handles well. The mileage I'm not too sure of, but it passes smog with flying colors, and … I live in california. The Germans built a car you can't lock your keys in. You must lock it from the outside with the key. Brilliant!! If you can find a good price on a 1996 jetta, buy it.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Love it
ktbird, 08/16/2007
1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
I bought my used Jetta about 4 years ago and I still love it. I don't think I can go back to a 4cyl ever again! This car is fast and fun to drive. Problems: side moldings (one fell off, the other one about to). Paint looks awful (but I live in So Cal desert), exterior molding on front windshield disintegrated. Blew a coil last year and now the heater core is kaput. Very expensive to … fix. Cupholder is a joke. And my heavy foot doesn't help the already low MPG. Mostly it's just normal problems after 11 years. Plus I drive it hard. But depite this, I am deeply attached to her - I had a Honda before and nothing compares to the driving experience of the Jetta.
3.38 out of 5 stars
price + $300 or more every 2 months!!!!
Candy, 06/02/2002
1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
Like all the other Jetta owners, I am
severly disappointed with the
electrical system. My theory is that
they purposely make the electrical
stuff burn out every 2 months, in order
to get you to spend lots of money. My
car has visted their repair shop at
least 3 times a year alone for just the
stupid windows that keep getting stuck!!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Everyone should buy a Jetta
I LOVE MY JEttA, 05/29/2002
1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
I bought my 1996 Volkswagen Jetta
GLX/VR6 in February 2001. It was 5
years old with 46,000 miles. I have
had it for one year and I have had no
problems with it. There are 60,000
miles on it and I plan to drive another
60,000.
1996 Jetta Highlights
Sedan
GLS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $185/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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