Used 1997 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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Good looks, VERY poor vehicle...
Lino, 04/20/2002
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Former G.M. engineer - I have owned Oldsmobile, Saturn, VW & BMW 325Ci. VR6 is marvelous. Fit & finish: initially appears exceptional for price range. HOWEVER, I will NEVER buy another VW. Overall reliability & long-term quality is ABSOLUTELY HORRENDOUS; interior parts are cheap & break FREQUENTLY. Check engine light came on at ~50,000 miles & STAYED ON until I sold it at 70,000 miles. VW could not correct problems and told me, "that's just the way these engines are". I have PERSONAL knowledge of other VWs (GLS & GLXs from 1996 THRU 2001 & 2002 VW Beetle) that have had THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS. CHECK JDPowers surveys as well as NHTSA recall/TSB boards before buying ANYTHING from VW.
Good Car
Flower Mound, 09/29/2002
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My VW is a 1997 VW GLS with some of the bells and whistles. The only compliant I HAVE is problems with it are the electrical system> It has 85000 miles and has been a generally fine car to drive and own.
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See all 0 listingsGreat Car if you get a good one!
Piran, 03/26/2005
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car at the end of last summer. It was a one-owner car and had very high mileage. But for the price I got it for, I couldn't complain. So far, I haven't had any problems. I had to fix the power locks and touch up the paint a bit. Still looks great though. I've replaced the entire suspension with Eibach springs and Koni shocks. Feels much more competent. I added an intake and a GIAC chip. Also replaced the stereo with an Alpine head unit. The car goes very well for the mileage. At the mileage, it doesn't have any rattles or intruding wind noise. People are shocked to find out the mileage after they've been for a ride in it. Good car if you are lucky to get a non-lemon.
don't but a volkswagan!
migo, 05/27/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i bought a jetta about two years ago from a private owner. i had a diagnostic done and it passed with flying colors. shortly after i bought it, it needed a alternator and belt, so i took it in to get fixed. $1,000 later, i went to service my car....$900. then my transmission went out for no apparent reason...$4800!! the car is a nice car if you have money to pay for repairs and service. i learned my lesson after spending $6500 in repairs in a little less than two years; the hard way.
Great Drive - Fairly Reliable
Jimmycricket, 06/07/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've put 35K on this since buying it and they have been a great 35K. Driven long distances, cities, twisty coastal roads are the best! Most fun I've had in a car. Just started having some electrical problems, but until this not one single issue (other than molding coming off and having to be glued back). I am debating selling at 65K miles because of what could come. Want another VW - been a pleasure.
I Regret Buying This Jetta
christinamarie, 10/28/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in July 2003 with 52000mi. I drive all over the state, at least 500 mi a week. I was told by the dealer that the kick in the engine between 2md and 3rd gear is normal. Well, at 60,000 mi the kick has become fierce and my check engine light is on. The glove compartment lock is busted, too. Also had problems with the bearings on the wheels, and serious issues with the poor presentation of my car at the dealership. And don't even think about having more than 2 people in the backseat!
car for daddy
olly, 03/06/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Cheap and easy to repair, lot of small problems - locks, airbag cable, drains but no expensive repair. engine and gearbox not killable. big fuel economy (small engine), very comfortable. The only 2 things i dont like; the exterior sound on highway and I have the impression that i have a truck engine with no power but noisy.
Dont buy VW
Liz, 06/05/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I will never again buy a German VW. poor quality. If you like to replace parts a lot, this is thw car for you.
97 Jetta GLS
tony k, 10/21/2002
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had the car for about 5 month now and I am pleased with it. I have put on it 8K miles and mechanical reliability has been good. The molding from one of the doors came off and the muffler seems to touch the underbody of the car whenever I hit deep wholes on the road, but other than that, I am very pleased with the car. Fuel economy has been good, avg. about 27 mpg.
Great Car all the way around!
VwChrisVr6, 12/09/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is an exceptionaly well built car, built by Volkswagen. If there is such a car that gives you the power and the feeling of being a sport car, but yet has the gift of luxury this is the car you are looking for.
Transmission Problems With My 1997 VW
vdubbub8403, 07/19/2008
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car 2-3 years ago and I have had nothing but trouble with the transmission slipping it started out something I can deal with but has just gotten worse threw time I think I have spend more money on this car than I paid at the dealership. I got an estimate on it $3000 to replace the transmission. Forget it I will go buy A Honda are A small truck I have heard that there is issues with this year and other years I wish I would of knew that before wasting my money I have always liked VW but I have lost all respect for them know
Even the service manager agrees
tcb, 12/16/2004
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been the worst vehicle I have ever owned. The electrical system has had to be rewired, the starter replaced, the computer replaced, and the windows have been repaired numerous times. Even the service agrees that they are all common Jetta problems, he's just never seen them in one place.
I love this car
VR6-inside, 02/10/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well this is my second MKIII jetta. My last one was a GL and now i upgraded to a GLX. I love this car. It is so fun to drive. The VR6 is a great motor. I added intake and a preformance chip.... the car feels even better! Stock sound system is nice too.
Loved it
Bigg E, 12/29/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Definately one of the best cars that I've owned. Very fast, stable and loaded with features. Only had a few repair problems. I was told by the dealer that the brake rotors can not be turned, they had to be replaced. Expensive fix. Not an expensive car to own overall. Definately recommend.
Excellent Engine POOR Everything else
wss6, 10/31/2002
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drove this car with clean highway miles and easy on the clutch; Was fun to drive for first 6 months. Since purchase I have replaced 3 ignition modules, 2 wheel bearings, body molding, door locks, and a myriad of other mechanical and body components. When the dashboard lights failed and the check engine light came on for the 2nd time I got rid of the car. LEARN FROM MY MISTAKE - DON'T BUY THIS CAR. I will never buy another Volkswagon.
A great, reliable car.
Dragos, 01/05/2004
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought our GLS new in 1997. It has a manual transmission and a 4cyl 2L engine. My wife and I have put 158k miles on it and it still runs great. We maintained our VW well and had ONLY ONE technical problem: all 4 power windows started to fail in 01. We were always impressed by the steering of the car in wet/snowy/icy conditions. We have driven it numerous times across the mountain passes in the winter and it has behaved admirably! The manual transmission has proven to be extremely reliable and it has always helped us in controlling the vehicle and having more fun driving it. This Jetta model has by far the largest trunk in its class.
smart/creative enginerin-deficient qual.
don't buy; get Civic, 07/27/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
bought this car a year ago with radio/speakers stolen. shortly after,exhaust broke loose and paid $450 for new dual-muffler system (excluding catalytic converter, fixed everything from there back. touchy trunk opener latch but fixed. fixed front/rear alignment 1 month ago; needs rear again;no big bumps.brakes glazed over.check engine lit;sensor near fuel tank dealing with economy.replaced pwr steering reservoir & 2 hoses costing an excessive $520.transmission giving out? (jerk during accel).gas not bad, but could be better.gets 29hwy but Civic more power and runs 38hwy
The Good, Bad and Ugly
cgwcolorado, 10/29/2008
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My car now has 165,000 miles and is slowly hitting the hay. When the car works it's an amazing car. Unfortunately, when one thing goes wrong you better expect to be making regular appointments with your mechanic for a little while. I have serious electrical problems, door lock problems, the ABS is out, the cruise control went out, only one windshield spray nozzle works, belts, lights, side molding, clutch, pumps, catalytic converter, hoses and transmissions galore. I love my Jetta to death but she hates the cold and the heat and is the end result of all my money!
Never Again
Fitzy, 01/19/2004
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For starters they have the worst customer service on the planet. Secondly, I have had more problems with it than I could even fit into this review. Engine light constantly comes on and VW charges $97 just to tell you why, side molding has fallen off both side doors multiple times until I finally used epoxy, my door lock on both front doors broke and the lock would spin in place instead of unlock my doors, my passenger side window fell off the track and into the door and broke into pieces, my driver side window no longer works, cruise control broke, A/C no longer works, brakes went faster than I would have imagined, and even the mufflers are garbage!
Well worth it.
askibum02, 11/01/2002
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Jetta Jazz for just under three years now. I think that for the money I paid it is a great car. My complaints are the clock spring needing to be replaced at 60,000 miles and the alternator and starter going at the same time at 70,000. Other than that all the parts last as long as they would on any other car. I have 92,000 miles on it now, and I would expect to put at least that many more miles on it befoer any other problems arise.
JETTA GT
titanone, 01/19/2004
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Over 6 years of reliable driving, great fuel economy and handling. Cheap to own and maintain.
I Love the Jetta III
chriscois, 11/30/2005
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Our 1997 Volkswagen Jetta has been great for us. It is very fun to drive as it's the 5-speed. We replaced the front brakes and timing belt at around 90,000 miles and recently had a power window regulator go out that I couldn't fix myself. It is kind of hard to get to all the plugs during a home tune-up, but this is still a good basic engine that's relatively easy to do general maintenance on. This car may have been built in Mexico (or maybe not), but you can feel the good quality German engineering that's gone into it. It's my favourite car of the ten cars that I've owned in my lifetime!
OOPS
Tur77tle, 02/26/2004
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Loved the jetta at first. Bought at a steal with 43,000 mi. At about 80,000 had TONS of problems. Brakes always squeak (replaced twice), electrical problems with AC, Engine lights on, brake system lights always on,and O2 sensors replced. Actually failed emissions this year (Car had to reach 600 degrees before sensors turned on). Transmission problems shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. And finally, the car wouldn't shift into 5th gear reliabily at all. Oh yeah, the driver side lock just fell right out!!This is odd because have very good service records. Thank god I had a great mechanic!
VRsechs
vrsechs, 10/31/2002
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car since January, and being a VW enthuiast, I am very pleased with the GLX. The engine has plenty of torque and horsepower, and with the addition of my chip, suspension, rims and tires, and exhaust, the performance has only been enhanced. I did have my turn signal cluster go out, which cost $150, and my coilpack went bad, buth this can easily be avoided with $5. Great car
fundriver
DamienL, 03/07/2004
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Jetta. The first one was a 1989 GL. I just retired it at 210,000 miles. I wasn't the original owner either, but it has the original clutch, engine, and transmission.
Unreliable and Expensive
Jimbo, 12/26/2006
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like the design and handling of this car however there have been several major issues. My car has had a series of electrical issues and you need to be a contortionist to get to the fuse box. I've had the air conditioner fail. the fan switch short out and MELT, the coil cracked (a common issue) and this is in addition to the exhaust rattling (another common problem). You expect to have to do replacement of wearable mechanicals however this is an expensive car to repair. Even basic replacement items such as struts are far more expensive than any car I've ever had. You have to go to the dealer to replace/ top off trans fluid in automatics. Idiotic.
The Best car that I have ever owned
Lee Metcalf, 08/27/2002
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car will grab you and make you drive all the time. It feels so good, I can't stop driving it. The engine is fast and smooth. The interior is great and functional. The Trunck is bib, I have put things in it that I thought would never fit. I love this car.
great q-ship!
ths, 03/05/2002
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd VW and won't be my last. The only thing to know about this car is the fabulous VR6 motor.......torqey, smooth, reasonably fuel efficient, sounds great, and very reliable. If you're looking to buy this car used, don't bother with the anemic 2.0 liter/115 hp motor......waste of time and money. Aside from the great motor, the rest of the car is ho-hum.....bland suspension, smallish wheel/tire combo, unimaginative interior, unexciting body.....but oh DAMN that motor!
This car will be my last VW
Buffmeat, 09/09/2002
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have had numerous problem with this vehicle and have less than 60,000 miles. My favorite was replacing the air bag clock spring twice. We also had a fun problem with the shocks rubbing with 2 people in the back seat and the tail pipe fell off at 10,000 miles. The only thing I can say good about the car is we live in the midwest and the car starts every morning no matter how hot or cold.
'97 Jetta Jazz
EB, 06/01/2006
1997 Volkswagen Jetta Jazz 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I absolutely loved this car when I got it new. I drove it with 115,000 miles with no problems. Then the 1st transmission died (manual). At 146,000 miles the second one died and I am ready to retire it. I still love the car but its not so much fun without the 2, 3 and 5th gears!
Love this Car
Lovemyjetta, 01/28/2010
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had a lot of luck with this car. Besides routine maintenance: tires, oil changes, belts, brakes, exhaust and tune ups, I have put nothing into the car. My only problem with German cars in general is their emissions standards are so high that to replace the system when it broke was $1500. Otherwise, I have put in the routine maintenance and he runs like a charm. Still reliable at 186,000 miles.
decent car, good value
Joeeeeee, 11/07/2002
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this this 1997 white VW Jetta GLS a month ago and I am pretty pleased with the car. I had to fix some minor problems such as the brakes and the wheel alignment but those are typical repair costs. This car doesn't have good acceleration as an automatic and is frustrating if you want to cut lanes on a freeway. However, once you hit the gas pedal, the pickup speed more than offsets its poor acceleration, as I don't have any problems hitting 90-95 with this car.
Don't buy this pain in the neck
rockclimber, 03/25/2004
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car new from the dealer w/a keyless remote. It was worthless and I had it replaced several times (thank goodness for lifetime warranties). Finally I had the whole think yanked. Electrically this car is a heap. It can self-alarm after starting w/ the key & 30 secs later it goes off. I have to tow it in for repair. Why the side mirrors are heated to 100F is beyond me. Supposedly, if the driver's door is left ajar for several mins, the car self-alarms. VW engrs figured this means the driver is being attacked, so the car disables itself. I won't buy VW again.
what will fall off next...
last VW?, 09/24/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
71,000 miles... 4 exhausts, starter (@26k miles, dealer said was not surprised.. and wouldn't cover a new one), altenator (@45k miles, not covered), power steering pump, radiator, 3rd set of tires (alignment does not hold), body molding falls off, trunk leaks, randomly stalls in the rain (plugs, wires, dist. cap, solenoid, etc.. replaced 3 times), AC unit died, interior lights behind dash died (~$500 to rip out dash to replace $3 bulb). This thing is less reliable then the old land rover I have, and maintance costs are about the same.
its a rockstar
Nat, 04/18/2009
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My father got this car in 1999 from a VW dealership. Sold it to me in 2007. Still on original clutch, nothing falling off it, gets up to 40 mpg, brakes going on five years. We are gentle on our cars but still, this thing rocks. Engine sounds beautiful-like new still! FITS THREE CARSEATS! radio the only sad part about it, but we make due.
car for daddy
Olly, 03/06/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Cheap and easy to repair, lot of small problems - locks, airbag cable, drains but no expensive repair. engine and gearbox not killable. big fuel economy (small engine), very comfortable. The only 2 things i dont like; the exterior sound on highway and I have the impression that i have a truck engine with no power but noisy.
The best car I have ever had
Mohavi, 10/25/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
P E R F E C T, what can I say...Great on gas, fun to drive, I bought it used with 89k miles, changed the oil, spent total 100 dollars on it, and just kept it maintained by changing the oil, tune ups, tire rotation, and basic maintainance. I never had a problem with it. TRUST YOUR VOLKSWAGEN DEALER. Before you buy your new volkswagen, take it to a dealer, invest that 40 dollars to have it checked, they can tell you exactly what needs to be done and what kind of condition it is in. This is the best car I ever had, when I am ready for a newer car, I will buy a newer Jetta. Love it
Looks cool, shoddily built
Robbie VW, 12/18/2002
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had troble after trouble with this car from the day I bought it. And the service and parts are so expensive. I should have bought a Honda Accord.
Woooooo-whoooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!
JENNIE, 07/06/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In one sentence, The Jetta rocks! Although I have the bottom of the line Jetta (GL), it has been fun to drive and a great reliable car. This puppy has taken me on numerous road trips in comfort and style. In its seventh year with me the biggest problem I've had is replacing the A/C... and the smallest problem I've had is replacing the O2 sensor on a couple occasions. As a whole I would definitely recommend this fine piece of German machinery to anyone!
Love it
btaylor, 06/01/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car!
good car, short money
johnny C, 10/26/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
sporty, fun to drive. quality German engineering for a fraction of the cost of other german motors
Fun to Drive, Poor Quality
Fjv17, 06/09/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new and it's always been fun to drive. However quality leaves a lot to be desired. I've had several annoying problems before and after the warranty expired. I've replaced: Coil Packs (several times), wheel bearings, Door Locks, Outside Moldings, & the Cooling Fan (twice). Driver side seat is broken off one of it's hinges and the Secondary air pump is loud as it can be. Of course all of these things are not cheap to fix. Most of my driving is Highway & I don't drive it hard. Is it too much to ask for a VW to last more than a couple of years?
Fun to drive GLX vr6
ssvk, 10/19/2002
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
From the time i have owned this car, i have enjoyed driving it. It begs you to drive, push harder on the corners, it handles great. The engine is very peppy and responsive. All in all, its a very fun car, no major problems.
REPAIRS-REPAIRS-REPAIRS!!!!
Jill , 04/01/2004
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is in the shop as I am writing this- Havent had the car 6 months yet! This car is not reliable. Its been in the shop 6 days now and I am up to $4800 in repairs, including new starter and major electric malfunctioning and transmission. If you do not have the extra cash for these pricey repairs BEWARE!! And if you have your heart set on it, then make sure to purchase an extended warranty because you can count on breaking down. Car left me stranded with a horn that would not shut off- had to be towed. Brakes squeaks have a mind of their own. Guzzles gas like crazy. I would never purchase another VW again.
Low-reliability car.
babalooo, 04/03/2004
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Vehicle has had numerous problems from a blown manual trans, to engine, drive train, emissions, problems, you name it. Pure crap car: poor engineering, poor materials, poor design, just plain poor overall. Everyone else I know that has a VW has the same problem. VW will not fix these know generic problems like trans seal, broken locks, etc. Never again!!!
love this car
lyn, 03/22/2008
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
awesome performance, has never let me down, minimal maintenance, tight turning, holds at least 5 teen sized soccer players!
If only I'd known
Siera, 07/12/2008
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car from a not so reliable dealer unfortunately. The car worked well for about a month. The transmission has been on its way out since I bought it. I've had to replace the fuel pump and other assorted things because it wouldn't start. Now it's not starting again, two months after the last fiasco. This time its believed to be the ignition switch. The only way it stays on is to hold the key all the way over. I have been told by a VW specialist to get rid of it while I still can. It's been nothing but problems and now I have to look for a new car before a start college in a month. My boyfriend's sister had one too and they told her it wasn't safe to drive anymore and to get rid of it.
If you have a VERY big walet
Sambolton, 11/02/2008
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car used last year with 90,000 miles on it. Of course it had its share of use before my ownership, but this is just stupid. The cup holders are a joke. they could barley hold a can of soda when i was merging on the highway. and the seats (not power) are very difficult to use. Engine has NO power. 0-60? yeah it could be a while. and panels falling off the outside of my door. that was horrible. Very unreliable but good in snow and if you plan on hitting any cars going about 40 mph you can plan to walk away alive. VERY sturdy front end. saved my life absolutely. Even with that said, I have put way too much money into this car, so plan on having finances ready for the unexpected!
very satisfied
meli, 04/10/2004
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this has been the most enjoyable, reliabe car I've ever owned in 59 yrs. I have never been stranded and I have loved every minute of driving it.
97 Jetta GT
VwDude00, 11/12/2002
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car new and I have enjoyed it very much. I have had no problems mechanically. I've had problems with the quirky stock alarm system. The adhesive on the door trim tends to weaken after a few years other than that I am very pleased. It looks as good as the first day I drove it home.