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Used 1997 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Consumer Reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
105 reviews

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4 out of 5 stars

Relibable Little Car

reignevryd, 08/23/2006
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have to say that my first experience back with a Jetta wasn't a good one. It was a piece of junk. It was a 1995 GL, however it could have been a good car at one time. Now, I have the '97 GLS, bought used, and it has been a very reliable car. It feels good knowing that every morning when I go to work, it will fire right up. My car has had a few minor issues with the electrical system, such as the door locks and sunroof, but otherwise it is a great ride. I like the dash setup, and as a parent, this is crucial in order to control the locks, windows, and lighting with one hand.

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* 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.

4.25 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Can't stop driving it

Live2skifast, 05/09/2003
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car for one reason. It was a Trek, which means it has roofracks. Then two of my buddies and I hope in it in PA and ended up in Colorado. Talk about a test drive. It as an amazing trip and the car kicked @$$ even at 12,000 ft. when we went over Loveland Pass. It's still kicking hard 3 months later, with only a new pair of tires on it.

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  • 5 Colors
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* 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.

2.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

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!

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