Used 1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan Consumer Reviews
Love-Hate Relationship
There aren't a lot of cars that offer more driving bang for your buck than this one. The VR6 engine is plenty powerful, the handling is up to the job and there are more than enough luxury features, including excellent sport seats and a power sunroof. The problem is VW's laughably sub-par build quality. This car has had problems with the clutch, the shift mechanism, the air conditioning, the cruise control, several engine computer chips and so on. Then there are all the trim pieces that have come apart or dropped off completely. Final word: Great to drive, but poorly built.
VW FROM MEXICO JUST NOT CUTTING IT
VR6 POWERTRAIN IS GREAT. HAS BEEN VERY RELIABLE AND FUN TO DRIVE. HOWEVER, ON THE THIRD YEAR, IRRITATING THINGS STARTED TO HAPPEN. BOTH REAR POWER WINDOW MOTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED ($600). AFTERWHICH, THE EXTERIOR SIDE DOOR MOLDINGS HAVE BEEN SLOWLY PEELING OFF. REPLACED ONE DRIVER'S SIDE MOLDING ($120) AFTER IT COMPLETELY CAME OFF. ALL THESE THINGS HAPPENED AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE? MY NEXT CAR WILL BE A HONDA ACCORD!
Excellent Engine POOR Everything else
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.
Don't buy this pain in the neck
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.
Good looks, VERY poor vehicle...
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.