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Used 1998 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
104 reviews

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4 out of 5 stars

98 VW TDI

punta, 01/03/2013
1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDi 4dr Sedan
14 of 14 people found this review helpful

240,000 miles of saving me fuel,,,bought new for 13,9999 saved more of the purchase price in fuel saving over the past 14 years...This vech. has been great,,average.. mpg 47...orig, fuel filter,,clutch...only replaced timing belt 3,,times changed the oil every 7500 miles,,...and tires....that is it...Liability insurance and just drive it...Why over do the maintance....Don't let the dealerships take your hard earn money....Good diesel fuel goes a long ways in these motors....No interior parts have broke yet...Note this car has never been garaged... Basic Jetta tdi,,roll up windows,,5 speed,,cruise,No AC,,I live in the Northwest...Get real,,this is all anyone needs...

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4 out of 5 stars

Great all around vehicle

Dan G, 01/30/2010
1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDi 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Fun to drive, reliable and gets 40 mpg city driving, 50+ highway. Trim is poor, out and in. Door, manual door locks, molding, glove box, nobs, all have been broke. Living in Denver, CO, it starts in cold and takes a few miles to warm up - that is diesel, no problem. Runs up to the mountains at speed. With 200K, finally replaced clutch. Lots of cooling hoses which are not easy to replace. German engineering: what are thinking? Frustrating to work on, fortunately, that does not occur very often. ANY work by an independent, German mech costs $$$, parts are outrageously $$$, I know my junk yard guy. NO trouble with engine,fuel, cooling, heating, electric systems (manual windows).

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4.88 out of 5 stars

best car i've ever had

char, 09/19/2010
1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDi 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

bought it brand new, now approaching 240k miles. i really had nothing break, just things that wear out. a couple of years ago i got new shocks so it drives like it's brand new. still on original clutch and rear brakes. actuallly the air conditioner went out this summer. i don't know what went wrong with it. this car exceeded my most optimistic hopes - i couldn't be happier. my last tank i got 48 mpg and i never have to add oil.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Thank You, Can I Have Another

chefbob, 07/23/2006
1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDi 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I have this car for eight years now. 227,000 miles later and I am still getting 45 - 50 mpg! I love the car but I hate the dealerships! Even though I have had minor problems...glow plugs, hoses, batteries nothing is ever in stock and takes weeks to get. I have found a local mechanic who works on the diesels and I'm very happy now. Change your oil, timing chain, and get your manifold cleaned at around 100,000 miles along with the innercooler and you will love this car. I'm trying for 300,000 miles as long as I can stay away from the dealership.

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5 out of 5 stars

Mk3 jetta / alot Of miles Per gallón

John Gianni, 10/12/2015
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I got this Car for 800$ and put On it Around 2300$ But is a great invesment. Paint , socks,breaks, radiator,hoses ,housing hose, Water pump,timing belt,custom rims & tires michelline/ rims and tires same size like original recomend , front windshield,interior small parts , and clips, Many i got On eBay , junk yards ,México, vw parts - this Car is very economical To use San Diego To los Ángeles Around Trip 25$ On gas I fix it With my friends Looks Good - restored was The best desicion 1998 jetta manual Gl No words To describe is a old car But give me All i Need We have 5 cars and VW jetta MK3 family We love it !!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

I love my Jetta!

amnotafish, 03/09/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
6 of 8 people found this review helpful

After two years in this car I'm still in love with it. I drive this car hard and fast and it keeps up with everyone. It hugs the road and feels much safer than other cars I've driven. I get a lot of complments as well- especially from Jetta owners '99-'02. If something (god forbid) were to happen to this car I would have to find another. The '98's are far superior to the newer VW models and kicks my friend's Civic to the curb!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

I love this car

Midori Alexandros, 03/27/2008
1998 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

It has been a great- car. We have had to do a lot of mechanical repairs to the car, who ever sold it did not do them and that was probably why they sold it in the first place. We have done timing belt/tensioner, both drive axles, breaks, struts, engine mounts, and turn signal switch, spark plugs, plug wires, and had the engine detailed. The car has been excellent with no mishaps.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

a big bottomless hole in my wallet

okayt, 01/25/2012
1998 Volkswagen Jetta K2 4dr Sedan
6 of 10 people found this review helpful

I bought this car 2 years ago. The muffler fell off twice in 1 week right after I got it along with the siding (back on w/ double-sided tape) & the spoiler. Had to fix the ignition switch, buy a new radio/cd player. Several sets of new tires. Blinker/brake light problems which only worked for a year & stopped working again. The 2 back windows are being held up with pcs of wood. The power locks don't work from the inside (they'll lock me in). AC adaptor doesn't work & I was told they couldn't fix it. The glove compartment handle snapped off. & now it's back in the shop for some unknown reason. If it's more than a couple hundred I'm buying a new car & never buying a Dub again

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Best Beater

tim249, 01/03/2015
1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDi 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I average 48mpg in my TDI, bought this car for an even $1000 (etested & saftied). Came with some racing mod's done (whatever). Had it for a year, replaced one $75 hose and one set of tires for $120 on sale. So in total I've put $1195 in this car (I also only pay $89 a month to insure it as a young male driver). Also being 6'2" I still fit in it nicely enough. It has 456000kms on it and works great and I'm still driving it as my daily driver and farm car. I work the heck out of this car and it's cost me nothing, I've easily paid this car several times over in fuel savings. I'll never buy a new car in my life if I can buy beaters like this.

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3 out of 5 stars

Too Young To Die

Vector, 06/05/2008
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I purchased my Jetta in 2001, with only 17k. In the 7 years that Ive owned it, the rubber on the sides fell off, the cruise control went out, the keyless entry stopped working, the airbag light goes on and off, and worst of all the transmission is dying at 86,000 miles. The repair shop (a costly VW only shop) could not fix the cruise, the key or the airbag light. They said that I will have to get a new tranny, which would cost more than the car is worth. It takes a lot of effort for it (automatic transmission) to get up to 20 mph (gets up to 50 rpms), and it jerks into second gear. Once it gets to 60 mph, it's ok but it takes a lot of work to get there. Not so much fun to drive now.

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3 out of 5 stars

Not again!

JLS, 07/17/2006
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Although my 1998 Volkswagen Jetta was two years old when I purchased, it had low mileage (it still has low mileage) so I was enthusiastic. I loved the style, the way it handled, and the way it drove. BUT it is a piece of junk. I have had to replace every window control on it, the axels, side trim, throttle body, it quit on the interstate when the coil went out, and on and on. And it is expensive! To have the transmission serviced was $500! I will never purchase another VW of any kind. I still have it because I have too much in it to be able to recoup any expenses but I am going to have to do something with it.. I can't afford to "drive" it!

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4 out of 5 stars

Could have been a contender.

Bing, 10/06/2009
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I like the way she drives.. I bought the car with 106k miles on it. Salvaged the ailing (automatic)transmission with transmission conditioner. The window regulators are garbage. They break often and run you over $350 a pop to put in. Don't let a substandard shop work on the car. They will cause you more problems. The car has broken motor mounts, they cause a shimmy when accelerating and cause the CV joints to wear quickly. The engine and Transmission still run really strong with 170,000 miles. Just don't think the rest of the car will last. With TLC early in the life of the car I think it would be running and looking great in every facet.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Good car

German, 01/12/2010
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good car, great on gas will buy an other vw again.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Driver Found

Tony, 04/12/2009
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I beat the crap out of this car on a daily basis,driving it all over the Tri-state area and it has never left me stranded.Just keep up with the maintenance and they are all go! Repairs seem to be easy to do.Most of them I can do in my driveway.Could you expect anything less from a Peoples car.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Another great VW

trav87, 01/27/2010
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GT 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought mine used from a local VW dealer, and abuse the snot out of it. I autocross and do hill climbs with this car, as well as daily drive it. Normal wear and tear items get replaced, and regular maintenance keep things going strong. As with any used car, parts tend to wear out faster than new, so be prepared to spend money keeping them going. Do your homework and never buy a used car without having it checked out!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great Car

great car , 08/24/2005
1998 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought the car used with 103,000 miles on it in 2004. The paint is still very shiny (exclusive to wolfsburg painting techniques) and the suspension, wheel bearings and other components were still in great condition. The car has decent pickup for a 4-cyl. (faster than my honda) and the 5 speed transmission works beautifully. The engine idles very smoothly and is very reliable. My clutch did however go out at about 107,000 miles which is normal. I get many complements about my car and I love it. The only problem is the door trim, which any able bodied person can fix for 4 dollars by buying a tube of automotive adhesive. Install NEUSPEED products!

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Great little car - GT should do more...

oregongirl225, 01/13/2004
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GT 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I really like my 1998 Jetta GT, there are a few things that I think VW could have made better, like the shifting is a little harsh. Sometimes takes a while for it to shift. Other than that its a great car... once it shifts normal its fast.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Nice car if your pockets run deep

Frooch, 05/07/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

No doubt about it as said above the car is fun to drive. Unfortunatly fun to drive comes at outragious cost. Maint. on these things thru your dealership will not come cheap. Waterpumps, belts, anything else with more than 3 hours labor will cost you heavily. As said above my sunroof has broken twice, 2 of the four window regulators went, 2 moldings fell off, my cd changer blew out twice and my foglights die (then physically fall off). Last but not least, after 67000 oilchange documented miles my engine blew. Reasonably priced fix of $6000- haha. The guttyworks of the car are simple to explain... garbage!

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4.13 out of 5 stars

This is a fun car to drive

B4B, 10/11/2007
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I purchased this car new in 1998 and have been religious about maintenance and fixing things before they become expensive problems. I've driven 160,000 miles with no major repairs and still enjoy driving this car. If you stay up on maintenance (yes - brakes, struts, engine, etc.), this car will reward you every day - it is a fun and responsive car to drive and blast through turns. There is a certain "structural integrity" to the Jetta that Hondas and Toyotas lack. It handles well, has a responsive engine for its size and is great to drive. Great on gas too - I get 31 mpg highway.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Poor Quality

vw_stinks, 04/08/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

My 1998 (44,000 miles) Jetta is a big disapointment. While it is a fun car to drive, it is hard to keep the car long enough to have too much fun. Since owning this vehicle I have had t the following problems: - 3 out of 4 power windows FAILED - Power Sunroof FAILED - Body molding FELL OFF (on both sides) - Power Steering Pump FAILED - factory battery FAILED after two years - Power Door locks intermitantly FAIL

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5 out of 5 stars

Jetta TDI

Joe Martinez, 04/04/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDi 4dr Sedan
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

Awosme car

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1.63 out of 5 stars

never buying a VW again

no more vw's, 12/09/2009
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 8 people found this review helpful

car ran well for about a year before everything went wrong. Bought with 76,000 now has 130,000 miles Muffler fell off about 7 times resulting in lots of repair costs. When everything seemed ok the distributor went and needed new wires. After that the spark plugs had a problem resulting in gas killing my catalytic convertor and o2 sensors that =$1,200 worth of repairs. Had steering problems and a few days ago the clutch broke and stuck to the floor. Quick fix for about $200 bucks but warned that the clutch will go very soon. Body is rusting faster and faster where it is to the point that you cannot even jack the car up without the body crumbling. Replacing car ASAP and never buying VW again

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4.5 out of 5 stars

No regrets! Great car!

kraziman, 09/19/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car new in 1998. It has always been very fun to drive. Despite it's cramped rear seat, lack of good cup holders (seat adjustment levers hold sport bottles perfectly!), and it's little quirks and rattles, I love this car and would do it all over again. It now has 64,000 miles on it and I would drive it cross-country. It still has awesome power with the VR6/5- speed combo. One tip, let VW install the CD changer. That was my only nightmare and it was because I took it to an after market place.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great Car Horrible Dealer

Dieseldog, 06/10/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My '98 Jetta TDI has been a great car with few mechanical problems. The only disappointment has been the total imcompetence of the only dealer within 40 miles of me. Without a reliable independent mechanic who understands these cars I would never buy another one. VW has a great product but a common complaint is lousy dealer support. Where is VOA? This is a common complaint across the USA/Canada.

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5 out of 5 stars

excellent jetta

xoashyxo, 11/07/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta K2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this is a wonderful vehicle and i wouldnt change it for the world.

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2.5 out of 5 stars

This Car is for Suckers

Graham25, 12/08/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After years of wanting a Jetta, I bought one and...well....be careful what you ask for. The car was great until it the 80,000 mile mark and then small things started going out and then big expensive things started breaking like the clutch. After only 3,000 miles, the clutch has gone out again and VW is refusing to guarantee their workmanship and pay to fix it. I will never buy a VW again and am filing a complaint with my state's Attorney General's Office.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Jetta!

Silazius, 08/28/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very fun to drive. VR6 is a great performer. Fit and finish inside is very good. Exterior fit and finish is excellent. Have had some problems with the fuel oxygen sensor, esp. when there is heavy rain. Also had to have the ignition switch replaced!? This is one of the last old style body types before they "Passatized" the Jetta. Ugh!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

FOURTH JETTA IN THE FAMILY

Doug JR., 06/09/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

THIS IS THE FOURTH JETTA IN OUR FAMILY. I HAVE FOUND IT TO BE MORE RELIABLE THAN MY PARENTS 2000 JETTA GLS. THE ENGINE IS NOT VERY POWERFUL, BUT ONCE YOU REV IT UP, IT SPRINGS TO LIFE. ANYONE WHO DISAGREES WITH ME JUST SHOULDN'T OWN A VW. ONCE YOU DRIVE A JETTA AND LEARN HOW TO DRIVE IT EFFECTIVELY, YOU CAN STOP HEARTS. P.S. FOR ALL OF THOSE ANTI VW PEOPLE WHO THINK I DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT KEEP THIS IN MIND, I HAVE HAVE TWO PORSCHES 911 & 928, A 328I BMW, AND THIS JETTA. I CHOOSE TO DRIVE MY JETTA DAILY. AND I ALWAYS HAVE A SMILE WHEN I GET HOME!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Bought out the lease

Rickpw, 10/09/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've been driving this 1998 GLX VR6 five-speed Jetta for four years on a lease. I like it so much, I decided to buy the car at lease end. It's still way fun to drive. Every friend who's ever driven it says, "wow, I love driving this car." The pick-up is great and sporty. This GLX is a completely different beast from a regular Jetta, but you probably already knew that. I'd recommend the leather seats, which are especially nice heated. My only problems have been an electrical repair. Also, the tires, because of the sport model, I recently found out are quite expensive! I only have slightly over 50,000 miles on the car, so why not keep driving it?

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love my Jetta VR6

Johnny Max, 05/08/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A very reliable and fun car to drive. The VR6 enigine is very zippy as I hug the turns like a high priced sports car. Many cars on the road give me a double take as my Jetta zips on by them with ease. For the price this car rocks!

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3.75 out of 5 stars

bullet proof for the most part

kolt, 10/19/2009
1998 Volkswagen Jetta K2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned my jetta for about a year got it with 137k replaced the struts pads cleaned the rotors replaced the belts and got a new exhaust. Given how old the car was with the miles all that should be expected I now have 160k plus and I'm replacing the clutch and motor mounts but the car Neva has left me stranded always starts is sweet in the snow and will eat a stock civic. With mods will keep up wit fast cars. Relatively cheap to fix if you can dyi. Its got a good amount of torque for carrying hills but not so much top end for speeding tickets if your looking for a decent looking out side a very Nice inside and and decent lil 4 banger this is what your want v-tec virtually tourqeless economy car

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5 out of 5 stars

I love my GLX

christi4673, 01/03/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this car...it is fun to drive and is really peppy. It is such fun, after driving mine, my sister, brother, and 2 co-workers went out and bought one. It has had the typical VW window regulator problem, but it was no big deal to fix. (HINT - don't go to the dealer unless it is under warrenty!)

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Disappointing Jetta

Pops, 07/10/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta K2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Lots of problems early on with car. Automatic trans problems. Rear brake problems. Power window problems. Remote alarm problems. Alternator ceased at 30K. Exhaust down-pipe has broken two times.....On and on. Very disappointed in the realiability of this car. I have had many VW's before but this is my first brand new one. It will also be my last.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great Pocket Rocket!

VNMVR6, 12/27/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned this car for almost 5 years and it hasn't let me down yet. It runs very smooth and quiet. Quick acceleration. Only problems I have had are the usual VW problems - window regualator failure & loose door molding. No major mechanical work has been needed and my car has 75,000 miles on it! Continues to run strong.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Pretty happy with this car

Gediminas, 07/28/2008
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car in 2000 with only 34k mi. I am very hard on cars, and this car has stood up to my "abuses". This car wasn't perfect, though; the crank sensor and cruise control went out on me. Gas mileage is pretty good, but could be better. Unfortunately, I was involved in an accident in 2002 and the car was never the same. The rack boot and front axle needed replacement on 2 occasions, and the heat shield rusted off. Tires were wearing unevenly, and after the latest repair bill (which involves all the above), I have to say goodbye to this venerable car. Outside of those issues caused by the wreck, the only thing I had to do was change the oil and this car was ready to go. I'll miss it.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

I do love my Jetta

SarahZ..., 01/26/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have wanted a Jetta for years, and I finally got a 98 this past December. I love it. Its fast, fun to drive and seems to be very reliable. I think the cup holder situations stinks, they are way to small. And the fact that the GL has roll down windows also stinks, I had a 90 Oldsmobile with power windows! Anyway, I so far love this car- its almost everything I want in a car. I love the german feel and design.I love the way the car shifts. I have been told VW's are very expensive to maintain... and I believe it. Well wish me luck-

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Beg to differ

gys98jetta, 11/23/2009
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great to drive to Sacramento and back and to work and to all my friends houses and then do it all over again.

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5 out of 5 stars

i love my nellie

dieselgirl, 07/14/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

love the rumble - has started all 4 Minnesota winters - carbon buildup in the intake is a problem at approx. 90k

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2.5 out of 5 stars

Did not enjoy this car

Not a Fan , 05/11/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has been a major disappoinment. I leased this car new in 1998 and have been trapped in a four year lease! It was great for the first year, but on the one year anniversary of the car, the electrical system shorted out. Since then, my dashboard shorts out and I have to hit the dash to get the lights back on. My stereo gets louder as I try to turn it down. Then my wheel covers ended up missing. To top it all off, my exhaust system fell out, and was not cheap to replace. Now I have an unidentified rattling coming from the rear of the car. I also found that I did not have that great of a gas mileage. Oh well, live and learn. I'll never buy VW again.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Fun to Drive but pricey to maintain

vwscal, 09/05/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is a lot of fun to drive and responds / handles beautifully. I don't think anyone can dispute that. But this car is expensive to maintain! Every repair is pricey! The moldings on my car fall off anually. I've had window regulators repaired and the ignition switch replaced and have had numerous electrical problems that took numerous visits to diagnose and fix. A lot of other interior things to numerous to list that scream - poor workmanship.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

1998 Jetta Gt

Jennifer , 07/22/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a great little car that is extremley fun to drive. Nice exterior styling with Gt upgrades- tinted rear lights, spoiler, alloys silver racing dials. Very, Very safe car. I've been in 2 head on collisions with this car at speeds over 60 km/hr and have walked out of those accidents with a couple bruises. The car goes nice on the highway and the fuel efficiency is fabulous.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP

spietrowski, 08/08/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The pluses of this car are that it is very fun to drive. The engine is powerful and acceleration great. It feels solid on the road and handles well. HOWEVER, never again. In the 6 years I've owned it I've had to fix: various front end problems, the transmission, window regulators, security system, damaged hoses and now the ABS

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Should've bought a Honda

Guni, 08/21/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After having an 89 Accord for 10 years it was time to try something new since the body design on the Hondas began to look like suppositories. I really liked the style of the VW. This is not enough reason to buy a VW. Within 3 months the transmission acted up and the dealer tried to tell me it wasn't covered under the bumper2bumper warranty. A year later the ignition coil cracked and had to have that replaced which the dealer did do but the cleaning ($200) wasn't covered. Now there's either a bearing, the tension pulley for the timing belt or the AC compressor has gone. Never had these problems with my Accord. Not worth the headache.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

The engine won't quit

NotherJettaOwner, 12/20/2007
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We bought this Jetta back in the beginning of 2001 with nearly 48k on it. This year, I took an outside sales job and I've pushed it from about 137k to 160k and counting. Its days are numbered, as I haven't done much upkeep outside of oil changes, but this sucker still doesnt burn a drop of oil. The coolant is starting to leak a little. Both windows on the driver side are off track and are held in place by pieces of wood propping them up. Radio reception is awful. Transmission will stick going uphill from time to time. We superglued the rubber molding to keep it in place and that has worked pretty well. Knock on wood, the car has never left me stranded.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

awesome diesel

duckman, 05/15/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this is the most reliable car that i have ever owned, and the funnest that i have ever driven. People are amazed when I fill up at the diesel pump( which doesn't happen often, 50 mpg). I say diesel and people think of big rigs. When it's on the road people are amazed at the acceleration and pull of the little engine. I have pulled u-haul trailers with it while moving, and pulled away from other mid size sedans while running down the road. It has been ROCK solid reliable and has always been there.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great VW

Jeremy K., 08/27/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've owned this vehile for almost 3 years now and have felt nothing but love for it. I have to give a little extra care here and there but over all she's one awsome peice of work.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

give it a

bgs, 09/11/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta K2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Extremely reliable, comfortable and enjoyable to drive car, nice design inside and out, "feels" like a more expensive car than it is. Lacks a bit of power, bit sluggish on take-off. Small problems become annoying - moldings come loose, door handles stick, antennae needs to be tightened. Should note previously owned 92 Wolfsburg Jetta had none of these problems.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Migraine

George, 03/04/2009
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased the car with 96K and now have 133K. Repairs so far include: timing chain & belt clutch all 4 window regulators struts, ball joints, control arms - entire suspension AC all hoses sparkplugs now I'm looking at fixing the heater core, which is ~ $700. Also worth noting the radio gets minimal reception, CD player died soon after purchase, electronics are quirky (turn volume down and it goes up), cruise control doesn't work. When there's nothing wrong with the car it drives fine and is fun, but the maintenance is horrible, and I take it to the best and cheapest shop around (Black Forest Industries). Probably put in ~$5K in 40K miles/2.5 years (paid 5600). Never buying a VW again

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3.5 out of 5 stars

The Poor Man's BMW my butt!

Jorge'sVWNightmare, 10/04/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has been one nightmare after another. I have a love hate relationship with this car. It is fun to drive and the engine and the transmission have been good, but everything from windows, to ac compressors have blown in this car, and the rate for fixing this car is almost as high as working on a BMW. Come to think of it, for what I spend on fixing this car, I could have bought a BMW. I love the way this car dirves and handles, but I hate the tempermental features this car has, windows, cruise control knobs, a/c buttons shking loose. A poor man simply can't afford a VW, next time I won't buy the imitation.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

They got it right--except little stuff

Melweena, 06/18/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall, I've loved owning VW Jettas. The A/C and Heat are quick to the rescue in tough Wisconsin weather, and the tork in the engine is enough to keep up with quick lane changes in downtown Chicago. If it weren't for just a few cosmetic issues, this vehicle would be superb!

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