Used 1998 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used Jetta for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Please do NOT buy a VW Jetta
Amy1234, 04/14/2005
1998 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Jettas are a maintenence nightmare! Since I got my Jetta (new in 1998), the following are only some of the problems I have had (most occured REPEATEDLY or were never resolved): window motors went out 6 times, cruise control (fixed twice, still doesn't work), volume control on radio, side plastic moldings don't stay on, keyless entry broke less than a year after buying, faulty front spoiler. To top it all off, I just found out I have $7,000 in transmission repairs. Everyone who I have spoken with has had similar problems and several VW owners I know have or are trying to get their cars declared lemons. I am NOT a person who complains at much...but it is ridiculous that VW is still in business.
Good car overall
Driver Wanted?, 12/06/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Jetta has been very reliable and a good daily driver since I bought it. The car has decent power once revved up. Engine space is large and easy to work in (ie oil changes, filters, fluids, etc.). The gearbox on my 5spd is somwehat stiff, moreso than other VWs I've driven. Seats are comfortable around town, but less so on long drives. The passenger seat sits too high (I'm 6'2" and my head hits the ceiling unless I slump down). Ergonomics are excellent inside. The tiny cupholders and lack of a center armrest are a bummer (but have changed with the newer Jetta).
1998 Volkswagen Jetta for sale near you
Showing 0 of 0 listings
Sorry, there are no 1998 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles for sale in our network.
See all 0 listingsBreak all at once
farid, 08/26/2005
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was disapointed with this car, despite the low mileage (under 45,000 at purchase) it start to break starting with the engine mounts, axels, brakes, engine lights went on since I changed the spark plugs. The bottom line it's not fun as advertised, I liked my old Corrola 90 with 130,000 miles on it better.
Just a fun little car!
cailin, 01/01/2004
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This '98 Jetta is my first ever car. As I purchased this vehicle "late in life", and did not drive at all until a year ago, I don't have anything to compare this car to. BUT, it is fun to drive and definitely has a lot of pep. Not the best on gas mileage, but then I don't drive to work, and mine does have 6 cylinders (Vroom-vroom!). Parts can be pricy, so it's good that VW's have a good reliability rating. I bought this car used and had I done more research, would have preferred a new (w/warranty) car. A good, solid (and well-sealed) car.
Been A Great Car over the Years
by MLJ VR6, 12/22/2005
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my 1998 Volkswagen Jetta for eight years now with 175,000 miles and have been very pleased. I've had the ususal Jetta problems with the ignition, water hose, window regulator, minor electrical and body moldings. The parts manager at the dealership gave me a great tip on the moldings. Buy the pop-in plastic moldings from the '95 model. They look fine and you will never have to replace them again. I use the seat adjustment levers for my cupholders which hold big cups. I have changed the oil / filter every 5,000 miles, the air filter every 35,000 miles, and hope to keep the car for 250,000 miles. The V6 engine has been very reliable with no engine repairs whatsoever.
1998 VW Jetta GT
C. Caputo, 02/17/2004
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car to drive, fun, sun roof, all my friends have followed in suit and bought a VW.
Had to sell it
Cody, 05/09/2006
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just sold my Jetta with only 80,000 miles on it. I had planned on keeping it for a lot longer. It just completly fell apart. It was a great car up until 80,000 miles, and then it just went downhill. Everything broke on this car, EVERYTHING. It just isn't reliable.
The Jetta that couldn't be killed
DJ, 06/03/2006
1998 Volkswagen Jetta K2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car new and have put almost 200,000 trouble free miles on it. The fit and finish of this car is on par with anything made currently and with minor suspension upgrades has been a blast to drive. It may not out accelerate most cars in a straight line but it corners great. The only major repair was the transmission which nuked at 159,000 miles, but I didn't expect to have it last that long. I would reccomend this car to anyone looking for a inexpensive, fun, reliable, economical, great looking car. It would be a safe first car for a young driver. Someone buying a used one should check service history and make sure window regulators are in working order.
Love My Jetta
Ohstillsoinlove, 03/19/2004
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my '98 Jetta GLS in Dec. of 1997. It is truly a "people's car" by the best automakers in the world (think Mercedes, BMW, Audi and others available in Europe). Today, I can honestly say this is one of the best cars out there today! After 6+ years and 73000+ miles (and counting), I have not experienced ANY major complications with it. I do the oil changes and tire rotations and that about covers it. Handles magnificently!!! Leaves other compacts in the DUST in its superiority!!! I feel my Jetta is just getting broken in. It is a superb car with outstanding appeal, both inside and out. My next new car will definitely be another Jetta!
Cute but not worth it . . .
JettaGirl ??, 04/05/2004
1998 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1998 Jetta as my first brand new car. There are lights in my dash that NEVER worked, the key didn't work at first, I have a lot of rollback even though I drive an automative, I have had successive tire blowouts due to a now recalled part, the car was stuck in park for a week until it was finally fixed, the alarm tends to short out, I have had TWO electrical FIRES from "closing the door too many times" and have had other parts of my car fall apart from the day the warranty ended. Yes Jettas drive great and have lots of great features, but you will pay in the end for the lack of reliablity.
I'm broke
don'tbuyajetta, 07/22/2004
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Jetta in 2000, the day I drove it off the lot I knew something was up. I've had several problems; muffler fell off twice, Mileage sucks, the back seats are two small to fit anyone, transmission went at 33,00, fan belt went at 55,000. The exterior (plastic rubber pieces on the side) flew off into the road as I was driving. It's been a nightmare. I drove through a puddle and the sparkplugs got wet and it took days to get it started. Now the car just overheats. I was very religious in taking proper care of this car so it would last me a long time. Please do yourself a favor and don't buy one. It will do a number to your wallet.
electical nightmare
eabrennan, 09/29/2004
1998 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I always wanted a Jetta,and I still think they are the slickest looking vehicles. Unfortunately,I have had countless problems with it. Most ofthe problems are electrical in nature.The cruise control went two years ago,and no one seems to be able to fix it. The volume goes up when I try to turn it down. The power windows are always in need of fixing. The inside door handles don't work in lower temperatures.Many are the days I have had to crawl to the backseat to get out. Once,on my commute home, the hazards came on and the horn started beeping for no apparent reason. Recently,my horn started beeping if I took a left hand turn in temps above 80.
i love my jetta!
aubry, 10/06/2004
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is my first car ive bought. It was prviously owned and taken care of very well. Its a vr6 model, wich is faster than a regular gl jetta series, but this vehichle is very reliable. Gas milage is impecable and i have had NO problems what so ever with this car. And it is so much fun to drive!
Dependable
vwluv, 11/09/2004
1998 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Dependable, solid sedan that is both fun to drive yet feels safe compact
Bad 1998 Jetta GT
dustie, 01/01/2005
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but problems with my Jetta. It seems like everyday something goes wrong. Electrical, brake system, clutch, motor mounts, axles, ignition, key switch, heater and a/c controls have all failed within 50,000 miles. The wheels oxidize to the hubs and can not be removed without pounding on the wheels with a sledge hammer. This is not good when you have a flat tire. The car is a total nightmare. Very unreliable. Parts are extremely expensive. I can not recommend this car to anyone.
'98 GLX
vdubn98, 03/07/2005
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The mkIII vr6's are amazing cars. They have lots of power out of the box are fun to drive. The hp isn't that great but the weight of the car makes up for that. the suspension system is flawless, it handles like a sports car. and with the extra back weight of the Jetta, it out performs the GTI, IMO.
Sporty, reliable, but slow
blackjettak2, 03/09/2005
1998 Volkswagen Jetta K2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a a fun car but when the shocks wear out, as mine have it drives like a waterbed when you push it hard, it is fast off the line but it is overall a slow car this one really needs a turbo....:) The protective door moldings do tend to come loose, and my car is have some issues with door pulls that turn white in the sun... other then that, super reliable, easy to work on, and a head turner even when in factory state, and most of all those heated sport seats in our cold canadian winter..:)
For People who love to drive
swgplain, 04/03/2005
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My first vehicle was a 1977 Rabbit since then I have had 9 VWs from a 74 convertible Super Beetle to my 98 Jetta I just purchased. VW knows how to build a car that fun to drive, reliable, economical, and easy to work on. I must say that the Jetta is quite an improvement over my previous VWs and I look forward to many years of driving pleasure.
The good and the bad......
S_A_Moniz, 09/01/2005
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Jetta GLS new in November, 1997 and now have approximately 145,000 miles on it. Over that time it has needed a few repairs, but nothing hideous. The car is still an absolute blast to drive. The acceleration with the manual 5- speed is excellent and the handling is still tight. I haven't experienced the "stiff shifting" quality cited in some reviews. The car definately encourages "spirited" driving, giving the driver the same sense of connectedness with the road as the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A4 for thousands of dollars less. Its interior and exterior design are really attractive and have stood up over time, the car still looks great. Overall, a durable, and stylish ride.
I'll Buy Another
La Bomba, 09/10/2007
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased used from Ford lot during yr 2000. Upgrade options include sun/moon roof and remote key access. Weak on acceleration and tops for cross-country touring/hwy driving. Solid feel with matching reliability. 1.8L fuel injected gets about 33/44 mpg road/hwy, a must in today's economy. Tight in the back for big folk; however, far roomier than the VW Bug. The battery linked factory VW radio was a mess, so I upgraded it with a Pioneer system. Wide wheel base with FWD a plus in weather. Roomy trunk. Lots of elbow room up front. Stout frame is a snap to parallel park in urban places. Nasty tacky exterior rubber door guards fall off too much. Overall: very good touring sedan (A-).
Easy to Drive
jordanv2323, 08/01/2007
1998 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Probably the eaisest car to drive. It is great for its day!!
Jetta...Da Da Da
Tina, 09/19/2007
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A Jetta is a great car that's a lot of fun to drive. The style appealed to me and it handles like a sports car, there's a lot of kick to it. It's a solid built car that feels safe and reliable. Downsides: snow can easily clog up the small wheel wells. I've had issues with the doors freezing shut (the door seal is almost impenetrable). Have had issues with the side molding. Also had the cruise control system replaced once and now it's not working again. The maintenance can get expensive and now that I've gotten past 100,000 mile point, my wallet has begun to experience the "joys" of car ownership. Despite the issues, I would recommend a Jetta and will probably buy another one.
Drove for 9 yrs and LOVED IT!
Kim, 06/08/2007
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So much fun to drive even in the 9th yr. It's got a great kick and the interior held up well. Very reliable! The only things I've ever had to do besides tires and oil changes is replace the clutch once. Granted I only put around 8-9 thousand miles a year on it. But I drove it hard and in lots snowy/rainy weather conditions.
MY BEST BUDDY
Silphos, 05/12/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Somwehere between the sun-roof, the cruise control, the 12-radiostation memory, the curvatures of its body and the super spacious trunk, I discovered this car was the best decision ever!!!
Needs more HP
KRUZNBY, 05/18/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had previously owned a '85 Jetta. I loved that car so I thought I would get another Jetta. The interior layout and style is great as well. The major problem I had with this car is the lack of power. Even with a 5 speed, it seemed to take forever to get it moving. Don't even think of shifting at 3K RPMs, wait it out until 4K and you will be a bit happier. The other problems I had in the 2 years I owned it: 2 window motor controllers failed, factory volume knob does not respond properly, and a desperately needed tune up. When it would rain or just plain humid, the car would miss a lot. I had to replace the cap/rotor, plugs and wires ($400).
The VW Experience Part 2
ADROSS, 01/29/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have always loved Volkswagen since my high school days of driving my VW beetle that was two years older than me. After graduating college and working in the real world, I finally got out of debt from my previous clunker car (of the Ford variety) and was able to save enough money to purchase my OWN NEW CAR! I knew it had to be a VW and it had to be fast for the big city of Houston (as I have to merge with freeway and highway traffic as effectively as possible). The VR6 Jetta GLX has been the answer to my driving prayers.
Die Hard VW lovers will love a Jetta GLX
rsp781s, 05/21/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. It has all the power of higher end luxury cars along with all the room you would expect from a midsize SUV. The trunk is HUGE. The engine is powerful, the drivetrain responsive, and the stock BOSE stereo is pretty amazing as well. It does require a little bit of car know how to keep in tip top shape however. The power window regulators in this car are also not designed well. They will go out. Guaranteed. If you like VWs, you will like this car. Mine has 85k plus miles on it and drives awesome.
Nice car
camsoup, 05/25/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5 speed manual - fun to drive - great second car.
Word
bmac, 05/27/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
haha a great car
Nice Car Cheap Parts
pdiddy8274, 06/16/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased the car used with 50k on it with 1000 3 windows didnt work nor did the sunroof. the molding outside is falling off the car and the wipers do their own thing besides the $1500 in perforance parts i added to make the car actualy move it is not a suggested car.
my 98 jetta GT
ppgtek, 03/19/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the jetta GT is basically a trim package, the funny thing is that people on the street swear thast means its like a GTI. in my opinion the mid ninteys jetta looks a lot better than the newer ones. it looks espically good with the clearcoat paint and the spoiler. the 2.0 engine just sucks, good thing im not into racing. but watch out if your buying this car to hook it up. aftermarket parts are few in number and high in price. and you have to watch out for that too little things can shut down the electrical system of this car, like a new cd player or an new alarm.
A zippy little number with lots of power
Deb, 03/29/2002
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
You can't beat the great handling and powerful VR6 engine! I love putting the windows down, opening the moonroof and just letting it all hang out.
Love It!
Frankie, 10/10/2008
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car a couple months ago, haven't had it too long. My first vw. But i love it! Had to have two of the regulators replaced when i got it but no surprise by all the reviews i keep reading. The back right Bose speaker blew out. The clutch is starting to wear out too, but i think the owner before me drove dirty. So once i get a new clutch ill be running smooth again! Wish my car had the heated leather seats though..
the worst car I have ever had
funkykat, 09/25/2003
1998 Volkswagen Jetta K2 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The first 1.5 years were great but now,I have replaced exhaust 3 times, clutch rod broke, tried to use hazzard lites, didn't work, have replaced both front and rear brakes and rotors, car now does not like to start in wet weather. horn is malfunctioning and had to pull the fuse to stop it. window washer feature comes out in a small stream of fluid. coolant needs to be purchased at the dealer so it is inconvenient and unsafe. it is not the car to have if you don't have one to rely on while it is in the garage. and it will be, all the time. I will never own another VW
Do you really want one?
redjetta98, 10/27/2005
1998 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Jetta is an interesting car in the beginning when you get it and step on the gas and let out the clutch it feels good you want to drive it. However as you begin life's journey with the vehicles things start to break such as the back rotors which wear out every 40,000 miles because of a "design flaw" the window cable, not the motor, fray because of a "design flaw", the O2 sensor fails because of a "design flaw". Bottom line the entire car is a design flaw and is made with cheap parts which snap together in some instances. Don't be fooled by its good looks, these cars are money pits. Why do people still own them? Most likely they owe more than what the car is worth and are just trying to get by.
VW Jetta GLS is an awesome car.
qjernst, 04/01/2006
1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I got this car used with 64,000 miles on it last summer. It has decent acceleration and handles like a sports car. The 2.0 liter engine gets OK mileage but it could be better. I have had a few problems with this car but nothing major (eg: new window motor, cruise control doesn't work right). It gets around well in the snow and is perfect for tight parking spots. The interior is very comfortable considering its small size and the buttons and controls are very user-friendly. The automatic tranny shifts great, the engine is good, and the ride is smooth.