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Used 1998 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
86 reviews

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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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1.25 out of 5 stars

Absolutely not!

SMO, 07/16/2009
1998 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

So I bought my nice 1998 jetta in 2008 for a graduation present to myself. Granted the car was 10 years old and I did get it for a deal (sort of)...IT stinks! so far since I've had it (less than a year) I've had to replace the wheel bearings 3 separate times because they've broken while I was driving and I've also done the breaks and rotors twice. On top of that I had to replace the exhaust, all the window motors are messed up, my automatic door locks don't work, the window cable broke, my 02 sensor failed, my cruise control doesn't work, the wiring causes shorts in the lighting and sensors, and my side panels had to be reglued in place. All of this at 120,000 miles? I miss my dodge stratus!

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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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5 out of 5 stars

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!

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3.38 out of 5 stars

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.

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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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1.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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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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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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