Used 1999 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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Early year '99 Jetta
Fun car to drive. Highly recommend 5- speed manual over automatic. Handles curves like a dream. Little maintenance issues bothersome, but car still worth every penny.
very poor, DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE
i have had nothing but problems with this vehicle, the window regulator will go out, along w/all general electronics on this car. if you are even thinking about buying one of these, email me and i will dissuade you. BUY A TOYOTA OR HONDA!!
- GL (1999.5) SedanMSRP: $750953 mi away
- Wolfsburg SedanMSRP: $3,6951,663 mi away
Not a fan
This car has a few MAJOR flaws. The electrical system is junk. I have had the left rear power window go out several times. The wiring is poor. It is also expensive to have repaired. It drives well and gets reasonable gas milage. If I were to buy another (which I won't) I would get the basic version. Less things to have problems with.
It's the Little Things that Get You
Pluses: Great seats, fun to drive,.... Minuses: The recalls, ie. O2 sensor issue. the green-ooze that drips out of door onto frame and then your pant-leg in hot weather, steering wheel in hot weather creaks.... Rear-Tail lights tend to go out often The minuses are starting to pile up.... This could be a great car, but right now the little things are driving me crazy....
Fast and reliable
I own a automatic Jetta Gls and it took sometime to time getting used to the Transmission features, Once the transmission became familar with my driving style, it handles and drives like a race car. Wasn't very impressed with the quality of the inside cover of the sunroof though "cardboard with carpet" very flimsey. Car can be very noisy if you only have the sunroof open too. If you have any back problems I would buy this car !! Very good support for the back and you can move virtually anything with the seat.
VW is my God!!!
I have had this car for about 2 1/2 months now i purchased a black used 5 speed Jetta with 64,838 miles on it...i know its high mileage but i havent had any engine problems yet..the fuel economy is perfect, the only problem i need to get fixed is minor. My right passenger window i think the motor burned out so i have to get a new one, AND sometimes when i lock my door with the lock button on my key the car locks but the drivers side door the actually lock its self doesnt lock but it engages the alaram so i have to unlock then lock it again..but that only happens sometimes..its not a big deal.
Window Issues!
I loved my Jetta but can't wait to get rid of it now! I enjoyed almost three good years of driving before the first automatic (front, driver's side) window went out. It was not under warranty and cost $370 to replace. In the last six months, both rear passenger windows have also slipped off track and require new kits. I can handle one window, but three out of four is a serious problem! Buyer beware!
King of the corners
The 2.0 liter 8v is sluggish. This, however, is the only complaint I can make about this beautiful European car. Although it doesn't feel that stable, it can take corners faster than is legal in most jurisdictions. Interior design is typical flawless VAG quality. Everything is laid out logically and is well placed. The sound system delivers crisp highs and mids, and decent lows. The 5-speed shifts smoothly, and the clutch provides no fight. The best thing is, this car has 145,000 miles on it, and it is still running perfectly, with a smooth idle. It still pulls strong right up to the redline. VW reliability proves itself once again. Excellent car.
Really, Don't Do it!
I have spent so much time in the shop with this car it is hard to think where to start. I really hate it. I have heard that if you can get one that was made in Germany, they are good quality cars. Mine was made in good ol Mexico, and have trouble with it regularly. fuel pump, window motors, AC pump, fog lights, head lights, and so on. The muffler fell off. VW wanted $400 just for the part. ouch! I spend no less that $1,500 on it annually.
Never a VW again!!!!
1. I heard a big noisy explosion under the hood,the fumes were coming out everywhere, it was the battery that exploded covering all the engine with acid, 2. a fuse block that started to smoke, dealership said everything was fine, came back and had to use the extinguisher to fight the flames coming out of the battery, battery case, fuse blocks and everything around it. 3. had to replace the mass flow sensor (twice) 4. Glove box replaced (twice), 5. O2 sensor, 6. Replace tail lights every three months, 7. having to clean that yellow ooze coming down from the doors,8. Now it's overheating but dealer said there is no problem...
I love it!
I've always wanted a Jetta. It's comfortable, great on gas, and very cute! I'm very please with my car.
My Wolfsburg
I recently bought this car and so far it has been a very reliable car and is extremly fun to drive. The car has nice performance and is very easily upgradable.
Great car, for an automatic
i bought the car a coulpe years ago, other then the problems that i caused i haven't had any. i've had two jetta's my VR6 which i love, and a 1.8t that was not so good to me. really its a hit and miss the these cars the VR6 headlight are shot and the cup holders are falling out but still work,other then that the leather is in perfect condition and the interior is just awesome overall. the 1.8t although 5 speed between the trany, clutch, oil leaks, break dust all over my expencive rims, arm rest, and others it had to go. the VR6 has plenty of power and good handling if i can keep up with 09 cobalt ss T/C and eat RX-8's for breakfast i won't complain, untill i can do more under the hood
Fun to Drive Car
When I first test drove this car, I was eager to own one. After purchasing the Jetta GLS 99 model, I am still enjoying driving. Cool accelaration on the highways and safe changing lanes on high speeds.
Volkswagon Sucks!!
We have had so many problems with this car! We have had electrical problems with the radio and windows, the car does not shift well (it has an automatic transmission), we have to replace the rotars every year. We only drive the car 18 miles a day and consistently have to pay between $300 - $700 every year to get the car past inspection. The interior of the car is supposed to be stain resistant but get stained with a small amount of WATER. Our interior is a mess mostly from water stains. We thought that Volkswagons were very reliable, quality cars... we wil NEVER purchase another VW!
Solid car, just a few quirks
This car is my second car and I love it. Outside of annoying issues like power window failure and freeze- happy parking brakes (a side effect of single digit temperatures), this car has been nothing but great. Awesome features like the sunroof and stereo, leather steering wheel, etc. The car isn't fast, but it feels sporty with the 5-speed manual and turns out great gas mileage. Overall a great car, I can't wait to get my next VW!
Best Car I've Ever Owned
Plain and simple, I have never owned a better more reliable car. I drive the car a little on the hard side, and I still get over 30 miles to the gallon. I am over 6 feet tall, and I ride everywhere in comfort. This is a very comfortable highway cruiser (easily gobbles ground at 90+ mph) and sporty city commuter. I will never own another non-European car again.
Great Ride!
One of the best cars I have ever owned!
Steer clear of this one!!
After two year warrenty ended, I have poured dollar after dollar into this car. I only drive it about 11,000 miles per year. Over the past 6-9 months I have replaced the power steering rack ($1200), the catalytic converter ($900), all four brake pads and rotors ($700 because warning light never told me pads were low), both front windows have fallen off the tract (VW paid), replaced three different kinds of sensors ($800) etc. (I'm running out of space...) Complete lemon. Others I know have had same problems.
expected more
I anticipated higher quality and far fewer problems, mechanical and functional (i.e. stuff breaking),than experienced with this car. Yesterday the cup holder disintegrated, something Americans cannot do without. I just made the last payment so soon it will probably go to one of the kids.
Miss my Jetta
I had my jetta for almost 6 years and loved it overall. It was a manual transmission which made it fun to drive. The only problem with the transmission that I had was that it had difficulty going into 1st. It got great gas mileage and other than when the AC broke during a 10 hr drive in the summer, it was great on trips. I did have some mechanical issues including a $600 fix after I attempted to replace the battery and the whole computer shut down. I had electrical problems too and the cup holders and side window adjusters broke often. However, I drove it until I totalled it in March. I will say that I was only hurt minorly and feel that the car was very safe.
Never again!!
Too much wrong offsets everything that is good about this car. I am on my ***14th*** window regulator! I live in Phoenix and the OOZE on the door sills is present 6+ months out of the year. The front end undercarriage is damaged (low clearance, a common Jetta problem). I finally bought a DieHard battery after the first two supplied by VW died in the first year. Performance, once excellent, now sucks wind - 0-60 in about 14 seconds. Fuel economy has dropped below 35mpg city 40mpg hwy. VW customer service is a joke - they are rude and do not care. I am glad I do not own this vehicle!! Built in Mexico - and it shows!
Love it
This car has always been a blast to drive. Its especially great for highway cruising. A smooth ride and plenty of power that will push you back in your seat. Back seat is cramped, only okay if you're under 5'8" or so. Trunk is huge. Doesn't handle quite as well as I'd like. Get the performance spring kit which is a big improvement. Has had a few problems, all well-known Jetta problems (fuel door, glove box door, window regulator, MAF). Most problems fixed under warranty and most of the problems VW seems to have a handle on. Even with the past problems I love the car and I've never had a mechanical problem, and consider it very reliable.
Excellent design/mediocre quality
I have a love-hate relationship with this car. Great fun to drive, adequate power, fantastic fuel mileage (43-52 mpg). I drive 40K per year & have pretty pleased. Repairs & maintenance too expensive. $650 timing belt expense. $450 air flow sensor @ 85K.
Buy Another!!!!
I hate this car and want to get it off my hands. I have had problem after problem with this car. It started with leaking of transmission fluid, then the lights on the dashboard going out(could only be reset by the VW computer), the O2 sensor, brakes and rotars, the cupholder broke, and funky smells coming from the AC unit. Please, I know how cute this car looks but DON"T BUY IT!!!!
Great Car!
We have had this car as our family car for a little over a year and it runs and handles great! It is 10 years old and has 138,000 miles on it and we have only ever changed a tire and the oil. I agree that the cup holder is cheap and ours is broken too. Our emergency break is not working but it is I guess an easy fix nad the washer flid doest work, leaky hose. The sound system is great. We took it on 2400 mile round trip amd it did great. Very peppy! Love this car!
DON'T BUY IT!!!!!!!!!
DON'T BUY IT!! I have had so many problems with this car. The Transmission, window regulators, the serpentine belt (twice)---which caused my a/c, alternator, and power steering pump to go out. Which I was charged, b/c the car was at 24,400 miles. VW has no pride in their cars, just ask the service manager if they drive one.... I promise, they don't!!!!
Keep the windows shut!
2 problems, 2 words. Windows! Cooling! I leased the car new and within 1 year replaced a window regulator. I have had it for four years and average 1 a year with an exception for not replacing the passenger side after I turned the car into a commuter. Cooling system has been the final straw and will cause me to never own another VW. Of all the cars I've owned in my life, I've never had one have the air conditioning system go out until now. Add to that the fact that the driver side window regulator went out the next day and you have a VERY pissed off owner.
vw ok but too little
I have to say I have not experienced such terrible luck. We bought the car at 20,000 miles and the O2 sensor problem was already fixed. We have had the driver's window drop into the door and had to replace the motor- a problem I hear others describing. The dash cupholder is junk- broken by 35,000 miles. Otherwise our Jetta has been mechanically fine. We are about to sell it to it's 3rd owner but only because baby #2 is coming in december and the backseat is too TINY for 2 car seats! In fact few of our friends are able to sit back there b/c it's so small. We find that the passenger has to sit with knees right against the airbag- and we are not that tall!
Be wary
I traded in my old Accord for a used Jetta, as I was swayed by the VW hype. Have doubted this decision ever since. Within the first 11 months, check engine light came on 8 different times--signaling many major engine problems. My "new" car was in the shop over a week each of these times. Some of the problems I was told were undiagnosable--until the warrenty ran out, conveniently. A co-worker had the same car, only a '98, and he had the exact same problems with his. Make sure exhaust system is in top- shape, as I found that this is very expensive to fix.
VW wolf 1999
This was a reliable and fun car. I never had any mechanical problems whatsoever. The only electrical issue i ran into was of course the window regulator and the instrument cluster. I loved the sound system and the body style most about the car. Sadly my wife was in a wreck which totaled my jetta, whats amazing is she had no injuries. The safety features were on point. Overall i would say say its a decent car to own!
I FELL IN LOVE WITH MINE
I absolutely love my jetta, great car, and for 4 cylinders its pretty fast, definitely one of the best handling cars. Safe, and it looks awesome, great first car. Reliability has some issues though, it will go into the shop for a seemingly small repair that can come out to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That was more the dealerships fault though for replacing it with cheap parts and selling it, now that mine is fixed, it runs strong with 130k miles. Me and this car have been through a lot together and I will be sad to see it go, when I sell it in a few months. Definitely prefer this over a Japanese car. Its worth the reliability issues and expensive maintenance.
Stay Away!
We'd hoped to have the Jetta for many years -- it was fun to drive, got good mileage, and was well-designed. But three months after getting it, the electric system failed. Scrape the front bumper on the curb and it would come off. That happened four times. Sensors went out. Parts failed. All this despite regular service and care. Finally, something got loose around the catalytic converter. We said that's it. Just got a new Subaru Forester. I hope it lasts as long as we'd HOPED the VW would. VW, you should be ashamed.
CAN ANYBODY FIX THIS CAR?
This car was supposed to be my answer to commuting. I cannot keep it on the road. Check engine light has come on at 50,000 miles and at 90,000 miles it is still on. Volkswagen mechanics throw up their hands. What do I do? I have spent $2400 for the mechanics to silence this light. What is the 100,000 mile warrenty for? They still say glow plug relay. I began to bottle and sell the ooze that leaks from the doors. If Volkswagen could fix this problem, I would have a decent car. Power windows are a big joke. Fix them in a timely manner for God's sake. You could not run fast enough to give me another one of these cars.
Not a honda
Bought this car for its driver oriented characteristic. Satisfied on that front. However, reliability is questionable at best.
1999 Volkswagen Jetta 4 dr GLS
When I bought the jetta it had 107k on it. I had it for 3 months, put 111k on it. I was hit by a drunk driver and the car was totaled. It didnt handle the crash good at all. She didnt hit me at a high speed. But heres the story on my car. I don't think it was very reliable. The check engine light would always come on. I would have misfires all the time but I had my plugs switched. I had a coolant leak. Had to fix that. The cup holders broke. My glove compartment door broke. Everything falls apart. The car stinks in performance, although handled curves well. But my car was in the shop a lot... I would never buy one again. I was glad to get rid of it. Its a headache to have one. Hope this helped
Jetta
After owning this car for 4 years, I have had a few small things to fail on this car. The remote key/alarm doesn't lock the doors with 100% accuracy, the lights for the ac/heater stopped working, and the passenger window last week went down and didn't go back up (it went off the track). Overall, I've enjoyed good performance and reliability. I will in the future steer clear of automobiles manufactured in Mexico.
Not really happy
A number of things have gone wrong with this car and now I am looking at a bill of 1500.00 and of course, only the dealership can fix it. I use to love VW's ....NO MORE.
Great Car!! Awful company!!!
My car is a darling. Until the check engine light comes on - then it's a mystery until I'm in the middle of traffic and I can no longer accelerate. Service is awful! No one should have to pay $45.00 for a light bulb change or $30 for wiper refills, or wait two months for a catalytic converter when your car has failed NJ state inspection emissions and you CANT DRIVE IT!!! Volkswagen service needs an improvement plan.
I LOVE MY JETTA!!!
I bought my Jetta new in 1999 and have put over 100k on it. I was in an accident last week where a semi lost it's drive shaft and I had to go over the top of it. There was a lot of damage underneath, but due to it's great engineering, the car KEPT US SAFE. After getting fixed for about $2k, it rides as good as new. I'm giving this car to my son when he turns 16 and have not been happy with any other cars I'm looking at for myself. They should have designed the Touareg to be as comfortable as the Jetta. I will probably buy another Jetta!! Hint - after the warranty is up, find a great import mechanic and skip the dealership!!!
Great German Car
Be Nicer!! Any car made in Mexico is gonna have some bugs. Ive had some minor issues, nothing my mechanic and I couldnt help. After 55k miles, and regular maintenence I couldnt be happier. I drive hard, and fast, I punish my engine and brakes. They've never let me down. * a note for those of you who are always in the shop... make sure that the mechanic you use is REALLY qualified to tackle what you throw at them. NEVER go to a mechanic that also services American cars too, German cars require more finesse and expert tuning. Don't trust anyone but a German Dealership to do your work on a German Car.
dont buy a jetta
many problems with electrical system and exhaust.
German engineering
The car has been very good in most respects with the one great exception. The electrical system is atrocious. One problem after another with many of the plugs and connectors burning off. Lights interior and exterior which sometimes work sometimes not. Also,nearly every visit to the dealer for repairs ends in a $700 to $1000 bill. NO more farfagnugan for us.
I will NEVER buy a VW again
From day one, this car has been nothing but trouble. I fell in love with the looks (exterior/interior), but failed to research warranty and reliability. Things that happened: Exterior paint has come off in some places, had to have emergency brake cable replaced, had to have spark plug re-wiring done, had to get starter replaced (engine died), and had to have muffler replaced all under 50,000 miles. Tires didn't last long, and neither did the brake pads. Repairs have cost me $2,500 plus and dealers were not helpful. Buyer Beware...I think I'll go back to Toyotas which never gave me trouble. The new Camry we have is GREAT!
Love My Jetta
This has been the best car I have ever owned! All I do is the basic maintenance on it. I've had this car for over three years and will have it for many more. I see that a lot of people are complaining about the new model. Maybe VW should not have changed a good thing!
Didn't suck too bad
I enjoyed my Jetta over the two years I drove it - however I had a few problems. The window mechanism broke as I was driving down the highway, brakepads wore out quickly, car was generally very noisy, ect. However, it was fun to drive.
So far ok.....
I just bought this car a few months ago and lucked out with a really nice, 85,000 one owner car. As with all Jettas both front power windows did not work but the dealer I bought it from replaced them for me. The car stinks off the line but is pretty peppy when up to speed, maybe the manuals are better? Had to replace the timing belt and went ahead and replaced the ater pump and serpentine belt. Trust me you WANT to do all this at the same time and try and do it yourself. Parts cost me less than $100, but if you paid someone to do it it would cost you. Fit and finish is good, cup holders are beyond a joke. Ride is good even with me stepping up to 17" wheels.MPG could B better getting 25.
I like my Wolfsburg Sedan!
I have been very happy with the reliability of my car. Excellent paint & tires all the way to the handling, and performance. Will definitely buy VW again.
Great First Car
My first car and loving it. I love the 5 speed its smooth duability. Great milage since gas has gone sky rocketing. con: manual roll down windows are time consuming, no consul in the middle
poor manufacturing quality
My dashboard was put in crooked at the factory, something I did not notice for several months. I had all the usual problems with the oxygen and mass airflow sensors, replaced 3 or 4 times (I forget which), cupholders, green ooze in the doors, poor key, 2 second delay when getting into gear on the automatic transmission. etc. Also an "endearing" noise in the front dash that occurs each year at through the cold weather season. Probably some metal parts contracting and vibrating in the cold. I contacted the president of VW in Germany, got a letter back from Germany saying that some one in the US would come out and look at my car. No one ever showed.