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Used 2001 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars
398 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

Great little car

Jackdtennessee, 10/15/2002
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This 2001 just keeps geting better, averaging 46+mpg of diesel and loving every mile. THe best part is the dealer service department. relatively few problems, but my next car will definitely come from Harper. I also have a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer that cost twice what this car did and they (Chevy) have convinced me to buy VW next time with their attitude.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Rattle and HUMMMM

Brad M., 04/04/2002
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall this is a very well designed and built car. For the money it feels and drives like a more expensive car. However, my car suffered from door rattles over bumps which the dealer was able to fix after two attempts. WIND NOISE is a problem the dealer has not been able to fix. The driver's door does not seal properly agains the frame of the car causing excessive wind noise above 50 mph. Also, the dashboard is not properly aligned between the doors resulting in a considerable gap between the driver's door and the dash. CHECK FOR THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS BEFORE BUYING.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

jetta that is junk.

mikey, 12/05/2008
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car drives like a dream when it decides to run. I have had so much trouble trying to keep this thing running that I would never buy another. I had a 1968 beetle that never let me down like this car. They are Nice to look at but you never know where you will be stranded. I bought this car for my daughter but will not let her drive it for safety sake. Not even the Volkswagen dealers can fix these pieces of trash. I still owe 2 years on this thing so if I get rid of it I wiil be a lucky man.

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3 out of 5 stars

Don't get a VW

Ilya, 08/19/2009
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Fun to drive even with the low HP, particularly mine with a stick, but such a hassle as far as reliability. Bought it new and had problems from almost day 1, you name I've fixed it.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

The Oil Consumer

Varina, 10/18/2002
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Burns 1 quart of oil every 3000 miles - even though the ownder's manual says it can go 5000. Also, owner's manual claims oil burning will go away after "short break-in" period - it does not go away ever.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Loved it

kristikrum, 09/15/2013
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Sad to say I totalled my wagon last week. This was a very functional and reliable car for me. I haul lots of stuff to work every day, so it was great for the space factor although removing head rests to lay seats flat was a bit cumbersome. I received the car at 70,000 from and rode it to like 117 in 2.5 years. In that time I changed the impeller (seems common) on the coolant system and the front bumper shield thing rides a bit low to the ground so it was dragging and held up by duct tape in its last few months. The brakes were great, and I didn't mind the cup holders either way. This car saved my life in my accident where I hit the cement wall on the freeway, so I'm 4eva grateful.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

One of the few happy Jetta owners

MyJettaOK, 10/21/2002
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Considering trading for new GTI was going to look at those reviews and thought I'd check the Jetta reviews first. Wow. Surprised by all the problems. Have the base GL with 5sp. Added alloys wheels and CD player. So far, knock on wood, no problems. Electrical, engine, windows, etc. all fine for last 2 yrs. Car has been just as reliable my last Acura. Been to the dealer only for 2 oil changes and to install CD player. Hope the GTI reviews are better or I may stick with what I have. Cool message board.

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2.25 out of 5 stars

Ticking Time Bomb

klc, 11/06/2002
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

29k mi. Have replaced the transmission, AC..twice, window clips..twice (window dropped into door), climatronic ac thermostat, CD player, radio, cup holder, center console/leather arm rest..(handle broke), battery...(they used unsealed batteries before 2002 which leak in hot weather like here in Houston), and have reprogrammed transmission points...8 times (red lines and shakes car). There is 2 second delay when shifting from R to D. The brakes wear out at 15-20k mi and have no sound indicator so that you ruin the routers w/out even knowing it. This wolf in sheep’s clothing will take every dollar you have in repairs.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Economy, Performance, and Style

Lanark, 05/09/2002
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I absolutely love my TDI. It took a while to find one with a 5 speed, but it was worth the hunting. I can't believe this kind of pick-up from a standstill on a diesel. And naturally, unless you're in the market for a hybrid, you can't beat the mileage. Plus, even though the car is (comparatively) low-priced as far as German sedans go, it seems to be an eye- catcher, not to mention that there almost seems to be a TDI clique/club/cult? Comfortable and stylish interior for two adults (don't plan any road trips for four 6-footers) Only real complaint is: why doesn't VW give up on the dial knob for seatback adjustment that they've been using ever since the (original) Beetle?

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Gotta be something betta

nghappycabin, 10/30/2009
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

When it's in operating condition, the ride is awesome and fun. Comfortable, stylish & unique features on the interior. I like the way it drives and the comfort, but there's been just too many problems with it to recommend it to others. Window fell into the door, oil plan needed replaced, some computer sensor for $180, serpentine belt and I've had to replace the same headlight bulb twice w/in last 30K miles. Interior parts look nice but they break easily and are expensive to replace. Trunk latch snapped in cold weather, console latch busted & cup holder broke ($160 for a new cup holder, for example). Just found out the cooling fan is broken ($500). Everything is expensive to fix.

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