Used 2001 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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No More VW for me!
I really dislike my Jetta! I bought it brand spanking new with four miles on it and it's been a headache from day one. Ahhhh, the list of problems (and these are all in the first two years) includes a check engine light that never turns off, the glove box door fell off twice, the arm rest broke twice, the button to open the trunk inside car won't work, the driver's door won't lock with the remote, the driver's window motor broke five times, and all of the other window motors broke twice EACH! My windows broke so many times that VW repaired them even after the warranty expired. I will honestly never buy another VW. It's a cute car, but it is put together with spit and everytime something breaks it is EXPENSIVE. I am looking to trade it in real soon!
Sad VW Owner
Very dissapointed...Window rotors have been replaced 5 times; windows leak; moon roof has plastic parts falling off; recalled for engine coil; uncomfortable back seats; center console broke...
- GLSMSRP: $3,95677 mi away
- GLS TDI Diesel SedanMSRP: $4,200648 mi away
- GL SedanMSRP: $4,500851 mi away
Love the car!!
This car is amazing..from low fuel consumption to great exterior design..i love everything about it..even when the check engine light turned on and i didn't have the money to fix it, it kept going strong and never let me down. Great car!!
Fun, but...
I had 3 major complaints. 1st, from day one the car had many unidentified interior squeaks and rattles that the dealer couldn't/wouldn't fix. 2nd, the 150 hp 1.8t is not a very powerful motor, but it was always enough to make the front wheels break free, causing a nasty, jarring hop under hard acceleration. 3rd, the damn check engine light was on for the last 10000 miles I owned the car. The dealer was always good about fixing whatever was wrong for free, but the light never stayed off for more than a week. In spite of all that, it was a lot of fun, and it always got me where I needed to go.
This car rocks!!
It has all the features, appointments and performance of a BMW 3 series for about half the price. And it is so much fun to drive!!
Make Friends at the Service Dept
I have had this car into the service department so many times I have lost count. First, the engine light started coming on. Talking with other customers I have met in the service dept waiting room, this seems to be common. The service techs could not come up with a cause so they just started replacing things as they went down the list. Now, the motor on the sunroof I hardly ever use has stopped working. The tech has decided that the motor needs replacing. The interior has not held up well and many things have begun to peel. Oh well, at least it gets great fuel mileage!
Good car...If You Have a Lot of Money to Waste
This car is fun to drive and all, but I don't know how much fun it can be if you see your bank balance going down so fast every time you go for a repair and you have to go for a repair just like you go for a hair cut. It may be its just happening to me, I don't know, but its very frustrating. I've also owned a Japanese made car and it ran fine even until 100,000+ miles, without any issues until I sold it. The car is comfortable for long trips, luxurious, very fast and stuff....but all the money we have to spend on repairs just undermines the positivity. This is not a reliable car.
VW Jetta, Great Car
I picked up a 2001 VW Jetta GLI VR6 at a great price about two years ago. I have delivered pizzas in it. I don't take good care of it with all the stop and go driving I do with this car. The only thing that I have replaced is the tires. I drive about 150 hard miles a day and my Jetta still looks and runs new. It never misses a beat and I mostly do downtown city driving. My Jetta is a little silver tank.
Oil Consumption Issues
I loved my Jetta but I it was using up a lot of oil. My dealer told me that new engines use up oil and I needed to check my oil every other time I put gas in my car. I new that this was not right so I kept on them. I had fuel consumption tests and was told it was just fine. However, I ran out of oil less than 3000 miles since my last oil consumption test. VW told me that it is acceptable to burn up to 1 qt of oil per 1000 miles. Since mine was using less they would not fix it. Apparently there have been numerous complaints about this issue and VW will not fix the problem. Beware if you have this car. Watch the oil!
The Car Sucks
I've always wanted a jetta so of course my I had to get a jetta. The first year was great. By the time the second year came the problems just would not stop. There's this gross stuff coming from the door that hardens. There's obviously something wrong with my transmission and it chuckles backwards at times. Dealership insists there's nothing wrong with it everytime. Each snowstorm the guy has issues with traction even after changing to brand new tires. The velour seats are horrible with everything sticking to it. I can't wait till I get rid of this car.
2001 Jetta GLS 1.8 Turbo
My wife and I just bought the 2001 Jetta a couple days ago. It's really her car more than it is mine. So far we love the power of the turbo. The leather is pretty comfortable and the exterior looks really sharp. We love the sunroof and the heated seats.
Stay away from this dump
Bought car because of it standard features -The following has been done to the car in 40000 miles of driving--1. brakes replaced at 22000 miles 2. seats broke 3. epc light replaced 4. tires replaced twice 5. oil usage 1 quart every month 6. Brakes locked up. 7. Will not release from Park 8. Emission contol light triggers every month. 9. Stay away from this car.
won't buy another!
a.m. radio went out at about 45k $600 dealer quote to replace. the transmission literally fell out before 25k. the passanger side mirror defrost has never worked though i have had it replaced a couple of times. the sunroof drain clogs periodically and starts dripping into the car via the interior lights. a can open is required for anyone over 5' to get in and out of the back seat. interior coating peels constantly. armrest storage latch snaps off randomly (4 times) the front bumper catches or snags on parking curbs and rips. diesal fuel has remained much higher than premium unleaded defeating the noise for mileage trade. v.w. floor mats replaced a number of times only to fall apart quickly.
A pleasant suprise
When I bought this car, I wasn't really enthusiastic about it. I had been trying for a MINI, and kinda got stuck with this (the dealers were shady). However, to my enjoyment, I have gotten quite comfortable with it since then. Adding rims and a few aftermarket things made this car very classy, and I enjoyed the ride. I did get a finicky blinker, though, and the starter made a funny noise, although it was mechanically sound. But at 132k miles, I am pleased to find that I haven't had to do much to the car at all. I replaced the vacuum tubing and secondary air pump for about $700, but mechanics were fair: $45 for extensive diagnostics. Looking to do a few more things for a truly killer ride.
Decent for my standards
This car is remarkable quick for being a 4 banger. I was equally impressed by the list of standard features with this model. Being a single man, I did not care about backseat room, until I had to sit back there! There was less room than my 2dr Accord Coupe! But the car really proved itself to me when I rear ended a brand new Mercedes, the airbags weren't pleasant (but what ones are?) however I was highly impressed by the way it held up. The damage was $10,000+ and would have surely totaled my Honda had I been driving it. After the car was fixed it wasn't the same (are they ever?) so I traded up to a 2002 VW Passat (will review that one too)
Good with Warranty
I purchased my Jetta GLS new in '01. I loved the car for the first three years (while it was still covered under its factory warranty). Since then I've had a turbo hose blow, brake switch go three times, replaced two timing belts, and had to replace several emissions sensors. I love the car, but HATE the repair cost. I can't go in for a repair for less than $250 (average $550). So unless you drive a TON the gas savings doesn't make up for the repair cost. Also, mechanics are few, even at the dealers, so you may have to wait for Bob to come back from vacation to get your car back. The timing belt is a $cow$, it wears out quick and then the car needs several adjustments to get it running right again. Overall this is a good car, I just wish I had gotten the extended waranty. I am looking to replace my car soon due to the high cost of repairs.
VW Jetta GLS 2.0
I had a very good experience with my Jetta, bought it in 2001 have 60000 miles on it, never let me down or had any kind of problems, changed tires at around 45K and rear brakes, front brakes have almost no wear even at 60K, car likes synchetic oils, overall solid build quality.
Nice Ride
My Jetta is great, minus a few things here and there but I love it. It's faster than I had expected, showing me that I could surpass many higher end cars, it has a nice kick to it. I haven't had any engine trouble but I did by it used and haven't had it for too long so we shall see. I love a lot of details in the interior like the lights in the dash, the stereo system, sunroof, and heated seats. Unfortunately, it was poorly built I'm finding out. The interior rubber-like paint peels off and I have now just peeled it all off and it looks better. I learned quickly not too pull up on a curb because it basically pulls your bumper off which was surprising to me. Other than that though, I love it!
drive
fun to drive yet problematic from day 1. Unable to be repaired, not reliable, not safe to drive. Never had so many problems with a car in my life. VW of Am is not helpful and car does not perform. The car is a lemon!
MOST UNRELIABLE CAR IN THE WORLD!
Ever since I got it at 0 milage, I have had mechanical problems. At 500 miles, cruise control went out. At 22000 miles, started getting valves replaced, hoses replaced, and many other parts replaced. Not to mention that every 2000-3000 miles, I've had to take it to the dealership to get all of this fixed because it's always a new malfunction in the engin. At 25000 I got stranded out of town in the middle of now where. My car would just not turn on.
Be wary of VR6 w/ auto trans
Bought a used 2001 Jetta VR6 automatic to replace a 2001 Beetle 1.8T 5-Speed. This was the 8th VW I've owned (several GTIs, Sciroccos, a Karmann Ghia) but the first VR6, the first 4-speed automatic and the first with unexpected issues. Electrical gremlins made themselves known within the first 1000 miles we put on the car. First, it would occasionally refuse to start unless you reseated the battery-box fuses. Then the sunroof began opening spontaneously. The dealership wasn't able to sort the electrical problems, so I took it to my usual private VW expert. He rolled his eyes and said that VR6 automatics are notoriously problematic (though he had praise for the 2.0 and 1.8T manuals).
Don't buy one
I have had my car for 2 years and had nothing but problems. Within the first 4 months, the secondary air pump in the car went (but when I took it to another VW dealership they didn't know what I was talking about). Brakes went at 22,000 mi. Now the car is due back soon and they said that there is $1000 dollars worth of work that needs to be done because my car won't start. They said the air pump is done again and the relays are out and the battery is dead. I replaced the battery 2 weeks ago and it is dead again. Never again! Everyone I know that had one between 2000 to 2002 has had nothing but problems.
no jetta
There havent beeen any major problems with the car, but small things seems to have all kind of problems. Example 1.problem with power window failure. 2. Signal light relay. 3. Annoying rattle from the door locks. 4. Burns about a quart of oil per 1k miles ect...All kinds og small mechanical problems, just enough to annoy the heck out of you...
Great Fun Car
This one is a lease we will buy when over. This has been a great car with only one exception. The break light switch goes bad very quickly and the dealership did want to cover the 3rd one. One quick call to VW customer service and they made the dealer cover the switch. This car handles great and has tons of features that you would have to spend thousands more to get on a BMW, etc.
JETTA Headache!!
I spent good $ on a "quality car" to come to find out that my windows will be falling within the 2nd year. I feel that this car is not worth its value. I constantly have to go to the dealer to fix one thing or the other. This is a very delicate car and cannot be driven. First, my armrest started peeling within the 6th month. Once my car hit 20,000 it got stuck and I had to get it towed b/c the brake light had blown. Rencently, both passenger windows have fallen. My fender is getting bent
Clutch nightmare
Car is pretty nice but beware of clutch on standard tranmission. I had several manual transmission cars so I know how to drive a standard. But I was told by Momentum that my clutch was burned out at 23000 miles. Bull.. It is not covered under warranty and I had to shell out $1800.00. I am getting rid of my Jetta VR6 as soon as I can. I tell all my friends DO NOT VOLKSWAGON!
Very Unreliable for a VW
Just to let buyers know there are several issues to be aware of before purchasing a new or used 2000-2001 VW Jetta. They are very prone to issues. First off, I bought my car new in Aug 2000, it is a 2001 VW Jetta. In less than 2 years have had an Oxygen Sensor recall, both Driver and Passanger Window regulators have broke, resulting in the windows falling inside the doors, the electrical wiring has had to be rewired, the Brake Switch broke and needed replacing, and the interior plastic is already peeling. I have owned VW's in the past and am just beside myself at the poor quality of this car!!
Jetta GLS
This is a great car. I owned a Jetta about 10 years ago and fell in love with it all over again. The handling is an absolute dream. And it's sure footedness in the snow is remarkable. Gas mileage is very good.
Mini-BMW
What an awesome car! People often underestimate the power of this little car, but on the highway, this car is unbeatable. The interior is fantastically furnished and equipped and the seats are supportive without being constrictive. The classic lines of the Jetta are perfectly accented by the subtle yet classy BBS RXIIs on which the vehicle rides. Recently, an older gentleman in a Jaguar complimented on the classiness of my car, quite the compliment coming from someone with clearly refined tastes.
fix the problems before you buy
car drives great for the most part, turbo is fun to drive but i noticed i have been getting less power off the line the past couple of months. buy the dark interior, light interior stains with anything on it, trim is peeling after a couple of months, cup holders need to be redesigned, front windows dropped five times before they figured out plastic hinges don't work, check engine light is a common feature, warranty needs to be better because parts are not cheap on this thing. i wont get one of these again.
VW Quality....
2001 GSL 4 dr, there's a few things that have issues...(note WITHIN one year) front grill feel off, door handles (rubber) peel, the dash around the stick has a latex coating peels,extior paint bad. Then last month the window fell. Remember,cosmetic is not covered. The engine runs great, has pick up.
You'll Love this Car!!
This car has required nothing in the way of service other than a $90 temperature guage replacement, and it still drives feels like a new car. For the basic engine (I went with the bottom of the line 2.0L), it has much more pep than other vehicles in this class. Excellent torque and fast breaking make this a winner. The Moonsoon components are very good performers as stock audio equipment goes, with the exception of the included head unit, which underperform. Very comfortable and attractive interior with a high-quality European feel.
Nice Car - LOTS OF REPAIRS
Really like the car for past 2 yrs. Lots of features for the price. BUT, several problems. Power windows break down in the door when rolled down (2 of mine did) - VW extended coverage. Several owners & myself had horrible smell for the first few thousand miles - smells like something dead. Temperature gage broke. Brake pedal switch broke 2x, got stuck because car would not go in gear! Check engine light on @ 26K mi, needs new oxygen sensor already. Shifts rough @ 2K RPM. Sometimes goes in rvrse 5-10 feet when in drive. Console chipping off. But other than unreliability, Id like it.
Awesome
I love this car its the best car i have had in a long time. I love the gas mileage and everything about it.
Wanna Waste Your Money? Buy A VW.
This was my second car and taught me the biggest lesson of my life. Buying this car means putting a lot of money into it. I was looking forward to blacking the car out and when i saved up money to do so on my project, something always went wrong. In the shop at least 2 or 3 times a month. Burns oil constantly. Electrical system difficulties. Headlight covers get really hazy. The way they have the rear view mirror is ridiculous and doesn't stay on well with heat.
My VW rush :-)
I have had my WB Jetta for a little over six monthes now. Its a blast to drive. I been in the shop for minor issues. (squeeks, rattles, dash bulbs). My only major problems was my brake lights were stuck on at 17,800 miles, only 3,000 after taking delivery and I've had one window regulator replaced under extended warranty. No engine problems.
Wow!
This is a tight handling little car. No rattles going over bumps and very quiet at 70 mph. I love the room the car has especially with the rear seats folded. Totally reliabe with gas mpg that rivaled my old Neon. I'm getting around 27 mpg in town! What a cheap car to own. I've only had it for a month, but I can already say it is the best car I have ever owned. I am now a VW snob for the rest of my life!
I should have waited
I bought my wagon 18 mo. ago and wish I would've thought twice. The wagon is cute and decent to drive, but it has its share of problems. The Mojave Beige is hard to see in certain light. I replaced child window locking switch due to malfunction. When we were hit on the passenger side at about 50 mph (guy blew through a red light when we had a turn arrow), NOT ONE of the safety features which I bought the car for, engaged. After a dealer check, they show that heated mirrors are functioning only part-time (but of course they wouldn't fix that while it was in the shop!) It has lost way too much in resale value. Over $10K!
It is so much fun
I have had more powerful and bigger cars but none that are more fun. Last summer, I traded in my 1998 Maxima SE for a Jetta, Wolfsburg edition. It was a great decision. The drive of the Jetta is so responsive, tight and perky. My favorite car previous to this one was my 1998 Jetta. This has many more creature comforts but what a car and what a drive!
Excellent!!
First time owner of VW product. Will continue to purchase more. I am very impressed with quality and performance. Wish they had glx vr6 for 03, but discontinued.
Great Little Car
This has been the funnest car I have ever owned. I would highly recommend it. I have had very few problems and tons of compliments!
Jetta 01 diesel
It took six months to delivery due to the US limit on imported diesel engines: an unfair conflict with fuel efficiency which provided a tax rebate on our 1981 diesel Rabbit (sold in '95) Performance has been excellent; 48-50 mpg on cross-country trips with AC, 75mph. Two equipment notices for for free replacement of parts. Oil changes and such at dealer very expensive unless you provide your own oil/other. Overall dealer mechanical work so-so. Service desk personnel very helpful.
Great Car, Dealers are terrible
I've owned the car over a year and have had no major problems. I am still excited to drive it. I am especcialy reminded of this when i go away a use arental. My big complaint, and this is big enought that i will not buy another, is that all VW dealers i've been to are terrible. From the time I bought it to all oil changes to simple warranty repairs or anything they are just a huge hassle. VW should look into this. No one should like their car as my as I do and not plan on ever getting another VW.
Do not buy
Please do not buy VW no matter what you do. It has poor build quality and the dealerships are rude and useless. I certainly would never buy another VW again. I have 75000 miles on my car in 3 years and have had a window regulator problem, many break lights replaced, an ABS problem, a coolant sensor problem, and the interior of the car has deteriorated. If you do own one, your performance will be much improved by replacing the OEM tires with an all season performance tire (as I did). Using 15-40 oil helps stop usage. I used to use a quart per 1500 miles, now I use hardly any in 4000 miles
Good year for the Jetta
I never would have thought about buying a foreign vehicle until my bf got me psyched about the idea of owning one. We just went to some random dealership and I was so happy when we test drove this. I've had it almost a yr now with no problems. It's got over 96,000 miles on it and is still a young one. I plan on keeping this vehicle for as long as I can.
MY Jetta VR6
Fun car to drive. Quick and responsive. Well built vehicle where every piece has a purpose and no space is wasted.
Great Car!
I have had the car for a few months and I adore it. Fun to drive, easy on gas, nice interior and love the Monsoon sound system. So, far I haven't had any major issues with the car as other Jetta owners in this forum have experienced. So far so good!
Not the car they used to be
I purchased a VW Wolfsburg back in 2001 after a very good experience with an older Jetta. The 2001 Jetta has been nothing but problems. Nother major went out but very soon after the 2 year warrenty expired my cruise control went out, mechanical problems, breaks went out, not to mention a recall that fixed a problem. When I got my breaks fixed I asked why they went out so soon. The mechanic said when the vehicle was assembled, the breaks were not put in right. As far as the cruise control, I was told that it was a junk part that was assembled (but I still needed to pay for it because it was not under warrenty).
So nice, so fun, lokks so good
This is THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. It is quick, comfortable, easily seats a family of five, and drives just as good as a Mercedes-Benz. My next car is certianly to be a VW. The warranty is excellent, my dealer has good follow up for services.
I love my car!
I bought my Jetta used. It was 3 yrs old and only had 36k on it. Right away when I got it the blinkers stopped ticking, but other than that my car has been absolutely perfect. I really wanted to get a GTI, but this was more in my price range. I thought I would be disappointed, but I couldn't be happier w/ this little car. I still love to get in it everyday and don't regret my purchase at all. Very pleased!