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Used 2001 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
43 reviews

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Good When It Works, Which is 10% of the Time

ME, 03/14/2007
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

This car is great when it works. It has good handling, and a nice feel, but it is the biggest pile of junk I have ever owned. I have spent more money in one year on repairs than all the other cars I have owned put together. I will never buy another and am trying to get rid of it. So don't ever buy a VW! Most people I have talked to have similar experiences.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great commuter car

Phlonet, 01/27/2004
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful

In the first year I was driving 120 miles per day and was getting between 50-55 mpg. My commute lessened considerably, and now I'm only getting mid 40s, though on longer trips its back up around 50. While the TDI doesn't have quite as much pep as a 1.8T or a V6, its still sportier than many other "economy" commuter vehicles. Takes a little bit longer to start when its below zero, but have never had it fail to start. Only one mechanical issue related the glowplugs that was misdiagnosed at first, but then fixed properly on a subsequent visit. I wholeheartedly recommend this car to anyone who has to drive any sort of distance.

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2 out of 5 stars

Never, ever again!

Bass_Baller, 08/30/2016
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
4 of 8 people found this review helpful

What haven't I replaced in this lemon, besides the frame and the engine? Hmmmm.... let me think... Not the manual transmission, clutch, A/C condenser, power steering drive, fuel injector pump... nope, all of those, I had to replace. Power windows and power locks-- the ones without broken switches-- are unreliable. Cheap plastic knob for mirror control broke off with no effort. Trunk latch even broke. And, of course, it leaks. And then there's the melted crayon smell of the interior (dashboard, mostly)-- which, if you happen to brush against, will smudge and ruin your clothes. Fun to drive, but do yourself a favor and lease it instead of buy it.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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* Starting MSRP of $21,995 for a 2025 Jetta S 1.5L TSI® with 8-speed automatic transmission. Prices exclude destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

5 out of 5 stars

Tough to Beat!

rsbible, 05/22/2002
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I purchased “our” Jetta for my wife a little over a year ago. At first I was a little concerned about the sticker price (in comparison to other models in the same class) but the fuel economy was the kicker. After a little over a year I find myself running errands just so I have an excuse to drive it. The performance is outstanding and the mileage just can’t be beat. All I can say is… sharp, fun to drive, and well built! I am sold on VW!!

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1 out of 5 stars

WARNING!! DON'T BUY THIS CAR!!!!

italialife, 10/17/2016
updated 10/19/2020
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
3 of 13 people found this review helpful

WOW, what a piece of garbage. I read the reviews before buying this piece of trash, but I thought, "eh, let me see for myself.." I'm an idiot for doing this. What haven't I replaced in this lemon, besides the frame and the engine? I bought the car for $3k with rusty fenders & a rusty chipped hood. Replaced both fenders & hood. It had some small dings, but no rust after that. I replaced the battery $210 ! I replaced the starter, coolant expansion tank, & a few other parts. I had invested a total of $1,728. I almost immediately put it back up for sale because is was beyond annoying to keep fixing little things. My wife hated when I chose to drive it over our other cars....The interior smell is atrocious, it smelled like a melted crayon constantly-- plus the interior is beyond cheaply constructed, which, if you happen to brush against, will smudge and ruin your clothes. The interior plastics were seriously made out to the strength of styrofoam cups. Though, peppy & fun to drive, do yourself a favor DON'T BUY THIS CAR! I finally sold this car yesterday for $5k after trying for over 4 months! Making a $272 profit! I can't believe I didn't loose my [non-permissible content removed] on this car. After counting the cash, and after the kid left, my wife and I were literally dancing!

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
1 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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2.5 out of 5 stars

Driving a dumpster

shastanova, 07/31/2011
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
2 of 9 people found this review helpful

I love the way this car drives but its a piece of junk. Interior must be made from recycled bottles cause everything breaks. Armrest, glove box, cigarette tray, overhead light switch, control for sideview mirrors, window motor, headliner, doorliner, speakers and more. Outside falls apart also, side markers have water in them. headlights are foggy. paint job is crap. Grille vents fall out. Antennae rusted and fell apart. Engine is only good thing. Everything else sucks. Had to put in new turbo$2500, 2 timing belts $1450, fix A/C $750, Pvc valve and intake $700, Glow plug relay $300, Window motor& regulator $750. Drive it of a cliff before you spend all this money. all this before 130,000

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Jetta TDI

marku, 04/19/2002
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the Jetta TDI about a year ago, and have not been sorry. In terms of reliability and ergonomics, it was and is the hands down winner in its class. I get about 39MPG in mostly highway driving, which is slighly less milage then the advertised 41 highway. Bottom line: spend the extra $$$ and get the Jetta!

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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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2.5 out of 5 stars

won't buy another!

setaglm, 12/28/2007
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

TDI Power

TDI13, 05/05/2009
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased this car last year from the orginal owner with just over 100,000 miles on it. I have put 35,000 trouble free miles on it in the past year and I love it... Great power, reliability and can't forget fuel economy. At an aveage of 50 mpg it pays for itself. I have had no problems to speak of, and have only needed regular maintenance and had to replace the brake light switch, (common problem), and was a cheap fix.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

My best buy ever

Springbok, 08/09/2002
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned VW's for the past 20 years. This latest Jetta TDi has been my best buy ever. VW have excelled with this model. Fuel consumption has exceeded VW claim. I get 45-49 mpg around town and 51-52 mpg on the highway.

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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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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome car

JARNO1, 02/10/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The TDI is an impressive car, it has more than adequate pickup for around town, and cruises effortlessly on the highway. What other car can you spin the tires in and at the same time get 53 miles per gallon on long trips. The build quality is very high, and VW has one of the best interiors ever made in this car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car!

TDILOVER, 06/12/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has not been in the shop for anything except for the regular maintenance intervals. I bought the car because I drive about 50,000 miles per year and wanted the good gas mileage/longevity that a diesel provides.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

2.5 Year Evaluation of Manual TDI GLS 01

DUG, 08/03/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had the car during 2 St. Louis winters. Both times the fuel has frozen.The first year I didn't use any diesel additive. The 2nd yr I used plenty, but it still failed. The dealer told me that it was bad fuel, luckily I bought the fuel from Quik Trip and the guarantee there fuel. They paid for it. So I am still unsure about the condensate theory. Now (60000) it needs a timing belt, new rear brakes, and it looses power at 2400 RPM's. I inquired at the dealer the cost Timing Belt=500.00, Power problem =300.00 to 1200.00. I am disappointed at the high cost to maintain this $21,000 vehicle. I love the performance, driving, and styling of the Jetta.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great mileage with no problems

Buesi, 08/28/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is awesome. It gets phenomenal mileage (it is a diesel) at 50-60 mpg depending on driving conditions, a/c useage, etc. It handles well, it is quiet (you can only slightly hear the diesel engine at idle), has awesome storage capacity with the backseat folded down and has a great sound system. 40,500 miles so far and not 1 problem

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Make Friends at the Service Dept

carljetta, 02/28/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!

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4 out of 5 stars

TDI rules

turbobee, 08/11/2005
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love the performance of my Jetta GL TDI now that the MAF has been replaced. I zoom all over town and down the freeway.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Beautiful lemon

Bankerella, 01/06/2004
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Talk about your love/hate relationships. I've never had so much fun driving something so economical. However, the overwhelming amount of problems with my car is forcing me to sell it at 3 years/37,000 miles. My turbo has blown, and that is the last straw.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Good Job VW

hall4349, 02/01/2004
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car! Been A VW fan thru thick/thin and this is one of the best cars ever. Great quality, value and looks. Many aftermarket upgrades!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

136,000 Miles in Under Five Years

Linda Finch, 01/05/2006
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI. I've made two trips to Portland, OR, 4,500 miles, and averaged over 51 mpg. I use cruise control and set it at about 65 mph. With effort, I've gotten 44 mpg around town. With a tail wind, I've gotten 55 mpg on selected trips of 600 miles. It's the only car I've ever driven that goes over Raton Pass (CO / NM) with cruise control still working when I get to the top of the mountain.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Love the car, but not VW service

ENC driver, 02/22/2006
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Jetta GLS TDI new in 2001 and it now has 197,000 miles and is going strong. I commute 150 miles round trip daily, so I wanted a comfortable car with good fuel mileage - I have been well pleased. I'm considering buying another one, but want to hang on to this one. My only problems have been with VW service. I used to take it to the dealer since it's difficult to find a non-VW dealer mechanic, but have regretted the inconvenience and the cost. When I contacted VW last summer after a dealer in SC had my car for 3 weeks and continued to give me the run-around, VW was not helpful and borderline rude. So, I'll keep my TDI and maybe buy another one, but find an independent mechanic.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Happily Ever After...

BellaVw, 02/18/2004
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I Have found my 2001 Jetta GLS TDI to be an absolute joy to drive. Granted, I treat it with care and get the recommended service as suggested in the manual. It has never failed me not even in cold midwestern winters. The 49-50 miles per gallon was a strong reason for choosing the TDI. I had previously heard of the old dreaded "deisel dogs", but the turbo 1.9L diesel engine delivers a peppy and sufficient acceleration. I'm constantly receiving compliments on its appearance and ride. It's without a doubt, the best car I have ever had the pleasure of owning! Give it a try.

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5 out of 5 stars

Really a good car

BlueTDIowner, 02/26/2004
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have 103,000 miles on my 2001 VW Jetta TDI since I bought it new. I've followed all the maintenance recommendations, and only use Delvac 1 oil in it, which I change myself every 10,000 miles. Lifetime fuel economy is 46.8 mpg, and I drive it pretty hard. I've owned a lot of cars in my life, and this is the most reliable car I've had yet. As long as you buy the diesel fuel where the big rigs buy theirs, you will be OK in the winter.

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5 out of 5 stars

TDI was the Best Decision

knophop, 04/08/2006
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We had been looking at Jettas and were trying to decide between the 1.8L Turbo charged gasoline engine and the 1.9L Turbodiesel. The TDI was a much better choice, especially since the engine has proved to be much more reliable than the 1.8L turbo. There is plenty of torque, and the car feels like it has a significantly larger engine. The ride quality is excellent for a car of this size. The fuel economy is also excellent. I prefer the exterior styling to that of the new 2006 Jetta, but that is simply a matter of personal taste. If you are thinking of buying a Volkswagen, ALWAYS consider a turbodiesel. They are by far the most popular engine elsewhere in the world, and are the most reliable.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Jetta 01 diesel

jcas, 05/17/2004
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Nice Car

Lapdog, 09/28/2004
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

In Returning from Europe I was searching for a new dependable fuel saving small car. First choice was the 80 MPG VW Lupo, not available in the US! Not many choices to choose from in the U.S. when it comes to fuel saving cars. I looked at cheaper makes, bragging in their adverts of getting 30 MPG. I don’t consider this very good for a 4 cyl. I settled for the Jetta TDI. This is a nice car I still avg 48 MPG. Hwy 65 MPH its around 55 MPG. I have had 3 problems; 1st the pass. window came un attached. 2nd & 3rd the Turbo and Mass air flow had to be replaced. All fixed by warrenty. Current 70000 mi.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

2001 Jetta TDI (TurboDiesel)

Jetta Owner8, 10/11/2004
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Car is incredibly comfortable, & feels solid.My first'nice' car,I bought it used & put 20k miles annually on it commuting to work.The biggest drawback(only drawback) is NO ONE with any experience works on TurboDiesels in the WV area...& turbodiesels(be they VW or otherwise) are very special little beasts,&require attention. My routine timing belt change was a fiasco (along with virtually every TDI owner who has is done),& the Ntake is constantly clogging with diesel soot(there's a way to stop it, but it's not too envirofriendly).It's an incredibly nice car,&gets great mileage (45mpg pre- timing belt change),&it is much snappier than the 90HP rating shows.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Why Buy Anything Else?

norcalguy29, 11/02/2004
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this vehicle is proof that German engineering is unrivaled! The overall comfort and convenience is excellent. As a long distance driver(Northern Cali to Phoenix), I could not have made a better decision. I find myself driving this car more than my new car(2004 CLK500). This is my 4th VW and I am happier with my current more than my others. All of the minor issues I have had are more than worth the price of ownership. Compared to other vehicles in the same price range, it excells in comfort, convenience, ride, quietness, features and especially, QUALITY MATERIALS! Thank you Volkswagen!

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Avoid this car BAD QUALITY

BRISKI101, 03/05/2005
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Here are the things you will face. 1) Glow Plug Module - Been through 3 2) Armrest latch - On my third 3) Window Clip - Both were replaced when window fell inside door. Some people actually have had theirs break. Recalled I believed. 4) Hazard flasher - 2nd one The interior is cheap and things fail like crazy. The dealer knows but says - Hey what do you expect you have 70000 miles? Frustrating. It is sad because the car performs well and the mileage is great. At least I bought and extended warranty. But be aware the timing belt change that is required at 60000 cost me $1500 dollars...and took a week. AVOID VW at all costs

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Not So Great Car with Great Mileage!!!

JLB, 07/05/2005
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I understand that VW has always been a bit "quirky" as I have owned three. This particular car has been somewhat of a nightmare. From the second day of ownership, the car was in the shop for 7 weeks because of incorrect engine assembly. After it was returned it was fine for the first 6 months. From that point on I have been through 3 sets of brakes on the back only! (The front are still at 40% and considered normal by the dealership) 2 transmissions(auto), 1 sunroof motor, 5 oxygen sensors, 1 a/c compressor, 3 sets of glowplugs(and I live in PHOENIX!), NUMEROUS window mechanisms and motors and several front door latches and alarm sensors!!! The horn has been replaced 5times (still won't work!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Good car, with the right dealer.....

Auto Wholesaler, 07/31/2005
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have 95,000 miles on my 2001 Jetta TDI. I bought it with 13,000 miles on it about 3 years ago because I wanted a comfortable car with great mileage as I am in the auto wholesaling business. The TDI delivers on these primary points. Handling and performance are great, the TDI while short on HP delivers great torque and acceleration for most situations. I am averaging 42 mpg consistently with the automatic transmission in combined (mostly highway) driving. I buy and sell up to 50 used vehicles a month, mostly late model and of all the Jetta models the TDI is tops for resale in this regard.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Problematic - but I still love it!

mangonoggin, 08/22/2005
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've loved my Jetta GLS TDI ever since I bought it. It's such a sharp looker and you really can't beat the fuel efficiency (45+mpg). However, I have had a few of the minor problems mentioned here already (the windows, peeling interior surfaces, finicky CD player). That said, I still love the interior - it's so clean and well designed - and the blue hue of the lights at night are so cool. The Jetta is certainly feature rich - but, I have certainly had problems with some of them. This car certainly could use some improvements in the electrical and interior department. Also, for those with the auto tranny, the shift lock mech. can be a pain - watch out for a faulty brake light switch.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

No problems here

Dantheswim, 09/04/2005
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had this car for going on three years and only a few minor problms. The air flow sensor was bad when I bought the car (recalled but I was over the milage - $80) and the brake light switch wasn't working correctly ($15). Other than that I haven't put any money into the car except regular upkeep. Oil changes (using synthetic) don't have to be done but every 10,000 miles which will save a few bucks. The only improvement that could be made is with the auto transmission. The auto doesn't make good use of the torque the car has and RPM's go too high before shifting for a diesel engine. If you're looking to buy get one with the 5-speed manual transmission.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Keep on Rollin' On...

Jay, 04/28/2006
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

When gas went up to $1.75 a gallon in July '01, I purchased the Jetta GLS TDI. I got great gas milage right off the lot. I averaged in the first two years 32,000 miles. After five and a half years, I have over 129,000 miles. Over the lifespan I have averaged 49 - 52 mpg. If the maintenance is kept up and it is driven as any diesel should, long trips, you shouldn't have too many issues.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car!

Jeff, 10/13/2006
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This has been a great car. I have over 180,000 miles on it and it still runs like new. I can't believe the gas mileage - 45 MPG and I don't have a light foot. This car is fun to drive it handles well. The only thing that I have done to it is put diesel in and change the oil. I love the torque curve you get with a diesel plenty of power especially on hills. The 5-speed is all so great!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Fun, Comfortable, and Economical

chris, 01/25/2007
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've got 145,000 miles on the car and have had to spend a fair amount of money on service. I've replaced the glow plugs and had the intake manifold cleaned when it plugged with carbon. I've also replaced the airflow sensor twice. So it hasn't been trouble-free, but it's within acceptable limits. The cost of ownership is about what you would have with a trouble free car getting about 35 mpg, but I'd still buy it again. I love the way it drives and the torque of the TDI engine. It sure doesn't drive like a 44-49 mpg car! It pulls like a big V6 up to about 3,000 rpm. It is great for a sole commuter or a traveling couple.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Love my TDI

Diesel Fitter, 10/18/2007
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've owned my TDI since July of 2000. It was purchased specifically for the gas mileage and I have not been disappointed. We have a condo in St. Augustine, FL and I made it there from my house in southern NJ on a tank and a half of fuel ... 52 MPG. I never get less than 42 MPG with this car. Only problems with this car have been the front windows suddenly falling into the door (recall), a mass air sensor going (recall), and this car eats brake light bulbs. Unlike a lot of the reviews I think the front cup holders are great and was disappointed that the new Jetta deleted them along with the adjustable armrest. Looking forward to buying a new Jetta Sportwagen TDI.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome

Some dude in Louisia, 05/18/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this car its the best car i have had in a long time. I love the gas mileage and everything about it.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

I also love my car and hate the dealer

Heidi, 09/22/2008
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful

This was the first car I purchased on my own. I did the research and I felt strong negotiating with the dealer. I have been loyal to the dealer, until I found another mechanic who offered a second opinion on a pricey repair. He taught me about how I was getting ripped off. The new mechanic educated me, showing me the parts and how they worked. He treated me like I actually had a brain. The dealer always presents problems - every time I went in for routine maintenance - as if it always was urgent and threatened my safety. I have stopped going to the dealer. Had I been treated as if I had a brain I might still be going there.

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Poor quality

James, 07/22/2009
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful

I got this 2001 Jetta in 2004. Very loud, poor power. Hard to start until I cleaned out a part of an emission(eat your own exhaust) part. Just to get to the alternator is over $200 in labor, and labor to replace the alternator belt is $107, very hard to get to. IF this car would not break down so much, it would be good, 45-55MPG. I thought I would save a lot of money with this good gas mileage, but how much gas can you buy with a $1200 repair bill? I have not saved any money, and it is not dependable, I do not trust this car enough to drive it cross country.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Inferior Interior

Kahn, 04/17/2002
updated 11/08/2002
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 5 people found this review helpful

It's like driving a huge "lint brush"!!! Anything article of clothing worn sticks to the seats & the doors! I have complained repeatedly to VW Customer Care, to no avail! VW offered to send me a "Kit" to help deal with the problem (Kit=(1) lint brush and a rag)...go figure! I asked if they had received complaints?...the operator stated, "No." I asked, "Why does VW conveniently have a kit available to deal with a problem they say does not exist!??" The answer received was so ridiculous, I can't even remember what the response was!!! Not only is it annoying to have to continuously clean this car, but it's embarrassing to have to explain why the interior looks like CRAP!!!!

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2.5 out of 5 stars

2001 VW Garbage

Kalacokid, 07/06/2004
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have had nothing but problems ever since I purchased this vehicle new. The anti-lock brake motor went out within three monthe, the mass air flow sensor has had to be replaced three times, the timing belt broke taking the head and valves along with it. The dealer fixed at a cost of $2700.00 and within 20,000 miles something else has broken and the way it acts it seems to be in the valve train again. Interior latches on glove box and center console have broken and the CD player play only when it wants to. I'm not hard on cars at all as my last two GM vehicles had 259000 and 242000 miles sold. These problems are unacceptable.

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