Used 2001 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Consumer Reviews
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MY Jetta VR6
Fun car to drive. Quick and responsive. Well built vehicle where every piece has a purpose and no space is wasted.
Jetta GL
This is fun car to drive. My only issues have been with the O2 sensor (replaced twice) and the front bumper pulling off from parking over a sidewalk or curb (an expensive lesson that has taken me 3 times to learn). Its a reliable car but the automatic isn't as quick and peppy.
- GLSMSRP: $3,956584 mi away
- GLS TDI Diesel SedanMSRP: $4,200696 mi away
- GL SedanMSRP: $4,5001,454 mi away
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).
Great when running
I have been extremely disappointed since I bought my Jetta in November of 2001. I have been stranded and had to tow my car twice in the past three weeks from ignition coil failures (26,000 miles and 26,800 miles). The check engine light flashes randomly and the electrical controls on my car have been repaired three times. My brake switch failed at about 18,000 miles. Not a good year for the Wolfsburg. I'd sale mine as soon as possible, except I would feel guilty turning it over to someone. I must say, it is a great car to drive...I just can't call it reliable.
RUN AWAY!!!
This was one of the best cars I'd ever bought, until the ENGINE SEIZED UP flying down the interstate @ 80+. It seems the dealership FORGOT to put the drain plug back in after an oil change. After THREE WEEKS in a rental GEO Metro, the dealership returns the jetta to me with a "new" engine that BLEW UP less than a month later. Mind you, the car had just under 19,000 miles! I took the car to another VW dealer (you have to so the warranty pays) and they replaced the engine AGAIN! At 23,368 miles, this "new" one DIED. Dead. No note, no clues, just graveyard dead. When the dealership picked up the car, I gave them the keys, too.
My Unreliable Jetta
My Jetta was extremely unreliable. I serviced it according to the manual but still had my fuel tank replaced at 0 miles before I could even pick it up. My engine was rebuilt at 60,000 miles. My power windows fell down into the door and a piece that holds the window up was replaced. Two plastic pieces kept falling out of my sunroof. The check engine light was always on and numerous O2 sensors were replaced. The final straw was when my transmission went out at 107,000 miles and the cost to replace it was $3200. I traded it in for a Mazda.
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.
Never Again
This is by far the worst car I ever owned. Since I got it, every month I have to take to the mechanic. Too much money invested for nothing. I just trade it in for a Toyota RAV4 which I love. I wouldn't felt comfortable selling it to someone else, even thought many people wanted to buy it. Beware of the Jetta 1.8T.
Avoid it...or pay...
This is my second VW Jetta. Traded my 98 Jetta GT. In fact, I've never owned any other car but a VW! I love this car, but...nothing but problems. Here's the "brief" list: 335 miles - dash rattles, door rattles. 2,400 - glove box light 24,301 - dash lights 26,250 - both front window regulators 32,000 - two wheel bearings 36,506 - brake light switch and coil pack. 42,000 - BBS wheels pitted. Do yourself a favor, DO NOT BUY ANYTHING MADE IN MEXICO. This is a car I have babied since day one! I called vw to complain, and they could care less. NEVER AGAIN VW...NEVER! Hello Honda Accord.
love my jetta
ilove almost everything about my jetta this is my 2nd jetta and i had my first on for 11 yrs without any major problems it could use some redesigning on the height of the car it easily hits humps and concrete parking slabs if you are not careful also they need to redesign the way the seats adjust the screw knob is hard to turn
Like it or leave it!
I find that most people have a like it or leave it attitude with jettas, they either like the styling or dont. Like the build quality or dont. Build quality is something that these cars have problems with and volkswagen knows about it so 95% of the things that are going to go wrong do so under warranty and its not a problem. The car is a blast to drive although the 180hp engines in the newer cars would have been nice to have there are times when I feel underpowered. The clutch on all volkswagens lets out(grabs/catches) extremely high which is another thing that I am not too fond of. The suspension and chassis are awsome the car handles extremely well.
Caveat Emptor/Buyer Beware
This car is cute and the body feels "durable." However, the engine was purposefully designed to ONLY be repaired by VW dealership, as most smaller repair shops never have the specific parts in stock, and always find it difficult to get the parts from VW. The "check engine" light continuously lighted up (usually for no reason, causing me unnecessary trips to VW). The "mass air flow sensor" failed at least 8 times. The radiator had to be replaced ($680). The water pump and related fans had to be replaced ($800+). Spark plugs "misfired" and had to be replaced ($950). Engine hoses and pipes burst because they melted ($450). I could go on and on.
2001 VW Jetta
I absolutely loved this vehicle when I first purchased it in October of 2006. Now all it does is have a problem after another! First the CD player broke, then the arm rest, then the trunk (which has completely stopped opening), and now the driver's side window doesn't work. Something inside the door has fallen. The window can go down but good luck getting it up. If you do then it starts slowly falling as the day goes by since the window is broken. Leather interior is peeling almost everywhere as well. I am really unsatisfied with the quality of the parts. It runs well but I can no longer get groceries in it or feel the wind. All of this happened before I hit 100,000 miles.
Volkswagen Service is HORRIBLE!
This was my 1st brand new car and VW has ruined it for me. Although the Jetta appears to be a great car, the service is horrible. I've had a lot of problems with this car. Most recent is my car stalls out of nowhere. I'm driving & all of a sudden it comes to a complete stop & my engine light & EPC light come on. I've taken it to VW 4 times & they cannot figure it out. The worst part is that they are very rude & nasty about it. I have been to 3 different dealershipS in the NY area & have had NO LUCK. Do not go to New Country VW in Greenwich CT, Mayer VW in Larchmont NY or CityLine VW in Bronx NY.
Love it!!
Perhaps I'm in the minority here; but, I just love this car. It's a hoot to drive, safe as can be and has great asthetic lines. The VR6 is one peppy little engine with plenty of torque. It's mated to a 5speed manual in my case. Some times wish I had the automatic while stuck in the DC beltway traffic. There are also lot's of nice little things you can do to personalize the car. I.e. It's big in the tuner world.
Please just get me home
Car ran great off the lot, then noticed a lot of engine vibration 2 months later. Turned out to need new cams and lifters (all covered by warranty) Replaced mass airflow sensor 3 mo. mark and window clips as well, all covered by warranty. Acceleration is great, shifting is sluggish and spongie. Great interior layout but seats are uncomfortable. I enjoy the car it's just been a pain to take it in so much when i've only had it a half of a year. It seems odd to replace the lifters and cams at 35,000 miles....
Great Car, Great Buy!
I just wanted to say that this is an amazing car! There's more than enough power stock in this car, it's a dream. It's got all the features I need and all the controls are very instinctual (unlike a few Japanese cars I've driven...). I'd have to give VW a lot of praise for this little wonder.
1.8 T
1.8 gls good mix of all the things I was looking for. sporty,reliable and good on gas.
Love my Car, Not my dealership
To be honest I love my car. I don't love my local VW dealership. Every time I take her in for a $100 oil change something needs to be fixed. However, being female I always go for a second opinion before I get anything done and half the time they are just trying to rip me off. The catalytic converter did go. But it was under and extended warranty because there was an error in all 1.8ts in 2001. The O2 sensors. Fine, it was time for them to go. As for the rest I will never go back to my dealership unless I have a problem no one else can figure out.
2001 VW Jetta GLX
I Bought this car from an induvidual for 13K , with 47,000 miles on it . The car was in outstanding condition . Having heard the horror stories of reliability , I purchased a 4 year Extended Warrenty with unlimited miles. After six months I've not had any troubles what so ever . The cup holders do block the CD player ,the break pedal sits just a hair to high , and on uneven roads the dash around the cupholder rattle the slightest bit . The car is a blast to drive , and the interior is beautiful . The inerior is on par with the Audi's and BMW's I've seen . The Leather Seats are beautiful . Braking is great. I get 24\25 MPG on the hwy , and 19\21 in down , thats with correct tire pressure .
What a Ride
Driving the 1.8T Jetta is just plain fun to drive. It's quick and agile and a sharp looking car and it has a very good ride. I haven't had any of the problems that others have had and have experienced great service at my local dealer. My Jetta is solidly built and it's living up to my expectations.
Best decision I ever made
I bought my 2001 VW Jetta 1.8T Wolfsberg edition used in 2003. I've had it for a year now and I love it. I've had a couple 'recall' parts that I've had to bring the car in for, but they were minor and I was not having any problems. My car is roomy, cute, and fun to drive! I love all of the little extras the manufactures put into making this vehicle. It has been a reliable, fantastic purchase. I would definitely buy this car again.
Torn to love...
I "WANT" to love this car. It's been tough though. I test-drive other cars and nothing is better then my Jetta. Yet, I don't trust it. I am disappointed in the electrical problems, yet love when it runs 'right.'
hsssssssssss
I love the car. Upset that the 2001 has only 155 hp and the 2002 has 185, but these things can be fixed. Easy to work with and one of the best manual cars I have driven. I put about 20,000 miles on my car a year for work and I have never been uncomfortable for a second. Nothing like the feeling of driving in 6 inches of snow and not having to worry about the ABS or traction control not working. I was passing most of the all wheel drive vehicles.
White Lemmon
This was the biggest mistake of my life. If it wasn't won thing it was another. I will NEVER buy another VW again and I tell everyone I see that they should stay away from all VW's. They have the worse customer service in the industry. I am trying to unload this piece of " " but, I can't seem to find any offers. I hope someone reads this and changes ther mind or maybe someone at VW will wakeup and smell the coffee.
Fun Car, bad electrical system
I think there are a lot of pros and cons to the car, yes it is a really fun car to drive and looks very sleek and stylish. It has an excellent powertrain warranty, but I have had lots of problems with the electrical system! Which of course started to break after the meager 2-year bumper-to- bumper warranty had expired. The VW's are VERY expensive to repair.
Class Action Lawsuit
Initially, I loved this car, it was a blast to drive and is very stylish. That was until the problems started. This will read just like so many other reviews. Rear brakes went at 20K, Mass air flow sensor went at 30K, water pump went at 40K, coil pack and assoc. electircal went at 60K. I paid $25K for this piece of junk and expect better from VW. With so many of the same problems occuring with so many of these cars, there definitely should be some accountability on VW's part. These repairs should be covered. I have no choice but to seek out other owners to join me in a class action lawsuit. At this point, I simply cannot afford not to sue. Contact me if interested.
A piece of @#@$
Two broken glove boxes, 1 oxygen sensor rear brakes worn really fast. numerous fault code problems in and out of shop 8 times needs a muffler.you smell the washer fluid in the car when sprayed.I traded a 1998 honda accord for this car what a mistake this car does not even hold value to a honda.
Best VW yet, but service getting pricey
Love this car. Of the the 7 VWs (4 types) I have owned, this is my favorite. Great to drive, efficient, nimble etc. etc. The regular maintenance costs (not major repairs) are getting to be ridiculous. It is a cash extraction racket. This is probably endemic of new autos in general. VW has always been a better value than most, but that gap is narrowing. I do love this car! I do long for the days of $100 a visit service costs, as opposed to $200-$400 (assuming no emission system oxygen sensors etc.)
Love it!
I bought this car used with 60,000 miles on it. I fell in love with it right away! It drives wonderfully, great sound system, and the previous owners added some upgrades. Unfortunately after putting about 500 miles on it the check engine light came on and it kept popping itself out of gear. I took it to the dealer and found I needed a new transmission. They were completely helpful. They towed the car, diagnosed it, and put in a new tranny all for free. I still love this car, its fun to drive and nice to look at.
VW is fine
Purchased it used with 18,000 miles on it it has been an absolute blast to drive ever since. Came with all the options and sport suspension (17" wheels) it handles on rails and quick off the go. It has been in the shop a few times and in the twin cities that means 3 weeks to book an appointment. Check engine lights comes on, goes off, comes on. Had to replace the o2 sensor under warranty, at 40,000 miles the mass flow intake went out, that was $300 plus to fix. Real fun to drive, it's a car, stuff is going to go wrong with it. I would recommend it to a friend, good bang for the buck.
Good but needs refinement
I have a 01 Jetta Wolfsburg for the past 6 months. Has been generally good. During this period cruise control died. Sound system good when it works. Looks like there is a bug in the software. Occassionally CD player stops working when car is started. Have to change to tape mode and come back to CD player to enable sound. cupholder design flaw. Cannot load an in-dash CD with the cupholder in use. Also I found that pick up was unusually bad at low RPM. It feels like engine might stall when accelerating from a stop. Ride quality very good and there is also a fun to drive factor with this car. Also has a lot of features not standard in other small sedans. This might justify the higher price.
don't buy one
Bought our 01 Jetta new. Just traded in and lost our butts. They hold their value terribly. Why? Maintenance is very expensive and frequent. We spent about $1,500 over the last year alone, including a ignition "switch" in January 05 that ran us $580. Any repair is $300+ easy, no matter what it is. Keep in mind this car is less than 4 years old with 61K. while they may look cool, especially the interior, my advice is to steer clear. Hope this helps someone out looking but not sure.
great car.
i dont know what you people are doing wrong but my 2000 jetta has been great. I have around 120k miles and have had no major problems... I just took care of it and didnt drive it to hard. looking forward to gettin a 1.8t next =)
This car SUCKS
I have had a lot of repairs, so I will simply list them: Front and rear Oxygen sensors, Mass flow meter, Spark plugs and wires twice (30,000 and 70,000 miles), Brake light sensor, Coil pack, Catalytic converter, Rear brake pads and rotors twice (nothing done to the front brakes...seems strange), Serpentine belt, power window motors...these include the major repairs that were NOT covered under warranty, but then again not much is when VW only offers 2 years or 24,000 miles. I will never buy another VW ever!!!
I got a great one!!
Like other reviewers, I had a window clip break so that I could not roll up my window. The local VW dealer, from whom I did not buy the car, replaced it immediately as well as the other window which had not broken, they were extremely helpful. I also had the car not start one time shortly after purchasing, but it turned out to be a problem with the key fob, also fixed free of charge. I have read all the bad reviews, but I have been extremely happy with this car. I have driven it tons and I love it. I did also find however that you need to keep an eye on the oil, it does need about a quart every 1k.
Gotta Love It!!!!
I have had my Wolf's since Aug. 01 and I love every second behind the wheel. This is my third VW (90 Corrado G60, 95 Jetta), gotta love that German Engineering (No one does it better). The handling is excellent and the seats hug you in the turns. There are not enough good things that can be said about the 1.8T other than, "I wish it came in a 6cyl. Turbo."
good riddance!
Finally got rid of my jetta last month. This car has caused me so much grief (and money) during the 4 yrs I owned it. VW replaced the mass airflow sensor after the car died on the highway while I was 8 months pregnant. A few months later the same thing happened so the sensor was replaced again. The car stalls after pulling from parking (cold start) everyday, and VW couldn't figure out how to fix it. The check engine light goes on all the time, after multiple trips back to VW they still couldn't fix it. The replacement parts cost so much too for something that was assembled in Mexico. The rubber material by the door peels and looks disgusting. Will never buy a VW vehicle again ever.
Wolfsburg VW 1.8 Turbo
This car is a joy to drive. It handles perfectly with no drawbacks at all.
Bad Car
I bought my car in Aug of 2004 and have had it now for about 7 months. The car has been in and out of the shop about 10 times and for the most serious replacing the engine. It was a certified vehicle and everything was taken care of but I have missed so much work because of this car I would not suggest the Jetta to anyone looking to buy a car!!!!
Good car
I own a 2001 jetta and it is very great I love my car and would recommend it to everyone if you're careful and actually take care of your car the inside would deteriorate. If you're also careful the engine shouldn't break nothing should really go wrong unless it's something you did or the previous owner did. Also it should come with a cd player or at least mine did. it's great reliable and the best car to have
VW Jetta - My first and last VW.
I purchased the vehicle certified used with 30k miles on it. The Galactic Blue Metallic finish was gorgeous. BBS wheels were hot stuff. And then I began driving the vehicle. Plenty of pep and great gas mileage. 3,000 miles later, on the highway at cruise, my clutch plate broke. Destroyed the transmission. That was just the beginning. During the 2.5 years and 50,000 miles I owned the vehicle, I went through three power window switches, two coolant temp sensors, a trunk release, a glove box door, four Mass Air Flow sensors (two directly from the dealer at $500 a piece), a front left wheel bearing, and rear brake caliper hardware. $8,000+ in parts and repairs in 2.5 years. Questions?
Okay car
I bought a new 2001 Jetta GLS 2.0L (4sp auto) back in OCT 2000. I have 85,000 miles on it now and still runs like a new. I don't think I had many problems with this car. But once, there was a window problem which VW dealer recalled and fixed and another one was the automatic shift knob didn't work because when you try to change gears you're supposed to step on the brake for safety, but that sensor broke. I think replacing that cost me around $150~200.. and some light came on but VW dealer took care of.. And that's about it... bad thing about this car is that rear space is too small. No rear leg room. Gas mileage is poor. 2.0L has only 115hp and only get 22/28 miles per gallon.. weak engine
Treated Me Right
Almost 65,000 miles and no problems. I must say that this car has treated me right. I'm amazed by some of the other negative reviews I read in here. Either they had lemons or just didn't treat their car right. I followed all the recommend maintenance and the car has treated me right for it. As much as I like this car I have out grown it and because I feel that VW has made a huge mistake on the new Jetta, I will not be buying another one. I would recommend this car to anyone that is looking to buy used. Especially the VR6, this is a very solid engine and I know can and will run for many more miles.
I'm in love!
I couldn't be happier with this car. It's absolutely gorgious and I'll be hanging on to it for a long time. When I do consider selling I'll be right back in line for a new Jetta!
The Best Car Out there
The VW Jetta Is one the best cars out there. You cant beat it. so fun to drive and the car looks great the styling will never go away.
Nice car, when it isn't in the shop
This is one of the best driving cars I have ever had. Fast, quick, and amenities up the wazoo. I love the nice leather, rain sensor, Monsoon sound, and tight feel of the car. Unfortunately, this is not ofset by reasonable reliability, and has been the worst car I have EVER owned for reliablilty. In the shop over nine times for major things, not to mention the minor ones. Transmission lock, coolant leak, two coils, three O2 sensors, window fell, fuel pump relay, and on and on. I guess the really bad part is that VW just doesn't seem to care...
Think twice or just don't buy!
Dissappointment is all I have to say. I bought my Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T two years ago and have had nothing but costly trouble. I've replaced my electrical harness, main engine gasket cover, and Mass Ariflow sensor (twice)-each $200-300 in cost. Lights are iffy-I've also replaced nearly every single bulb possible in and out(rear breaklights twice), the center console's latch (three times). The continuous rattle from the front panel as well as from the e-brake button are enough to drive you crazy and from discussions with other Jetta owners I know this is a problem across the board. And this week I had to replace the horns-$250! If you want a VW get a Passat. They manufacture these in Germany rather than Mexico.
So far so good
Mine now has 47,500 miles on it. So far mine has been as reliable as you could hope for out of a car that only cost about $21k. My back rotors had to be replaced (right after my warranty was up). Chip it! What a difference it makes. There are not many cars that can hang with a chipped 1.8t between 0- 80 mph. Mine has not had any problems with the coils, windows, etc. "knock- knock-knock". Oh, yeah, the trim seems to be peeling off (the coating on the trim). That's about the only thing about this car that oozes with cheapness.
safe car
Bought the Jetta new and drove it for 53,500 miles. Fun car to drive and comfortable. Only complaint is electrical problems (windshield wipers, door locks, CD player,dash lights) which were corrected by service department after several trips in. Most impressed with the safety of vehicle. My wife and daughter were t-boned by a car going in excess of 70 mph. All air bags deployed and the only injury from this twisted metal was my wife sufferd a broken arm. Doctors, police and insurance adjuster were all amazed, given the impact the Jetta received and the condition of the vehicle, that no one was not killed or more severly injured. The safety features were the #1 reason I bought the Jetta. I'm glad that I did.