Used 2001 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Money pit
money pit, 03/12/2008
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When everything works the car is great to drive. Unfortunately that's not very often. My car has 129,000 miles on it. I am on my 4th catalytic converter. I've always done my scheduled services at a VW dealer. The car has never made it the entire 5,000 miles without an extra visit for service. This car is such a disappointment. I'll NEVER get another one!
Disappointed with the Jetta
Alli, 06/01/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I previously owned a Jetta (1985), and thought it was the best car ever. I purchased another in 2001, and have been very disappointed. Although cute and okay to drive, the performance of the car is not as good as my last one. Maybe it is the inferior labor used in making it, but it is not as peppy as I remember.
Two years later, no problems
rOo, 06/05/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Here I am, 72,000 miles later, and my maintenance has been light bulbs, oil changes and new tires. This thing is still on the original brake pads. When they do finally decide to wear, I'm getting the exact same brand. I have had absolutely no troubles. I've been bad--I've yet to take the car for its scheduled maintenance. So far, it hasn't punished me for my neglect. One bad thing--the car burns oil. Lots of it. I'm putting in a quart or more every 2,500 miles. I chalk that up to my lead foot on the turnpike, but it's the only car I've ever had that issue with. Still, it's a great car and it looks fantastic.
I love my car!!!
Jaime, 11/20/2002
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my car! It's amazingly fun to drive, and people are always amazed at how much storage the car has. I recommend this car to anyone who is even considering buying a compact sedan!
Cool
BORAVR6, 05/22/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Attended a seminar where J Mays, the designer for Audi & VW cars showed the passion that went into the design of the Jetta (and the awesome switchblade key) and decided to get one. The car has tremendous power and good handling except for the occasional torque steer from the heavy VR6. Interior details are magnificient and one just has to see them to realize that someone spent time thinking about it. It is truly a driver's car.
Avoid it.
maxine8100, 06/12/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the Jetta's exterior design, but wish I had done my research before I bought one! It's nice outside, cramped inside. My friends have similar size cars and seem to have much more room. The worst problem is that my Wolfsburg is always in the shop. Every week it seems like something breaks, and I lose the use of my car for days and pay through the nose for repairs. This car is horribly built. Also, it is called a "turbo" but only has 150 hp. What is up with that, VW? It's cute but it'll cost you. I wish I had never bought one
Just Short of A+
Brian B, 06/09/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the most part, I've enjoyed my WBE very much. Yes, the power window clips died and had to be replaced. And I'm waiting for the ignition coils to be recalled. But otherwise the car has been comfortable, fun to drive, and a pleasant experience. I especially like the Fitzgerald Automall dealership. One note -- DO NOT get the beige interior (my only mistake). It shows stains, dirt, etc too easily.
Now I know why they say
necat, 06/14/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this was one of the biggest mistakes i have ever made i had traded my 2000 civic for this Jetta that was made in Mexico . i have 36000 miles on it since then the car has had its share of brake problems, window problems i.e. fallig down and electrical problems i.e. dummy lights coming on, radio problems blinker problems. I would advise people to understand that they will have plenty of trouble with this car.
Poor Man's Audi A4 - and more!
FrankTheCrank, 06/15/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Who needs Quattro anyway. And for a $5,000 less, who would not be willing to live with the imperceptibly higher level of vibration. The car corners like a champ, it accelerates like a rocket, it comes to a stop quickly, and it cruises down the highway as smoothly as any pimp-mobile. The GLX package with the sport wheels has definite curb appeal - even valets and gas station attendants, jaded as they might be about everything automotive, comment on the car! The on-dash trip computer tells you everything you need to know, the cruise control doesn't require any training to operate, ample headspace give you the feel of a much larger car.
Keep Looking!!!
not another vw, 06/16/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I loved the look of this car and that is why I bought it; don't be fooled too. I have had the electrical system replaced twice, mass air flow sensor replaced twice, transmission replaced once, engine coil replaced once, rear back brakes needed replaced early and front brakes are warped, the exhaust system is very noisey at first take- off and it is sluggish. I have maintained this car to the manufactured specifications and then some, yet the car still fails me on a regular basis!!
As bad as it gets
highlife, 06/16/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned quite a few cars over the years, including a previouse VW, and this is the most unreliable car yet. Transmition needed repair the day it was delivered. Rear brakes gone in only 25,000 miles. Engine sensor bad, center console handle self destructs. This is not a cheap car, I expect better from a ford focus ! I will buy another VW product !! Don't buy !
Good Car I like it
Ger, 06/20/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my car for 3000 less than sticker at a tent sale. I got a good deal for the money I spent. Good Points -- Performance, no Maintenance (only scheduled) in 30000 miles, handling is great and has good gas mileage. Bad Points -- the cloth on the seats is horrible ( they need to rethink this)
Most unreliable car I have ever owned
NMS, 06/29/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Jetta GLX is a fun car to drive the engine is powerful, the handling is great and the brakes are respectable. Unfortunately this car is so unreliable I can not recommend it. So far I have experienced a fuel sensor failure, a broken center console clip, a coil pack failure, spark plug wire failure, a catalytic converter failure and a mass airflow sensor failure. To make the situation worse the car only came with a 24k mile basic warranty so I had to pay for the coil pack, wires and mass airflow sensor myself. If you are in the market for a new car avoid the Jetta GLX.
It's got moxie.
Fitz Collings, 07/01/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car looks new, feels new, and drives new after 2 years. I drive it in upstate new york and it wrecks the snow and ice thanks to great traction control. I go to Cornell University and I can haul all of my apartment stuff in one car load, including big awkward stuff like my bike, skis, and TV. The car is fast as hell and the sport package really helps it stay firmly rooted to the pavement.
airbags deploying, why?
trynsumthinew, 03/18/2008
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
"What else could go wrong?" Yeah, that should be my headline as well. After the second week I purchased the vehicle my check engine light went on, not a bog deal, my warranty took care of it...but then everything else started going out on me: driver side and curtain airbags deployed for going over a "small" pothole, passenger heated seat went out, o2 sensor went bad 3 times, rear windows stopped working, am radio wouldn't work, edc braking system failed, vehicle stalled multiple multiple times! My car has been in the shop and have cost me a hell of a lot of money. As I am writing this review, my car is being worked on and God knows how much this is going to cost me!
Thank God for the warranty!
Jkocourek, 07/06/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While the overall performance of the car was great, the car was seriously lacking in quality and reliability. The life of parts and materials leave a lot to be desired - too many items repaired in only two years. Frustrating dealer experience and parts unavailability. Long-term quality/reliability of this model is very questionable. The two best days of my experience with this car were the day I bought it and the day I got rid of it.
Love my Jetta
knjvic, 07/07/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Jetta. I just wish the Wolfsburg came with leather. The only things I would change about my car would be the cup holders (had a full soda fly out on a turn ALL over the passenger side), more rear passenger room, and leather. Hated the Monsoon sound system it came with, changed it out. I am seriously considering buying a 2005 GLI Jetta when my lease is up in 2005, for the leather, but not sure how I will like it without the turbo.
check engine light...
battalax, 07/07/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
did alot of research before buying the car, to see that I was getting my moneys worth..still love the car when the check engine light is not on...
Do Not BuyThis Car
fromaustin, 03/20/2008
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Snappy handling, looks good, decent mileage, assembled in Mexico: good looking junk. Repairs, repairs, more repairs, car disintegrating. This car is extremely hard to work on, stuff is difficult to get to, increasing repair costs, and very, very cheaply made.
Excellent German-Designed Car
J B Books, 03/25/2002
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Jetta Turbo gas model performs well, has comfortable seating, excellent Monsoon sound system, great sports suspension, and rates the safest of any auto on the Consumer Reports/NHTSA crash tests: 5 star head on and 4 star side crash. The car has been reliable and is a poor man's BMW.
A small performance sedan value
Sheep, 03/27/2002
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent performance when chipped. Also increases gas mileage if you use the greatly enhanced torque to your advantage. The styling is very Euro: conservative yet fresh. Everything works in the car well. Controls well placed. Driving position is excellent. Transmission is very smooth and very precise if upgrade the shifter, which I did. I bought the car with the intention of making it into a hardcore sporty sedan with a minimum investment and it has delivered in spades! Fit and finish is superb for a car in this class; the interior will shame any Asian or American car in this category.
Fun but unreliable
Poolfish, 04/11/2008
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm at 117,000 miles and and getting ready to trade in for a Honda. The MIL is on right now because of a bad coolant sensor, a bad 02 sensor and a bad catalytic converter. The heater core also has a hole in it, so the car smells like anti-freeze if I turn the heat on. I hope the dealer doesn't take it for a drive before proposing a trade in value. I figure I've put about $10k into the car on repairs over the years, with only about $2k being normal scheduled maintenance. That includes a few new rims and tires because it does not handle pot holes too well! It is fun to drive though, so I will miss that after the trade in.
please beware
luigi123, 04/22/2012
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i purchased a 2001 jetta gls 2.0 and this has been the worst car i have purchased. do not get stuck in the vw trap. a week after buying it with 98000 miles the transmission started tweaking and is costing me roughly 2900 just to replace without the fact that its starting to get a lifter tick that was estimated $1200. it is a money sucking trap. the interior is nice but material is junk. electric problems are guaranteed lol... ive never driven a car that runs at 4000 rpms on the highway.. that is insane dumb.. i am selling as is or taking it to the junkyard and buying myself a reliable honda!
Don't Buy This Car !!!!
tf4543, 08/13/2003
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car has been nothing but problems since it was purchased. There are MAJOR problems (transmission, coil packs, etc) that Volkswagen refuses to address. VW has no regard for it's customers.
Best of the Best
Nicholas, 05/18/2009
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had this VR6 for 4 years now. I reviewed other reviews from other clients who owned it. I'm lucky... Most have problems and being put in shop often. My VR6 has been running excellent for me with average of 35 MPG. Low profile tires (51 PSI), performace K&N air filter, full synethic oil, prenium gas, increases gas mileage. I've pushed my RPM over 7,000 so many times and never had a problem with it. I've topped almost 175 MPH with a radar used from a friend. All STOCK! It is a very fast car. I've raced BMW M5 and beat him, he was an idiot, he had auto and I had stick shift and I won 500 bucks. hee hee. Best car I've owned except for my old Dodge V10 truck.
Not exactly "das auto"
Jonathan Streit, 11/28/2009
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
When i first purchased this VW i only had the opportunity to drive it for 3 days until i was showing off the car to a friend when all of the sudden it wouldn't start due to a electrical ground connection. since then i have dumped over 8,500$ into this HOLE. repairs extremely expensive and often. i don't think i have driven for two weeks without the check engine light coming on for some god forsaken reason. If your buying VW think twice and really look at what your purchasing. have the car checked by a CERTIFIED VW mechanic or you WILL REGRET your decision. oh and by the way ever notice that strange... crayola crayon smell emitting from the air vents??. i moved on. you should too.
DON'T BUY THIS CAR
Charles Clingman, 03/06/2004
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This 2001 Jetta GLS VR6 has been a nightmare since it was purchased new. Repair costs are 3 times US made car. Car has had repeated problems like 5 electric window motor problems. The dealer had the car for a total of 6 weeks trying to diagnose and repair a problem, and finally had to bring in a factory rep to repair. That repair was over $1500.00! Car has locked up in Park twice requiring a tow to dealer. It has had numerous problems of rapid acceleration while sitting idle. A major safety hazard. Car is made in Mexico so that should tell one to stay clear of this headache. If you buy one of these VW Jettas you may die in it!
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T
jason nichols, 11/02/2005
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have been very impressed with this vehicle as far as performance and comfort. However, the build quality and craftsmanship on the interior have been less than average. I have had several problems with this vehicle with only 64,000 miles on it. At 500 miles the transmition had some sigificant problems...while covered under warranty, it was a hassle. Other major problems that have occured with this car include a full rear brake job at only 29,000 miles and new strut mounts at about 50,000 miles. Neither of which were covered under warranty. I've also had a number of minor problems with the interior. The center console broke after only a year and the rear defroster switch broke with minimal use.
Don't get sucked in!
mikehs2, 09/25/2011
2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 8 people found this review helpful
Do not, I repeat DO NOT! Buy this vehicle used. If you own one now, dump it before you hit 90,000 miles. It will have all the serious problems that everyone else mentions. Especially the screwed up rear mounted timing chain that requires the transmission to be removed for this otherwise simple repair on a "Normal" car. This car is junk!