Overview & Reviews

Wolfsburg models are gone, and the Jetta GT arrives sporting the look of the GLX without the VR6 engine. Trek gets alloy wheels. GL, GLS, Trek and GT run more quietly, thanks to a new cylinder head design.

• Excellent road manners, roomy interior, fun-to-drive, heater will roast your face

• Some controls and symbols difficult to decipher, staid styling, underpowered four-cylinder engine

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 107.00

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  TDI going strong - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Waldini - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive gto a 97 TDI that Ive piled on 175K miles. Ive had a few electrical problems and the alternator was replaced with a rebuilt. But this car gets 50 MPG and has great pickup. The heater is so hot it will burn your face and the a/c will freeze you out. I hope to keep running it for a couple hundered thousand more.

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  Good Car - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Flower Mound - June 6 - 10:00 am

  My VW is a 1997 VW GLS with some of the bells and whistles. The only compliant I HAVE is problems with it are the electrical system> It has 85000 miles and has been a generally fine car to drive and own.

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  Love-Hate Relationship - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By lastvw?!? - November 24 - 10:00 am

  There arent a lot of cars that offer more driving bang for your buck than this one. The VR6 engine is plenty powerful, the handling is up to the job and there are more than enough luxury features, including excellent sport seats and a power sunroof. The problem is VWs laughably sub-par build quality. This car has had problems with the clutch, the shift mechanism, the air conditioning, the cruise control, several engine computer chips and so on. Then there are all the trim pieces that have come apart or dropped off completely. Final word: Great to drive, but poorly built.

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  Jetta Trek...What an amazing car. - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mardin - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 97 VW jetta from a private party. It is my first car. I have had it for just over a year now and have put about 5000 miles on it since purchase. This car runs great, very reliable and always fun to drive. Everywhere I go I turn heads, because the car is in such good shape and just a sight to see. I would reccomend a 5 speed VW jetta (esp Trek) to anyone looking for a dependable car with great handling, a smooth ride, and more power than you would espect from a normal 4 cyl. car.

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  VW Jetta GLX - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tim53217 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Much more fun than the 4 cylinder models.

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  Great Car if you get a good one! - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Piran - May 6 - 5:13 am

  I bought this car at the end of last summer. It was a one-owner car and had very high mileage. But for the price I got it for, I couldnt complain. So far, I havent had any problems. I had to fix the power locks and touch up the paint a bit. Still looks great though. Ive replaced the entire suspension with Eibach springs and Koni shocks. Feels much more competent. I added an intake and a GIAC chip. Also replaced the stereo with an Alpine head unit. The car goes very well for the mileage. At the mileage, it doesnt have any rattles or intruding wind noise. People are shocked to find out the mileage after theyve been for a ride in it. Good car if you are lucky to get a non-lemon.

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  VW FROM MEXICO JUST NOT CUTTING IT - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TENNISBUM - July 22 - 2:00 am

  VR6 POWERTRAIN IS GREAT. HAS BEEN VERY RELIABLE AND FUN TO DRIVE. HOWEVER, ON THE THIRD YEAR, IRRITATING THINGS STARTED TO HAPPEN. BOTH REAR POWER WINDOW MOTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED ($600). AFTERWHICH, THE EXTERIOR SIDE DOOR MOLDINGS HAVE BEEN SLOWLY PEELING OFF. REPLACED ONE DRIVERS SIDE MOLDING ($120) AFTER IT COMPLETELY CAME OFF. ALL THESE THINGS HAPPENED AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE? MY NEXT CAR WILL BE A HONDA ACCORD!

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  Relibable Little Car - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By reignevryd - June 27 - 2:20 pm

  I have to say that my first experience back with a Jetta wasnt a good one. It was a piece of junk. It was a 1995 GL, however it could have been a good car at one time. Now, I have the 97 GLS, bought used, and it has been a very reliable car. It feels good knowing that every morning when I go to work, it will fire right up. My car has had a few minor issues with the electrical system, such as the door locks and sunroof, but otherwise it is a great ride. I like the dash setup, and as a parent, this is crucial in order to control the locks, windows, and lighting with one hand.

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  Great automtive investment - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By QuantumSyncro - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This used car has been fantastic. It gets near 50 mpg and the ride is great. Sound build and rattle free even at this mileage. Would definitely recommend a used VW TDI to anyone who was considering a diesel. These late 90s TDIs are very reliable, even moreso then the 99.5s and priced very reasonably.

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  Fantastic car..when its not in the shop - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Still in Texas - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jetta new in the summer of 1997. The engine, transmission, brakes and handling have never let me down. I am absolutely amazed at how well the major components work and how poorly the other components function. Since, Ive owned it, Ive replaced the side molding (twice), the rear tail light, and an interior light. The A/C recirc button malfunctioned, the passenger side locks freeze every winter. Once the passenger side lock actually came out as I pulled the key out of it! Several other little problems as well. This can be a very enjoyable car to drive, just be prepared for all the little repairs that neeed to get done every 6 months..