4 Star Reviews for 1999 Volkswagen Jetta

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.59/5 Average
208 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Volkswagen offers two generations of the Jetta for sale in 1999. The third-generation Jetta has been around since 1993, and it is a carryover for 1999. VW deletes the GT, K2 and GLS models from the lineup, leaving only the GL, GLX, TDI and Wolfsburg models. Later in the model year, the company introduces a completely redesigned Jetta with a smooth new European body, improved versions of the base inline four and the VR6 and a simplified lineup of GL, GLS and GLX models. If you can hold out for a 2000 model, VW will offer a 150-hp 1.8-liter turbo for the GLS.

Pros:
  • Fun to drive, comfortable ride, available VR6, solid construction, rich interior materials, lots of standard features, generous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Cons:
  • Some controls hard to decipher, CD player should be standard, expensive compared with other compact sedans.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 208.00
  • I FELL IN LOVE WITH MINE - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I absolutely love my jetta, great car, and for 4 cylinders its pretty fast, definitely one of the best handling cars. Safe, and it looks awesome, great first car. Reliability has some issues though, it will go into the shop for a seemingly small repair that can come out to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That was more the dealerships fault though for replacing it with cheap parts and selling it, now that mine is fixed, it runs strong with 130k miles. Me and this car have been through a lot together and I will be sad to see it go, when I sell it in a few months. Definitely prefer this over a Japanese car. Its worth the reliability issues and expensive maintenance.

  • Wish I wouldve researched this one!! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Just bought my 5th VW, this time a 99 VR6. So far I am impressed, but like everyone else, the Check Engine light has been the bane of my existence. Not sure why it randomly comes on and off. Other than that, I love the power. For the door squeaks I use a product called Gummipflege (German product- which you can get at any BMW parts store), Best product ever for removing squeaks. My last car was a 04 1.8T, and I never shouldve gotten rid of it, but wifey needed a new car, so I sold that and got her an Odyssey. Oh well, I will always stick with VW, but the Scion tC has caught my eye, as well as its sticker price.

  • Review - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I’ve owned this car for a year and am extremely pleased with this, my 2nd Jetta. The TDI, with its excellent fuel economy is practically the best thing going. Couple this with the longevity and reliability of diesel, it’s the hands-down best. Although CR rates this model low in reliability, I’ve had no problems in the past year.

  • This Car Saved My Life - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I totaled my Jetta in a head on collision with a guard rail after a tire blew, and walked away with minor bruises. I then turned around and bought the same exact car. People can say what they will about cup holders breaking and plastic peeling, but I say quit complaining. You either are a VW person or your not, and I am 100%. I had to replace my battery, timing belt @ 120,000k (which was a choice to avoid problems), brakes, and my battery, but these are all things that should be fixed on any vehicle with over 100,000 miles. I am a VW believer all the way.

  • 99 Jetta GLX after 3.5 years - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    My favorite car after owning five previous cars. Problems encountered: 1. False engine light @10000 miles. 2. Faulty brake lamp @14,000 miles, prevented shift from park to drive, fixed under warranty. 3. Sunroof liner popped out of track @15,000 miles, fixed under warranty. 3. Cracked oilpan on road dip, replaced my cost @35,000 miles. 4. A/C compressor failure @50,000 miles, replaced under extended warranty plan (bought at time of purchase). 5. Passenger front window failure @55,000, repaired and upgraded window kits installed by dealer, no cost.

  • Jetta - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    After owning this car for 4 years, I have had a few small things to fail on this car. The remote key/alarm doesnt lock the doors with 100% accuracy, the lights for the ac/heater stopped working, and the passenger window last week went down and didnt go back up (it went off the track). Overall, Ive enjoyed good performance and reliability. I will in the future steer clear of automobiles manufactured in Mexico.

  • I love it! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I did have some of the problems with the electrical system as stated by others, but luckilly it was all fixed while under warranty. Otherwise, the car has had very little problems and has been a great car to drive.

  • Window Issues! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I loved my Jetta but cant wait to get rid of it now! I enjoyed almost three good years of driving before the first automatic (front, drivers side) window went out. It was not under warranty and cost $370 to replace. In the last six months, both rear passenger windows have also slipped off track and require new kits. I can handle one window, but three out of four is a serious problem! Buyer beware!

  • VW wolf 1999 - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This was a reliable and fun car. I never had any mechanical problems whatsoever. The only electrical issue i ran into was of course the window regulator and the instrument cluster. I loved the sound system and the body style most about the car. Sadly my wife was in a wreck which totaled my jetta, whats amazing is she had no injuries. The safety features were on point. Overall i would say say its a decent car to own!

  • VW Cannot Build a Reliable Car - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Its sad I cannot give this car a positive review. Yes its fun to drive and yes its nicely appointed. However, this car has been a constant source of pain for my wife and me. Beginning the first year, the check engine light came on. Having the dealer examine it under warranty, no worries. But, as expected, 2 months after the warranty expired, the mass air sensor had to be replaced for a cost of over $400.00. While VW has admitted known issues with this part, other consistent failures have apparently existed such as issues with ignition coils and fuel injectors. All failures point to wiring issues. They made a dreadful judgement in error and built these in Mexico. Shame on VW!

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area