4 Star Reviews for 2001 Volkswagen Jetta

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.90/5 Average
397 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

For 2001, improved cloth and velour interior materials come standard in the GL and GLS trim. Side curtain airbags that offer head protection for front and rear passengers are introduced this year, and steering wheel controls for the audio and cruise systems are available on GLS/GLX trim models. Optional 17-inch wheels and a sport suspension can be had on GLX models and GLS models with the 1.8T or VR6 engine. The Wolfsburg Edition returns as a limited-edition model in early 2001 -- standard features include sport suspension, bolstered sport seats and 16-inch BBS wheels. All models get redesigned cupholders and a trunk entrapment release button. A wagon arrives in the spring of 2001.

Pros:
  • Solid build quality, rich interior materials, loads of features, available turbo and V6 engines.
Cons:
  • Cookie-cutter Euro-copy sheet metal, bigger standard-features list means bigger base price.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 397.00
  • Still like to drive it after 11 years - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Bought new in 2001, now @ 160k mi. Averaging 31 mpg. Love the versatility of the wagon and the roof rack. Engine is anemic, despite very short final drive ratio of transmission, but car cruises comfortably at 80 mph. Engine has always used 1 qt of oil per 1500 mi, more in commuting, less with long distance travel. Everything is original except most sensors, timing belt, water pump, coil pack, plug wires (2x), horns, consumables like lamps, plugs, filters, brake pads (rear only). Had a few recalls, water intrusion into interior, the lower engine cover has taken many beatings from scraping on curbs, and thats about it. Enjoying a reliable car with no further depreciation.

  • Fun to drive, slowly falling apart - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Its strange with this car. I really enjoy driving it but Ive had issues with it for a long time. I had to replace all 6 engine coils about 3 years ago that cost me $800. Various other things have broken as well (glove box, arm rest - 2 places, rear ash tray, turn signal - twice and front bumper coming off. Saying all of that, its a fun car to drive with a lot of great options.

  • Expensive parts/service - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    The car is beautiful, fun to drive, but it is so expensive for gas/service/parts for this car. I have to sell mine beacuse of it.

  • Love the car, but not VW service - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    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. Im 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 its 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, Ill keep my TDI and maybe buy another one, but find an independent mechanic.

  • No problems here - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive 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 wasnt working correctly ($15). Other than that I havent put any money into the car except regular upkeep. Oil changes (using synthetic) dont 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 doesnt make good use of the torque the car has and RPMs go too high before shifting for a diesel engine. If youre looking to buy get one with the 5-speed manual transmission.

  • Love my Car, Not my dealership - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    To be honest I love my car. I dont 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.

  • The Oil Consumer - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Burns 1 quart of oil every 3000 miles - even though the ownders manual says it can go 5000. Also, owners manual claims oil burning will go away after "short break-in" period - it does not go away ever.

  • Nice Little Car - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I bought my 2001 Volkswagen Jetta GL brand new and Im still happy with it. The styling is awesome, materials first rate, and design well above the others. After owning this car and its features and design you get sort of spoiled. I love the struts on the trunk and front hood, daytime lights, how all the buttons light up at night, the auto locks, dual lit vanity mirrors, etc. However, it is as others have said, built in Mexico, so some parts are painted and will peel away after a few years. The paint is the same color as the plastic, so you could always peel all the paint off and be fine. Some things are expensive to fix and youll be in the shop at least once a year. Still, this car has served us well.

  • Treated Me Right - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Almost 65,000 miles and no problems. I must say that this car has treated me right. Im amazed by some of the other negative reviews I read in here. Either they had lemons or just didnt 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.

  • Mixed Bag - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Like a lot of other reviewers, I find my 01 Jetta really fun to drive. It handles very well and has really good pick up. I can zip around the city easily and never worry that it cant handle the demands of city driving. However, durability is a problem. The 3-year, 30,000-mile warranty is a giveaway that VW knows there are issues. During the first two years, I got several notices about recalls. Though I didnt have to pay for the dealership to fix whatever needed to be fixed, it was still a pain having to bring it in and wait around. Since then, I have spent thousands fixing small and big things. Prepare to spend a lot of money on upkeep. For my next car, Im going with a dependable Japanese vehicle.

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