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 81 through 90 of 107.00

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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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  Looks cool, shoddily built - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Robbie VW - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive had troble after trouble with this car from the day I bought it. And the service and parts are so expensive. I should have bought a Honda Accord.

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  Looks Cool, Is a piece of Junk - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Disillusioned - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive had so many problems with this car I cannot even remember them all. The tailpipe fell right off the car while I was driving once. The electrical system went out. The ignition switch had to be replaced, the door strips came off three times, the handles have broken off the glove compartment, the lights have gone out in the console. I have taken excellent care of this car from day one and it has caused me nothing but grief. NOP NOT BUY ONE OF THESE. My girlfriends 12 year old Honda Accord with 115k miles on it is twice as reliable as this Jetta was, even when it was new. I will NEVER buy a Volkswagen again.

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  Not the bang for your buck. - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dejaentendu247 - June 16 - 4:16 am

  I bought this car and literally a couple months later everything started going bad. Ive replaced the exhaust system, shocks, cam shaft sensiry, spark plugs, fuel injectors, the whole coolant system, and the list goes on. The style of this car is awesome, and the interior is really cool too, but its been non stop trouble for me. If you want to own any Jetta around this year, you might as well buy a Mercedes Benz b/c youll spend the same amount. Honda and Toyota will never leave you hangin. (The spark plug wires alone were $100.00, which should be $20 bucks)

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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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  I Regret Buying This Jetta - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By christinamarie - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in July 2003 with 52000mi. I drive all over the state, at least 500 mi a week. I was told by the dealer that the kick in the engine between 2md and 3rd gear is normal. Well, at 60,000 mi the kick has become fierce and my check engine light is on. The glove compartment lock is busted, too. Also had problems with the bearings on the wheels, and serious issues with the poor presentation of my car at the dealership. And dont even think about having more than 2 people in the backseat!

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  VW built to save lives. - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TAMMY BANE - April 4 - 6:03 am

  My 17 year old daughters (twins) have been driving this car for 1 1/2 years. Friday night my daughter lost control of the vehicle, flipped twice, hit a tree, hit a rock wall and landed on the roof of the car. The exterior of the car is completely totaled. The interior of the car is completely intact. The frame work around the top and sides of the car held it from crumbling around her. My daughter walked away from the accident and has only 9 stitches in her knees (and I believe that is from crawling out of the car.) VW is built tough and will be the car of choice for my children to drive.

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  Loved it - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bigg E - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Definately one of the best cars that Ive owned. Very fast, stable and loaded with features. Only had a few repair problems. I was told by the dealer that the brake rotors can not be turned, they had to be replaced. Expensive fix. Not an expensive car to own overall. Definately recommend.

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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.