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 1 through 10 of 107.00

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  I love this car. - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Hi - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I have driven my Jetta all over the country. I absolutley love it. It has never given me a problem, its stylish and affordable. Cant go wrong.

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  So-so - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike LLLL - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, great motor, lots of minor problems: coil pack went like all VR6s (if your car stutters when wet, its the coil pack), speed sensor went- left me stranded several times, locks freeze up/fell out, been through 3 window regulators, cruise control not functional, intermittent wipers not functional, several sets of molding trim fell off, VW has terrible service and has surcharges to get parts in less than 48 hrs.

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  My First Car - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ashh - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I got this as my first car in 2007. It was a 5 speed stick shift with about 185,000 miles on it. I loved it from the start. Radio sounded awesome, seats were comfortable, plus it was super fun to zip around in. Almost 35 miles to the gallon. Almost 4 years later and less than 800 dollars into it, it had 216,000 miles on it and still kicking! Slight exhaust leak, and new struts needed, but only major problem was a leak in the radiator. The only reason I gave it up was to trade in for an SUV for the twins coming soon. Overall, absolutely loved this car!

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  JETTA GT - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By titanone - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Over 6 years of reliable driving, great fuel economy and handling. Cheap to own and maintain.

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  Im still happy with my Jetta GT. - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Romael - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I’ve had no problems for the first 4 years. Luckily it came without power windows. The alarm work sporadically but now not at all. The battery was replaced once. The molding was a problem until I found that epoxy and tape together holds longer. Pretty expensive to maintenance after warranty expired until I found a reasonable non- dealer VW Expert. With routine maintenance and only 1 driver it’s been a great car. I’m constantly getting offers from young people to buy it.

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  Never again - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sandra - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought my new 97 Jetta, ive had three oil leaks, replaced water pump, radiator, strut mounts/struts, Secondary Air Valve, wiper mechinaism, tires, washer fluid sprayer, engine light comes on, leak detection pump, fog light (which you cant replace yourself), antenna mast, starter, muffler, all belts, trunk lid alignment, tail light and ignition lock modifing. Customer support was rude and unhelpful, now ask me if I would buy another Volkswagon.

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  Sport Sleeper - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By New Dad - March 11 - 10:00 am

  So, my wife has never owned anything but a VW. When her 88 Fox GL wagon finally went over the hill, we bought this car, and we love it. The Trek edition is beautiful with the flat 5-spoke 14" rims and the rear deck lid spoiler. Keep wax on it and the Fiesta Red will shine forever. The 2.0L SOHC 8V engine is fantastic. Dont let the uninspiring 115hp fool you. Its the 122lb/ft of torque that makes this car fly. You want a 5-speed. Throw on some Koni adjustable shocks/struts and youve got a European sports sedan.

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  Great Car all the way around! - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VwChrisVr6 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  this is an exceptionaly well built car, built by Volkswagen. If there is such a car that gives you the power and the feeling of being a sport car, but yet has the gift of luxury this is the car you are looking for.

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  Great Little Car - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mark - March 7 - 11:06 am

  This car has served my faithfully and reliably in the entire time only once I was stranded due to a dead battery. Have not even changed a light bulb yet. Got about 45 mpg highway and about 40 city.

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  Made me a VW fan for life. - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gunar - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I got this car 6 years ago for my 16th birthday. I was the first of my friends to be able to drive. The car had just hit 100,000 when I got it... Being the only one who could drive I was always loading my Jetta (we named it Ronald) with friends and going all over the place. Its never let me down. Its still running, and I bet its going to run for quite a long time more. Ive put 65,000 miles on it in 6 years, with only routine maintenance, and its still chugging along as great at it was when I got it... The VR6 has TONS of get up and go, and people are amazed how fast this thing will get going when I put my foot down. This is my first Volkswagen, and its NOT going to be my last one.