Overview & Reviews
The TDI has finally arrived. New wheel covers and colors are offered, while remote keyless entry makes it easier to lock and unlock the Jetta. GLX models have new one-touch up power windows with pinch protection.
- Classic good looks. Great road manners. Optional side airbags. Remarkable powertrain warranty. Free scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles.
- Slightly underpowered. Cramped rear seat.
User Reviews:
Showing 11 through 20 of 104.00-
Thank You, Can I Have Another - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
By chefbob - November 1 - 4:16 amI have this car for eight years now. 227,000 miles later and I am still getting 45 - 50 mpg! I love the car but I hate the dealerships! Even though I have had minor problems...glow plugs, hoses, batteries nothing is ever in stock and takes weeks to get. I have found a local mechanic who works on the diesels and Im very happy now. Change your oil, timing chain, and get your manifold cleaned at around 100,000 miles along with the innercooler and you will love this car. Im trying for 300,000 miles as long as I can stay away from the dealership.
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Too Young To Die - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
By Vector - October 23 - 10:13 amI purchased my Jetta in 2001, with only 17k. In the 7 years that Ive owned it, the rubber on the sides fell off, the cruise control went out, the keyless entry stopped working, the airbag light goes on and off, and worst of all the transmission is dying at 86,000 miles. The repair shop (a costly VW only shop) could not fix the cruise, the key or the airbag light. They said that I will have to get a new tranny, which would cost more than the car is worth. It takes a lot of effort for it (automatic transmission) to get up to 20 mph (gets up to 50 rpms), and it jerks into second gear. Once it gets to 60 mph, its ok but it takes a lot of work to get there. Not so much fun to drive now.
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The good and the bad...... - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
By S_A_Moniz - September 21 - 9:46 amI bought my Jetta GLS new in November, 1997 and now have approximately 145,000 miles on it. Over that time it has needed a few repairs, but nothing hideous. The car is still an absolute blast to drive. The acceleration with the manual 5- speed is excellent and the handling is still tight. I havent experienced the "stiff shifting" quality cited in some reviews. The car definately encourages "spirited" driving, giving the driver the same sense of connectedness with the road as the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A4 for thousands of dollars less. Its interior and exterior design are really attractive and have stood up over time, the car still looks great. Overall, a durable, and stylish ride.
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Absolutely not! - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
By SMO - September 14 - 1:00 pmSo I bought my nice 1998 jetta in 2008 for a graduation present to myself. Granted the car was 10 years old and I did get it for a deal (sort of)...IT stinks! so far since Ive had it (less than a year) Ive had to replace the wheel bearings 3 separate times because theyve broken while I was driving and Ive also done the breaks and rotors twice. On top of that I had to replace the exhaust, all the window motors are messed up, my automatic door locks dont work, the window cable broke, my 02 sensor failed, my cruise control doesnt work, the wiring causes shorts in the lighting and sensors, and my side panels had to be reglued in place. All of this at 120,000 miles? I miss my dodge stratus!
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good mileage however..... - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
By krc - September 4 - 10:00 amThe car has been great on long trips mileage and ride however the quality is not up to the Honda Civic I had. I just got the car out of the shop cost $ 1385.00 and that does not include the injector pump covered under warranty ($1600) It is back in the shop after two weeks with a hard start problem. cost??? Havent got it back yet.
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Mk3 jetta / alot Of miles Per gallón - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
By John Gianni - May 11 - 10:23 pmI got this Car for 800$ and put On it Around 2300$ But is a great invesment. Paint , socks,breaks, radiator,hoses ,housing hose, Water pump,timing belt,custom rims & tires michelline/ rims and tires same size like original recomend , front windshield,interior small parts , and clips, Many i got On eBay , junk yards ,México, vw parts - this Car is very economical To use San Diego To los Ángeles Around Trip 25$ On gas I fix it With my friends Looks Good - restored was The best desicion 1998 jetta manual Gl No words To describe is a old car But give me All i Need We have 5 cars and VW jetta MK3 family We love it !!
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Inspired car with fatal flaw - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
By JohnTDI - May 4 - 2:00 amBought the car brand new, May 98, & Ive had a love/hate relationship w/ it ever since. The car is a blast to drive...great acceleration & amazing fuel efficiency. Cars efficiency has ruined me for all other cars. Frustrations: radio replaced twice, key ignition sticks in start position, replaced fuel injection manifold, replaced 2 glow plugs, all 4 side moldings peeled off, hard starting in WARM weather (recent problem). Problems have been covered by the 100k mile warranty, but what happens when it runs out? Car will cost more to maintain after 100K miles than it did to make payments on it. Bought it for fun, economy, & reliability. Ended up with 1 of 3.
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awesome diesel - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
By duckman - May 3 - 10:00 amthis is the most reliable car that i have ever owned, and the funnest that i have ever driven. People are amazed when I fill up at the diesel pump( which doesnt happen often, 50 mpg). I say diesel and people think of big rigs. When its on the road people are amazed at the acceleration and pull of the little engine. I have pulled u-haul trailers with it while moving, and pulled away from other mid size sedans while running down the road. It has been ROCK solid reliable and has always been there.
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VW Jetta GLS is an awesome car. - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
By qjernst - January 16 - 1:43 pmI got this car used with 64,000 miles on it last summer. It has decent acceleration and handles like a sports car. The 2.0 liter engine gets OK mileage but it could be better. I have had a few problems with this car but nothing major (eg: new window motor, cruise control doesnt work right). It gets around well in the snow and is perfect for tight parking spots. The interior is very comfortable considering its small size and the buttons and controls are very user-friendly. The automatic tranny shifts great, the engine is good, and the ride is smooth.
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Dont believe the hype - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
By IhatemyJetta - October 2 - 2:00 amI bought a 98 dealer-certified Jetta in Jan. 2001 for about what I would have paid for a 2001 Corolla, thinking I was getting a better car. And in terms of comfort and handling, I was. The positives end there. This car has been a nightmare. Transmission (automatic) died at 54k; the powertrain warranty was only good up to 50k, so the dealer politely informed me that I was screwed. Cost of a new trans: $3,000. Car still doesnt run right: Jerky, inconsistent shifting and acceleration, runs hot, idles rough, burns through coolant. Dealer insists with a straight face theres nothing wrong with it. In short, a total piece of crap. Never again.
