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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  Good looks, VERY poor vehicle... - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lino - November 20 - 10:00 am

  Former G.M. engineer - I have owned Oldsmobile, Saturn, VW & BMW 325Ci. VR6 is marvelous. Fit & finish: initially appears exceptional for price range. HOWEVER, I will NEVER buy another VW. Overall reliability & long-term quality is ABSOLUTELY HORRENDOUS; interior parts are cheap & break FREQUENTLY. Check engine light came on at ~50,000 miles & STAYED ON until I sold it at 70,000 miles. VW could not correct problems and told me, "thats just the way these engines are". I have PERSONAL knowledge of other VWs (GLS & GLXs from 1996 THRU 2001 & 2002 VW Beetle) that have had THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS. CHECK JDPowers surveys as well as NHTSA recall/TSB boards before buying ANYTHING from VW.

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  Superb - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ultrasam - July 22 - 9:06 am

  My 1997 Volkswagen Jetta is an amazing car. It has been superbly reliable and really fun to drive. The VR6 motor is amazing. Ive spent maybe $400 in unexpected maintenance since I bought car new. VWs last forever.

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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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  Never Again - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Fitzy - July 11 - 2:00 am

  For starters they have the worst customer service on the planet. Secondly, I have had more problems with it than I could even fit into this review. Engine light constantly comes on and VW charges $97 just to tell you why, side molding has fallen off both side doors multiple times until I finally used epoxy, my door lock on both front doors broke and the lock would spin in place instead of unlock my doors, my passenger side window fell off the track and into the door and broke into pieces, my driver side window no longer works, cruise control broke, A/C no longer works, brakes went faster than I would have imagined, and even the mufflers are garbage!

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  REPAIRS-REPAIRS-REPAIRS!!!! - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jill - May 24 - 2:00 am

  The car is in the shop as I am writing this- Havent had the car 6 months yet! This car is not reliable. Its been in the shop 6 days now and I am up to $4800 in repairs, including new starter and major electric malfunctioning and transmission. If you do not have the extra cash for these pricey repairs BEWARE!! And if you have your heart set on it, then make sure to purchase an extended warranty because you can count on breaking down. Car left me stranded with a horn that would not shut off- had to be towed. Brakes squeaks have a mind of their own. Guzzles gas like crazy. I would never purchase another VW again.

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  If only Id known - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Siera - May 1 - 5:46 am

  I bought the car from a not so reliable dealer unfortunately. The car worked well for about a month. The transmission has been on its way out since I bought it. Ive had to replace the fuel pump and other assorted things because it wouldnt start. Now its not starting again, two months after the last fiasco. This time its believed to be the ignition switch. The only way it stays on is to hold the key all the way over. I have been told by a VW specialist to get rid of it while I still can. Its been nothing but problems and now I have to look for a new car before a start college in a month. My boyfriends sister had one too and they told her it wasnt safe to drive anymore and to get rid of it.

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  Very Delicate - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steve - April 22 - 9:56 pm

  Our Jetta had many mechanical problems after the 100,000 mile mark. The first was a major auto trans rebuild. Then, the starter, drive axles, power steering hose, all four power window operators (at various times), cruise control and more. Volkswagens parts are expensive. It is a nice driving car when running, but it is very delicate.