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 11 through 20 of 107.00

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  Never Buy a VW - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ihatevw - March 21 - 3:10 pm

  I really hate this car with a passion. Literally every day something goes wrong. Yesterday my starter went. I had it replaced. Today the idle is going crazy and its smelling like gas really bad. The coolant system is terrible. Pretty much everything on this car is designed poorly and made of plastic. The exhaust rattles of the underside of the car. The electrical system is total junk. I have had problems with this car since day one. If you are reading this and are considering getting a VW, please go buy a Honda, seriously.

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  what will fall off next... - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By last VW? - January 27 - 10:00 am

  71,000 miles... 4 exhausts, starter (@26k miles, dealer said was not surprised.. and wouldnt cover a new one), altenator (@45k miles, not covered), power steering pump, radiator, 3rd set of tires (alignment does not hold), body molding falls off, trunk leaks, randomly stalls in the rain (plugs, wires, dist. cap, solenoid, etc.. replaced 3 times), AC unit died, interior lights behind dash died (~$500 to rip out dash to replace $3 bulb). This thing is less reliable then the old land rover I have, and maintance costs are about the same.

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  Fun, Fast, Affordable - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Big Pimp - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Never had one mechanical problem. Would definitely purchase another VW or other German made auto. Dependable and fun to drive. Recommend this car to anyone.

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  If you have a VERY big walet - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sambolton - December 11 - 2:33 am

  I got this car used last year with 90,000 miles on it. Of course it had its share of use before my ownership, but this is just stupid. The cup holders are a joke. they could barley hold a can of soda when i was merging on the highway. and the seats (not power) are very difficult to use. Engine has NO power. 0-60? yeah it could be a while. and panels falling off the outside of my door. that was horrible. Very unreliable but good in snow and if you plan on hitting any cars going about 40 mph you can plan to walk away alive. VERY sturdy front end. saved my life absolutely. Even with that said, I have put way too much money into this car, so plan on having finances ready for the unexpected!

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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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  Worst Car I Ever Owned - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Haz - September 13 - 2:36 pm

  This car was the never-ending money pit! Engine had to be replaced along with two clutches. Window motors were constantly breaking. Electric side mirrors stopped working. Glove compartment hinges broke. Windshield washer system stopped working. Molding was falling off. Seat recliners never worked. Emergency break broke several times which resulted in the car rolling into the street and finally - a LAKE! The repairs were incredibly expensive compared with US or Japanese made cars.

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  This car will be my last VW - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Buffmeat - September 2 - 10:00 am

  We have had numerous problem with this vehicle and have less than 60,000 miles. My favorite was replacing the air bag clock spring twice. We also had a fun problem with the shocks rubbing with 2 people in the back seat and the tail pipe fell off at 10,000 miles. The only thing I can say good about the car is we live in the midwest and the car starts every morning no matter how hot or cold.

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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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  Fun to drive GLX vr6 - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ssvk - March 9 - 10:00 am

  From the time i have owned this car, i have enjoyed driving it. It begs you to drive, push harder on the corners, it handles great. The engine is very peppy and responsive. All in all, its a very fun car, no major problems.