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 1 through 10 of 104.00

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  Too Young To Die - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Vector - October 23 - 10:13 am

  I 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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  Dont believe the hype - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By IhatemyJetta - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I 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.

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  Poor Quality - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vw_stinks - January 12 - 10:00 am

  My 1998 (44,000 miles) Jetta is a big disapointment. While it is a fun car to drive, it is hard to keep the car long enough to have too much fun. Since owning this vehicle I have had t the following problems: - 3 out of 4 power windows FAILED - Power Sunroof FAILED - Body molding FELL OFF (on both sides) - Power Steering Pump FAILED - factory battery FAILED after two years - Power Door locks intermitantly FAIL

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  a big bottomless hole in my wallet - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By okayt - May 21 - 1:47 pm

  I bought this car 2 years ago. The muffler fell off twice in 1 week right after I got it along with the siding (back on w/ double-sided tape) & the spoiler. Had to fix the ignition switch, buy a new radio/cd player. Several sets of new tires. Blinker/brake light problems which only worked for a year & stopped working again. The 2 back windows are being held up with pcs of wood. The power locks dont work from the inside (theyll lock me in). AC adaptor doesnt work & I was told they couldnt fix it. The glove compartment handle snapped off. & now its back in the shop for some unknown reason. If its more than a couple hundred Im buying a new car & never buying a Dub again

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  Nice Car Cheap Parts - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pdiddy8274 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car used with 50k on it with 1000 3 windows didnt work nor did the sunroof. the molding outside is falling off the car and the wipers do their own thing besides the $1500 in perforance parts i added to make the car actualy move it is not a suggested car.

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  may bring you lots of troubles - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dmitry Pavlov - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Bad, slow and expensive service. Parts price is incredibly hidh.

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  electical nightmare - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By eabrennan - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I always wanted a Jetta,and I still think they are the slickest looking vehicles. Unfortunately,I have had countless problems with it. Most ofthe problems are electrical in nature.The cruise control went two years ago,and no one seems to be able to fix it. The volume goes up when I try to turn it down. The power windows are always in need of fixing. The inside door handles dont work in lower temperatures.Many are the days I have had to crawl to the backseat to get out. Once,on my commute home, the hazards came on and the horn started beeping for no apparent reason. Recently,my horn started beeping if I took a left hand turn in temps above 80.

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  Nothing but problems - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brent - December 7 - 5:33 am

  Ever since i have owned this car, i have had to keep putting money into it. New spark plugs, new transmission, window mount broke twice, faulty wiring, engine mount broke, emergency break light stays on some times; it is by far the worst car that i have ever owned. I will NEVER own another volkswagen again.

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  Had to sell it - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Cody - October 22 - 2:23 pm

  I just sold my Jetta with only 80,000 miles on it. I had planned on keeping it for a lot longer. It just completly fell apart. It was a great car up until 80,000 miles, and then it just went downhill. Everything broke on this car, EVERYTHING. It just isnt reliable.

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  I Hate my Jetta - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Luvzh2o - October 7 - 9:43 am

  My car has been nothing but an expensive project since I bought it 2 years ago. Fist I had to have all 4 struts replaced, and new tires and alighnment. A few months later it needed a new exhaust and still is having cat issues. I have replaced both front axels, the brakes, new timming belt, and water pump. I have learned how to fix the Windows cause I have had all 4 break on me and its actually simple to replace the regulators, but getting the window back in to possition is a pain. The crank shaft possition sensor was just replaced and now its going back to the mechanic today, there is something wrong in the front end and it needs the valve cover gasket fixed and is leaking oil. What a pile!