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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  Great Car Horrible Dealer - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dieseldog - July 9 - 10:00 am

  My 98 Jetta TDI has been a great car with few mechanical problems. The only disappointment has been the total imcompetence of the only dealer within 40 miles of me. Without a reliable independent mechanic who understands these cars I would never buy another one. VW has a great product but a common complaint is lousy dealer support. Where is VOA? This is a common complaint across the USA/Canada.

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  98 GLX - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vdubn98 - July 2 - 3:20 pm

  The mkIII vr6s are amazing cars. They have lots of power out of the box are fun to drive. The hp isnt that great but the weight of the car makes up for that. the suspension system is flawless, it handles like a sports car. and with the extra back weight of the Jetta, it out performs the GTI, IMO.

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  I do love my Jetta - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SarahZ... - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted a Jetta for years, and I finally got a 98 this past December. I love it. Its fast, fun to drive and seems to be very reliable. I think the cup holder situations stinks, they are way to small. And the fact that the GL has roll down windows also stinks, I had a 90 Oldsmobile with power windows! Anyway, I so far love this car- its almost everything I want in a car. I love the german feel and design.I love the way the car shifts. I have been told VWs are very expensive to maintain... and I believe it. Well wish me luck-

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  98 VW TDI - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By punta - April 25 - 5:51 am

  240,000 miles of saving me fuel,,,bought new for 13,9999 saved more of the purchase price in fuel saving over the past 14 years...This vech. has been great,,average.. mpg 47...orig, fuel filter,,clutch...only replaced timing belt 3,,times changed the oil every 7500 miles,,...and tires....that is it...Liability insurance and just drive it...Why over do the maintance....Dont let the dealerships take your hard earn money....Good diesel fuel goes a long ways in these motors....No interior parts have broke yet...Note this car has never been garaged... Basic Jetta tdi,,roll up windows,,5 speed,,cruise,No AC,,I live in the Northwest...Get real,,this is all anyone needs...

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  Good car overall - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Driver Wanted? - January 21 - 2:00 am

  My Jetta has been very reliable and a good daily driver since I bought it. The car has decent power once revved up. Engine space is large and easy to work in (ie oil changes, filters, fluids, etc.). The gearbox on my 5spd is somwehat stiff, moreso than other VWs Ive driven. Seats are comfortable around town, but less so on long drives. The passenger seat sits too high (Im 62" and my head hits the ceiling unless I slump down). Ergonomics are excellent inside. The tiny cupholders and lack of a center armrest are a bummer (but have changed with the newer Jetta).

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  Thank You, Can I Have Another - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By chefbob - November 1 - 4:16 am

  I 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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  good mileage however..... - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By krc - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The 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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  Inspired car with fatal flaw - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JohnTDI - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought 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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  VW Jetta GLS is an awesome car. - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By qjernst - January 16 - 1:43 pm

  I 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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  I love this car - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Midori Alexandros - May 14 - 4:46 pm

  It has been a great- car. We have had to do a lot of mechanical repairs to the car, who ever sold it did not do them and that was probably why they sold it in the first place. We have done timing belt/tensioner, both drive axles, breaks, struts, engine mounts, and turn signal switch, spark plugs, plug wires, and had the engine detailed. The car has been excellent with no mishaps.