Are Jettas reliable?

[JettaGLSvelour]

I am considering getting a new 2004 Jetta GLS 2.0 because of its young sporty looks and safety ratings. However, I am concerned because it's reliability ratings are poor. What has your experience been or what have you heard? The other car I'm considering getting is the Toyota Corolla LS, but I would prefer to get the Jetta. I would appreciate any comments on either of these cars or suggestions on other cars. Thanks.

[koeb$]

i have a 97 2.0 L wit 73k n it is damn good...but dont make the mistake i did, dont get auto n dont get a 2.0 if possible...they r madd slow n cannot get out of their own way..get the 1.8t or vr6

[yongjoo]

The first 20k miles were great. I have a 1999 new Jetta. In defense, this was the first year for the new body. I shouldn't be surprised it had a lot of bugs (especially eletrical). But after reading many posts of my car, it appears everyone has the same exact problems. But VW doesn't do anything about it. Now it's been 5 years and perhaps things are different now. But for an unreliable car, the parts are pricey (considering I spent $15,000 on the car). But when it drives without any problems, it's a gem.

[rican94]

my jetta is just fine, the newer models have a few probs with the wiring and o2 sensor and engine coils, but this is only for the VR6 and 1.8T the 2.0 has been the best one so far, if you wanna, like me, i have the 2.0 and i'm putting a ATP stage II turbo so i can get some speed and power out of it, check out my site....http://members.sounddomain.com/rican92

[rusty46947]

I have a '99 (new) Jetta and used to love it until it starting giving me problems around 70,000 miles. Had to have water pump replaced, cost me $600. Now I'm having the problem of the engine bogging down whenever it feels like it. I've been reading the posts here and we think it's the MAF and will pick one up on Saturday and have hubby put it in. I've read on here that people that have replaced MAF that it cost them over $300. How can that be? The MAF is only $60. What else had to be replaced? Another problem I'm having is I have what I call is a rattle after the car warms up. Usually happens between 2200 to 3000 rpm. Some people think it's the catalytic converter and I do have an appointment at the dealership in a week. Don't think I'll be buying another Jetta, as no dealerships very close. Think I'm going to buy a Mustang...hopefully that will be more reliable. Don't get me wrong...I DO love my Jetta....but the more I read about the problems everyone's having and the trouble I'm having...don't think I want another one. I'm new here and a woman....but I DO know alot about cars....hubby is a mechanic and racer. Thanks for letting me vent about my Jetta.

[nsbs]

Absolutely love my '02 TDI and will buy another one. On the plus side I get phenomenal mileage 55-60mpg, the interior is top notch material.
On the negative the windshield wipers suck(and they have since day one).Had an airbag light come on just after it went off warranty, fried air bag controller but VW felt sorry for me and replaced it free of charge(I had to pay the 1 hour labor).