1996 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewOur experts haven't test driven this car yet.
Our experts haven't test driven this car yet.
Our experts haven't test driven this car yet.
Our experts haven't test driven this car yet.
Our experts haven't test driven this car yet.
Our experts haven't test driven this car yet.
User reviews for 1996 Volkswagen Jetta
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Mark G
Mar 02, 2015
Great little car! Fun to drive with good power and decent handling in the corners. My Jetta had an automatic transmission which is a nice option if you're not into the manual shift. The automatic lacked a little in the acceleration, but still fun to drive. Interior was average and the heater/stereo controls were basic along with the sound system. Braking was adequate. This vehicle was very dependable for the time I owned it. Very little maintenance other than routine oil changes, etc.. Nice cargo room in the trunk for the size of the car. Overall very nice little car that is dependable.Mar 02, 2015
by Jason H
Jan 27, 2012
I loved how clean n straight it is...the way Jetta looks motor is strong...suspension is bad with the seats...the stereo was gone put Alpine in with infinitys speakers sounds great...heater will make you sweat in winter time no joke...I love this car get the HID kits for these cars preferably 5k/8kJan 27, 2012
by Gordon '
Nov 30, 2011
Perfomance is super if maintained wel.Braking is good bt not on a wet road.Handling is perfrct.Needed a lot of repairs.A lot of squeks and rattles after certain millage.Interior and exterior is very nice especially in the VR6 edition with leather seats.The car is generally fun to drive.Nov 30, 2011
User rating:
by Mark G
Mar 02, 2015
Great little car! Fun to drive with good power and decent handling in the corners. My Jetta had an automatic transmission which is a nice option if you're not into the manual shift. The automatic lacked a little in the acceleration, but still fun to drive. Interior was average and the heater/stereo controls were basic along with the sound system. Braking was adequate. This vehicle was very dependable for the time I owned it. Very little maintenance other than routine oil changes, etc.. Nice cargo room in the trunk for the size of the car. Overall very nice little car that is dependable.Mar 02, 2015
by Jason H
Jan 27, 2012
I loved how clean n straight it is...the way Jetta looks motor is strong...suspension is bad with the seats...the stereo was gone put Alpine in with infinitys speakers sounds great...heater will make you sweat in winter time no joke...I love this car get the HID kits for these cars preferably 5k/8kJan 27, 2012
by Gordon '
Nov 30, 2011
Perfomance is super if maintained wel.Braking is good bt not on a wet road.Handling is perfrct.Needed a lot of repairs.A lot of squeks and rattles after certain millage.Interior and exterior is very nice especially in the VR6 edition with leather seats.The car is generally fun to drive.Nov 30, 2011
by Matthew V
Nov 14, 2011
I loved this car. Had a blast working on it and driving it. They arent the fastest cars stock but after a few mods and tuning you can make them quick enough to enjoy. Parts are anywhere from cheap to alot but usually on the lower side.Nov 14, 2011
by Glenn C
Sep 23, 2011
not bad not bad at all i would buy another in a heart beat JUST because of how i can get 1000kmh on ONE tank common with gas at 1.25 a liter its a awsome time to own a diesel.
but the car LOOKS UGLY!!! im not a fan on the body style AT ALL i wish they looked a little more like a chevette or something but all vw are fuglySep 23, 2011
by Russell S
Nov 02, 2010
overall great for point a to b transportation needs to have more power turbo or V6 engine I don't recommend lowering mine is rides horrible over bumps and rough roads 5-speed transmission is great 238k on my odometer still runs great!Nov 02, 2010
by Cris S
Aug 08, 2010
It is a very interesting car and has a lot of potential to look nice along with be pretty quick but in order for that to happen you need to have some money because german parts arnt cheap. This car is hard to find with a vr6 engine but if you can grab it right away because otherwise your stuck with a 2.0 in which case you shouldnt even bother hooking up.Aug 08, 2010
by Timothy S
Jun 25, 2010
Had very good running 2.0L motor.
Don't ever get a 96' Jetta with automatic tranmission, they are factory defective.
The body of the car was in great shape until it set in the driveway for 5 yrs.
I was wanting to swap out the auto for a stick, but never got around to it.Jun 25, 2010
by Anonymous
May 24, 2010
love this car the vr6 is one of the best sounding engines i have minimal mods giac chip, borla cat back nuspeed cold air intake and slamed on fk coilovers and this car pulls quite well for how much is done to it it handles on a rail bbs rc rims give the car that sporty euro look with out being riceyMay 24, 2010
by Bob H
Mar 28, 2010
Silver Bullet - Nazi Scout Car. This was my last VW AND my last manual trans. Bottom of the line GL - the only option on the car was AIR. This had the 115HP 2L 4 banger with a 5 spd manual. The cool thing about this car was that it would run at its HP (115MPH). I once drove from Needles to Newberry Springs in a little over 1 hour. I did the whole run without dropping below 100. However, that was when the car was about 4 months old and the suspension, etc. was still nice and tight. Purcahsed new out the door for about $15,000 and put about 145,000 miles on it. I sold it 10 years later on eBay for $1800. It had some minor problems, but the AIR was still good. Never had any major problems with the car. I recall the biggest expense I had was the ignition switch needed to be replaced - my daughter broke it during my attempts to teach her to drive a stick shift - she gave it up. Mar 28, 2010
by Johnny A
Jan 16, 2010
I like this car because it does go fast and handles great.. The look of the car is also a great addition which it has good lines and a great flow about the car..The interior is comfortible and roomy for a mid-size car...The brakes are not sooo bad without ABSJan 16, 2010
by Katrina W
Nov 18, 2009
I really love the color of this car it was repainted a
blue/purple candy paint. I also love the fact that is a
5spd manual. Im really not happy with where the
reverse is in the manual. It makes it a bit complicated. Nov 18, 2009
by Éric S
Oct 30, 2009
bon performances... c a chier lol mais c'est quand même
surprenant tu fait le 0-100 en 9 secondes avec la tank
videle vent dans le dos... la qualitée d'assemblage est
quand même surprenante!!! c'est le meilleur de tout ceux
que j'ai eu a ce jour. Le look... juger vous même... c'est
une voiture TRÈS économique!!! je fesait 4.5-5L/100km!
sa coute cher de pièces c sur! c du Volks!Oct 30, 2009
by Gale R
Oct 26, 2009
The Arizona sun KILLS clearcoat, CRACKS rubber and FADES interiors!
I love the power in the VR6. The brakes stop in plenty of time. Shifts smooth. Love the leather. A little hard to work on with that VR6 "shoehorned" into the compartment.Oct 26, 2009
by Dustin D
Oct 05, 2009
acceleration with the manual is pretty nimble, fuel economy and handling is really good. it is german so be prepared to wait for and pay good money for parts when it breaks down. i really like the trunk room and the interior layout is pretty straight forward. road noise is excessive, even with brand new tires.Oct 05, 2009
by Benjamin M
Sep 28, 2009
This is a very nice car for a first time driver. Generally, these are not manual and thus make it an easier transition into driving. Does need regular check-ups due to it's age, however it definitely works for getting me from point A to point B. Very fun to drive and gas doesn't usually cost more than $25 bucks to fill up.Sep 28, 2009
by Alysha V
Aug 28, 2009
good car.. reliable. she broke a little bit ago but she got fixed thanks to my dad. she has a very nice interior and exterior. it doesnt cost too much for gas. i fill up about every 2 weeks. about 300 miles to the tank.. Aug 28, 2009
by Ashlea T
Aug 17, 2009
i never got to drive this car because on its way to
getting inspected my father wrecked it. It's still sitting
in my driveway. I do know that Jettas last forever if
taken care of. It would have been a nice car to drive
im sure.Aug 17, 2009
by Ayisha O
May 07, 2009
I'm a sucker for Jetta's ask anybody. I do like the way they perform my suggestion is to buy a newer Jetta than what I've purchased in the past and make sure the previous owner treated it as deserved. Owners that have done so tell me they love their Jetta's way more than I. That's saying something.May 07, 2009
by Tim P
Jan 27, 2009
Bad ASS!! Handles like on rails! Wish you had it. So do I! Acceleration could use a little help, but will forgive because of the fact it was a great friend to me. Man, I miss her. Love you Jetta.Jan 27, 2009
by Tyler B
Sep 15, 2008
i love it cause it's mine and i made it mine in every way possible, from top to bottom. There is very few parts that are original but it drives as though it were made that way. It`s fun to drive and looks great while doing it. I couldnt ask for much more!Sep 15, 2008
by Bryan M
Aug 24, 2008
I love this car through and through. The only thing missing would be a sunroof, cruise control, and a laser cannon. I don't like that the parts start wearing out around 180k, but hey, nothings perfect right? The gas mileage of this model is right around 38mpg. Yeah, that's right, a 10 year old car is getting better mileage than your new hybrid!Aug 24, 2008
by Andre-Luc D
Aug 20, 2008
Vu que c'est juste une 2 litres, ca torche pas beaucoup. La grande qualite des Volks c'est qu'il y a un sentiment de solidite qui se degage de la conduite. Ca boit pas beaucoup, certaines pieces coutent plus cher que sur de l'americain ou du japonais, mais ca fait parti des joies de posseder une Volks. En gros, si tu veux une bonne petite voiture qui se traine, economique et qui a du caractere, vas vers le Volks! Aug 20, 2008
by Matt B
Aug 19, 2008
I love this damn car. It does everything i hoped for and more. Chirps third gear happily and draws lots of looks. The VR6 is just so awesome as a motor. Great power, awesome sound, and suprises a lot of people. Most people find it hard to beleive im not turbo'dAug 19, 2008
by Prashalin N
Aug 03, 2008
the car is, was and always willl be an icon due to stunning looks and amazing perfomance. . .if you want one then you better be able to fork out the money because not only is a VR6 in good condition rare but the 2.8 in-line 6 cylender powerhouse wil dry up your pockets but also leave you with no doubt that this is umong the best volkswagens ever madeAug 03, 2008
by Joel H
Aug 02, 2008
This car will go through anything, especially if you have seen the way my wife drives.
2.0 Jettas aren't to quick on the start but get up pretty well.
The Gas mileage on Jetta's is great and overall cost is really normally no big deal the problem is just with ours.
Overall maybe a 3Aug 02, 2008
by Stewart W
Jul 04, 2008
cute car, but lack of HP, space, and not that great of gas millage. It also had expensive parts and laborJul 04, 2008
by Christie W
Jun 27, 2008
It was a fun car, except for the electrical system. It kept going on the blink, something with the computer panel. The interior was very comfortable, the exterior style is very attractive. The gas mileage was the best of any car I have owned.Jun 27, 2008
by Brittany H
Jun 25, 2008
My car is black it has a sunroof! its a standard so its good on gas and its my first car so i have to love it
the cost isnt bad because it was one payment
i love driving my car
Jun 25, 2008
by Ali K
Jun 25, 2008
ultimate sleeper, i added a small turbo, im runnig at 12 lb and getting around 340 hp. if your looking for a good car for school or to biuld up this is itJun 25, 2008
by Conrad S
Jun 24, 2008
Receving this car after I get my license - which is soon -, and I've already driven it a lot as well as done routine maintence on it. Solid design with only one problem since purchase in 2004 - an a/c fan quit working. Reliable 5-speed manual performance, nothing special but fun and easy to drive.Jun 24, 2008
by Daniel S
Jun 08, 2008
This car wasn't the fastest in the world, nor the best handling, but it was still a joy to own and drive. Something about it got into me, and I had a hate-love relationship with it.
The hate part of that relationship was the constant maintenance I performed on it. It constantly had something that needed to be fixed.Jun 08, 2008
by Brenty S
Jun 05, 2008
TO much workJun 05, 2008
by Amanda T
May 01, 2008
I had this car for 2 years.. bought it for $2000 and put more than $8000 into it to keep it running.. still loved it thoughMay 01, 2008
by Justin E
Apr 20, 2008
Great sleeper car. it has some balls but is an easy cruiser as well.Apr 20, 2008
by Bob H
Apr 19, 2008
This was my last VW. Bottom of the line GL - the only option on the car was AIR. This had the 115HP 2L 4 banger with a 5 spd manual. The cool thing about this care was that it would run at its HP (115MPH). I once drove from Needles to Newberry Springs in a little over 1 hour. I did the whole run without dropping below 100. However, that was when the car was about 4 months old and the suspension, etc. was still nice and tight. Purcahsed new out the door for about 15,000 and put about 145,000 miles on it. I sold it in 10 years on eBay for $1800. It had some minor problems, but the AIR was still good. Never had any major problems with the car. I recall the biggest expense I had was the ignition switch needed to be replaced - my daughter broke it during my attempts to teach her to drive a stick shift - she gave it up.Apr 19, 2008
by Jan K
Apr 10, 2008
Everyone slammed the MKIII for being Mexican garbage. Bah! 11 years old, and the car never
had a problem that took more than 20min to fix or cost over $20 (Maintenance aside).
Despite having had all 4 wheels off the ground on a few occasions the car never had a
squeek or rattle. O.K., the two-point-slow isn't the sexiest engine, but it has potential, and
it's reliable as it gets. If you can find on in good shape, you'll be very happy you did.Apr 10, 2008
by Jonathan Z
Mar 17, 2008
It is a sweet car that runs well when taken care of... Preventative maintenance proves itself...Mar 17, 2008
by Eric M
Dec 25, 2007
its a little old but its good!!Dec 25, 2007
What users have asked
No questions found.Have a question?
1996 Volkswagen Jetta Pricing
Original MSRP
$14,725 to $21,035Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent